To Legoland or Not to Legoland (Should we stay or should we go?)

[redman96]

Taking the fam to Cali for 7 days at the end of March... (Me, wife & 2 boys 8 & 14).
5 days at Disneyland.

8YO REALLY REALLY wants to go to Legoland.
We fly from Ohio into LAX at 9am on a Saturday.

Should we just enjoy LA beaches/sites etc for a day or two OR - make the drive to Legoland.
Could stay one night at Legoland hotel ($500?!) and also enjoy a couple hours at the park Saturday & then most of the day Sunday (until 5pm-ish).

Questions/Thoughts/Concerns..
1) Do I need to do the theme park & water parks on separate days to really enjoy them both?
2) The water park can only be done as an add on to the theme park? Seems crazy? Worth it or just do the hotel pool?
3) Long, unshaded lines for busy time of year do not sound fun... Is it as bad as some of the trip reports make it sound?

Want to make the kid happy - but afraid this will add $1000 expense to the trip & not get us off to a fun start. PS - I AM an optimist.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I think you should go. It's a great place for the 8 y/o. The 14 y/o will may be bored to tears, but I still have fun there and I am 50.

As far as staying overnight, it depends on your budget. There are cheaper places to stay in Carlsbad. There's even a Motel 6 close to the park. The Legoland Hotel was built after my kids outgrew it, but if it was built while they were still young, I would have done at least one overnight. The park can be seen in one day. I wouldn't hesitate to drive down just for the day.

1. and 2.) No. The park is very small. The water park is small and made for very young children. I've never gone to the water park. The area and the water is generally very cold (to this local) at that time of year. I think of the whole area as a pee and poo pool area, based on the ages there. You have be in Legoland to access the entrance to the water park. That's why you have to buy a regular legoland ticket. You can possibly bypass the entrance so your 8 y/o doesn't see it and doesn't feel left out. However, if he sees a bunch of toddlers running around in swim diapers, he may not want to go to it anyway.

There is a water play area in Legoland and a pirate ship ride where you can get very wet by squirting people in another ship. You could easily spend lots of time in this area and never go to the water park, but feel like you did, lol. And you won't be sitting in toilet water.

3.) Hmm, I haven't had that experience. The only ride I've had a long wait for was the car roller coaster. It's like Goofy's Skyschool at DCA. To me, it's worth the wait for a first time visitor and especially with a 14 y/o.

My overall recommendation is to go. You could easily drive down for one day and drive back to Anaheim (if you don't want to switch hotels) at the end of the day. I have walked through the Legoland Hotel and highly recommend it for families with kids, but not sure I'd pay $500. for it. There are plenty of places to stay coming and going between Anaheim and Carlsbad, though. I don't know how much Grand Pacific Palisades would cost, but it has a walking path to Legoland and it has a nice family pool area. There are usually gorgeous sunsets from the property there. I own a timeshare there and think it's the best place for families to stay in the area. If money was no object, I'd stay one night at Legoland Hotel, though. The theming is outstanding.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

I agree with PP. The 8 year old will probably love it, the 14 year old will likely be bored. We've been several times (both my sons are under 10) and they really enjoyed it. I do think it's worth a trip, but I don't think it's necessary to stay overnight or do the waterpark. We've added it on as a day trip to Disney and it's a bit of a drive, but not too bad if you want to save the money on the hotel. Also, there are often free kids tickets available so be on the look out for that.

 

[endy]

Completely agree with both posters.
Legoland is beautiful. Don't miss the granny smith apples.
While it's been 7 years since we went, darn kids that grow up, it was one of my favorite parks.
If the 14 year old doesn't want to go then one parent could always go with him to the beach or the outlet mall. The mall is literally a couple of minutes away and Costco another minute. I think that at 14 they may think LL is for kids but I think he'll enjoy it.

As mentioned there are often kids get in free with adult purchase coupons that will only apply to younger children.

Anaheim is not that far that you drive after LL closes.
We always stayed in San Diego and it was 45 minutes each way. I think Anaheim is similar drive.

