Tips for LEGOLAND California: It’s for Little Kids
A theme park centered around LEGOs should be a home run, but it just isn’t the reality here. Ticket prices are steep, updates are overdue, and customer service is lacking. Despite all of this, there are things you can do to improve your experience. What tips for LEGOLAND California do you need to maximize your visit?
What Tips for LEGOLAND California Do You Need to Plan Your Trip?
1. LEGOLAND California Location
2. Arrive Early
3. LEGOLAND California Parking Options
4. You Can Come and Go Throughout the Day
5. There is a Baby Care Center
6. You Can Trade Minifigures
7. You Might Be Able to Come Back if it Rains
8. There Are Lockers
9. You Can Charge Your Cell Phone
10. The Park Will Hold Your Souvenirs
11. You Can Rent a Stroller
12. There is a Front of the Line Pass
13. LEGOLAND California VIP Experiences
14. LEGOLAND California Rides
15. You Can Parent Swap to Ride the Rides Your Child Can’t
16. Don’t Miss the Play Areas
17. There Are Shows
18. LEGOLAND California Dining
19. Can I Bring Food to LEGOLAND California?
20. There Are Ways to Save on LEGOLAND California Tickets
21. LEGOLAND California COVID-19 Precautions
22. Avoid Busy Days
23. Check the LEGOLAND California Map
24. Make a LEGOLAND California Itinerary
25. The Park is Cashless
26. LEGOLAND California Reservations Are Required
27. Download the App
28. Characters Roam the Park
29. What Do You Need to Bring?
30. What Ages Are Good for LEGOLAND California?
31. Check Out the LEGOLAND California Events
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Tips for LEGOLAND California
1. Where is LEGOLAND California Located?
LEGOLAND California is located at One LEGOLAND Drive in Carlsbad. It is a little over an hour from LEGOLAND to Disneyland and less than an hour from LEGOLAND to San Diego.
The property consists of two hotels, one theme park, one water park, and an aquarium. You can reach everything within the resort on foot. No bus transportation is required.
2. Arrive Early
The park is best enjoyed first thing in the morning before the masses descend. Check the LEGOLAND California hours and arrive at least thirty minutes before opening.
Pro tip: LEGOLAND has been known to let guests in well before opening time when the park is only supposed to be accessible to on property guests.
3. LEGOLAND Parking
How much is LEGOLAND California parking? As of the time of this writing, parking starts at $25. Preferred parking is available, but unnecessary.
Pro LEGOLAND California tip: You can park free with some annual passes.
4. You Can Come and Go Throughout the Day
Food options at the park are not the best. You are allowed to leave and re-enter throughout the day if you want to eat elsewhere. There are plenty of good restaurants near LEGOLAND California.
Pro tip for going to LEGOLAND California: Make sure you get your hand stamped before you leave.
5. Baby Care Center
There is a baby care center in the Fun Town section of the park. The area has a changing area, rocking chair, microwave, and refrigerator.
6. LEGOLAND California Minifigure Trading
There are several stations throughout the park where you can trade Minifigures. You can bring your own from home, or, shocker, purchase them there.
7. Rainy Day Promise
LEGOLAND offers a Rainy Day promise. Generally speaking, if the attractions are closed for an extended period of time, the park will activate the promise and let guests return on a different date. This policy will not help you if there is only a little rain.
Check the website to determine if the date of your visit applies.
Pro tip: Check the LEGOLAND California weather to avoid this issue altogether.
Note: This promise does not apply to Reserve ‘N Ride passes.
8. Lockers Are Available
Lockers are available for $12 for a small locker and $16 for a family size locker as of the time of this update.
9. Cell Phone Charging Lockers
LEGOLAND offers cell phone charging lockers that can charge devices as large as tablets. They cost $3 for two hours.
Pro tip to visit LEGOLAND California: Don’t do this. Bring a portable cell phone charger.
