We’re back again but this time we bring you our Inside Legoland Episode 2 review.
In the second episode of Inside LEGOLAND, there are ride breakdowns, attraction enhancements and models to be built.
After an impressive opening episode to this four-part documentary series I was primed and ready to jump head first into the world of LEGO once again.
For large portions of this second episode the show is once again focusing heavily on Mini-Land and the hotel. It feels as though this was a creative decision by the park to increase exposure for these attractions in particular as they’re so dominant in these first two introductory episodes.
With over 200 animated features in Mini-Land it’s up to Charlie, part of the parks Mini-Land maintenance team and animator Chris to work on a boat that has capsized in the water after the motor and string attached to the boat have left it on one side.
A fire truck is also being prepared as a new addition to Mini-Land as we take a very quick glimpse into the graphics department.
Thankfully Mini-Land didn’t take up too much focus as a whole within the episode but the format of this second episode is definitely very copy and paste to the first with variety only starting to creep in during the second half.
After Mini-Land is explored we’re in the Burger Kitchen as the ordering screens have crashed.
Once this rather unneeded segment is out of the way the documentary opens up more freely with maintenance footage from the Jolly Rocker pirate ship and the Lego Ninjago ride.
It was nice to see that one ride wasn’t the main focus as displayed in the opening episode with the Viking River Splash ride.
Whilst I don’t think this applies to all customer service workers at the park due to the number of complaints they must receive I feel more comfortable saying that the animators and model-makers certainly love their jobs.
Animator Chris went the extra mile to restore aspects of LEGOLAND Express (a train that runs through the park) by adding new sound effects around the ride after experiencing it himself and feeling underwhelmed compared to when he went on the ride as a child.
Inside LEGOLAND is a documentary that certainly likes to try and force more dramatic side of things.
A VIP event where the two VIP hosts talk about perfection and getting things perfect to then be 30 minutes late with the food and decorations to a room was quite funny. The guests have been stranded outside for lord knows how long and their stories of ‘perfection’ went down like those balloons had just been filled with lead.
Surely something as simple as blowing a few balloons up would have been done in advance but everything felt very last minute and over-dramatic trying to create tension within the moment that felt as flat as the atmosphere did when the public finally entered.
It was far from a ‘VIP’ experience and felt very Travelodge buffet than The Ritz.
The show did touch on the more glamorous side of things though from helicopter rides to an overnight stay in the Haunted House for just under £7000.
It would have been nice to see what other things the park offers and maybe even some footage of what a VIP experience could look like at LEGOLAND Windsor.
Hopefully more organised than the aforementioned event.
With employees that care and a cool breezy way of documenting this wonderful park Inside LEGOLAND is standing strong providing entertaining family entertainment.
Roll on Episode 3!
Inside LEGOLAND Episode 2 review by Sean Evans
Episode Reviews
Our Rating
Summary
More of the same with a slight expansion upon individual rides and their maintenance.
Focusing on the rides over the hotel / mini-land is certainly more engaging for me as a viewer. There’s only so long I can stare a stationary Lego models for within an episode before things get a little dull.
Thankfully this breezy documentary does absolutely fly by. It’s intriguing, entertaining and fascinating as you can see the love, care and attention that goes into keeping up apperances of one of the best UK tourist attractions.
