Legoland announces significant investments for Malaysia while also investigating ride malfunction in Germany

Aligned with the Malaysian Government’s efforts to revitalise the country’s tourism industry, Legoland Malaysia Resort - the first Legoland theme park in Asia - is making significant investments for expansion to attract both international and local tourists.

The Legoland chain of family theme parks, famed for their various Lego-themed attractions and set pieces, has expanded extensively since the first park opened in Denmark in 1968. As well as the resort in Malaysia, the brand has resorts in the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as various parks situated across the United States. The theme parks attract visitors with their unique Lego-themed creations and are particularly popular with children. The Legoland theme park chain is owned and operated by British company Merlin Entertainment.

During a media briefing on the Legoland Malaysia Resort’s 10th anniversary, Legoland Malaysia divisional director CS Lim said the company was optimistic that the industry would continue to recover as it prepared a line-up of activities to cater to the pent up demand.

Lim said the company was committed to working closely with the Ministry of Tourism to transform Malaysia into a top destination of choice in the region by 2024. Malaysia is expected to attract between 4.5 million and 5.0 million international tourists this year.

Lim advised "the recovery for this year has been very positive and the number of visits have been increasing since borders reopened in April.

"We will continue to build on our fundamentals and focus on our strategic priorities by investing in enhancing, expanding and establishing new activities to provide our guests with a truly unique experience that is only available in Legoland.”

Having opened in 2012, Legoland Malaysia is now planning to develop a shaded mini-land which will enable guests to stroll comfortably while browsing landmarks made of Lego bricks.

The company also plans to refurbish Legoland hotel rooms with new themes in the first quarter of next year and hold its first ever splash carnival in mid-2023.

The resort also plans to deliver an immersive cinematic experience with a new 4D movie that will only be available at the Lego Studio in the third quarter next year.

Lim added "the investments and enhancements align with our strategic priorities to draw new and repeat visitors from domestic and international tourists to Legoland Malaysia Resort.”

Lim’s announcement on the Malaysian resort expansion came at a time when Legoland Germany experienced a rollercoaster ride malfunction leaving 31 Injured.

Two trains at the park's Fire Dragon rollercoaster collided after one failed to stop.

Legoland Deutschland posted a message on Facebook at the time of the accident five days ago advising “it is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that today on the Fire Dragon roller coaster at the entrance to the station, due to so far unknown reasons, there was a crash of two trains.

“31 guests sustained minor injuries, which were examined and treated by doctors and paramedics on site. 14 of them were taken to a hospital for further observation, with one guest needing further medical treatment.

“Both Legoland emergency forces as well as paramedics, doctors, police and firefighters were on the scene within a few minutes of the incident. A comprehensive investigation of the procedure was immediately initiated.”

The Fire Dragon rollercoaster, one of the park's most thrilling rides, sees riders travel through a LEGO-themed castle full of medieval treasures before emerging outside onto a twisting track that can reach speeds of almost 30 km/h. According to the official Legoland website, the rollercoaster train is designed to look like a fire-breathing dragon and is suitable for children aged six and up.

Manuela Stone, the park's divisional director, praised the quick response of Legoland employees, saying "the staff immediately followed well-rehearsed safety procedures and guests were immediately evacuated from the trains and attended by trained resort staff. We want to thank all emergency personnel showing great commitment at site today and we want to wish a quick recovery to everyone involved."

Image top: Legoland Malaysia 10th anniversary; Image above: Legoland Germany Dragon Rollercoaster ride inspection June 2022. Credit Legoland Facebook