You could drive to Carlsbad the first day, enjoy the beaches along the way and spend day 2 at LL and drive to Anaheim after it closes and be ready for Disney the next day. LL opens later and closes pretty early.
There is a good whale watching company out of Dana Point, you could spend the afternoon doing that, stay in Carlsbad area overnight. In my cheap ways I could never imagine spending $500 night for a motel.

 

[ehrawn]

I think you should go. It's a great place for the 8 y/o. The 14 y/o will may be bored to tears, but I still have fun there and I am 50.

We took DD8 and DS6 for the first time earlier this month. They were the target age. There wasn't even too much that we as parents could enjoy with them. I'm not sure we will go again.

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

It's a great place for the 8 y/o. The 14 y/o will may be bored to tears

I also agree with this. It's up to you whether you think that it's worth it to go, knowing that your 8 y/o really wants to go (and I think will enjoy it), while the adults and the 14 y/o may or may not like it. I think Miniland is pretty cool to see though. It has lego versions of famous landmarks (Vegas, DC, San Francisco, etc). FWIW, to my 4.5 y/o and 3 y/o, Legoland is their favorite place in the world, but obviously different age range. We're going in November.

1) Do I need to do the theme park & water parks on separate days to really enjoy them both?

First I would double check to see if it's even open. The water park is closed in the winter, and Legoland itself is closed Tuesday/Wednesdays during non-peak seasons.

I've never been to the one in California (we've only gone in the winter so it's been closed), but I've been to the one in Florida. Looking at the attraction list they look very similar. I think you *could* spend a whole day at the water park if your family is in to that sort of thing, but I wouldn't say it's mandatory. I think 1/2 day at the water park should be plenty of time.

2) The water park can only be done as an add on to the theme park? Seems crazy? Worth it or just do the hotel pool?

Not sure about the add-on thing. My kids like the hotel pool since they put foam Lego bricks in it to play with.

3) Long, unshaded lines for busy time of year do not sound fun... Is it as bad as some of the trip reports make it sound?

Not sure how busy it is March. We have been in December twice, and there were minimal lines except for the Sky Cruiser (which oddly enough doesn't seem to exist anymore, I guess they took it down), but that probably wasn't a very busy time. The weather should be very nice in March though, you shouldn't be roasting in 100 degree heat (although anything is possible of course).

 

[beachdreamr1229]

Legoland will be great for your 8-year-old. Your 14-year-old might enjoy some of the more thrilling rides (though even they aren't that thrilling) or, if he enjoys lego building, there are some model workshops that are fun, but otherwise, it's kind of boring. After going multiple times this year, I can't stand it. I told my husband we need to take a couple of years before going back again. His brothers, who are in their early 20s, went with us once and were bored out of their minds the whole time. The hotel is amazing for kids under 12 and worth the money though. I believe you can get a AAA discount and some unions offer discounts so if you have connections, it might be worth looking at. Anyway, a breakfast buffet is included. You also have access to short lego movies by the pool, a dance party, a treasure hunt, and a few other things. My 6-year-old thinks it's the best hotel ever. We don't stay there often because of the price, but it is pretty fun if you're doing it as a once in a childhood trip.

As for other hotels in the area, we have stayed at 4 reasonably priced hotels. All of the hotels we've stayed at have free breakfast, which is nice. Our favorite was the Hyatt House, which is in an easy driving distance. We have also stayed at the Fairfield, which was kind of noisy as there were huge gaps under the doors, the Hampton Inn, which I think is fine for a 1 night stay, but not for longer trips, and the Homewood Suites, which I liked because you can have a door to separate the kids from the adults and a full kitchen.

1. In March, I don't think the water park is even open. It's not really worth the extra money anyway, at least for your older kid. He'll probably be bored. The younger one will enjoy it though. I think the park hopper pass isn't that much more than a regular pass though, so there's that. And, there's also a small but kind of cool aquarium you can check out. Also, you can almost always get a deal on tickets that either offers them at a discount or offers a free kid with each paid adult depending on what promo is going.