10. LEGOLAND California Package Pickup
LEGOLAND lets you transfer your purchases to the park exit and pick them up on the way out. While this is undoubtedly convenient, it is also a stroke of pure marketing genius. Bravo, LEGOLAND.
Pro tip: Don’t buy LEGOs from LEGOLAND unless you really can’t find them elsewhere (highly unlikely).
11. LEGOLAND California Stroller Rentals
Strollers can be rented for $14 for a single or infant stroller and $17 for a double stroller. Wheelchairs and ECVs are also available. All are subject to availability. If you need to rent this to enjoy your day, arrive early.
12. LEGOLAND California Reserve and Ride
The best way to do LEGOLAND California is to avoid as many lines as possible. The park offers you this option at an extra charge.
Reserve ‘N Ride is the park’s front of the line pass. It allows you to enter a virtual line for a ride on the app. You don’t go to the ride until it is your turn, so you can do other things while you wait.
Is LEGOLAND Reserve and Ride worth it? That is a judgment call, but I think it is. If you’ll only be there once, I would seriously consider it.
Reserve ‘N Ride Options
As of the time of this writing, the options are:
Express
LEGOLAND California wait times reduced: 25%
Price: Starts at $35 per person
Deluxe
Wait times reduced: 50%
Price: Starts at $55 per person
Ultimate
Wait times reduced: 95%
Price: Starts at $100 per person
Pro tip: Don’t waste your money on the more expensive tiers. The Express pass does the job just fine.
Bonus pro tip: As soon as you enter the line and can reach an employee without being obnoxious, ask them to scan you into the ride. You may have to wait for a period of time in the queue. Once scanned, you can book your next ride.
13. LEGOLAND California VIP Experiences
VIP experiences are steep. Prices vary by the day, but they will cost you several hundred dollars per person. I seriously question the value of this purchase when you can buy Reserve ‘N Ride for a whole lot less.
These experiences include some perks, like an escort, admission to the park, and priority access to rides and attractions. They also include some fluff, like a lanyard and “interesting park and and LEGO model facts.”
If you’re ready to drop a bag of money, check the offerings at the time of your visit.
Note: You must reserve this experience.
14. Rides by LEGOLAND Zones
LEGO Ninjago World
LEGO Ninjago World is a cute, well themed area, that feels very different from the rest of the park. In addition to the ride, there are some small areas in which kids can play, and you can meet a NINJAGO character throughout the day.
LEGO Ninjago the Ride
LEGO Ninjago the Ride is a shooting game sans gun. Instead, you wildly wave your hand. I had a hard time understanding how to succeed, and I haven’t had braces in a long time. Putting that aside, it is definitely one of the best rides at the park.
LEGOLAND California height requirement: None, but guests under 48″ must be accompanied by someone age 14 and up that is at least 48″
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
LEGOLAND California Imagination Zone
Imagination Zone is a large section with play areas and restaurants. The theming isn’t that exciting, but it has good options for young children. You can meet LEGO officers and a star of The LEGO MOVIE in this section.
Bionicle Blaster
Bionicle Blaster is similar to the classic teacup ride, wherein your kids spin while you apply force to slow them down. Man, they really need to grease this thing, kids.
Height requirement: 42″ and at least four years old to ride with someone age 14 and older who is at least 48″, 48″ and at least six years old to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
LEGO Technic Coaster
LEGO Technic Coaster is a simple roller coaster with some easy twists and turns. Most kids will be able to handle it, but you may have a stiff neck at the end.
Height requirement: 42″ and at least four years old to ride with someone at least 14 years of age who is 48″, 48″ and at least six years old to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
Land of Adventure
Land of Adventure has an explorer, Indiana Jones vibe. It contains some of the better rides and attractions at the park.
Beetle Bounce
Beetle Bounce is a small ride that bounces children up and down on a bench 15 feet in the air. A similar ride can be found at other theme parks. It is always a hit.
