Latest news with #Miniland
The Star
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Turning small bricks into global icons for parks
Johor has been a hub for building models using universal interlocking bricks the past 16 years. Miniature versions of global iconic buildings, including towering skyscrapers, are put together piece by tiny Lego brick piece by dozens of specialists. Tucked away in an industrial factory in Bandar Indahpura, Kulai, the Merlin Magic Making (MMM) Lego Production Hub, also known as Merlin Entertainment Studios (M) Sdn Bhd, serves as a creative and technical hub for Lego model production in the Asia-Pacific region. Its Asia senior Lego model production manager Leina Rahim, 44, said the completed models were shipped from the MMM hub in Johor to Legoland parks around the world. The Merlin Magic Making team installing a Singapore Flyer replica at Legoland Malaysia. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star 'Our latest project was to deliver 529 replicas for Miniland in Legoland Shanghai (China), which just opened this month. 'We have a team of 91 people, almost all locals, who are involved in the process from the beginning until the end. 'This includes the concept and design stage, building of the models, testing, putting in lighting and installation of the model at the parks,' she said in an interview with StarMetro at the hub. The hub supplies to 11 parks around the world, including Germany and the USA. A technician putting finishing touches to a Marina Bay Sands replica. Leina said some models would need reinforcement with steel inside to ensure the replicas, like the 11m Lotte Tower in South Korea Miniland, were safe and secure. She said another major project was the construction and installation of 16 large-scale models for their new Singapore-themed Miniland in Legoland Malaysia, which would open to the public tomorrow. Legoland Malaysia in Iskandar Puteri is located about 30km from the MMM Kulai facility. 'It is an exciting time as some of the models will come with interactive features comprising sound, lights and moving parts,' she said, adding that all models were built using Lego bricks flown in from abroad. Asked about the time taken to build each model, Leina said it varied as some could take up to 500 hours from design to the finished product. (Clockwise from front right) Leina, Chai, Muhammad Fais, Syed Mohd Izzudin and Muhammad Nazrin at the production hub with a completed Cloud Forest replica. She said each Legoland park was unique as the team would design its Miniland based on landmark buildings or structures in the country. 'We even get a feel of the people and culture in that place and incorporate these elements when we design our Minilanders (people) and their outfits,' she explained. On the work culture at MMM, Leina said, 'Basically we breathe, eat and play with Lego every day'. Building models The facility was established in 2009 and officially named the Asia hub for Lego model production in 2018. MMM production hub serves as the creative force behind the intricate model designs at Legoland Malaysia. It oversees the creation of Miniland models, from design to installation, for Legoland parks operated by Merlin Entertainments across the Asia-Pacific region. Lego model production team leader Muhammad Fais Isa, who has a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, joined MMM 10 years ago when he made the switch from a teaching career. The 34-year-old said the 16 Singapore models took about 16,000 hours to complete and it consisted of 1.5 million Lego bricks. 'The Marina Bay Sands was quite a challenge, as our usual models comprise just one tower. But for this, it involved three separate towers with a skydeck on the top,' Muhammad Fais said, adding that the model was about 4m tall and weighed 1.426 tonnes, including 260kg of steel to reinforce the structure. For MMM design developer Muhammad Nazrin Kamarul Bahrin, 38, each design journey begins not just with blueprints, but with real-life experiences. A Merlin Magic Making technician inspecting each component assembled, ensuring every detail is accurate. 'Once we have chosen a landmark, we send a team to the actual location. 'We take thousands of photographs during the day and night. 'We observe everything – from the buildings and colours to what people eat. We will even take note of their rubbish bins. 'It is about capturing a city's essence and identity,' he said. Muhammad Nazrin said each Miniland took around three years to complete, involving research, approvals, 3D modelling, technical development and on-site testing before final assembly. Structural safety and stability is paramount to technical delivery manager Syed Mohd Izzudin Syed Abu Bakar, 42. 'We had to put in steel frames so that they could support the load of the Marina Bay Sands model safely,' he said. He added that lighting, sound and automation were also important when building a replica. Lego model designer Chai Shu Ling, 29, said beyond ensuring that the structure would hold, her focus was on making a replica stand out. 'The first thing we ask is what grabs people's attention? 'For the Cloud Forest replica, we knew it was the waterfall. 'It must be visually striking yet structurally stable. 'We test techniques, explore new colours and solve challenges together,' she said. With 1,600 Minilanders featured throughout the project, Chai said even the tiniest details were carefully considered. 'We make sure each plant is unique, yet does not distract from the main structure. 'It is all about balance. Even with bricks, we want our models to feel alive,' she said.
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
China's first Legoland opens in Shanghai
A giant 26-metre (85-foot) Lego figure named Dada welcomed visitors to the new Legoland resort in Shanghai. The resort, which opened on July 5, is the first in China. It is one of 11 parks worldwide and was built with 85 million Lego bricks. Among the main attractions is Miniland, which replicates well-known sights using Lego bricks. It features landmarks across China, like Beijing's Temple of Heaven and Shanghai's Bund waterfront. There is also a boat tour through a historic Chinese water town built with Lego bricks. 'My first impression is it is a good recreation, like a real fairyland of Lego,' said Ji Yujia, a Lego fan who visited on opening day. The resort was developed in conjunction with the Shanghai government by Merlin Entertainments and the Lego Group. The resort also features performances by Legoland characters. Tickets start at 319 yuan (HK$349 or US$44).
