OT: legoland?

[kcromley]

could i ask whether it's good to combine a disney trip with legoland? i'll have a six and nine year old with me, and i'm concerned legoland might be a bit young, or tame, after disney. any thoughts? and any advice on whether it is better to go to san diego zoo or wild animal park? thanks in advance for any hints!

 

[DizneyMommy]

They are the perfect age for Leogland. There are a lot of height restrictions that keep younger kids from riding most of the rides, but their age group is the target market. It is very hands on, lots of things to touch and see, they will have a blast!
Briang extra clothes though, there are lots of get wet things to do.

 

[silence]

i took my kids to lego land when they were 3 and 8. they LOVED it. we went on a weekday in the spring, we had no lines and there were very light crowds. it was so nice for my 3 y/o to get down and just run everywhere we went and not have mommy and daddy freaking out, afraid we would lose her in the crowds.

my 8 y/o was/is very small for his age, but he was able to do most rides on his own, without a parent which was really nice for him.

we had a great time here and i recommend people go at least once if they have a chance.

 

[DL4my2kids]

DL first and then off to Legoland for 2 days. My kids are 6 and 3. We have never been to Legoland but I hear it is great and I am really looking forward to it.

 

[drag n' fly]

Have no fear my kids are 13,11 and 4 and all three WANT to go to Legoland..!!!

 

[Califgirl]

I have a couple of coupons that are good for a free child admission with a paid adult admission. I believe they are good till the end of the year. PM me if you'd like one.

 

[DangerMouse]

Not meaning to hi-jack the thread, but does anyone have any hotel recommendations near Legoland? I need something cheap but clean.

 

[NannyPooh]

We were just down there a couple of weeks ago - we had 2 boys, age7, a boy10 and a boy11 with us, and all had a great time!
It takes a little under/over an hour from DL to get to Carlsbad, and traffic wasn't bad at all - it was on a Sunday. We also drove to San Diego on a Thursday, and traffic was awful!
There are things in Legoland for all children's ages, so I don't think 6 and 9 are too old - there are several roller coasters both both little kids and older kids. My boys' favorite is the Bionicle ride, which is like the Teacups! They also loved the Hideaway, which is a giant wooden play structure in Knight's Kingdom. My favorite part of the park was the boat ride, and walking around, Miniland USA - it's amazing!
The main store at Legoland is great, and shipping prices are VERY reasonable! Saved us from carrying boxes home!
There are also lots of great photo opportunities around the park.
I think that the park is expensive, but it is fun to see at least once. We have been twice in the last couple of years, and probably won't go back for a couple more!
We also went to San Diego Zoo last year (along with the first trip to Legoland!). I absolutely love that Zoo, but my boys were bored stiff! After the bus ride around the park, they were ready to leave! It is a huge zoo, with lots of hills, and the little one got REALLY tired quickly! We do go to the zoo in Seattle quite often, so it may have just been *more of the same* to them! It is, by far, though, one of the best Zoos in the world!
Regarding hotels: you might check out Expedia.com, and do a hotel search for Carlsbad - there should be a whole list of places, along with reader's reviews, photos, prices, etc.

 

[abookworm]

Another vote to go! Our first trip to DL we did 2 days DL, 1 day legoland and the last say DL again. It was a great combo since my 5yr old found many of the rides too scary for her at DL but she went on everything at legoland and loved the Technic Roller coaster.
I honestly think we would have done better to do legoland 2 days and DL 2 days.
Legoland is great for such a broad range of ages and much better for younger kids (5 and younger) than DL IMO just because it's more hands-on and more rides for the younger ones. And less crowds!
As an adult I really loved it too, it was more relaxing than DL.

 

[Grandma Debby]

I agree that Legoland is great It is perfect for kids 3 - 12 or 13 and there are a lot of family activities - fire truck race, kid power tower & sky coaster and kid only activities - driving the Volvo cars It is not as crowded as Disneyland and the teenagers aren't there hanging around My granddaughter went at 7 years and then this year (she's 9 now) we took her 3 year old sister and they both had a super time The zoo is wonderful and so is Sea World - lots to do and see so enjoy southern California

 

[DangerMouse]

Another quick LegoLand question:

It seems like there are a lot of activities involving water. How do you do this? Do most people bring a change of clothes? Swim suits?

 

[DisneyMomma81]

During our trip in March of 06 DS and I went to LegoLand ~ easy drive from the Disneyland area. DS loved it ~ I preferred Disneyland but I'd love to take DS again someday.

 

[darph nader]

Will Legoland be around next May? I've heard 'rumors' that it may be gone soon.
We're taking the G-Kid to SD and DL,with a side trip to LL.Maybe.

 

[jemilah]

We went in July and had a blast! My boys are 8 and 10 ..the 10 year old thought he was too big to go there and he ended up having a great time. Yes if you are going when it is hot take a change of clothes at least for the little ones. My 8 year old said it is the second happiest place on earth .....only DL can beat it! You should have a great time. It was quite busy in July , I can't forsee it closing , many new rides too! If you stay in Carlsbad , I suggest the West Inn and suites #1 on trip avisor and one of the friendliest and comfortable hotels I have ever stayed in! let me know if you have more questions.

 

[DangerMouse]

We went in July and had a blast! My boys are 8 and 10 ..the 10 year old thought he was too big to go there and he ended up having a great time. Yes if you are going when it is hot take a change of clothes at least for the little ones. My 8 year old said it is the second happiest place on earth .....only DL can beat it! You should have a great time. It was quite busy in July , I can't forsee it closing , many new rides too! If you stay in Carlsbad , I suggest the West Inn and suites #1 on trip avisor and one of the friendliest and comfortable hotels I have ever stayed in! let me know if you have more questions.

I wish I could afford the West Inn -- it looks lovely, but at $200 a night, I think we'll have to stick with something more affordable (we're considering the Ramada).

 

[jemilah]

Shop that rate it seems too high i paid 169 a night in July , should be hi season, also the breakfast is huge take that into consideration of price. Any way Carlsbad is so pretty I would be happy almost anywhere there. My kids and DH thought San Diego was better and they loved it in Carlsbad , room rates in SD are through the roof now.

 

[DizneyMommy]

Don't know where the closing rumors came from, they just built a whole new "land" and invested tons of money in upgrades.

As for the water attractions, definitely take a change of clothes and hit them all at the same time, then change and do the dry rides. Just like at DL, you are supposed to have shirts, shorts and shoes on at all times, though they do not enforce this nearly as strictly as DL does.