2. You cannot go to the water park without entering the regular park. I thought it was weird on our first trip, but we have annual passes this year and I've figured out that it's partially about crowd control and partially to make sure people are getting their money's worth. Honestly though, when we go, it's only about 2-3 hours worth of fun. The rest of the time we spend in the regular park. There are water play areas in the regular park, so my suggestion, especially in March, would be to just go for the main park unless you get a ticket deal for both. The pool at the hotel is a lot of fun by itself, too. I know coming from Ohio, it will probably feel warm to you, but in March, it's typically in the high 60s or low 70s, so at least for a southern California native, it can be a bit cold for the water.

3. The lines vary. The roller coasters all tend to have 30 minute-90 minute waits. The other rides, which are mostly not that thrilling, tend to come in at under 30 minutes with few exceptions (the Ninjago ride is still pretty popular and the one in the Adventure area where you shoot things).

Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip. Honestly, I'd pick legoland over visiting the city and beaches. There's plenty of beautiful beach area in Carlsbad (where Legoland is). And, the Los Angeles area really isn't all that remarkable unless you want to see palm trees and many different types of people. The only other recommendation I might have is to check out Universal Studios instead. Your 14-year-old might enjoy it more and you'd get to see the highlights of "Hollywood" while still enjoying a theme park.

 

[GatorChris]

I can't speak to your time of year, but when we went in November last year, it was cool and comfortable. I wouldn't worry much about the shade. Have you thought about maybe doing a night other than Friday or Saturday at Legoland Hotel? It's a lot cheaper Sun-Thurs.

Your 8yo will LOVE this park. Not sure about the 14yo. But the youngest will rave about it for a long time to come. We went to DL 27 day on our AP last year, but all my kids talk about is the day and half we spent at Legoland!!!

 

[redman96]

I think you should go. It's a great place for the 8 y/o. The 14 y/o will may be bored to tears, but I still have fun there and I am 50.

As far as staying overnight, it depends on your budget. There are cheaper places to stay in Carlsbad. There's even a Motel 6 close to the park. The Legoland Hotel was built after my kids outgrew it, but if it was built while they were still young, I would have done at least one overnight. The park can be seen in one day. I wouldn't hesitate to drive down just for the day.

1. and 2.) No. The park is very small. The water park is small and made for very young children. I've never gone to the water park. The area and the water is generally very cold (to this local) at that time of year. I think of the whole area as a pee and poo pool area, based on the ages there. You have be in Legoland to access the entrance to the water park. That's why you have to buy a regular legoland ticket. You can possibly bypass the entrance so your 8 y/o doesn't see it and doesn't feel left out. However, if he sees a bunch of toddlers running around in swim diapers, he may not want to go to it anyway.

There is a water play area in Legoland and a pirate ship ride where you can get very wet by squirting people in another ship. You could easily spend lots of time in this area and never go to the water park, but feel like you did, lol. And you won't be sitting in toilet water.

3.) Hmm, I haven't had that experience. The only ride I've had a long wait for was the car roller coaster. It's like Goofy's Skyschool at DCA. To me, it's worth the wait for a first time visitor and especially with a 14 y/o.

My overall recommendation is to go. You could easily drive down for one day and drive back to Anaheim (if you don't want to switch hotels) at the end of the day. I have walked through the Legoland Hotel and highly recommend it for families with kids, but not sure I'd pay $500. for it. There are plenty of places to stay coming and going between Anaheim and Carlsbad, though. I don't know how much Grand Pacific Palisades would cost, but it has a walking path to Legoland and it has a nice family pool area. There are usually gorgeous sunsets from the property there. I own a timeshare there and think it's the best place for families to stay in the area. If money was no object, I'd stay one night at Legoland Hotel, though. The theming is outstanding.

That's GREAT Advice. Truly appreciated!

 

[redman96]

I can't speak to your time of year, but when we went in November last year, it was cool and comfortable. I wouldn't worry much about the shade. Have you thought about maybe doing a night other than Friday or Saturday at Legoland Hotel? It's a lot cheaper Sun-Thurs.

Your 8yo will LOVE this park. Not sure about the 14yo. But the youngest will rave about it for a long time to come. We went to DL 27 day on our AP last year, but all my kids talk about is the day and half we spent at Legoland!!!

Good thoughts... I'll look at another date for sure!

