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Tips for LEGOLAND California: It’s for Little Kids

tips for legoland california entrance

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

legoland california globe

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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.

new york city

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.

army statue

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.

LEGOLAND Hotel exterior

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.

mirage

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.

legoland california miniland

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.

legoland california star wars

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.

lego snakes

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.

legoland california miniland white building

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.

Zebra

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).

legoland california gift shop

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.

lego statues

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.

dragon

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.

octopus

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

Ninjago

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

legoland california roller coaster

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

mummy

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

what to do at legoland california dragon

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

pirates

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

ferry

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

legoland california power tower

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

dinosaur

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

emmet's flying adventure

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.

ninjago rings

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

slides

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

yak

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.

lego town

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.

submarine ride

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.

SEA LIFE Aquarium LEGOLAND California

21. Will LEGOLAND Require Masks?

As of the time of this update, masks are recommended but not required.

LEGO ferris wheel

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.

new york city

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.

mummy lego

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.

lego miniland town

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.

Mount Rushmore

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.

legoland ca resort hotel dragon

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.

luxor

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.

dragon

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

F. Motion sickness medication

G. Pain relievers

H. Ponchos

I. Jackets

J. Hats

K. Sunglasses

L. Tissue

M. Gum

N. Feminine hygiene products

O. BAND-AIDs

P. Noise canceling headphones

Q. Refillable water bottle

R. Baby stuff you need on a typical day

nyc lego statues legoland california

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.

Taj Mahal legoland california

31. Check the Special Events Calendar

The park offers special events throughout the year. Check the schedule at the time of your visit.

lego christmas tree

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.

Tips for LEGOLAND California Pin

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