Secret Tips for a Visit to LEGOLAND California! 🎢
LEGOLAND California is a fantastic theme park that offers exciting rides, shows, and attractions for visitors of all ages. Located in Carlsbad, California, this park is one of the most popular family-friendly destinations in the state. Whether you're a LEGO fan or just looking for a fun day out with your family, LEGOLAND California has plenty to offer. In this blog post, we'll be sharing some secret tips for LEGOLAND to help you make the most of your visit to this amazing theme park.
1. Get Early Access to the Park
If you want to beat the crowds and experience the park's most popular attractions with minimal waiting time, consider getting early access to the park. LEGOLAND California offers early entry to select areas of the park for guests who stay at one of the on-site hotels, including the LEGOLAND Hotel and the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel. By staying at one of these hotels, you can enter the park one hour before it opens to the general public. This gives you plenty of time to explore some of the park's most popular areas, such as LEGO NINJAGO World, before the crowds arrive.
2. Visit during the Off-Season
If you're looking to save money on your visit to LEGOLAND California and avoid the crowds, consider visiting the park during the off-season. The park tends to be less crowded during the fall and winter months, which means you can enjoy shorter wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, the park often offers discounts and special promotions during the off-season, so you can save money on your admission tickets and hotel stay.
3. Get a Discount on LEGOLAND Tickets
LEGOLAND California can be expensive, especially if you're visiting with a large family or group. However, there are a few ways to get a discount on LEGOLAND tickets. First, check the park's website for current promotions and discounts. LEGOLAND often offers special deals on tickets, especially during the off-season. You can also check with your local AAA office or other travel agencies to see if they offer discounted LEGOLAND tickets. Also, check websites like Getaway Today, or Tiqets to find discounted tickets. Finally, consider purchasing your tickets in advance online, as this can sometimes save you a few dollars per ticket.
4. Download the LEGOLAND App Before Your Visit
To make the most of your LEGOLAND California visit, be sure to download the LEGOLAND app before you arrive at the park. The app is available for free on both Android and iOS devices and offers a variety of useful features to help you navigate the park.
One of the most helpful features of the app is the interactive map, which allows you to explore the park and find your way around with ease. The app also provides real-time ride wait times, a height guide for rides, directions to attractions and facilities, and even a car finder to help you keep track of where you've parked.
The app also allows you to create a personalized itinerary for your visit, which can help you maximize your time in the park and ensure that you don't miss any of your must-do attractions. The app also provides information about special events, shows, and character meet and greets, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
5. Check the LEGOLAND Crowd Calendar Before You Visit
To ensure that you have a fun and stress-free experience at LEGOLAND California, it's important to plan your visit carefully and avoid peak crowds. One way to do this is to check the park's crowd calendar before you book your visit. The crowd calendar provides information on expected attendance levels for each day, which can help you choose the best time to visit.
6. Start at the Back of the Park
When you arrive at LEGOLAND California, it can be tempting to start your day at the front of the park and work your way towards the back. However, this can often result in longer wait times for popular rides and attractions. To avoid the crowds and make the most of your time, it's a good idea to start at the back of the park and work your way forward.
Lines for popular rides like Coastersaurus, and Fairy Tale Brook tend to be much shorter later in the day. By starting at the back, you can ride these attractions with minimal wait times and then work your way toward the front of the park as crowds start to build.
7. Plan Your Rides According to Age and Height Restrictions
Most of the rides and attractions at LEGOLAND California are geared toward kids ages 2 to 12, but if you have older kids or teens who crave more excitement, there are still some rides that may appeal to them. One such ride is the LEGO Technic Coaster, which twists, turns, and drops riders in a four-person car. However, it's important to note that the park's focus is on family-friendly fun, so thrill-seekers may find the overall experience to be on the mild side.
Before you visit the park, it's important to check the height restrictions for each ride, as many have minimum height requirements starting at 34 inches. Some rides also require an adult or older child to accompany younger children. You can find information about height restrictions and ride requirements on the park's website or by picking up a park map when you arrive. Even if your little ones aren't tall enough to ride some of the attractions, there are still plenty of other fun things to do in the park, from building with LEGO bricks to enjoying live shows and interactive exhibits.
8. Make the Most of the Rides with Little Kids
If you're visiting LEGOLAND California with little kids, it's important to plan your day carefully to ensure that everyone has a fun and stress-free experience. One way to do this is to use the Ride Swapping system, which allows one parent to wait with a child while the other rides the attraction, and then swap places without waiting in line again. This is especially helpful if your child doesn't meet the height requirements for certain rides or is simply not interested in thrill rides.
To use the Ride Swapping system, let the ride attendant know that you'd like to swap, and they'll give you a ticket that allows the second parent to ride without waiting in line again. This way, both parents can enjoy the ride, and the kids don't have to wait too long. Remember that not all rides offer Ride Swapping, so it's important to check before you get in line. Additionally, some rides have a limited number of tickets available, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and prioritize the rides that offer this service.
