My husband and I were recently in Carlsbad, CA and decided to make an afternoon at Legoland California. I am SO glad we made a day here because we honestly had a blast. From the unique and impressive Lego sculptures to incredible food it was an afternoon to remember.

Did you know there are more than 30,000 LEGO® models throughout LEGOLAND® California Resort created out of more than 60 million LEGO bricks? These models range from a Brontosaurus named Bronte (made of more than 2 million LEGO bricks) to a tiny rabbit in a magician’s hat in Miniland Las Vegas made of just four bricks.

What’s super cool about Legoland is that there is something fun for everyone. They offer more than 60 interactive rides, shows, and attractions, as well as restaurants, shopping and beautiful landscape features specifically geared for families with children ages 2 to 12. There is even a section on their app “What To Do When You’re Two” which highlights everything you can do with your toddler! We will for sure be back once Addyson is two or so, and I can see this being a theme park our family visits annually.

If you are in the Los Angeles/San Diego area and traveling with kids, you HAVE to stop here. Today I am sharing with you everything you need to know when planning your next trip. From top rides, places to eat, unique experiences and insider info on Legoland’s Sea Life Aquarium.

Also, if you visit Legoland after reading this please tag @PickingDaisiesBlog on Instagram for a chance to be featured!! I would love to see your trip photos!

PARK INFORMATION

Everywhere you turn you are running into a new themed land with dozens of things to do! We explored eight different lands that were all incredibly unique and offered so many rides, activities, and places to eat. You can find some quick information on each of the lands below!

Land of Adventure

Adventurers of all ages explore hidden tombs and hunt for treasure in this thrilling block of attractions set in 1920s Egypt – featuring 75 LEGO models created with nearly half a million bricks.

RIDES:

• Dune Raiders – A slide adventure featuring six side-by-side nearly 50-foot-long racing lanes and a pair of double helix corkscrews in a themed Egyptian bizarre.
• Lost Kingdom Adventure – LEGOLAND California’s only dark ride invites guests to fire laser blasters at targets and brave the rugged Egyptian landscape in all-terrain roadsters while attempting to unearth the vast treasures of a forgotten empire.
• Beetle Bounce – Launch 15-feet up toward intricate, brightly jeweled LEGO scarab beetles perched atop two monumental obelisks.
• Cargo Ace – Young pilots soar through the sky on a fun flying adventure.

Explorer Island

Historic-looking ferns and bamboo filled with “living” life-sized and scale model dinosaurs are scattered throughout the land along with fairy tale fun!

RIDES:

• Coastersaurus – This junior coaster reaches speeds of nearly 20 miles per hour as it climbs, curves and dips in and around a prehistoric jungle of animated and life-sized LEGO dinosaurs.
•  Fairy Tale Brook – An enchanting boat ride featuring LEGO models of many favorite childhood Grimm fairytale characters.
• Safari Trek – Guests venture into the wilds of Africa to see life-sized giraffes, zebras, lions and more –all made of LEGO bricks.

LEGO Friends Heartlake City

Based on the lives of five girls from the popular LEGO Friends toy line: Emma,
Mia, Stephanie, Andrea and Olivia share their interests with guests throughout the new land.

RIDES:

• Mia’s Riding Camp – Using three different speeds and 62 horses and jeeps, guests can learn to walk, trot and gallop on the new carousel.
• LEGO® MOVIE EXPERIENCE- Exclusively at LEGOLAND® California Resort! Experience a behind-the-scenes look at a real movie set at THE LEGO® MOVIE EXPERIENCE! Step onto a LEGO soundstage, see actual movie footage and explore some of the awesome LEGO models which helped inspire the new and completely original 3D animated adventure.
• LEGOLAND Express – All aboard for a pint-sized adventure on this colorful locomotive.

Fun Town

LEGOLAND California’s own kid-sized town square where creativity and imagination are abound.

