What is at Legoland? My DH is a big lego fan. Is it worth it??

What is at Legoland? My DH is a big lego fan. Is it worth it??

While many folks say that LEGOLAND is for kids and pre-teens, if your DH is a big LEGO fan, then yes, stop in and check it out.

Things like the Coast Cruise, the Dragon and the Mini Land areas are great for kids of all ages....:fez:

For an adult Lego fan with no children under 10 they will definitely be interested in Miniland. Also the Lego work in general around the park. Some of the rides are enjoyable. We like the Storybook Cruise--gentle, relaxing and a chance to look again at some great Lego brick work. Other rides as Darkbeer mentioned and the 4D show.

Has anyone else noticed that Kevin Johnson is on "America's Got Talent"? My kids are just amazed when they see him on TV after they have seen him so many times in real life. Anybody know him and talk to him about his appearances?

To all who have been to Legoland:
Does the park take one or two days (mid-week summer)?

Thanks!

Easily done in one if you arrive at park opening.

Don't forget the "Build & Test" & surrounding area.

I easily lose my lego-maniacs in there for a couple hours!

I usually bring a book and enjoy people watching outside while my 3 kids (husband and 2 daughters) build and race multiple car model styles.

Then they are off to Mindstorm to play with the robot track. We have Mindstorm at home but not the track like they have.
Someone said this is now closed while they change over to the new Mindstorm models. (???) We'll see next week...

They might test out a new computer game in the Maniac Challenge.

Then they stop in at Bionicle building. They love to take pics of their designs to later e-mail to the boys in their life that love Legos.

By that time we are ready for lunch. We love the Sports Cafe. The kids enjoy the "all you can eat" kids buffett, and DH and I are happy to share Nachos. The sports cafe is a sit down restaraunt with waiters/waitresses. They also have a good size kids play area in the back.
We also like that they are always offering to refill our sodas before we head out for the rest of our day.

We just like that even at its busiest, Legoland is very low key.
It never feels "chaotic" to us.... which is why we avoid D-Land and CA during the summer and holidays. We have great memories of watching the fireworks on Christmas eve at Legoland in years past. Sure the rides aren't too thrilling after a while ... but it's like a BIG Playground to my kids. It also helps that it is dramatically cooler there than at home!

Glad to know we can do it in one day! (Saves money especially since I have the "kids free admission coupon!") Maybe we'll do Hurricane Harbor, Legoland AND Sea World now!!!! (Here's to dreaming!)

If anyone happens to be visiting LLC make sure to pass through the Fun Town attractions and look for a Model Citizen named Garet and say hi. My brother operates the rides in that area. :D

Glad to know we can do it in one day! (Saves money especially since I have the "kids free admission coupon!") Maybe we'll do Hurricane Harbor, Legoland AND Sea World now!!!! (Here's to dreaming!)
If you give the ages of your group I can give you a flexible itinerary to reduce wait times.

I would be interested in any "touring" advice! Will be spending the day with my nephew (8) at the end of August. Planning on going on a Thursday (Friday would be possible if that's better for any reason). We'll be walking over from Grand Pacific - so plan on being there early! He LOVES all things Lego! I think I'll just let him wear his bathing suit and a t shirt so he can spend some time in the water play area. TIA for any suggestions to make the most of our day!

BonK - Have you stayed at Grand Pacific before? We are staying there Sunday for a week. My kids LOVE the pool. It has great water features!

I didn't think the "walk in" was that easy - only because there is no cross walk when you come out the main entrance of GP and you are in an odd position because of the way the road goes. Just my little complaint and yes it's minor! *LOL*

Anyway, if you need any info on the amenities at GP, let me know. We aren't members... their maintenance fees are high... but we have a family member who trades in for us so we have stayed in the condo-side there quite a bit.

The Old Man: My DS is 5 and it's just him and I going. Thank you so much for any help and suggestions you can provide! :D
We are getting soooo excited!

For both H22kai & BonK:
My goal when going to Legoland (LL from now on) and DL is to have fun, do a lot, and not wait in line. While LL does not get the backups that DL does there are a few rides, that if not ridden near opening time, that will wind up with lines that make 45+ minute waits happen.

