A last-minute trip to LEGOLAND Deutschland is always a good idea, which is why we jumped at the opportunity to spend a weekend enjoying the theme park with our friends for a spontaneous birthday celebration. We knew we wanted to stay on-site to soak up the full experience, but after perusing available accommodations online, we realized the amazing adventure-themed hotel rooms and cottages we’d had our eyes on weren’t in our price range. So, we decided to look outside the box. We found an adorable, wine-barrel-shaped alternative that satisfied both our budget and our child-like wishes.

LEGOLAND’s camping barrels are a fantastic, cozy alternative to sleeping in a tent — without the hefty price tag attached to the facilities that offer more amenities. The rows of small, round houses look like they belong in The Shire. I half-expected to run into a hobbit on my way to the community bathroom facilities. Each one is decked out in a wilderness or pirate theme and comes with two small beds, a larger loft, a tiny front porch and an outdoor eating area. It was still chilly when we arrived in late April, so we were grateful to learn the cabins are also heated.

The barrels are bigger than they look on the outside — but not by much. When we opened the door, we weren’t sure we would be able to share the space with our luggage. Just when we thought we might have to make a Lego-like tower out of our suitcases on the porch, we discovered a tiny door beneath the stairs to the loft area, which opened to reveal a small storage area.

Once we felt settled, we set out to explore the campgrounds. LEGOLAND Holiday Village (Feriendorf) is its own small community. Little ones have a blast traveling between the 18 (yes, 18!) playgrounds while older kids enjoy the lakeside high ropes course, miniature golf greens and bowling lanes. When it’s time for dinner, you can choose from one of three restaurants, including a buffet-style dining facility, an a la carte café and a steak house. There is even a Legoland gift shop, just in case you want to pick up any last-minute souvenirs.

Our camping barrel was perfect for our family of four. Both boys stretched out single beds, and my husband and I shared the comfy loft. Whispering back and forth to each other in the dark made us feel like kids again.

In the morning, we enjoyed a breakfast buffet at one of the restaurants and made the short walk to the theme park by way of a paved path through the woods. The price of an overnight stay at the holiday village includes park admission fees, which meant we didn’t have to wait in line to purchase tickets at the gate.

If you’re researching where to stay during your upcoming family trip to LEGOLAND Deutschland, I highly recommend reserving a camping barrel. You’ll spend less than you would on a hotel room, you’ll have a more unique and memorable experience … and your kids just might think you’re the coolest parents ever. Visit www.legoland.de/en to view current specials, make a reservation and plan your trip.

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