Feedback on Nov. 2012 Legoland/SD trip?

[smiles33]

DH and I just decided minutes ago we'd take the girls to Legoland and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for the first time over the Veteran's Day weekend since DD1 also has a teacher inservice day the Friday beforehand. Now I've got to start researching!

Questions for wise DISBoarders (who were invaluable to me when I planned our last Sept. 2011 trip to DLR):

1) Has anyone gone in early November? Weather reports show typical range of 54-70, so it sounds mild to me. I assume we'll skip the water park "add-on" but it should still be fair weather.

2) Recs for hotels with suites or vacation rentals? My first priority is booking someplace to stay. I need to figure out where want to be, since we hope to go to both Legoland and the SD Zoo Safari Park. We also have friends in SD we'd like to see, but I figure we'd be willing to drive an hour or so to see them (I think they're close to Torrey Pines?). I see that the Sheraton Carlsbad next door is about $200/night for a 2 queen room. I've started searching and seen a few old threads referring to Homewood Suites ($125/night at the AAA rate before taxes for a 1 bedroom suite with 2 queens). I also found some vrbo rentals that look nice, including this one, ($245/night but what a cool playhouse for the kids) and this one at a more reasonable $139/night. We do like to cook so having a kitchen is an advantage but walking back and forth to Legoland is a nice option, too. FWIW, we stayed at the HoJo Anaheim and loved it, so I'm not looking for ultra luxurious options.

3) Are there any message boards to research Legoland? I went a bit overboard researching our DLR trip last year but really valued the great advice I got here re: hotels, scheduling, rides/FP system, etc. I don't see as many Legoland threads here....

4) DH is assuming we will drive (which will take about 6-7 hours or longer with several break/meal stops). We've never taken DDs on a plane, so I'm wondering if it might make sense to fly via Southwest Air (which doesn't have November dates yet but October flights are $200 each, so that's $800 right there). Flying would get us down there and save us nearly 2 days "wasted" on the road. WWYD?

6) Any other advice?

Thanks everyone!

 

[skiingfast]

1. When it's cold the water park isn't open. You may want to use a locker for the day because on a couple attraction you will get wet, or take turns riding, they also let you throw your back pack off on the side of the stations. You may be lucky, but it's cool on the coast and it will probably jeans and sweatshirt weather, not playing in the surf weather.

2. The Sheraton is great for being next to the park, but that is just for one day. It may be nice to have a hotel with a pool and hot tub to play in.

The cheaper house looked better. Sure no great back yard, but it's in a nieghborhood location. The more expsenisve hour is really a home inside a urban area.

3. No just this board. There is some good LL information if you look through threads. If you have questions someone will probably answer.

4. That is a tough one, you may want to drive and see something else along the way and use hotels. If you fly you will probably want a rental car, so consider that in the cost.

5. Maybe you should drive an see Cars Land on the way back?

 

[sonnyjane]

As ski said, the waterpark isn't open year round. It's typically only open during summer with a few weekend-only weeks in May or Sept, but will be closed in Nov.