The SOUL & LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Michigan
Last week I had an opportunity to head over to Michigan’s newest family attraction, LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Auburn Hills! Zayd’n and I had a blast, and I’m going to give you a few sneak peeks of what to expect when you visit! I don’t know if Zayd’n was more excited about skipping out on school, or seeing what attractions the LDC would have on display. We hopped into our 2015 Kia SOUL and made our way down to Auburn Hills. Two years ago I was given the opportunity to spend a week in a 2014 Kia Soul, and if my readers remember then you know how impressed I was with that particular model.
Tip: Because this is a new attraction and they expect to sell out daily during the first few months, it is important that you pre-book online. You have to pre-book online to secure tickets for the day you want to visit. Keep in mind weekends will be busy! You can head over to their website and pre-book online now.
Zayd’n is almost 11 years old, so you are getting an insight for what the older kids will love. My friend, Lauren (Mrs. Weber’s Neighborhood) has pre-school kids, so if you would like to get a feel on how pre-schoolers/small children will enjoy it, be sure to check out her post.
When we first arrived, we rode on the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride. This is Zayd’n’s favorite ride. It seats four people, and you each have a laser gun. The goal of the game is to shoot as many “bad guys” as you can with your laser gun to score the most points. This ride is perfect for all ages since it doesn’t go fast and nothing jumps out at you. Zayd’n said this ride reminded him a lot of Universal Studio’s Harry Potter ride.
We also loved checking out the 4D Movie in LEGO® 4D Cinema. It was pretty cool since there was no dialogue, just body language, and small noises. However, you were able to get the jest of the story. I liked this feature of no talking. It made you pay attention to body language, which is necessary for every child and adult to learn!
One of my favorite parts of LEGOLAND Discovery Center is MINILAND®. It’s kind of cool to recognize parts of Metro Detroit in this MINILAND. And if you stay long enough, it turns into night and lights up. Building this display took the LDC Crew over six months, with a lot of input from several of you on what buildings to include! You will also find interactive displays, touch screens, and sound effects.
As I mentioned before we have been driving the Kia Soul all week, so this is a perfect time to tell you a little about it. Like its predecessor, this 2015 Kia Soul was just the perfect car to get us to LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Here are a few features I like about the Kia SOUL:
- Out of all the features, the Soul had to offer the radio was my favorite part, hands down. The AM/FM/MP3/SiriusXM Audio System offers its user a lot of different entertainment options to occupy them on their travels, whether it’s on a road trip out of town or just to your local grocery store. It has 130 different channels which include 69 that are commercial free, plus it has sports to please any sports fan, news, talk, and entertainment, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Push Button Start with Smart Key and Immobilizer. This was another nifty feature because even if I leave the key in my purse or my pocket, I can still stop or start the car simply by pushing a button. It even allows you to lock or unlock the doors from the outside just in case you have a mischievous little one who likes to play with the door locks.
- Active Eco System. This particular feature is another great one that you can enjoy while test driving. It’s especially ideal for anyone who does a lot of driving. It ensures that the engine and transmission works together in a way that maximizes optimal fuel economy.
- Voice Command Navigation. You can enjoy complete control of your phone and your music, all without ever having to take your eyes off of the road. It has a large 8″ display and voice command while also offering real-time highway traffic is available to help you map out the best route to take during your trip.
- 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat. Whether you have a full car of family members and friends, or you’re clearing out the vehicle, so you have more room for groceries, this feature is pretty nifty all around. It gives you the option to have the seats up or down, depending on your specific needs.
- Mirror Mounted LED Turn Signal Indicators. I’ve always thought these made the turn signal more prominent and easier to see, so these were pretty impressive features to have on the exterior.
- Panoramic Sunroof with Power Sunshade. Maximize the fresh flowing air in your car with the aid of this sleek feature.
- Heated Rear Glass with Timer. If you live in a northern state where it snows all winter or just have a problem with defrosting, this feature comes in handy. Say goodbye to the wait and the frustration and hello to quick defrosting.
- Privacy Glass. The standard privacy glass reduces heat buildup and offers privacy for the rear seat and cargo areas.
Here’s a little more about LEGOLAND’s Discovery Center hours and prices of tickets:
Parking:
Parking is free. The LDC is located in Great Lakes Crossing Mall. It’s best to park in section 6 of the outlet.
