Legoland Coaster and Coronavirus

Note: This visit took place in the days before the UK Government's revised social distancing instructions to the public, asking them to minimise unnecessary travel and avoid large social gatherings. Our decision to visit was based on the official advice available at the time.

The latest official information from the UK Government is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response/ and NHS Health advice can be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Legoland Windsor's new Duplo Dino Coaster opening had long been planned, and I had been looking forward to taking a trip to ride the new kiddie coaster for a while. What nobody could have predicted when we watched the construction fences go up last year was the measures the park would be putting into place to ensure their guests' safety. With everyone taking precautions due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, this was going to be an unusual start to the decade of theme park trips...

The signs at the entrance were pretty clear - sanitise your hands or you ain't coming in.

Following instructions ... I accidently managed to make the hand sanitiser pump explode all over the table, Margaret, and my sleeve. At least we were well sanitised.

In case anyone missed the first one, there was a chance for a second go.

Freshly sanitised, we made our way to the main entrance.

It's bigger and better than ever before ... today's the day!

We wondered whether people would be scared to come, but the park seemed fairly busy.

New maps! I do love a park map!

Aside from hand sanitiser stations, the first evidence of Legoland's Coronavirus precautions was the closure of the 4D cinema.

Miniland's USA section is still looking bright and colourful.

Is it just me, or do some of the minifig tourists outside Buckingham Palace not look the right scale?

Oh no! A major train crash in Miniland!

We found this friendly looking chap newly arrived at the entrance to Pirate Shores.

The toilets beside Pirate's Burger Kitchen are undergoing renovation.

The castle has been repainted over the winter, and it's looking radiant.

Looking so fresh and clean!

First rollercoaster ride of the decade: The Dragon.

More Coronavirus precautions - signs in the queueline asking everyone to space themselves out.

White marks spaced a metre apart had been painted all along the queueline to help people keep their distance.

The train and the dark ride section smelt strongly of disinfectant.

It's always nice to spend a few minutes wandering through the Enchanted Forest, looking at all the Lego models of woodland animals.

Oh ... The Enchanted Forest is so enchanted that all the models have disappeared!

Comparing a photo of the otter waterfall taken in 2001 with the dryed up otter-less remains of 2020.

We decided to have an early lunch at Pirate's Burger Kitchen, after sanitising our hands at the front door.

They've gone all McDonald's/Argos with touchscreen ordering this year ... I just hope everybody washed their hands before using them!

It was pretty busy in the restaurant.

This little guy seemed to be enjoying his burger more than most Burger Kitchen customers do!

We took a ride on Legoland Express, which was closed for most of last season while they relaid the track after construction of Haunted House Monster Party.

Gone is the turquoise pyramid ... Atlantis Submarine Voyage has been transformed into the very yellow Deep Sea Adventure over the winter.

The outside of the building has a very different look.

The ride system remains the same but they have removed the audio narration and storyline, which makes the whole experience feel less "adventure" and more "boring school trip to an aquarium" now.

The gift shop by the exit has also been removed ... check out how nicely they've redecorated!?!?!

Time to take a wander through the new improved Duplo Valley.

Along with the new rollecoaster, the helicopters have had a makeover and the playground has been renamed Duplo Playtown.

The new playground entrance.

The rethemed Airport.

The helicopters have been repainted and the area feels a bit more open.

The new headlining attraction in Duplo Valley is Duplo Dino Coaster.

The ride opened to the public at midday, and seemed to maintain a decent length queue for the afternoon.

It's a nice smooth rollercoaster and it seemed to be a hit with its target market.

There's some undulating hills and curves, but nothing too extreme for young visitors.

Are these official NASA rocket scientists?

London, Miniland style.

Afternoon snack from the Studio Cafe ... we got three donuts to share, but when we looked in the bag there was an extra bonus one. A Bonut, if you will.