Legoland delays launch of new rollercoaster – here’s why and when it will now open
THE opening of a brand new rollercoaster in the UK has now been pushed back because of “unforeseen delays”.
Theme park fans were excited about the prospect of riding the Minifigure Speedway at Legoland Windsor this weekend.
However, anyone hoping to give it a go on March 29, when it was due to be launched for the first time will be disappointed.
The park has confirmed that the opening date for the ride has had to be pushed back.
The new duelling coaster will see friends and family go head-to-head against one another, with the ride going both forward and backwards in a race across two separate tracks.
When it opens, it will be the fastest ride at the the park, reaching speeds of up to 56km/h (34mph).
Next to the ride will be the world’s largest Lego minifigure character, Roxie.
Standing at 10m tall, the six-tonne statue, clad in a racing suit, is the official mascot for the brand new attraction.
Earlier this month, Legoland released a video showing the finishing touches being put on the ride.
In the footage, the coaster’s cars are seen being lowered onto the track and clipped together before being sent on a practice run.
It got plenty of people excited about the prospect of going on the ride this month, but they will now have to wait until the new launch date of April 6.
In a brief statement, published via the park’s social media channels, the delay was announced, leaving fans disappointed.
It reads: “Due to unforeseen delays, we have decided to reschedule our opening date for Minifigure Speedway, which will now open on Saturday 6 April.
“We have many other fantastic rides, shows and attractions open across the Resort, as well as some Eggs-tra special fun planned for you and your family.”
Plenty of fans commented on the post, expressing their frustration at missing out on the launch this weekend.
One wrote: “I’m gutted, we booked tickets especially for Friday.”
Theme Park Tips
- Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
- Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
- Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
- Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
- If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.
Another said: “Oh no! Literally just booked last night to come this Sunday. Will have one disappointed son.”
A third added: “Really disappointed with this. I have tickets booked for Easter Monday and my son was so excited for this.”
However, the theme park has emailed people offering them the chance to change their booking if they had specifically chosen to visit to ride the Minifigure Speedway.
An email seen by Sun Online reads: “As you booked your package after our launch date announcement, we appreciate you may have booked in the hope to race on our new rollercoaster.
“If you wish to change your booking, please contact the Legoland short breaks team.”
As well as the Minifigure Speedway, there are several other new rides and attractions opening in the UK this year.
Hyperia, Thorpe Park
The Surrey-based theme park is opening the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the UK this year.
Unveiled as Hyperia in mid-October last year, the ride is expected to open sometime soon.
At 236ft tall, the hypercoaster is set to take the crown of the UK’s tallest rollercoaster from Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s The Big One, which stands just one foot shorter.
The Wave, Drayton Manor
The wave is set to open at Drayton Manor Park this year, with the park claiming it is set to “excite even the youngest of thrill seekers by becoming the UK’s most thrilling family coaster”.
The ride is set to open in spring this year, with a promo video released earlier this month, inviting people to “let the wave of excitement begin”.
In the video, a family is seen driving past a huge blue rollercoaster loop, which will be part of the track for the newly-developed ride.
Meanwhile, this is how to avoid long queues at theme parks.
And this TV star has revealed how to win prizes at theme parks.