Current Hours:
- Monday: 10am – 7pm*
- Tuesday: 10 am – 7 pm*
- Wednesday: 10 am – 7 pm*
- Thursday: 10 am – 7 pm*
- Friday: 10am – 7pm*
- Saturday: 10am – 7pm*
- Sunday: 10am – 4pm*
We recommend allowing a minimum of 2 or 3 hours for your visit to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. Once inside, you may stay as long as you like during operating hours.
*The Discovery Center remains open for 2 hours after the last admission. Please check here frequently for special hours and closures.
Ticket prices:
- Children under 2 are FREE.
- Ticket prices for ages 3-12 & adults are $23.50 (which must be pre-booked online).
Individual Annual Passes:
- $75.00 per person
Family Annual Passes:
- $70.00 per person
Michigan Combo Family Annual Pass for Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center (12 months, 2 attractions, priority unlimited entry):
- $115 per person
Michigan Combo Individual Annual Pass for Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center (12 months, 2 attractions, priority unlimited entry):
- $120 per person
Merlin Annual Premium Pass (this includes several attractions, including Chicago, Florida. Get more information here)
- $269.00 per person
Age Recommendation:
- Ages 3-10 years
Some of the attractions you will want to check out:
- LEGO® Factory Tour
- LEGO® 4D Cinema
- Kingdom Quest Laser Ride
- MINILAND®
- LEGO® Racers: Build & Test
- Merlin’s Apprentice Ride
- LEGO® City: Play Zone
- LEGO® Model Builder Academy
- The LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Shop
- LEGO® DUPLO® Farm
- Earthquake Tables
- LEGO® Friends – Olivia’s House
And once you’re done with LEGOLAND Discovery Center, you can spend some time over at their partner attraction, Sealife Aquarium! You can also get combo packages and made a full day out of your visit to Auburn Hills. And with the Rainbow Forest Cafe located between the two attractions, you can stop in there for a bite to eat! (They also offer kids each free night. You will need to call to find out what night they participate in this offer.)
Hopefully, I have peaked your interest in taking the family out for a fun day adventure to LDC! You can visit their website for more information, get your tickets, and more on what to expect during your visit.
If you do visit, come back and tell me about it!
Disclaimer: I am a Parent Ambassador for LEGOLAND Discovery Center. However, you are reading 100% our thoughts on this attraction. And thank you to Kia and DriveShop for loaning our family the 2015 Kia Soul to review. Again, you are reading 100% my honest thoughts and opinions on this vehicle. Be sure to check out other cars I have reviewed!
Michigan Peeps:
- You can also find more locals deals pinned to our Local Pinterest board! So be sure to pin this!
- You can find more Local Events and activities going on in the Mid-Michigan area and beyond!
That sounds a lot like the one we have here in Boston! It’s so much fun, isn’t it?
We are getting the Discover Center here too and I can’t wait for it to open! It looks like it will be a blast for everyone!
Awesome!! I didn’t know there was a LEGOLAND in Michigan, we’re right on the other side of Lake Michigan. We’ll have to take a trip over and check it out.
I actually live near Auburn Hills, and I didn’t even know that a LEGOLAND was opening! I am totally going to take me son. Thanks for the tips! We will try to get out tickets online.
What a nice place to visit! Both children and adults would enjoy this. I would, for sure! I just can’t believe the talent of the people who created this!
Legoland would be amazing to go to. My kids would be on cloud 9 there. These are great photos. Looks like a great time was had.
I’ve never heard of LegoLand! Thank you for sharing. This is only 3 hours away from me and I was looking for some place fun to take the boys this summer!
What a fun adventure. We are big Lego fans, so I know the kids and I would have a blast exploring the Discovery Center.
I think LegoLand would be so much fun. I have never taken my daughters yet. I know they would have a lot of fun too. Unfortunately there are none that are close enough for us. When we take a vacation I will definitely bring them though.
That is so awesome. I am hoping that we could get a LEGOLAND closer to us. Would love to take the kiddos.
Sorry, but I think their prices are way too high for the experience. Other Discovery Centers around the country seem to be priced much less. Maybe if we had a coupon that sometimes comes in the Lego Magazines, I’d consider taking the kids but otherwise it seems way overpriced especially if you have more than one child.
That’s good to know Andrea (for other places having lower prices). Hopefully we will see discounts happen from time to time. Be sure you’re following this blog, because I will definitely post them when I do!!