Height requirement: 36″ with a maximum of 55″
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
Cargo Ace
Cargo Ace is a child’s ride with airplanes that fly in a circle. Your local carnival likely also has this ride.
Height requirement: None, but the child must be able to stand. Children under 36″ must be accompanied by someone age 14 and older who is at least 36″ tall.
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
Lost Kingdom Adventure
Lost Kingdom Adventure is one of the best LEGOLAND rides. It is another shooting ride, this time with actual guns, where you take out things like skeletons and mummies.
Height requirement: 30″ to ride with someone age 14 and up and over 48″, 48″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is like a visit to Medieval Times, except it has forks.
LEGO City: Deep Sea Adventure
LEGO City: Deep Sea Adventure is a submarine ride. You see real sea creatures and search for LEGO figurines.
Height requirement: None, but children under 52″ must be accompanied by someone 14 and over who is at least 52″
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
Royal Joust
Royal Joust is a slow moving ride where small children ride a (fake) horse around a track through a forest.
Height requirement: 36″, and only available for children ages four through 12 who are under 169 pounds
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
The LEGOLAND California Dragon Coaster
The Dragon is one of the best things to do at LEGOLAND California. It is a small roller coaster you board in a castle. A portion of the ride is slow moving through scenes with LEGO animatronics. The queue is more interesting than most and the line loads efficiently. It’s a win all around.
Height requirement: 40″ to ride with someone age 14 and up who is at least 48″, 48″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
Pirate’s Shores
Pirate’s Shores is a pirate themed area with water rides that you only want to visit on a warm day. Bring ponchos.
Captain Cranky’s Challenge
Captain Cranky’s Challenge is the stereotypical pirate ship that swings back and forth. It is not special. Avoid this one if you get nauseous easily (meaning you’re over age 25).
Height requirement: 34″ to ride with someone age 14 and over who is at least 42″, 42″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
Pirate Reef
Pirate Reef is a boat ride with a bunch of gratuitous water dumping on your head. Kids might like it if they don’t hate being wet, but your hair will not.
Height requirement: 36″ to ride with someone at least age 14 who is at least 42″, 42″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
Splash Battle
Splash Battle is a boat ride where you can shoot water at spectators and other boats. You will most definitely get soaked.
Height requirement: 36″ to ride with someone age 14 and over who is at least 44″, 44″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
LEGOLAND MINILAND USA
LEGOLAND California MINILAND USA has the most elaborate LEGO structures, as well as some of the shortest waits. This is a fun area through which to walk.
Pro tip: There is an augmented reality experience in this area that sends you on a scavenger hunt to find characters.
Coast Cruise
Coast Cruise is a slow moving boat ride during which you view the LEGO structures in MINILAND USA.
Height requirement: None, but guests under 48″ must be accompanied by someone age 14 and older who is 48″
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
Fun Town
Fun Town is a section almost exclusively for the enjoyment of small children. You have to climb some stairs to get there, and you will promptly pivot if you don’t need to appease a five year old. You can meet characters in this area among the chaos.
Driving School
Driving School is a section where kids can operate cars shaped like LEGOs. They are not on a rail, so the kids can drive freely throughout the area. The employees probably get run over 40 times per day.
Height requirement: None, but it is for ages six through 13
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
Fun Town Police and Fire Academy
Fun Town Police and Fire Academy requires kids to pump a lever up and down to move a fire truck. It is manual labor at its finest.
Height requirement: 34″ to ride with someone age 18 and over who is at least 48″, 48″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
Junior Driving School
Junior Driving School is driving school for preschoolers. Employee accidents are probably more like 60 times per day for this one.
Height requirement: None, but it is only for ages three through five
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
Kid Power Tower
Another good workout. Kid Power Tower seats a child and parent next to each other. You must pull on a rope to pull your chair to the top. This line moves slow at best.
