Address
39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10710
Phone Number
(866) 243 - 0770
Date Visited
10/04/2015
Website
LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Westchester, NY
Description
LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Westchester is located at 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, New York, at the Ridge Hill Shopping Area. There are several handicapped parking spaces on the street. Otherwise, parking must be found in one of the garages nearby.Street level, double doors lead into the lobby and admission area. The venue is one level, with a ramp to the multi-stall, handicapped-accessible restrooms.
Restrooms are multi-stall, with handicapped-accessible stalls. All restrooms have baby-changing stations.
All flooring surfaces are smooth. Aisles are wide. The spaces are easily navigable. There are a variety of seating options. The spacious, 4D Cinema has wheelchair and companion seating.
The cafe offers a variety of healthy food options. It has many tables and chairs.
- Places to rest: seats in plaza in front of entrance
Paths and walkways: concrete sidewalk
Doors: double doors
Number of floors: 1
Elevators: none
Ramps: to restrooms
Steps and staircases: only in soft play area
Width of aisles: spacious
Places to sit: variety of seating
Location of restrooms: up ramp
Type of restroom: multi-stall, handicapped-accessible
Ease of entry and exit: good
Baby changing station: yes
Available food services: healthy foods cafe
Friendliness of staff: extremely pleasant
Notes: * Some handicapped parking spaces are available on the street. Other than that parking must be found in one of the nearby garages.
A Sunday morning at the beginning of October brought us to Ridge Hill in Yonkers. We were headed to the LL Bean Store there. A sign for the Legoland Discovery Center beckoned to me. Of course I had to have a look.
LEGOLAND is located at one end of the main street of this shopping area. The double-door, street level entrance leads to the admission lobby. Since all adults need to be accompanied by a child, I needed special permission to visit. Austin, the manager, was extremely gracious about my request. He arranged for me to have a personal tour with Evelin, who couldn’t have been lovelier. As she showed me around I don’t know how many times I “oohed and aahed.” This is a wonderfully accessible venue. Everything is on one level (with the exception of a ramp to the restrooms). There are smooth floors throughout, wide aisles and plenty of room in each area. There are also many seating options.
The website says, “The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a world of entertainment, color and creativity for families with children aged 3 – 10.” They offer a “wealth of attractions, two rides, 4D cinema and more.” I couldn’t agree more.
Evelin and I started at the mini factory tour where kids can see how Lego are made. Next up was what I would call a Lego Museum, with models of New York City, the Statue of Liberty, the new Freedom Tower and many other famous buildings constructed completely of Lego and built to exact scale. The Freedom Tower has the same number of floors as the actual bulding! The lighting here even changes from day to night every few minutes for greater effect.
From there I saw the many areas where kids can engage in imaginative construction activities. A toddler area has large Duplo bricks. One of the building areas allows kids to build cars and race them. The soft play area is a contained area offering more physical activity. There are two adorable rides (children must be able to sit up by themselves to ride), and a 4D Cinema (easily wheel-chair accessible, with companion seating). There are other areas as well, including a “Master Builder Academy,” offering classes throughout the day for more formal instruction. On the day I visited kids were learning to make Lego kangaroos. I understand that the item being made varies from day to day. I have not mentioned all of the areas that are sure to keep kids creatively engaged.
I particulary like there are mahy employees looking out for the kids as well as making sure that the floors are kept clear of any Legos that may escape.
The cafe offers, “drinks, healthy foods and sweet treats.” (see website for details)
Multi-stall, handicapped-accessibled restrooms are located up a ramp. I was told that single-occupancy, family restrooms are under construction. They will be a great addition.
Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be working here. I can’t wait until my granddaughter is old enough for a visit!
If you have any questions or concerns just call and ask (866) 243 – 0770. If my visit here was any indication, they will be more than happy to assist you.
As always, we at Dstination Accessible advise you to check a venue’s website,www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/Westchester, when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”
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