RIDES:

• Police and Fire Academy — One of the most popular rides in the Park, it’s interactive family fun as families pile into either a fire truck or police vehicle to put out fires and stop robbers. It’s a fun competition and an attraction where children can truly be heroes!
• Driving School – A “real-life” driving experience for children ages 6 through 13, where kids receive their official LEGOLAND driver license.
• Skipper School – Young adventurers learn boating skills as they navigate through the “Skipper’s” watery course.
• Sky Patrol – Pint-sized pilots maneuver their own LEGO helicopter.
• Flight Squadron – Young aviators “fly” their own biplane.

Pirate Shores

Avast me hearties, embark on a pirate adventure at Pirate Shores, featuring rides and attractions all based on water play. This pirate-themed area features more than 150 LEGO® models sure to delight guests of all ages. Bring your buccaneers and bathing suits and prepare for fun…if ye dare!

THINGS TO DO:

• Pirate Reef – Guests can battle each other on the high seas as they blast water cannons, try to avoid getting drenched on the main bridge and plunge 25-feet down a chute that splashes through the battle between Captain Red Brick and Captain Blue Brick. The splash bridge, water cannons, and brick building play area are the three main interactive components of this new attraction which will be the first to be accessible not only through Pirate Shores within LEGOLAND California but also via LEGOLAND Water Park.
• Splash Battle – Guests set sail on the high-seas in pirate ships equipped with water cannons to spray other vessels and landlubbers on this watery-ride! Riders taking this voyage are guaranteed to get wet as they sail through twists, turns and magnificent scenes including an amazing sail-through skull.
• Soak-N-Sail – Featuring hundreds of gallons of water coursing through more than 60 interactive features, this shipwrecked pirate play area features a 38-foot- tall mast and a giant bucket poised to pour more than 300 gallons of water on eager guests.
• Captain Cranky’s Challenge – Daring guests test their seaworthiness as they sway back and forth on a pirate ship that sits on a “U-shaped” track and rotates in two directions.

Castle Hill

Hear ye, hear ye! This area of LEGOLAND takes kids back to medieval times where spells are cast and many knights, damsels and dragons are found.

RIDES:

• Knights’ Tournament – Six robotic arms thrill guests with an experience like no other. Guests choose the intensity level of each ride on this unique robo-coaster.
• The Dragon – An indoor/outdoor steel roller coaster that features a spirited and humorous view of life behind the scenes within the enchanted LEGOLAND Castle upon the hilltop.
• The Royal Joust – Kids ride LEGO-themed horses through a number of medieval scenes where they encounter other riders in a simulated joust.
• Wild Woods Golf – Families can experience golf on a LEGOLAND scale! Guests encounter LEGO sculptures of woodland creatures as they challenge themselves in this miniature golf adventure.

Miniland USA

This eye-catching area is the heart of the Park featuring more than 24 million LEGO bricks! Miniland presents stunning reproductions of American landmarks built with remarkable detail from seven different geographical areas of the country.

THINGS TO DO:

• Take your family to a galaxy far, far away at the LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland model display! Experience scenes from the six live-action Star Wars™ movies, plus one from the animated series Star Wars: THE CLONE WARS™ – all made of 1.5 million LEGO
  bricks. Interactive features, life-size LEGO models, and more than 2,000 LEGO models delight guests young and old. Scenes include Tatooine where Luke Skywalker grew up; Endor; the icy planet Hoth and the Millennium Falcon.
• Las Vegas features the world-famous Strip including the Luxor Las Vegas, New York, New York Hotel and Casino, Excalibur, Mirage, Treasure Island, Tropicana, MGM Grand, Venetian, Stratosphere tower and two iconic structures of Paris Las Vegas, the balloon sign and Eiffel Tower. “The Strip” at LEGOLAND also features a miniature wedding chapel, monorails and real-life sounds recorded in Las Vegas. The architectural landmark is built out of more than two-million bricks and represents more than sixteen-thousand hours of creative artistry.
• Washington, D.C. sports faithful recreations of the White House, Capitol Building, Smithsonian, Washington, and Jefferson Monuments and parts of Georgetown. An animated marching band parades in front of the Capitol as a new president is sworn in. Tiny cherry trees blossom every spring.
• Every day is Mardi Gras in New Orleans as garish floats snake through the streets, revelers raise their arms demanding trinkets and ‘gators snooze in bayous next to antebellum mansions.
• New York features the original concept for the Freedom Tower at the far end of the city skyline Tiny jets of water shoot up in the fountain in Rockefeller Plaza, while an army of animated yellow taxicabs prowls the streets of Times Square. The Statue of Liberty, a cutaway view of Grand Central Station, The Empire State Building, The Guggenheim Museum and the Bronx Zoo are just a few of the recognizable
  landmarks.
• From San Diego surfer dudes to the Hollywood Bowl to San Francisco’s Chinatown and the Golden Gate Bridge, The California Coastline captures the state’s beauty and diversity. Look closely and you will see Big Foot walking through the redwoods outside the Victorian Village of Ferndale.
• Block of Fame – A collection of busts including Abraham Lincoln, Elvis Presley, William Shakespeare, Ludwig Van Beethoven and Marilyn Monroe flank the path leading up to a scenic lookout point along with many other luminaries through the centuries, depicted in LEGO bricks.
• Coast Cruise – This grand tour is an ideal vantage point for guests of all ages to enjoy the sights and adventures along the lakeshore and in Miniland.

Imagination Zone

This zone emphasizes exploring and creation while showcasing seven of the most visually exciting LEGOmodels in the world, including a replica of Albert Einstein’s head.

THINGS TO DO:

• LEGO Show Place – “LEGO Legends of Chima” – is brought to life in an exclusive 4D movie experience. The 12 minute animated 4D film, complete with high-impact special effects, will immerse audiences in the fantastical LEGO world of Chima where tribes of animal warriors compete in epic battles for “CHI” – a mystical energy source of limitless power and destruction.
• LEGO Show Place – “A Clutch Powers 4-D Adventure” – Meet Clutch Powers, the best builder and explorer in the LEGO universe. In this 10-minute show, the creative world of LEGO comes to life with amazing 3-D effects combined with rain, wind and a giant LEGO monster for an action packed 4-D adventure running daily in the LEGO Show Place.
• LEGO TECHNIC®
  Test Track – Brave guests feel the power of acceleration, braking and maneuverability
  as they race a life-sized LEGO TECHNIC vehicle along a wild roller coaster track. This coaster is the fastest ride at LEGOLAND, topping speeds of 26 mph with a five-story drop.
• AQUAZONE® Wave Racers – The first dual water carousel ride in North America. Riders zip in and out of waves as they dodge water blasters.
• BIONICLE™ Blaster – An interactive spinning ride that puts guests in the middle of the action. The more they spin the wheel in the center of the car, the wilder the ride.

PLACES TO EAT

So we are MAJOR #foodies. And where’s the best place to get yummy and unique food?! That’s right- amusement parks!

We started our afternoon at CITY PARK CRÊPERIE which is located at LEGO® FRIENDS HEARTLAKE CITY across from the Storybook Cruise! My husband got the Nutella Crepe and I got the Sugar Crepe. Both were freaking delicious and had us seriously contemplating going back for seconds.

We then had a later lunch at Wok N Bowl Ramen which outshined some ramen restaurants in LA we have been too. It was seriously SO GOOD with fresh ingredients and handmade noodles.

Walking around Legoland, we saw there were so many healthy, fresh, and hand made options available. It really surprised us to see how much care they put into their restaurants to be able to deliver something for everyone.

We were only the park for an afternoon so we didn’t get to try too many places which we were pretty bummed about.

But you can check out all their dining options before you go here. 

