Last weekend, my family and I took a trip to the Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago, for a fun day of Lego-themed adventures. As the owner of The Virtual Reviewer, I make it a point to review the latest VR and gaming experiences in order to provide helpful and honest opinions to my readers. Since Legoland Discovery Center just opened their new VR racing attraction, I knew my family would be the perfect guinea pigs to test it out!
Arriving at Legoland Discovery Center Chicago
The Legoland Discovery Center is conveniently located inside the Streets of Woodfield shopping center, right next to the massive Woodfield Mall. As we pulled into the parking lot, the kids were practically bouncing in their seats in anticipation. We easily found parking in the mall lot and made our way to the main entrance.
We were immediately greeted by a gigantic Lego giraffe wearing a funky leaf hat. My daughter giggled with delight while my son gazed up in wonder at the towering statue constructed from thousands of Lego bricks. As a fellow Lego fan, I was thoroughly impressed by the intricate details and creativity put into this friendly greeting.
Once inside, we purchased our tickets for the attractions. As a bonus, I prepaid for the VR racing experience as well. Tickets in hand, we stepped into the main atrium and were transported into an awesome world constructed entirely of Legos! Bright colors and fun Lego structures assaulted our senses from every angle. Lego skyscrapers, famous Chicago landmarks, and life-size Lego statues of beloved pop culture characters were displayed throughout the venue.
My kids quickly dashed off to explore while Patty and I soaked in the vibrant atmosphere. We watched children and adults alike reveling in creativity at building stations as far as the eye could see. This was truly a Lego paradise!
Miniland Chicago
Our first stop was Miniland Chicago, a miniature-scale replica of the Chicago skyline and popular landmarks created from over 1.5 million Lego bricks! My jaw dropped as I gazed at astonishingly detailed Lego versions of Buckingham Fountain, Cloud Gate “The Bean” sculpture, Navy Pier, the Chicago Theater marquee, and more. John excitedly pointed out Soldier Field and spotted Lego football players on the field, while Jenette asked if we could build a mini Lego model of our house.
We slowly meandered through the cityscape hunting for fun details and hidden surprises. Delighted shrieks from Jenette indicated she found one of the mischievous Lego minifigures placed sporadically to add an element of whimsy. “Dad, that Lego businessman is swimming in the fountain!” she laughed. Nearby, John discovered a Lego pirate minifigure riding one of the decorative lions fronting the Chicago Art Institute. Such clever placement rewarded observant visitors with added amusement.
I overheard a master builder giving a lesson on how the structures were designed and constructed. Thousands of hours and uniformly measured bricks in organized colors went into erecting these remarkable replicas. My mind boggled at the planning involved for such monumental builds. I made a mental note to look into taking a building workshop next visit to pick up some pro tips.
As closing time drew nearer, we watched in fascination as the Chicago skyline transitioned from day to night. Colorful lights illuminated buildings as evening set across Miniland. The kids begged to stay until dawn, but our grumbling stomachs reminded us it was dinnertime. We slowly peeled ourselves away, enchanted by this miniature Windy City.
4D Cinema Experience
Before leaving, we decided to take in one of the 4D movies at the Legoland Discovery Center theater. These 15-minute flicks brought Lego characters and adventures to life right before our eyes!
We settled into our seats and strapped on 3D glasses as the movie began. Colorful CGI Lego animation combined with in-theater lighting and special effects created an immersive cinematic ride. As a Lego surfer rode animated waves, we felt misty sea spray on our skin. When Lego robots fired laser bolts, flashing lights simulated zapping projections in our periphery. The sensory stimuli enhanced the visual experience splendidly.
Both kids giggled through the entirety, fully engrossed in the story. John yelped when a Lego airplane seemingly flew straight at us, blasting gusts of wind as it zoomed by. Jenette threw her hands up to shield herself from cannon bursts booming through the speakers. Even Patty and I flinched from the realistic immersion. Though short in length, the 4D movie left quite an impact!
As the credits rolled and house lights illuminated, the kids begged to see another film. Unfortunately, the closing announcements ended our cinema adventure for the evening. But we headed toward the exit still giddy from the entertaining experience.
The Great Lego Race VR
The next morning, we returned to try out The Great Lego Race virtual reality attraction finally, the main reason for my visit. We arrived early to beat the weekend crowds and get geared up for the VR experience.
An enthusiastic attendant helped fit us with VR goggles and motion sensors to track our movements. As avid gamers, my kids were well-versed in VR play, but the body sensors added a dynamic new element. We would control our Lego race cars by physically turning our bodies as we navigated the VR raceway.
3…2…1…GO! Our VR racecars zoomed forward and we twisted from side to side to steer along the snaking track. Vivid Lego landscapes surrounded us in the simulation. We raced through lush jungles, erupting volcanoes, Egyptian deserts, and more, transporting to different themed worlds in each segment.
My daughter screamed as flaming meteors plunged toward us, swerving just in time to avoid the collision. My son whooped joyfully as our vehicles launched off ramps, gaining major airtime before thudding back onto the track. Dynamic motion, tactile vibration, and spatialized sound made the experience incredibly visceral. One racer even blasted us with toy darts, eliciting surprised flinches when I was hit.
In the final segment, we raced against the clock, neck, and neck against a pharaoh-helmeted opponent. John and I shouted at our avatars, spurring them toward the checkered finish line. Our rival pulled ahead at the last stretch, winning by a fraction of a second! Though disappointed by the loss, we peeled off our headsets exhilarated by the thrill ride. That was perhaps the most fun VR experience I’ve had since owning an Oculus system!
As we removed our gear, John immediately asked if we could race again. Sadly, the wait line had grown too lengthy to attempt another run. Next visit, we agreed getting Lap Passes would be a priority so we could bypass queues for repeat rides. Even Patty and Jenette, who sat out the first race, were eager to give VR racing a shot after witnessing our visceral reactions. Hands-down this new attraction was worth every penny and a highlight of Legoland for all of us!
Wrapping Our Lego Adventure
Though we had an amazing time, the crowds were building so we called it a day. My family conquered nearly all of Legoland’s attractions except a couple of building workshops. Being one of the first to experience their new VR ride was the obvious peak of our visit.
On our way out, we popped into the retail shop for souvenirs. We picked out a few building sets, and Lego keychains, and I snagged an awesome Lego architecture model of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper (my favorite build!). Purchases in hand, we returned to our car after two action-packed days in Lego dreamland.
Overall, the Legoland Discovery Center Chicago was a scrumptious buffet of entertainment for fans of all ages. For Lego enthusiasts like myself, entering this park was the equivalent of kids entering Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory! Construction inspiration and creativity poured from every pore of this oasis of plastic bricks.
Younger kids will love the interactive build stations, character photo ops, slides and playgrounds specifically catered to their age level. School-aged children can challenge themselves at model workshops guided by master builders and stretch their imagination muscles at themed building zones. Tweens, teens, and adults alike will geek out at marvelous Lego structures of iconic landmarks and fan-favorite films, shows, and games. Part history museum, part art gallery, part theme park, Legoland expertly fused education, inspiration, and thrilling rides into one sensational venue.
While it lacks the sprawling acres of Legoland amusement parks in California and Florida, having this conveniently located Discovery Center just outside Chicago captured the enchanting Lego essence in bite-size form. With new attractions debuting annually, each visit unveils new worlds to explore. We can’t wait to return soon and dive back into the creative cornucopia of plastic bricks!