Height requirement: 40″ to ride with someone age 14 and over who is at least 48″, 48″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
LEGOLAND Express
LEGOLAND Express is the smallest and slowest moving train of all time. It is perfect for a baby or toddler.
Height requirement: None, but riders under 36″ must be accompanied by someone over 36″
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
Skipper School
Skipper School consists of small boats shaped like LEGOs. You are not restricted to a specific track, so you can roam somewhat freely.
Height requirement: 34″ to ride with someone age 14 or over who is at least 48″, 48″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
Sky Patrol
Sky Patrol has slow moving helicopters that fly through the sky. The line is torture. It would move faster if your three year old ran it.
Height requirement: 34″ to ride with someone age 14 and over who is at least 48″, 48″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
Explorer Island
Explorer Island is largely dinosaur themed with a random fairy tale ride that is totally off theme thrown into the mix.
Coastersaurus
Coastersaurus is a tiny LEGOLAND roller coaster. You pass by LEGO dinosaurs. If not for the LEGO structures, the ride would be as exciting as Gigli.
Height requirement: 36″ to ride with someone age 18 and over who is at least 48″ tall, 48″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
Fairy Tale Brook
Fairy Tale Brook is a slow moving boat ride where you view LEGO scenes from various fairy tales. The ride loads slowly, making the line unpleasant.
Height requirement: None, but guests under 48″ must be accompanied by someone age 14 and over who is at least 48″
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
Safari Trek
In Safari Trek, kids spin a steering wheel around in ways that would kill us all if they were actually controlling the vehicle while viewing jungle LEGO animals.
Height requirement: 34″ to ride with someone age 18 and over who is at least 48″, 48″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
THE LEGO MOVIE World
The LEGO MOVIE World is a section with a lot of bright colors featuring some of the most popular rides, a play area, and Emmet’s Suite, a place to meet characters.
Emmet’s Flying Adventure Ride
Soarin’ Emmet’s Flying Adventure is highly reminiscent of a ride at EPCOT. You sit in seats that lift off of the ground and sway gently while a movie plays.
Pro tip: Because there is a movie involved, the ride can’t load very often. Watch the wait times and try to visit when it isn’t as busy.
Height requirement: 40″ to ride with someone ages 14 and up, 48″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
Queen Whatevra’s Carousel
Queen Watevra’s is a small carousel that isn’t special outside of the theming.
Height requirement: None
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: No
Unikitty’s Disco Drop
Unikitty’s Disco Drop is a small ride that shoots you up and down a pole in your seat. The line is a constant exercise in frustration.
Height requirement: 40″ to ride with someone age 14 and up, 48″ to ride alone
Reserve ‘N Ride accepted: Yes
15. LEGOLAND Has Parent Swap
This is unlikely to come up for you, but if you desperately want to ride something and your child is too short, LEGOLAND allows one parent to ride while the other waits with the child, then swap. Everyone must wait in line for the ride together to exercise this option.
Pro tip: If there is an older child in the equation, he or she can ride twice.
16. Don’t Miss the Play Areas
Pro tip: The play areas are often a scene from Lord of the Flies. If you see a bunch of giant kids, don’t send your toddler in unsupervised.
Bonus pro tip: Save play areas for the afternoon. Ride the popular rides in the morning to avoid long lines.
Pharaoh’s Revenge
Pharaoh’s Revenge is a play area where your child can shoot balls. It opens at 12:00 p.m.
Height requirement: None, but children under age 5 must be accompanied by an adult (which was going to happen anyway if you want your child to leave unscathed)
Location: Land of Adventure
Hideaways
Hideaways is a play structure. While the area isn’t overly special, it is a great place to burn energy.
Height requirement: None
Location: Castle Hill
Swabbie’s Deck
Swabbie’s Deck is a splash pad with water jets and cannons. Swim diapers are required for children under age four (no way they actually police this).
Height requirement: None
Location: Pirate’s Shore
Duplo Play Town
Duplo Play Town is a play area for small children where they can play without fear of being trampled.