SEA LIFE AQUARIUM

My husband and I try to visit an aquarium everywhere we go. So far we have visited aquarium’s in Denver, Seattle, Chicago, Florida, and various places throughout California. So when we found out that we could upgrade our Legoland ticket for $25 and get entrance to their Sea Life Aquarium we were stoked!

We spent a good two hours in the Aquarium and caught all the shows (which I highly recommend sticking around for).

What we also loved about Sea Life Aquarium is their conservation program. They run various projects to protect our ocean life.

Such as breeding programs for creatures as diverse as rays, jellies, and seahorses. In fact, they’re part of the largest seahorse breeding network in the world! They also work around the world to rescue and release injured and sick creatures including seals, turtles, and porpoises.

We felt so good knowing our visit was doing so much more than just looking at beautiful sea animals. It was great knowing our purchase helped them in their conservation projects. When you’re visiting aquarium’s, I always suggest checking out the ethics beforehand. Are they working to help and save marine life? Or are they trapping and harming these beautiful creatures?

Sea Life Aquarium is definitely working hard to keep our oceans clean and our marine life safe.

PLACES TO STAY

Legoland has two INCREDIBLE hotels located literally at the entrance of the park. All you have to do is take 5 steps out of your hotel and you are at the front gates. The hotels are on theme with the park and is every kids dream place to stay! We got to tour both hotels and I honestly can’t say one is better than the other. I think when deciding at which one to stay just take into account your child’s preferences. Do they love castles, medieval times, and dragons?! Or do they love the vibrant fun colors and sculptures of Legos and don’t care about one specific theme?

Either way, you can’t go wrong and both hotels will make for a stay to remember. You will be sad once you have to go home!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

PARKING:

• Cars: $25
• Campers/RVs: $35
• Motorcycles: $25
• Preferred Parking: $35
  Re-entry is available with valid parking stub during same day of visit. Buses and bicycles are free. Handicapped parking spaces are available near the park entrance, with valid placard. Six L2 car-charging stations are available on a first-come, first served basis.

GENERAL INFO:

• Download the mobile app for an interactive map, ride wait times and height requirements.
• Book a VIP Experience to get front of line passes, a special guide for the day and more.
• Upgrade to our all-new Reserve ‘N’ Ride Electronic Ride Reservation System with more than 14 of our top rides available to choose from.
• Skip long lines by arriving before noon and starting in the back of the Park. Skip Safari Trek, Coastersaurus, Fairy Tale Brook and come back to those rides around 3pm.
• Strollers can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis at The Marketplace in The Beginning. You can also bring your own.
  Single strollers: $14.00/Double strollers: $17.00/Infant strollers: $14.00
• Enter the Water Park before 11am or after 3pm to avoid long entry line.
• Parent Swap is for parents who have kids that meet and don’t meet the minimum height restriction, so both parents can enjoy the experience. All members of the party are required to wait in line together. When you reach the front, let the ride operator know of your intention, so that he/she can accommodate you. When the first ride is over, the parents may then switch places and the other parent can then ride with the older child.
• For the safety and comfort of all of our Guests, smoking is only allowed at designated smoking areas. Smoking areas are located outside The Beginning of the Park in the ticket plaza area and the Model Shop roof.
• Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV)* can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis at The Marketplace and in The Beginning. Reservations are not available. You can also bring your own.
  Wheelchair: $15.00// Electric Convenience Vehicle with Canopy & USB Charge Outlet: $50.00

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

• Food or beverages (water, small snacks and items required for medical, religious or specific dietary purposes are permitted)
• Coolers larger than 6-pack size (coolers no larger than 12” x 10” are permitted)
• No glass containers (baby food containers are permitted)
• Luggage, rolling backpacks or similar items with wheels
• Segways, roller blades, scooters, hover boards, wheeled shoes and skateboards
• Folding chairs

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And that wraps up our trip at Legoland and everything you need to know when planning your next trip! Don’t forget to tag @Pickingdaisiesblog in your Legoland pictures for a chance to be featured on Instagram!

Happy and safe travels to you all!

Mariah