If you are planning a trip to LEGOLAND, here are some things we learned and I want to pass along.
We went over President’s Day weekend. Sunday was crazy busy. And we’d never been in the park, so although we’d checked out a map and had the app (definitely have this) before going, we were still the blind leading the blind. That said, we feel if you are there on a “regular” day, you should be able to get everything done in 1 day. Yet hours are 10-5 or 10-6, so watch their calendar. I’m used to Disney, and these shorter hours blew me away. Ideally, allow for a day and a half.
Let’s talk tickets for a sec. We actually went through Costco and got the Go City San Diego pass. It allows you entrance to multiple popular city destinations within a given time frame (we had 2 days) for 1 price. We had originally thought we’d do LEGOLAND 1 day and maybe the zoo the next, so this card saved us a bunch. We decided to do a second day at LEGOLAND, and ended up saving even more as it’s entrance fee is pretty much more than anything else eligible. If you think you’ll go 2 times in a year- the annual park pass from LEGOLAND itself for $150/person is the way to go. It will more than pay for itself. It’s a steal actually. If you stay at one of their hotels, you also get entrance perks, I believe. We have a bazillion hotel points from Brandon traveling for work, so we always use those.
Also, there is a Reserve & Ride option. Starts at $35/ticket. This only decreases your wait time by like 25%. Then it goes up to $75/ticket for like a 50% decrease in wait time, and then up to like $100/ticket for around a 90% decrease. We did not feel any of this was worth it. But, it’s available, so knock yourself out.
Ok, back to it. Ash is six and Mags is 3. Mags couldn’t do a lot of the faster rides, but there was still plenty for her to do. All height requirements are on the app and website. There is even a sand area and multiple play areas for littles; even up to age 6 or 7.
If you go on a “green” day (mostly weekends and holidays) on their calendar, Explorer Island and Duplo Play are open at 9:30am. The rest of the park opens at 10. You could easily spend 30 minutes in either one of these areas. The Duplo Play area does have a ride for older kids called Kidpower Tower that Ash and Brandon loved while Maggie played and did a small (like really small) train ride. And Coastersaurus and Safari Trek all will have lines at about 60 minutes for the rest of the day. So if you want to do either one of these things, go there first.
If you have a little bit older kids and some speed is more your thing, but don’t count on serious roller coaster speed mom & dad or you’ll be disappointed, The Dragon coaster, the Technic coaster, and the Ninjago ride all have 60+ minute lines for most of the day. So if one of these is your goal, it’s even worth being right at the blocked off entrance area at 9:30 waiting to get in for when 10am hits; then run. Seriously, run to whichever one you want. Because a lot of others will be doing the same. Check height requirements online. Most are 40 or 42 inches.
Once do you your must do, long line rides, the app is great for ride times. The app also has dining and restroom info. It even will GPS guide you while walking. Super handy if you’re a newbie. And your kids have to pee; now.
The app also has show and event times. Check these early in the day to gauge your time. Or you might have a sad boy or girl who missed something he or she wanted to do. Two things we did were the Lego Ninjago 4D movie (it’s only 30 minutes) and Ninja Training. The movie was fun for the kids as it wasn’t too long and was 3D- they’d never done 3D before. (Ok, it’s technically 4D because water mists out at one point.) The Ninja Training was also like 30 minutes and everyone got a ribbon and a chance to take a picture with Lloyd. My kid loves costumed characters, so this was a highlight.
Take time to go through MiniLand. These LEGO cities are done amazingly well. You can marvel at them and thank the Lord your kid didn’t ask you to help put something like that together. Best to do MiniLand while people are needing down time. Another good thing for a rest time is the Coastal Cruise. Kind of equate it to the Storybook Land canal boats in Disney.
Also take time for Driving School, or Junior Driving School (starts at age 3). They all get to drive by him/herself in a small Lego looking car. Then they can get a printed Driver’s License- for only a fee of a years wages. Kidding. But plan on spending theme park pricing for any extras.
One great thing is that many rides have LEGO play areas in the middle of the line. So, kids can play – and you can see them- while the adults wait in line. Also, there are 2 “family” restrooms at each bathroom area. I found this very convenient.
LEGOLAND is very stroller friendly. If you have a black common looking stroller, just have some colorful ribbon or identifier. We brought our sit and stand and even though Ash is 6.5 I’m soooooo glad we had it. While LEGOLAND has multiple lands, it’s not nearly as spread out as Disney. So while it might not be as imperative that you accomplish everything in one land before moving on to the next, you’ll do plenty of walking and a stroller just helps all the way around, unless your kids are all a bit older. Even still, it’s a great place to stash stuff.
Food. Food is pretty standard. If you have allergies, I’d say to bring all you might need. I saw signs about allergies at a few places, but most say they couldn’t guarantee anything. Disheartening, I know. We brought a lot of snacks. You can even bring a smaller cooler. Dimensions allowed are on the site. We liked the Knight’s Smokehouse BBQ (large potions, and they serve alcohol, should you need some) and the Garden Deli and Cafe is great for more “real” food. I also had a good rice bowl at Spicy Rice Bowls. (Super clever name.) Everywhere has a kid’s meal and they usually come with a main dish, side, fruit, and Honest Juice drink, for around $10 total.
Hope these ideas and tips were helpful!
Embrace Life