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
New deal offers 'two parks for the price of one' at Alton Towers, Legoland, Thorpe Park and more
The 'Twice the Fun' promotion from Merlin could cost as little as £29 per person for two great days out With the school summer holidays now in full swing, families across the UK could soon be feeling the pinch as they try to keep children entertained without breaking the bank. From pricey entrance fees and snack stops to souvenir shops and meal deals, a fun-filled day out can quickly turn into a costly affair. To help ease the burden, Merlin Entertainments has launched a limited-time "Twice the Fun" offer that gives families a second theme park visit absolutely free, saving at least £29 per person. Running until August 18, the offer allows guests who purchase tickets to one of Merlin's major UK attractions - Alton Towers, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Thorpe Park or Chessington World of Adventures - to claim free entry to a second participating theme park of their choice. The promotion is only available to snap up until August 17, so families are being encouraged to book early. That said, fun lovers have until September 30 to redeem their second visit, extending the thrills and spill beyond the school holidays. Visitors can mix and match their entertainment choosing from four of the UK's biggest attractions. These include: LEGOLAND Windsor Packed full of fun for brick lovers of all ages, LEGOLAND Windsor feature a range of family-friendly rides, live shows and building activities, along with Miniland areas that recreate local landmarks and attractions using LEGO bricks. This summer there is also a new Ninjago celebration with interactive activities and a 4D film, an updated pirate show featuring Captain Redbeard and a treasure hunt, refreshed Miniland missions and the launch of a new ride, Minifigure Speedway. To book tickets for LEGOLAND Windsor, click here. Chessington World of Adventures Offering more than 128 acres of fun, Chessington World of Adventures brings together a zoo, Sea Life aquarium, theme park and resort-style accommodation. This year, visitors can explore Sea Life Island inspired by Animal Crossing: New Horizons, meet PAW Patrol characters, enjoy two new live shows and discover over 1,000 animals alongside rides and attractions across the park. Alton Towers Based in Staffordshire, Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK, home to another world of adventure. Set in the 550 acres of land in a historic country estate, it's a firm favourite with thrill seekers of all ages. The park features lots of high-adrenaline rides like The Smiler, Wicker Man, Nemesis Reborn, and TH13TEEN, alongside family-friendly attractions including CBeebies Land and waterpark. widget Thorpe Park A high‑octane theme park located in Surrey, Thorpe Park is famous for its intense rollercoasters, record-breaking thrill rides and water attractions. Visitors can plunge into the likes of Hyperia, Stealth, Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, The Swarm and SAW – The Ride, alongside water attractions and a variety of family-friendly rides like Flying Fish, Zodiac, and Quantum. If the Merlin deal doesn't suit, Wowcher is offer cut price entry tickets to Gulliver's Theme Park locations in Matlock Bath, Rother Valley and Milton Keynes. Prices start from £12.50 per person and are valid on selected dates until September, 28. Elsewhere, Virgin Experiences is offering Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Lunch for Two for £88.50 each. A full day of food and entertainment, visitors have called this deal "excellent value for money" and "a must for HP fans." As some of the UK's best loved attractions, Merlin resorts have received plenty of glowing reviews on Tripadvisor. One visitor to Alton Towers said: " Amazing! I have no words! If you want to have a fun day with family or friends or just on your own! Alton Towers is the place. It's a must!" Another added: "Absolutely had a great time weather was brilliant. All the rights were working and the staff were very helpful in every manner everyone enjoyed themselves. Highly it's a great day out." When it comes to Chessington World of Adventure, one review said: " Absolutely fantastic day out! So much to do with plenty of rides and rollercoasters for all ages as well as loads of animals to see and an aquarium. Brilliant value for money." Not every thrill seeker was quite so impressed, with a visitor to Thorpe Park saying: "We went for a day at Thorpe Park with no fast track ticket and they were the worst queues i have seen at a park ever. Ignoring that though the are great and brilliantly made and really fun to ride." Despite some displeasure about queue lengths, most visitors loved their time at Thorpe Park: "Swarm and Collosus are amazing top thrills. Rate 5 star cause absolutely amazing park money well spent." LEGOLAND Windsor also wins high praise with one fan exclaiming: "Absolutely brilliant! Absolutely hands down the best day we have had! We have never been before but will definitely be back." How to get the "Twice the Fun" deal from Merlin Customers should begin by booking their Twice the Fun tickets and downloading them for easy entry. After booking, they will receive an email containing their booking details and unique barcodes—this email must be kept safe, as it is required to redeem the second visit. The complimentary second theme park visit can be redeemed any time up until September 30. To do so, customers should select the logo of their chosen second theme park and follow the booking instructions. When prompted, they must enter the unique barcodes from their original confirmation email. Each guest's ticket has a separate barcode, so all barcodes must be entered—for example, four guests will require all four individual barcodes to complete the second booking.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
China's first ever Legoland is now open in Shanghai