So Rule #1--be there at opening--usually 10am. Not at the ticket window, but in one of the turnstyle lines.

Kids will want to play in the new waterpark area. Wear the suit underneath, or bring with, with a towel and dry clothes. Now you may want to rent a locker, but if you do you'll have to walk all the way back to the front to get your stuff.

The following directions are made to avoid long waits. You will pass many rides that you and your child will want to ride--ignore for now and go back later.

When you enter go left. You will pass Safari Trek on your right. OK for the 5 year old, probably not for the 8 year old. Short ride with a very long wait later.

Ignore Dinosaurus and the Fairyboat ride. Keep going around the right through the Water Works area (play a little if you wish) until you get to the Sky Crusier. Ride now--because you'll be looking at 45 min. waits later. There is also the Kid's Power Towers which are fun.

Exit the way you came in and keep heading in the circular direction you were going. Go to Driving School--notice there is one under 6 years old one for 6 and up. Ride once or twice. Keeping heading around the park (you've been staying on the outside in a clockwise direction).

Arrive at Skipper School--ride once or twice.

Across the way is the new Pirate area. Ride Splash Battle once or twice. YOU WILL GET WET--do not carry your backpack on the ride. Save the water park area for later--there will be no wait (it's an open area), but it will be crowded.

Continue on your way and you will arive at the Royal Joust with the small roller coaster--the Dragon across the way. Ride once or twice. The hamburger place in the area isn't too bad (it seems like Burger King to me.)

Continue and on your right will be Knights’ Tournament. I feel this ride is a total waste of time unless you are 55" or taller. Then it's very good, but very short.

More walking brings you to Techno track--a wild mouse type ride that my 8 year old daughter loves. There is a 42" height requirement. Also near buy is the Bionacle blaster--a DL teacup type ride that spins faster than the now adjusted DL teacups. Ride also Aquazone racers.

There is a 4D show that just changed to Spellbreaker. Get a schedule at the front. I think that the original Racer show stills shows once a day--and it's better. When you enter the waiting area head down to the lower level for the best seats--sit in the center.

Check out Miniland and walk back toward the Pirates to play in the water park. Later pickup things like Dinosaurous, the Big Test show, Fairy book storyland (which I love), etc.

Do not follow this exactly--be flexible. Drink lots of water. Have fun!
David

David: Printed and packed! Thank you so much! I am glad we can get the most out of our day (and don't have to wait 45 min in the heat!) Thank you again for taking time out of your day to help us out!!! We'll give our report when we get back!
H

David - Thanks !!! I just printed this, also, and my nephew and I will get our map out this week and put your/our plan of attack together!!

Tricia92260- Oh, I am so happy to hear that you like the Grand Pacific - there seem to be a lot of negative reviews around on it - I thought the water play area looked perfect for my little 8 yo nephew. I booked a 'deluxe' room with kitchenette (in the regular hotel area) for 3 nights. I had read that the walk over could be difficult with little ones - do you think I'll have any trouble with just the two of us? Seemed a lot easier than getting into the car and driving over. We have been planning this trip for a long time and are sooo excited to be coming to CA (he spends all his summer days at my house, so I look at it as a looong 'day trip';) )!! My oldest nephew (31), who now lives in CA, will also be joining us at DL for 3 days - I can't wait to have the two of them together again!! I would love to hear how your trip goes, or any tips on the resort or legoland!:cool:

David - Thanks !!! I just printed this, also, and my nephew and I will get our map out this week and put your/our plan of attack together!!

