The first convention of 2014 was Brickvention. Australia's big LEGO convention that contains displays made by fans from as young as 5 years old. LEGO builds to professional LEGO displays and paintings. A must for LEGO fans.
Quick info
Website: Brickvention
Date: 18th & 19th January 2014
Open: 9:30am-5:30pm
Prices: $6 for kids, $12 for adults and kids under 3 are free.
Tickets started being sold on the first week of October but by the time I heard about it most of the morning sessions were sold out. In the end I heard (from a parent in the line with me) that only the 3:30pm Sunday session was left but I think that's the best session because you could stay until closing. That's pretty awesome and a good hint for anyone looking to go with their kids or by themselves next year.
If you haven't read my 2013 Brickvention adventure then go read it over at Pixel Otaku.
This year I NEEDED (by threat of murder) to go with my kids. I felt very guilty and sad going without them last year and I felt they missed out on something very special. I found out just before Christmas that Brickvention were on sale. I decided it would be a surprise for my son turning 6 on the 29th of December to get some tickets on his birthday.
First off I wanted something LEGO themed for my kids to wear. I bought up a LEGO backpack: $29.99 at Toys R Us, LEGO shorts: $14.99 at Big W and LEGO t-shirt: $15 at Target for my little man to wear. Sadly there isn't much in the way of girly LEGO themed items like there was available when the LEGO Friends sets first were available. You could get pink LEGO hoodies and purple t-shirts in Target. My daughter made due with a new dress.
We headed out and bought snacks because there was no way I was buying food in the exhibition center again. We made our way to the Royal Exhibition building and waited until 3:00pm to line up. Not long after there was a line that circled right around the front fountain full of parents, kids and LEGO enthusiasts. People were enjoying the Stormtroopers and Ewok that were walking around the crowds to take pictures.
3:30pm popped up and we finally were let in. There's always one person in line who doesn't listen to the supervisers and has their tickets in a jumble slowing things down but that's OK. We got in and happily it wasn't as crowded as the time I went last year.
We headed straight for the kids display tables. Those are the truly inspiring displays. Kids have the best imaginations and it's great to see what some kids can make. There were castles and even a display called 'The filming of Wizard of Oz' which featured key scenes from the Wizard of Oz and some 'behind the scenes' scenes.
Last year they had a detailed Hogwarts Castle. This year it was all about Quidditch! Included wire hung players. It was great.
Giant Vegemite was interesting! It's like the giant donut I saw last year. I'm sorry but giant food is awesome.
Sauron's castle with surprise TARDIS... haha!
More miscellaneous displays
Impressive front car build. My kids loved it.
The Knights who say Ni! I see they got their shrubbery..
I think this was called 'Attack on Helicarrier' and had lots of Marvel minifigs including an Iron Man on the propellers.
I can't remember what this was called. Something theatre. Remind me to take photos of the display signs next year. They include lots of great info like the maker and how many pieces are included in the set. Look at those tiles!
Borg Cube because reasons.
Lots of train sets! This one had multiple tracks on lots and lots of tables. It was in the center of the exhibition center and took up lots of room but was worth it.
The Melbourne Train collector set that I've now read up on and is something that is built on every year.
This is the display last year. They certainly did build on it. I can't wait for next year.
All the Batman LEGO.
There's always Superman following Batman around.
Cue random Dalek. I'm not sure why he was there but it's great to have some costumed people around. The Disney Princesses had left before the session and there was no Batman or even Marvel characters this year! You'd think there would be considering Marvel LEGO superheroes was released not long ago.
Bond LEGO paint display was fun. Surprise extra spy. I see you, Rowan Atkinson!
Center stage with the only two big displays were the Sydney Opera House (pretty sure that was from last year) and the Golden Gate Bridge which was amazing and long. Scale and piece number.
Star Wars exhibits still there but not as much as last year. Still lots of great displays.
I really liked this Minias Tirith Lord of the Ring display. It needed more Orcs though, haha.
Kids were amazed by this giant Train and various building set that was set over a few large tables. It was massive and would be amazing to play in.
(( video soon))
We enjoyed the small Luna Park display. The rollercoaster wasn't working and we're not sure if it was suppose to but watch the Bumper cars at work in this video!The kids LEGO building tables were still there too. I feel there were less tables and there were no chairs free when we got there. Clearly a few people had stayed on from the last session time.
There were some of my shots that just didn't come out right because 1. I used my iPhone. 2. Bad lighting. 3. Blur and 4. Just sometimes not being able to say 'Excuse me' to people hovering around displays too long. I have to get a camera soon.
Merch was still as big as last year. Same posters, t-shirts, jewellery and sets you could get last year and more of the price. Minifig blind packs were $10 each! That's a bit of a jump. I wanted to get my son the new LEGO movie blind minifig packs but not for that price. The cheapest LEGO themed item you could get were earrings studs at $6 a pair or a LEGO book with figure for $5 that was pretty good value.
Proof that my kids didn't pay attention to the 'Do not touch' signs everywhere.
Sorry, Brickvention.
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