A giant 26-meter Lego figure named Dada welcomes visitors to China's first Legoland resort in Shangha. – Photos: AP A giant 26-metre Lego figure named Dada welcomed visitors to the new Legoland resort in Shanghai. The resort, which opened Saturday, is the first in China. It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built with 85 million Lego bricks. Among the main attractions is Miniland, which replicates well-known sights from across the world using Lego bricks. It features landmarks across China like Beijing's Temple of Heaven and Shanghai's Bund waterfront. There's also a boat tour through a historic Chinese water town built with Lego bricks. A child looks at Lego toys at Legoland Shanghai Resort. — Photo: Reuters "My first impression is it is a good recreation, like a real fairyland of Lego,' said Ji Yujia, a Lego fan who was there on opening day. The resort was developed in conjunction with the Shanghai government by Merlin Entertainments and the Lego Group. — AP
The Advertiser
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
China's first Legoland opens to visitors in Shanghai
A 26-metre-high Lego figure named Dada has welcomed visitors to a new Legoland resort in Shanghai. The resort, which opened on Saturday, is the first in China. It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built with 85 million Lego bricks. Entry tickets to the new resort, aimed mainly at families with children between the ages of two and twelve, quickly sold out as thousands queued to try out more than 75 rides, performances and attractions spanning more than 300,000 square metres. Among the main attractions is Miniland, which replicates well-known sights from across the world using Lego bricks. It features landmarks across China like Beijing's Temple of Heaven and Shanghai's Bund waterfront. There is also a boat tour through a historical Chinese water town built with Lego bricks. "My first impression is it is a good recreation, like a real fairyland of Lego," said Ji Yujia, a Lego fan who was there on opening day. Legoland Shanghai is operated by a joint venture between Merlin Entertainments, which runs Legoland parks around the world, and the Shanghai Jinshan District local government. Visitors were greeted by performances featuring Lego characters. Tickets range from 319 yuan-599 yuan ($A67-$A128). with Reuters A 26-metre-high Lego figure named Dada has welcomed visitors to a new Legoland resort in Shanghai. The resort, which opened on Saturday, is the first in China. It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built with 85 million Lego bricks. Entry tickets to the new resort, aimed mainly at families with children between the ages of two and twelve, quickly sold out as thousands queued to try out more than 75 rides, performances and attractions spanning more than 300,000 square metres. Among the main attractions is Miniland, which replicates well-known sights from across the world using Lego bricks. It features landmarks across China like Beijing's Temple of Heaven and Shanghai's Bund waterfront. There is also a boat tour through a historical Chinese water town built with Lego bricks. "My first impression is it is a good recreation, like a real fairyland of Lego," said Ji Yujia, a Lego fan who was there on opening day. Legoland Shanghai is operated by a joint venture between Merlin Entertainments, which runs Legoland parks around the world, and the Shanghai Jinshan District local government. Visitors were greeted by performances featuring Lego characters. Tickets range from 319 yuan-599 yuan ($A67-$A128). with Reuters A 26-metre-high Lego figure named Dada has welcomed visitors to a new Legoland resort in Shanghai. The resort, which opened on Saturday, is the first in China. It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built with 85 million Lego bricks. Entry tickets to the new resort, aimed mainly at families with children between the ages of two and twelve, quickly sold out as thousands queued to try out more than 75 rides, performances and attractions spanning more than 300,000 square metres. Among the main attractions is Miniland, which replicates well-known sights from across the world using Lego bricks. It features landmarks across China like Beijing's Temple of Heaven and Shanghai's Bund waterfront. There is also a boat tour through a historical Chinese water town built with Lego bricks. "My first impression is it is a good recreation, like a real fairyland of Lego," said Ji Yujia, a Lego fan who was there on opening day. Legoland Shanghai is operated by a joint venture between Merlin Entertainments, which runs Legoland parks around the world, and the Shanghai Jinshan District local government. Visitors were greeted by performances featuring Lego characters. Tickets range from 319 yuan-599 yuan ($A67-$A128). with Reuters A 26-metre-high Lego figure named Dada has welcomed visitors to a new Legoland resort in Shanghai. The resort, which opened on Saturday, is the first in China. It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built with 85 million Lego bricks. Entry tickets to the new resort, aimed mainly at families with children between the ages of two and twelve, quickly sold out as thousands queued to try out more than 75 rides, performances and attractions spanning more than 300,000 square metres. Among the main attractions is Miniland, which replicates well-known sights from across the world using Lego bricks. It features landmarks across China like Beijing's Temple of Heaven and Shanghai's Bund waterfront. There is also a boat tour through a historical Chinese water town built with Lego bricks. "My first impression is it is a good recreation, like a real fairyland of Lego," said Ji Yujia, a Lego fan who was there on opening day. Legoland Shanghai is operated by a joint venture between Merlin Entertainments, which runs Legoland parks around the world, and the Shanghai Jinshan District local government. Visitors were greeted by performances featuring Lego characters. Tickets range from 319 yuan-599 yuan ($A67-$A128). with Reuters
