{"id":1301,"date":"2011-11-07T16:18:58","date_gmt":"2011-11-07T15:18:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pinkoddy.wordpress.com\/?page_id=1301"},"modified":"2013-05-07T00:02:09","modified_gmt":"2013-05-06T23:02:09","slug":"legoland-windsor-merlins-magic-wand","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/about-pinkoddy\/reviews\/travel\/legoland-windsor-merlins-magic-wand\/","title":{"rendered":"Legoland Windsor Merlin&#8217;s Magic Wand"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Legoland Windsor with Merlin&#8217;s Magic Wand<\/h1>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/merlinsmagicwand.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"merlinsmagicwand\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/merlinsmagicwand.gif?resize=228%2C206\" width=\"228\" height=\"206\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.merlinsmagicwand.org\/about_our_charity\/our_aims.asp\">Merlin\u2019s Magic Wand<\/a> is a worldwide charity for children, aiming to provide magical experiences for those who are seriously ill, disabled or disadvantaged.<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">You can donate to them<a href=\"http:\/\/www.merlinsmagicwand.org\/how_to_help\/donate_now.asp\"> here<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Basically I applied to them through e-mail, on behalf of my oldest who has Aspergers Syndrome, &nbsp;and they asked where I wanted to go, why, and how it would benefit us.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">My boys LOVE Lego &#8211; and it is the one thing that brings them together despite the ages gaps and the disability that my oldest has &#8211; so I asked for us to go to <a style=\"font-size: 15px;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.legoland.co.uk\/\"><strong>Legoland Windsor<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">I sent some supporting documents and a few e-mails later they said yes, sent us some tickets (including one for parking) and a cheque to cover some of the fuel costs &#8211; oh and a map so we could plan our day before we even left :o)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/welcomelegoland.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"welcomelegoland\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/welcomelegoland.gif?resize=300%2C224\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In return they said they would like a review of our day and some photos :O) (they did not know I had a blog). We had been here previously, when my oldest was a lot younger, and so we knew that Legoland Windsor were very good in catering for those on the Autistic Spectrum (in fact the first time we went was with <a href=\"http:\/\/www.asdfriendly.org\/\">ASDFriendly<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/customerservices.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"customerservices\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/customerservices.gif?resize=300%2C224\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">First of all, receiving tickets through the post meant we did not have to queue &#8211; this is a bonus not only in saving time but avoids the large amounts of people, noise, pushing and shoving.<br \/>\nWe went straight to guest services &#8211; who (not sure if they were meant to) gave us 2 red stamps so that the whole family could use the exit passes (as there were 6 of us and only 3 helpers could go on at a time). Anyone with a child on the spectrum, I&#8217;m sure, can tell you how invaluable this service is.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Alegoland.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Alegoland\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/Alegoland.gif?resize=300%2C224\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">To remind you where you&#8217;ve parked your car<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Everyone who worked there was VERY polite and friendly.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 214px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/buzzlego.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"buzzlego\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/buzzlego.gif?resize=224%2C300\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Buzz in the shop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">There was so much to do there and so much variety it really does cater for everyone.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/dragonride.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"dragonride\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/dragonride.gif?resize=300%2C224\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">As part of the rides<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&nbsp;The Lego models were amazing and everywhere.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 214px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/ridecloselego.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ridecloselego\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/ridecloselego.gif?resize=224%2C300\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Even to show when the park closes, and how long on a ride<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/workman.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"workman\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/workman.gif?resize=300%2C262\" width=\"300\" height=\"262\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Man at work<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/legozebra.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"legozebra\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/legozebra.gif?resize=300%2C224\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">In the surrounding areas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 214px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/train.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"train\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/train.gif?resize=224%2C300\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">There&#8217;s a train so you don&#8217;t have to walk around the whole complex<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/lego.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"lego\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/lego.gif?resize=224%2C300\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">There was a board with information on in the middle of the park &#8211; and it was displaying today&#8217;s birthdays &#8211; which I found sweet.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/infoboard.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"infoboard\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/infoboard.gif?resize=300%2C254\" width=\"300\" height=\"254\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nThere&#8217;s great scenery<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/castleatwindsor.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"castleatwindsor\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/castleatwindsor.gif?resize=300%2C224\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nPlenty of rides for all different ages. There was deals on buying the photos from the rides too &#8211; and they could even be purchased at the end of the day.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/logflume.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"logflume\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/logflume.gif?resize=300%2C224\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nPlaces to eat &#8211; both bring your own picnic and hot food for sale<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/kidseatfor\u00a31.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"kidseatfor\u00a31\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/kidseatfor\u00a31.gif?resize=186%2C300\" width=\"186\" height=\"300\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/12.jpg\"><br \/>\n<\/a>There were plenty of rubbish bins, recycling bins, and places to recycle your chewing gum &#8211; I was very impressed.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/recycleyourgum.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"recycleyourgum\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/recycleyourgum.gif?resize=224%2C300\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nWe didn&#8217;t feel like we covered much of the park but we do go to the places which were new since our last visit.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.legoland.co.uk\/Explore\/Whats-new\/Atlantis-Submarine-Voyage\/\">New Ride 2011 &#8211; Atlantis Submarine Voyage<\/a> was absolutely amazing<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/ride2.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ride2\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/ride2.gif?resize=300%2C224\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/newride.gif\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"newride\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/newride.gif?resize=300%2C224\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">There are plenty of money saving ways to see the whole park if you can&#8217;t manage it in one day (and I doubt you would). Including staying overnight in the hotel or buying an annual pass.The children loved the play-area and could have spent a great deal of time there.This visit we did not go on the driving or boating schools as the areas were rather busy. We didn&#8217;t go in the wet play area as we felt it warm but being October didn&#8217;t think it would be hot enough for wet play. We didn&#8217;t see the 4D film (which we saw at Legoland Manchester last year and was VERY good). Nor the model village (again previously seen it was very good).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Overall I&#8217;d give Legoland Windsor a 5 out of 5 both in terms of being a good park and in terms of catering for those with invisible disabilities (Aspergers).<br \/>\nIt definitely ensured my children bonded a bit more and a good time was had by all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Legoland Windsor with Merlin&#8217;s Magic Wand Merlin\u2019s Magic Wand is a worldwide charity for children, aiming to provide magical experiences for those who are seriously ill, disabled or disadvantaged. You can donate to them here Basically I applied to them through e-mail, on behalf of my oldest who has Aspergers Syndrome, &nbsp;and they asked where &#8230; <a title=\"Legoland Windsor Merlin&#8217;s Magic Wand\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/about-pinkoddy\/reviews\/travel\/legoland-windsor-merlins-magic-wand\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Legoland Windsor Merlin&#8217;s Magic Wand\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":7994,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"pinkoddy","author_link":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/author\/pinkoddy\/"},"uagb_comment_info":4,"uagb_excerpt":"Legoland Windsor with Merlin&#8217;s Magic Wand Merlin\u2019s Magic Wand is a worldwide charity for children, aiming to provide magical experiences for those who are seriously ill, disabled or disadvantaged. You can donate to them here Basically I applied to them through e-mail, on behalf of my oldest who has Aspergers Syndrome, &nbsp;and they asked where&hellip;","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/PepM9j-kZ","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1301"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1301"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1301\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1301"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}