The Behind the Bricks: The Dragon tour at LEGOLAND Windsor offers a remarkable deep dive into one of the park's most iconic attractions. Run by the LEGOLAND VIP Team, this exclusive tour provides an extraordinary behind-the-scenes experience that any rollercoaster enthusiast or LEGO fan would cherish. With only four guests allowed per group due to the small spaces, the tour promises an intimate and immersive experience that goes far beyond what the average park visitor sees.
The Dragon rollercoaster, originally known as Castle Coaster during its early planning stages, has been a cornerstone of LEGOLAND Windsor since it opened in 1998. With a track length of 1,350 feet and a drop of 30 feet, the ride reaches speeds of up to 30 mph. Constructed by WGH Transportation, the same company behind the Dragons Apprentice, this ride showcases their expertise in crafting memorable theme park attractions. The coaster’s name and theme perfectly capture the medieval world that LEGOLAND is renowned for, blending a thrilling dark ride experience with a high-speed outdoor adventure.
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Dragon is its dark ride section, which precedes the outdoor coaster. This part of the ride is a marvel of design and engineering, with 88 animated pieces, 100 light fixtures, and 130 LEGO models, all brought to life with nearly a million LEGO bricks. The craftsmanship is astonishing, especially knowing that the same team behind the LEGOLAND Windsor Castle structure also worked on the Disneyland castles. These models even toured Australia before being installed at LEGOLAND Windsor, adding to their rich history. Adding to the castle’s unique charm, the entrance was originally adorned with real fire torches, creating an authentic medieval atmosphere. However, due to the frequent issue of the flames being blown out, these were eventually replaced with LEGO torches illuminated by lights. Interestingly, the original piping and systems for the fire torches are still in place, a hidden remnant of the ride's early design that hasn’t been used for many years now.
The tour begins in the operator's cabin, offering a unique opportunity to understand how the ride is controlled. Unlike modern rollercoasters, The Dragon's control panel is relatively basic, with no screen displaying the location of each train. This simplicity adds a nostalgic charm to the ride, reminiscent of older amusement park attractions. A fascinating detail revealed during the tour is the location of the control panel for the switch track, cleverly hidden at the back of the station. This is essential for directing a train into the maintenance shed, a process that can only occur when the car is on the second lift hill.
A highlight of the cabin tour was receiving a key to lock off the ride, ensuring no trains could be sent while guests were in the ride area. The importance of safety was emphasized throughout the tour, with the need for two operators—one to run the ride and the other to monitor the cameras.
The tour then moved to the ride's station, where the empty, quiet space provided a surreal contrast to the usual hustle and bustle. Carefully stepping over the train, we were led into the maintenance room, where the third train is stored. The Dragon can operate with three trains on busier days, making this small but long maintenance shed an essential part of its operation. We also got a glimpse of the ride's control system, often referred to as the ride’s PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)
Walking through the dark ride section of The Dragon on foot is an experience unlike any other. This part of the tour allows you to appreciate the intricate details often missed during a regular ride. In the first room after the tunnel into the castle ruins, a LEGO book titled Twice Upon a Time pays homage to the fact that this is the second Dragon ride, the first being at LEGOLAND Billund. Another Easter egg is a LEGO witch in a tree, a nod to the past when she was part of the queue line theming.
Further along in the brewery scene, a hidden LEGO cola can adds a playful touch. Although the mist effect that once sprayed guests as they passed by has been turned off for several seasons, the scene remains a favorite due to its unique animation. It features a LEGO man lifting and lowering his stein of beer in time with the mist that used to enhance the experience. Even without the mist, the charming interaction between the LEGO men and their beer steins continues to captivate visitors, preserving the scene's delightful atmosphere.
The baking room, where the smell used to be confectionary but has been updated now to be the smell of apple pies, and the banqueting hall, where a wooden chandelier used to hang, are other areas rich with history. The chandelier, now removed due to guests frequently trying to touch it, can still be seen behind the scenes with its fake LEGO candle lights. It once featured a LEGO model duel, adding a dynamic element to the scene.
As we approached the wizard’s room, our guide pointed out the stars engraved into the wooden ceiling, a half disco ball, and jars filled with LEGO models of spiders—details easily overlooked in the dim light of the ride.
The climax of the dark ride is, of course, the encounter with the dragon itself. Now enhanced with blinking LED eyes for 2024, the dragon's imposing presence is even more captivating. The dragon, weighing 170 kg with an additional 70 kg tail, moves with eight different motions, making it a truly lifelike creature. The tail, only visible as you round the corner towards the wizard and the first lift hill, is partly made of metal supports and motors, ensuring its durability and movement.
After exploring the dark ride, the tour continued to the outdoor section of the rollercoaster. We walked along the track, a dream come true for any rollercoaster enthusiast. The outside section of the ride, built on Cheetah Hill, offers a different perspective on the coaster's layout. Walking through the final drop’s tunnel, we learned that although the roof and surroundings are themed, these details are often missed by riders due to the speed at which they pass through.
The sense of scale and speed is truly appreciated when walking the track. Seeing the massive trees near the track, some supported by metal braces, and realizing their age, adds another layer of wonder to the experience. The tour allowed ample time for photos, providing the perfect opportunity to capture this rare behind-the-scenes view.
The Behind the Bricks - The Dragon tour at LEGOLAND Windsor is an exceptional experience that goes far beyond the typical theme park visit. For £70 per person (or £56 with an annual pass discount), the tour offers incredible value for the level of access and insight it provides. The chance to explore both the dark ride and outdoor sections of The Dragon, coupled with the knowledgeable and passionate guides like Jack and Amy, makes this a must-do for anyone interested in the engineering and artistry behind one of LEGOLAND's most beloved attractions.
This tour exceeded our expectations in every way, revealing the hidden magic that makes The Dragon such a special ride. The experience was made even more memorable with the addition of a pop badge, lanyard, and certificate upon completion, which we proudly display as a testament to our adventure. We would love the opportunity to explore behind the scenes of other attractions, such as Laser Raiders, and see how they come to life. The VIP team has set a high bar with this tour, and we eagerly anticipate what they might unveil next!