Tricia92260- Oh, I am so happy to hear that you like the Grand Pacific - there seem to be a lot of negative reviews around on it - I thought the water play area looked perfect for my little 8 yo nephew. I booked a 'deluxe' room with kitchenette (in the regular hotel area) for 3 nights. I had read that the walk over could be difficult with little ones - do you think I'll have any trouble with just the two of us? Seemed a lot easier than getting into the car and driving over. We have been planning this trip for a long time and are sooo excited to be coming to CA (he spends all his summer days at my house, so I look at it as a looong 'day trip';) )!! My oldest nephew (31), who now lives in CA, will also be joining us at DL for 3 days - I can't wait to have the two of them together again!! I would love to hear how your trip goes, or any tips on the resort or legoland!:cool:
I think the GP is fine. By inlaws, brother in law, sister in law and three children ages 4 & twins 7 stayed there for a week and they were very happy. I do think the walk is a little long. You might consider getting the child a membership plus pass. This gives you free parking ($10 a pop)--25% discount at indoor food services (a trick here is that if you were buying a drink buy it from an indoor place instead of a cart and save), and a discount on Lego merchandise -which may or may not work out depending on what you buy.

You can decide on the pass when you enter and they will refund your parking fee. Adults should never get the plus pass--it's cheaper for the child and they will always be with you so you get the discounted parking. You need to be going for at least two days for this to pencil out.

David

I was at Legoland this past Weds the 19th and it was great! No real crowds at all!! Longest wait was 15 minutes for the helicopter ride. My son went on "Test-Track" like 4 or 5 times in a row, no wait there :) Have fun and yes, 1 day is good to do it all!! If kids are going bring a swimsuit or change of clothes as the new Pirate area gets kids soaked!! Sunscreen and a towel is smart too! Also I picked up a coupon at Rubio's for "buy an adult and get a child in for free" coupon. It was free...Pick-Up Sticks has them too (in CA)! With a group of 15 it saved us $$$$.

Sooo excited to be going!!!! :D :D :D A quick question about directions if anyone can help. Mapquest reccomends I take:
101 from Santa Barbara to
405 South to
73 South to
I-5 South

Is this okay? We won't be hitting rush hour... leaving Santa Barbara around noon... isn't it about three hours from S.B.?

Thanks in advance!!!!

Sooo excited to be going!!!! :D :D :D A quick question about directions if anyone can help. Mapquest reccomends I take:
101 from Santa Barbara to
405 South to
73 South to
I-5 South

Is this okay? We won't be hitting rush hour... leaving Santa Barbara around noon... isn't it about three hours from S.B.?

Thanks in advance!!!!

Um. That seems goofy to me.
I guess you might be able to save a few minutes by taking the toll road, but for the most part, I think that there is a carpool lane. I'd probably take 405 to 5 and just skip the 73. (Somebody correct me if this is a huge timeaver to take the 73). KFI 640 AM should have traffic reports and so should KNX 1070 AM.
Three hours sounds about right.

Um. That seems goofy to me.
I guess you might be able to save a few minutes by taking the toll road, but for the most part, I think that there is a carpool lane. I'd probably take 405 to 5 and just skip the 73. (Somebody correct me if this is a huge timeaver to take the 73). KFI 640 AM should have traffic reports and so should KNX 1070 AM.
Three hours sounds about right.
Thank you Addict!!! I just Mapquest-ed it without the 73 and it only added one minute to the estimated time... worth avoiding a toll for!!! And now... I AM OFF!!!! (Just got to shove all that junk/luggage in my car!)
Thanks everyone!!!

Thank you Addict!!! I just Mapquest-ed it without the 73 and it only added one minute to the estimated time... worth avoiding a toll for!!! And now... I AM OFF!!!! (Just got to shove all that junk/luggage in my car!)
Thanks everyone!!!
Keep in mind that one minute is without traffic. We always take the toll road when we can - we rather KNOW we will have great traffic then chance it with that part of the 5/405 that can get NASTY. The other day we were going north to LA from SD and my Mom had a 45 minute head start on us, she did not take the toll road and we did and by the time we got off the toll road we were 2 miles ahead of her.

We are at Legoland this week.

It was extremely crowded yesterday between 11 and 3.
We went for the main purpose of playing in the new pirates water area.
There are not enough benches in that area and absolutely NO shade.

It was very hot yesterday. It is much cooler and overcast today.

Just a warning if you are going on one of these HOT days we are having.

