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Legoland New York hosts ‘Awesome is for Everyone’ day
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2020, roughly one in 36 children were identified with autism spectrum disorder. With those kinds of numbers, it’s essential that kid-centric industries are not only aware but engaged in accommodating and supporting all children.
This year, Legoland New York joined Legoland California and Legoland Florida as a Certified Autism Center. This past weekend, the popular theme park celebrated with a special preseason “Awesome is for Everyone” day that allowed families to explore the upgraded features the park will be offering when it opens to the public on March 31.
In this article: Lego Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block, Lego Duplo My First Number Train and Lego Friends Mia’s Camper Van.
What does it mean to be certified?
At the start of “Awesome Is for Everyone” day, Matt Besterman, Public Relations Manager at Legoland New York Resort, greeted everyone in attendance at the gates to explain what being certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards means.
“It means that we are here to help you plan your awesome day in the park. On every single one of our rides, you will see a sensory guide, which will alert you to any bright lights, any loud sounds or anything that you might need to plan around. There is a quiet room available in our Family Care Center located in Lego City. Most of all, all of our team have received special training in how to serve guests with autism and other sensory challenges.”
Legoland also has “model citizens,” who can be quickly identified by their blue jackets and brick badges. If you have any questions or require any assistance, these special team members are qualified to help. Additionally, Guest Services is conveniently located at the front of the park as soon as you enter the gates.
A quick tour of Duplo Baby Care and First Aid
In the broadest sense, Autism Spectrum Disorder involves processing sensory input. When too much stimulation is coming in, having a quiet space can be necessary for helping a child manage the situation. The quiet rooms in Legoland New York are in the Duplo Baby Care center in Lego City at the back end of the theme park.
BestReviews was given a quick tour of the impressive facilities. When you walk in the door, there is an immediate sense of calm as the sounds and activity of the park are muted. Parents can play with their children in this quieter setting that provides reduced stimulation.
The next door leads guests to a nursing station with private rooms and rocking chairs, so mothers can nurse their child in peace. It also features appliances so parents can warm bottles, if needed.
A third door grants access to a room deep within the facility, which is nearly silent. This space features subdued colors and private rooms that include a small hammock, a weighted blanket, a gentle, sparkling light and a beanbag chair. Children who need a sensory reset can find refuge here.
Special opening weekend guests: Nick and Stacey
If you’re in Goshen, New York this weekend, Nick and Stacey, winners of “Lego Masters Season 3” will be at Legoland’s 2023 season opening on Friday, March 31 to say hi. On April 1, the pair will be at the park again, this time for Legoland New York’s first ever Junior Master Builder Competition.
Best Lego sets
Lego Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block
This Lego set pays tribute to the classic Super Mario 64 video game. It includes scenes from four levels with 10 microfigures.
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If you prefer a more urban model, this Lego City set has a motorized engine with two cars, a circular track, signals and more. The included Bluetooth remote gives you full control of the train.
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Lego Architecture New York City Skyline
For modelers who love iconic themes, this Lego Architecture set features the New York skyline. The set includes the Statue of Liberty, the Flatiron Building, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center.
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Lego Duplo My First Number Train
If you have a 2- to 5-year-old child, this Lego Duplo set is a suitable option. The colorful set helps your preschooler learn to recognize numbers and count. It comes with two figures and a Duplo cat.
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Lego Creator 3-in-1 Deep Sea Creatures
This Lego Creator set is for kids 7 and up. They can use it to build a shark, a crab with a treasure chest and an angler fish.
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Lego Juniors/4+ Jurassic World Pteranodon Escape
This engaging adventure set is for Lego Juniors. It comes with a pteranodon figure with movable wings, a volcano, lava balls and a helicopter with a spinning rotor.
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Lego Marvel Iron Man Monger Mayhem Set
If your kid likes Marvel, this giant robot set is a sure-fire winner. The robot has a cockpit that opens and a glow-in-the-dark chest reactor. The included blasts and shooting studs make it excellent for imaginative play.
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When your child builds this Lego Friends set, they get a camper with a bathroom, kitchen, sleeping area and opening roof. The set also includes a tent, a horse, an apple tree and other accessories.
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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