Height requirement: None
Location: Fun Town
Dig Those Dinos
Dig Those Dinos is more exciting than it sounds. It is a small sandbox. Those aren’t real dinosaur bones. Move on.
Height requirement: None
Location: Explorer Island
Adventurer’s Club
Adventurer’s Club is a walk through attraction where you see different areas of the world, LEGO style. Areas include the Arctic, ancient Egypt, and the Amazon Rain Forest. The structures are impressive, there is no wait, and everyone can enjoy it. You will be in and out quickly. Like two minutes.
Height requirement: None
Location: Fun Town
Benny’s Playship
Benny’s Playship is a rocket shaped play area that is certain to cause you undue stress. It is vertically shaped, making it difficult to see your children when they are toward the top, and it is crawling with children all of the time.
Height requirement: None
Location: The LEGO MOVIE World
Build Whatevra You Wa-Na Build
This is a play area with bins of LEGOs. Not much else to report.
Height requirement: None
Location: The LEGO MOVIE World
Coast Guard Build-A-Boat
Coast Guard is a LEGO building section featuring water features where you can sail the boats you make.
Height requirement: None
Location: MINILAND USA
Cole’s Rock Climb
Cole’s Rock Climb is a small rock climbing area where even the youngest of children can play. Harnesses are not required.
Height requirement: None
Location: LEGO Ninjago World
Jay’s Lightning Drill
Jay’s Lightning Drill is a small play area with buttons to push, so it is a guaranteed win.
Height requirement: None
Location: LEGO Ninjago World
Kai’s Spinners
Kai’s Spinners are poles on which children can stand and spin. You can find something similar at your local park, minus the atmosphere.
Height requirement: None
Location: LEGO Ninjago World
LEGO City Space
LEGO City Space is an area where you can build space themed LEGO structures and test rockets.
Height requirement: None
Location: Imagination Zone
LEGO Dots Build Your Art Gallery
The Art Gallery lets you play with LEGO DOTS.
Height requirement: None
Location: Imagination Zone
LEGO Factory Tour
The LEGO Factory Tour is a walk through experience that shows you how a LEGO brick is made with an opportunity to buy a souvenir at the end.
Height requirement: None
Location: Fun Town
LEGO Ferrari Build & Race
LEGO Ferrari lets you build cars and race them. You will likely find a similar experience at your local LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Height requirement: None
Location: Imagination Zone
Rebuild the World
Rebuild the World is a planet themed LEGO building area.
Height requirement: None
Location: Fun Town
The LEGO MOVIE 2 Experience
The LEGO MOVIE 2 Experience is a walk through LEGOLAND California attraction where you can view models featured in the movie.
Height requirement: None
Location: Imagination Zone
Dune Raiders
Dune Raiders is a set of large adjoining slides, often found at a county fair. It is only available after 12:00 p.m.
Height Requirement: 36″
Location: Land of Adventure
17. There Are Shows
Pro tip: The movies are loud. If this will bother your child, bring noise canceling headphones.
Bonus pro tip: Save shows for the afternoon when ride lines are long and the sun is hot.
LEGO CITY 4D – Officer in Pursuit
Officer in Pursuit is a 4D movie with water, wind, and bubble effects. I have yet to follow the plot of a single LEGO short, but it is sure to entertain your children for the 12 minute show.
Location: Imagination Zone
LEGO Ninjago – Master of the 4th Dimension
Master of the 4th Dimension is a loud, 4D movie with special effects about ninja training.
Location: Imagination Zone
The LEGOLAND California LEGO MOVIE 4D: A New Adventure
A New Adventure is a 4D movie wherein characters from The LEGO MOVIE visit a new theme park.
Location: Imagination Zone
LEGO Friends Beach Mission
Beach Mission is a live stage show starring a bunch of girls at a beach house. You’ve been warned.