9. Swap or Trade Minifigs
One of the most fun and unique things to do at LEGOLAND California is to swap or trade minifigs with other guests or park employees. You can bring a minifig from home or purchase one from the park's retail shops to trade with others. The process is simple: find a Model Citizen with a Minifigure on their badge that you want to trade for, offer them one of your minifigs in exchange, and if they agree, you have a new addition to your collection.
There are also designated trading posts throughout the park where you can trade with other guests. Remember that LEGO Friends Minifigures cannot be traded, as they do not stick to employee brick badges. Additionally, it's a good idea to keep a list of the minifigures you want to trade for and to have them in a special bag or wallet for easy access.
10. Take Advantage of the Water Park
LEGOLAND California also has a fantastic water park that's included with your admission ticket. This park features a variety of water rides and attractions, including the Splash Zoo for younger children, the Build-A-Raft lazy river, and the Joker Soaker interactive play area. If you're visiting the park during the summer months, be sure to bring swimsuits and towels to cool off and enjoy the water park.
11. Where to Stay: LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
If you're visiting LEGOLAND California with kids who are obsessed with LEGO, you won't want to miss the chance to stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel. These themed hotels are located just steps from the park and offer a wide range of brick-tastic features and amenities that will delight young and old alike.
One of the biggest perks of staying at the LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is an early entry, which can help you beat the crowds and maximize your time in the park. The hotels also offer a range of themed rooms, including Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, and LEGO Friends themes.
Other features of the hotels include nightly kiddie entertainment, a huge breakfast buffet, a restaurant, a pool, and a scavenger hunt to look for clues to unlock a treasure chest in your room. While staying at the LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel can be a bit pricey, the experience is sure to be unforgettable for your mini-master builders.
12. Avoid the Wait with Reserve 'N' Ride
If you're looking to avoid long wait times for popular rides at LEGOLAND California, be sure to check out the Reserve 'N' Ride system. This system allows you to hold a spot in line for the park's most popular rides without waiting in the queue.
To set up a Reserve 'N' Ride, visit the LEGOLAND California website to learn more about the different options available. You'll be able to choose between Express, Deluxe, and Ultimate passes, depending on your needs and budget. Once you've purchased your pass, you can download the park's mobile app to take advantage of the Reserve 'N' Ride system.
With Reserve 'N' Ride, you'll be able to make the most of your time in the park by avoiding long wait times and enjoying more of your favorite rides and attractions. And with the ability to choose between different pass options, you can customize your experience to suit your specific needs and preferences.
13. Bring a Change of Clothes and Swimsuits
If you're planning to visit LEGOLAND California, it's always a good idea to pack a change of clothes and swimsuits for the whole family. Even if you don't plan to splash around at the water park, you never know when you might get wet on one of the park's many rides or attractions.
One area of the park that's especially wet is Pirate Shores, which features a variety of wet rides, a splash pad, and a play structure with mini waterslides and several dowsing features to cool off in when things heat up. To ensure that you're prepared for any water-based fun, be sure to bring swimsuits, towels, and extra clothes to keep in the car, just in case.
If you don't want to carry your gear with you, there are lockers located at Pirate Shores for a nominal fee, and for a quick dry, you can try one of the family dryers afterward. By being prepared for any water-based fun, you'll be able to make the most of your LEGOLAND California adventure and stay comfortable no matter what.
14. Don't Miss SEA LIFE Aquarium
If you haven't been to SEA LIFE Aquarium before, make sure to include it in your visit with a Park Hopper pass. Most of the exhibits are indoors, providing a great escape from the heat, except for the touch tanks. During your visit to the aquarium, you'll have the opportunity to see a variety of sea creatures up close, such as jellyfish, seahorses, eels, and even a Giant Pacific Octopus.
Kids can learn more about their favorite underwater animals during special Tank Talks or Feeding Times, and participate in an educational scavenger hunt to earn a special prize when they've found all the clues. Although it only takes about an hour to go through the whole aquarium, it's perfect for little ones with shorter attention spans.
15. Where to Eat
When visiting LEGOLAND California Resort, it's important to remember that outside food and drink are not allowed in the park. However, plenty of food options are available inside the park that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. From healthier options like Granny's Apple Fries to indulgent treats like Knights' Smokehouse BBQ, there is something for everyone.
If you're looking for affordable options, consider the Garden Restaurant for fresh and healthy meals or the Pick-a-Brick Cafe for quick bites like hot dogs and pretzels. The Fun Town Pizza and Pasta Buffet also offer unlimited pizza and pasta for a reasonable price, and kids will enjoy making their own pizzas with their favorite toppings.
LEGOLAND California is located at 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008. For more information about LEGOLAND California, visit LEGOLAND's official website.
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