 

[redman96]

Legoland will be great for your 8-year-old. Your 14-year-old might enjoy some of the more thrilling rides (though even they aren't that thrilling) or, if he enjoys lego building, there are some model workshops that are fun, but otherwise, it's kind of boring. After going multiple times this year, I can't stand it. I told my husband we need to take a couple of years before going back again. His brothers, who are in their early 20s, went with us once and were bored out of their minds the whole time. The hotel is amazing for kids under 12 and worth the money though. I believe you can get a AAA discount and some unions offer discounts so if you have connections, it might be worth looking at. Anyway, a breakfast buffet is included. You also have access to short lego movies by the pool, a dance party, a treasure hunt, and a few other things. My 6-year-old thinks it's the best hotel ever. We don't stay there often because of the price, but it is pretty fun if you're doing it as a once in a childhood trip.

As for other hotels in the area, we have stayed at 4 reasonably priced hotels. All of the hotels we've stayed at have free breakfast, which is nice. Our favorite was the Hyatt House, which is in an easy driving distance. We have also stayed at the Fairfield, which was kind of noisy as there were huge gaps under the doors, the Hampton Inn, which I think is fine for a 1 night stay, but not for longer trips, and the Homewood Suites, which I liked because you can have a door to separate the kids from the adults and a full kitchen.

1. In March, I don't think the water park is even open. It's not really worth the extra money anyway, at least for your older kid. He'll probably be bored. The younger one will enjoy it though. I think the park hopper pass isn't that much more than a regular pass though, so there's that. And, there's also a small but kind of cool aquarium you can check out. Also, you can almost always get a deal on tickets that either offers them at a discount or offers a free kid with each paid adult depending on what promo is going.

2. You cannot go to the water park without entering the regular park. I thought it was weird on our first trip, but we have annual passes this year and I've figured out that it's partially about crowd control and partially to make sure people are getting their money's worth. Honestly though, when we go, it's only about 2-3 hours worth of fun. The rest of the time we spend in the regular park. There are water play areas in the regular park, so my suggestion, especially in March, would be to just go for the main park unless you get a ticket deal for both. The pool at the hotel is a lot of fun by itself, too. I know coming from Ohio, it will probably feel warm to you, but in March, it's typically in the high 60s or low 70s, so at least for a southern California native, it can be a bit cold for the water.

3. The lines vary. The roller coasters all tend to have 30 minute-90 minute waits. The other rides, which are mostly not that thrilling, tend to come in at under 30 minutes with few exceptions (the Ninjago ride is still pretty popular and the one in the Adventure area where you shoot things).

Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip. Honestly, I'd pick legoland over visiting the city and beaches. There's plenty of beautiful beach area in Carlsbad (where Legoland is). And, the Los Angeles area really isn't all that remarkable unless you want to see palm trees and many different types of people. The only other recommendation I might have is to check out Universal Studios instead. Your 14-year-old might enjoy it more and you'd get to see the highlights of "Hollywood" while still enjoying a theme park.

A lot of great info. Appreciate the time you put into this.

 

[redman96]

I can't speak to your time of year, but when we went in November last year, it was cool and comfortable. I wouldn't worry much about the shade. Have you thought about maybe doing a night other than Friday or Saturday at Legoland Hotel? It's a lot cheaper Sun-Thurs.

Your 8yo will LOVE this park. Not sure about the 14yo. But the youngest will rave about it for a long time to come. We went to DL 27 day on our AP last year, but all my kids talk about is the day and half we spent at Legoland!!!

That's what I'm afraid of! Ha! Will look at other nights too!

 

[MacMama0930]

We wouldn't experience legoland without the hotel! It added a massive amount of enjoyment to our trips!! I believe it's worth every penny to stay on site there!

Your 14 yr old may get bored, though. We took my son and daughter (8 and 5) for the second time, and while they enjoyed, I kind of knew we probably wouldn't be back next year.

 

[bumbershoot]

My yoga teacher and friend took her 8 and 10 year old boys this summer, stayed at the Legoland hotel, and had a BLAST. They just had the most perfect time and are so happy they went. And she's not generally a theme park person, but the boys really wanted to go and she started saving ages ago for it so they can have the best trip.