Location: Fun Town
LEGO Mythica 4D: Journey to Mythica
Journey to Mythica is a 4D movie that takes you through enchanted forests and hidden caves. You can see the same characters in MINILAND if you do the scavenger hunt.
Location: Imagination Zone
18. LEGOLAND California Restaurants
Dining at LEGOLAND California is mediocre at best. The food is OK, but the stupid expensive prices cancel out any hint of quality. People lose their minds over the Apple Fries. Again, eh.
Does LEGOLAND California serve alcohol? Yes! Check out Knights’ Smokehouse BBQ.
Pro tip: There is a chart that tells guests with dietary restrictions where they will find options.
Bonus pro tip: Fun Town’s Urban Kitchen has a steak sandwich on gluten free bread. Triple check that you in fact received it. It took three tries (yes, really, three) for me.
19. LEGOLAND California Food Policy
Can I bring water and snacks into LEGOLAND California?
Generally, outside food is not allowed. You can, however, bring in water, small snacks, and items required for medical, religious, and specific dietary needs.
20. There Are Ways to Save on Tickets to LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND discount tickets are not hard to find. Do not pay full price. You will almost always get a cheaper ticket if you purchase it online before you arrive. Keep in mind the tickets are not refundable.
Pro tip: You do not need to print your tickets. Scan them from your phone.
Bonus pro tip: Children under age three are free.
A. Direct Purchase Deals for LEGOLAND California
Tickets to LEGOLAND California Parks
You can purchase tickets to LEGOLAND California only, or add the SEA LIFE Aquarium and water park. Ticket prices vary by the day. Single day and multi-day options are usually available. Check for specials at the time of your visit.
Note: You must purchase tickets for LEGOLAND California for a specific day.
LEGOLAND California Hotel Packages
LEGOLAND California Resort packages are pricey, but come with some perks that may make the stay worth it for you. If nothing else, your blood pressure will go up a few points which makes for some excitement.
Packages often include a two day park hopper ticket that gets you into the theme park, water park, and aquarium. Check the offerings at the time of your visit.
Pro tip: Guests of on property LEGOLAND California Resort hotels officially get into the park 30 minutes before the general public. Employees have been known to let the general public in early, so this benefit isn’t as attractive as it is at other parks.
LEGOLAND Annual Passes
Planning to visit multiple times? An annual pass may make sense for you. Do the math at the time of your visit.
LEGOLAND California Military Discounts
The park offers discounts for active duty and retired military personnel.
LEGOLAND for Teachers
LEGOLAND California sometimes runs a promotion that allows teachers to get in for free. Ask about availability at the time of your visit.
B. LEGOLAND California Third Party Bookings
LEGOLAND Tickets Only
You may be able to find LEGOLAND California deals on discount sites like Undercover Tourist, Viator, or Tiqets.
Hotel Stays
Discounted room rates may be available on sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, and Tripadvisor.
Multi-Attraction Passes
If you are visiting multiple tourist attractions, packages on Get Your Guide, Go City, or CityPASS may make financial sense for you.
Groupon
You can sometimes find LEGOLAND California Resort deals on Groupon. They are not available year round. Shop around to make sure this is the best option.
AAA
As of the time of this writing, AAA members get a five percent discount.
C. Use Miles and Points for Hotel Packages
Miles and points are a great way to get deals on LEGOLAND Hotel California. You can earn several hundred dollars worth of points with a single signup bonus. Check the current offerings when you apply.
Capital One Venture
The Capital One Venture line of credit cards allow you to erase travel purchases from your statement. You can book your LEGOLAND California vacation package directly with this credit card, then erase it from your statement.
Citi ThankYou Points
You can book deals for LEGOLAND California in the Citi ThankYou portal. You can earn ThankYou points from multiple Citi cards.
21. Will LEGOLAND Require Masks?
As of the time of this update, masks are recommended but not required.
