A fantasy environment built largely of those little colored plastic blocks from Denmark. Many rides and attractions are targeted to elementary schoolers: a junior ‘driving school’, a jungle cruise lined with Lego animals, wacky ‘sky cruiser’ pedal cars on a track, and fairytale, princess, pirate, adventurer and dino-themed escapades. If you have budding scientists (age 10 and over) with you, sign them up on arrival at the park for an appointment for Mindstorms , where they can make computerized Lego robots. There are also lots of low-thrill activities like face-painting and princess-meeting.
The whole family will probably get a kick out of Miniland , recreating the skylines of New York, Washington, DC, San Francisco and Las Vegas entirely of Lego blocks, alongside many world monuments. New York’s 25ft Freedom Tower (to replace the World Trade Center) was built according to the real winning design, years before the actual building will be complete. Adjacent are amazing Star Wars models.
Compared with some of the bigger, flashier theme parks such as Disneyland and SeaWorld, Legoland is rather low-key and far less commercial – though there are plenty of opportunities to buy Lego. At least it sparks creativity.
One could easily spend an entire day at Legoland (not least because of long lines to get into some of the more popular attractions); a second day of admission costs $20. Just adjacent are the Sea Life Aquarium (in which real sea creatures swim among Lego creations) and Legoland Water Park . A new Chima Water Park , themed after the Cartoon Network's Legends of Chima collaboration with Lego, was set to open as we went to press, with rides and waterways evoking the characters.
There are many ways to visit Legoland parks, each at a different price point. The most expensive two-day ‘Resort Hopper’ combination ticket (adult/child $127/117) gives two-day admission for all three main attractions. Check the website and tourist kiosks for other discount opportunities, extended summer peak hours and occasional closures September to May.
From I-5, take the Legoland/Cannon Rd exit and follow the signage. Parking is $15. By public transit, take the Coaster commuter train to Carlsbad Village Station; from here bus 321 operated by North County Transit District stops at the park.
