Legoland CA additional $$$ ?

[StephinAZ]

What are additional expenses can we encounter at Legoland and the water park outside of food and souvenirs or store purchases? I have heard there are some additional costs like using a bucket and shovel at Dig those dinos. Is that correct, how much are they and are there any other expenses like that?

Other than ticket deals if you have any money saving tips they are appreciated.
TIA!

 

[rms123]

The whole place is filled with things that cost extra. Buckets, rock wall climbing, carnival games everywhere, panning for gold, smashed pennies, and on and on. Felt more like a fair than a park.

 

[laura&fam]

Thanks. I had no idea so I never even would have asked the question.

 

[endy]

You can get away without spending on the extras. There are many options and rides that are part of your admission. There's a short movie, build your own racers, mini land, there's so much to see and do.
I haven't been for a few years as my ds is now 18. I loved the landscaping, the flowers are beautiful.
We went many times only buying a snack.
You will see many opportunities to spend but if you go in prepared to say no you will be fine.
A few years we did give in to the portrait guy. They did a great job and made for a lifelong souviner. (Spelling bad). Then one year it was replaced with the cartoon drawing which while good wasn't as good as the portraits were.

The granny apples are to die for.

 

[HerbivoreMom]

What are additional expenses can we encounter at Legoland and the water park outside of food and souvenirs or store purchases? I have heard there are some additional costs like using a bucket and shovel at Dig those dinos. Is that correct, how much are they and are there any other expenses like that?

Other than ticket deals if you have any money saving tips they are appreciated.
TIA!

The first time we went to Legoland we didn't spend any extra money on anything other than food and souveniers. There were enough rides, shows, play areas, and things to do without extra money. Now that we have a Merlin Annual Pass we don't pay much extra either (that pass includes parking too).

The sand pit is no extra cost. Using a shovel, brush, and bucket to uncover the dino bones doesn't cost anything.

The water park costs extra unless you have a Merlin Annual Pass. There's a mini golf course that costs extra. And lots of carnival type games that cost extra.

If you go to the Legoland website and go to "rides and attractions" you can click on each section and it says what's in that section. Example, "castle hill" will list it like this:

Rides and Attractions
Enchanted Walk
Hideaways
Knights' Tournament
Royal Joust
The Dragon

Specialty Activities
King's Treasury
Wild Woods Golf

Shopping
King's Market

Dining
Castle Burgers
Castle Ice Cream
Granny's Apple Fries
Knights' Table Barbecue

The "Rides and Attractions" section is free. The "specialty activities" cost extra. There's a dollar sign next to it indicating extra cost.