22. When is the Best Time to Go to LEGOLAND California?
LEGOLAND California is miserable on a crowded day. Lines move like molasses. Efficient ride loading is not on the radar of anyone at this park.
What is the busiest day at LEGOLAND? Is school closed today? If so, it will be busy. Weekdays are better than weekends. When school is in session, the park will be less crowded.
Check Is It Packed for crowd calendar predictions. If you have the luxury of choice, visit on a less busy day.
Pro tip: Tuesdays through Thursdays are better than Mondays and Fridays. Some people pull their kids from school for one day to make the trip a long weekend.
23. Check the LEGOLAND California Resort Map
Familiarize yourself with the map before your visit. This will help you navigate the park and ensure you don’t miss your priorities.
24. How to Visit LEGOLAND California
Can you do LEGOLAND California in one day? You absolutely can. A good touring plan is key. The ideal plan for your family will depend upon what is most important to you.
Generally speaking, you want to arrive early and head to some of the more popular attractions in the morning. Emmet’s Flying Adventure, Coastersaurus, Safari Trek, and LEGO Ninjago the Ride tend to have the longest lines throughout the day.
Save shows, play areas, and MINILAND for the afternoon. If you plan to visit the aquarium, save that for the afternoon as well.
Pro tip: The back of the park will be less crowded than the front first thing in the morning. Don’t get distracted by the shiny lines in the front. Come back to those later.
Bonus pro tip: Rides for older kids are more to the right of the park, while rides for younger kids are more to the left. Consider the ages of your kids when making your plan.
25. The Park is Cashless
One of the best tips for LEGOLAND California is to ensure you can feed yourself when you arrive. The park does not accept cash.
This policy is better for you anyway. You should use credit cards for every purchase to accumulate points and miles. Just make sure you don’t leave the plastic at home.
26. Does LEGOLAND California Require Reservations?
Reservations are required to enter the park. If you purchased a ticket directly from LEGOLAND California, you’re good to go. If you purchased it from a third party, you are not. Be sure to make your reservation.
27. Download the App
The LEGOLAND California app is mandatory. It provides wait times, shows times, and an interactive map. If you purchase Reserve ‘N Ride, you need the app to use it. Don’t forget to download it before your trip.
Pro tip for visiting LEGOLAND California: The app will drain your cell phone battery. Bring a portable charger.
28. Characters Roam the Park
LEGO characters meet guests throughout the day. You will see them roaming with a handler, but you will usually need to get in line to meet them.
29. What to Bring to LEGOLAND California
Pro tip: Check out our free guide on what to pack for LEGOLAND California.
Don’t go crazy with your day bag. If you don’t have a stroller that acts as a rolling suitcase, you don’t want to carry a bunch of stuff. With that said, don’t forget:
A. Theme park tickets
B. Methods of payment
C. Identification
D. Cell phone and portable cell phone charger
E. Sunscreen
H. Ponchos
I. Jackets
J. Hats
K. Sunglasses
L. Tissue
M. Gum
O. BAND-AIDs
R. Baby stuff you need on a typical day
30. Leave the Teens at Home
What is the best age for LEGOLAND? If your child’s age has the word “teen” in it, it’s not for them.
LEGOLAND caters to kids ages three through 12. It doesn’t have any major headliners that offer a thrilling experience for older kids.
31. Check the Special Events Calendar
The park offers special events throughout the year. Check the schedule at the time of your visit.
Final Thoughts – Tips for LEGOLAND California Theme Park
The park has a lot going for it, but it has a lot of work to do. It is definitely geared toward young children. Use the tips for LEGOLAND California that work for you to save and maximize your day with them. They will only be young once.
You made some really good points on your post. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting.
Hi, thank you for sharing your visit to Legoland. I think Legos are great!
Hi, thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge of Legoland.
How sweet. I have always wanted to visit lego land! I love how you broke down all of the attractions.
This is such a great review thanks for sharing