We are back from our LL trip!!! We were there on the 26 and 27. (Yes, we were supposed to go just one day but my son loved it so much he didn't want to go to Hurricane Harbor so we stayed an extra day.) Wednesday was way less crowded than Thursday. Also, the weather on Wednesday was much cooler (except in the morning.) It was our first trip and I really enjoyed it... my DS5 said he liked it more than Disneyland (sacrilegious and he will be punished :p )
The blocks themselves were very faded (at random) and ruined some of the effect of the statues/buildings/models etc.
Some things to note:
- Following David's plan saved us a LOT of time waiting in line in the hot/humid weather!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
- If you are going: your child must wear a suit... they will want to get wet.. and by wet I mean soaked. Also, adults (esp. women) should not wear white t-shirts... Splash Battle is so fun and you get SOAKED and many Mom's were putting on quite an indecent show.
- The age range for this park is more younger kid... I don't know how many years my son will find this park to be the "greatest place" he's ever been to. Even the rollercoasters are very low key. So go now while your children are young.
- They were having a "tent sale" while we were there. I don't know if it is typical but go there before shopping anywhere else. We went to Club Lego (?) first and bought Lego's by the pound. (Pause to mention: IT IS NOT HOW MANY LEGOS YOU CAN FIT IN A BAG.. which is what it looks like.. IT IS BY WEIGHT!!!) The tent sale, however, was how many Legos you could fit in a bag. The tent sale didn't have as great of a selection of Legos... but many of the Legos we bought were in there and we would have gotten a LOT more for our money.
-The kids buffet inside the Sports Cafe was the greatest thing for my son. They had all-you-can-eat chicken nuggets, hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, broccoli, fruit for $7.95. Normally this wouldn't be a good deal (and I rarely let him eat this type of food) but he was STARVING and ate more than I could have imagined. This would probably be good for older kids who eat more than the youn'ens.
-We stayed at Motel 6 in downtown Carlsbad and it was only a five minute drive to the park. The cost was $53.00 a night and was well worth it. The place was spotless and quiet. However, it lacked a microwave, refridge, and a pool. We went knowing this so we were not disappointed. If you choose to stay here I would advise bringing a back-up alarm clock since there is no clock in the room and the second day the wake up call was thirteen minutes late. (Luckily we were already up).

Okay... that's it for now! Thanks again to everyone who helped make this trip such a great experience!

We are back from our LL trip!!!
Some things to note:
- Following David's plan saved us a LOT of time waiting in line in the hot/humid weather!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
...The age range for this park is more younger kid... I don't know how many years my son will find this park to be the "greatest place" he's ever been to. Even the rollercoasters are very low key. So go now while your children are young...
- They were having a "tent sale" while we were there. I don't know if it is typical but go there before shopping anywhere else. We went to Club Lego (?) first and bought Lego's by the pound. (Pause to mention: IT IS NOT HOW MANY LEGOS YOU CAN FIT IN A BAG.. which is what it looks like.. IT IS BY WEIGHT!!!) The tent sale, however, was how many Legos you could fit in a bag. The tent sale didn't have as great of a selection of Legos... but many of the Legos we bought were in there and we would have gotten a LOT more for our money...

You're welcome!

Yes, the park is definitely for the younger set. I think the ideal range is 3 to 9. Children slightly older will still find things to do, but as they get older there's a chance of boredom--though something like Knight's Tournament is best for people over 55".

I actually like this age limitation (if you have a child in that range). It makes for a very pleasant park experience. My 8 year old--who rides every scary ride at DL--still likes Legoland's gentlest ride--The Storybook Ride. And my wife and I enjoy riding it with her. She also enjoys the cycling ride--the SkyCrusier--and there's not much to it. Off course she loves TechnoTrac and The Dragon.

The tent sale is not up every weekend, about half the time. It rotates stuff in and out so there is no saying what will be there on any given weekend. I've actually never seen them selling bricks by the bag. I don't think the bricks by the pound are a good deal unless you're looking for specific pieces or colors.

Glad you had a good time--also it's a good thing you didn't go to one of my favorite places--The Wild Animal Park--it was probably
110+ degrees out there!