Photo Credit: Krista. YourMoments iPhone app.

“Everything is awesome!

Everything is cool when you’re part of a team.

Everything is awesome, when we’re living our dream.”

— The Lego Movie Theme Song

LEGOLAND^® may be geared for families with children (or grandchildren) 2 to 12 years old, but that doesn’t mean grown-ups won’t have an enjoyable day at this theme park dedicated to all things LEGO^®. Our first trips to LEGOLAND^® California were with our grandson, but then my husband and I visited a few times, just the two of us, and had an awesome experience.

VISITING LEGOLAND^®

LEGOLAND^® California is located in Carlsbad, approximately 30 minutes north of San Diego, and features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions that fill the 128-acre site. It is a LEGO® Brick Lovers’ paradise with more than 22,000 LEGO^® models throughout the theme park created from more than 57 million LEGO^® bricks.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

• Check the official LEGOLAND^® website for operating hours. Schedules vary summer/winter.
• Decide if you’ll only visit the original LEGOLAND^® or if you also want to visit the SEA LIFE^® Aquarium.
• Buy tickets online to avoid the line (and save some money).
• Plan on at least 4 – 5 hours to see everything.

UNIQUE OFFERINGS ONLY AT LEGOLAND^® — NOT TO BE MISSED!

• MiniLand USA – This area features miniature models of Las Vegas; New York City; New England; New Orleans; San Francisco; Hollywood; and Washington, D.C. — all built out of LEGOs!
• MiniLand also has an entire section dedicated to Star Wars – including favorite movie scenes from Episodes I – VI and a Death Star.
• Granny’s Apple Fries – These are a LEGOLAND^® original and my all-time favorite “must eat” when I’m visiting! Apple Fries are Granny Smith apples, cut like fries, and dusted with cinnamon & sugar. They are served warm with a vanilla whipped cream dipping sauce.

Yes, they are delicious!!! Photo Credit: Krista. YourMoments iPhone app.

So now that we’ve covered the basics and the “must do and see” items, here are some of my other suggestions and tips for a “Grown-ups’ Guide” to LEGOLAND^® California:

RIDES & ATTRACTIONS (NEW: “Reserve n’ Ride” system)

• Knights’ Tournament ride [Castle Hill]
• The Dragon (simple roller coaster) [Castle Hill]
• Coast Cruise (additional MiniLand views) [MiniLand USA]
• LEGO^® TECHNIC^® Coaster [Imagination Zone]
• BIONICLE^® Blaster (spinning cups style ride) [Imagination Zone]
• Sky Cruiser (powered by pedaling) [Fun Town]
• Coastersaurus (simple roller coaster) [Explorer Island]
• Captain Cranky’s Challenge (rotating pirate ship ride) [Pirate Shores]
• Pirate Shores Area (seasonal & plan on getting wet) = Pirate Reef ride & Splash Battle ride

SHOWS & EVENTS (see Entertainment Guide)

• THE LEGO^® MOVIE Experience [Heartlake City]
• LEGO^® Show Place [Imagination Zone]
• Other Entertainment Locations throughout LEGOLAND^®

DINING

• Food Stands & Snacks:
  • Granny’s Apple Fries with vanilla dipping sauce [Castle Hill]
  • Castle Ice Cream [Castle Hill]
  • City Park Crêperie [Heartlake City]
  • Churros (assorted locations)
  • Hot Dogs, Burgers, Pizza, Sandwiches (assorted locations)
• Restaurants:
  • Pizza & Pasta Buffet [Imagination Zone]
  • Knights’ Smokehouse BBQ [Castle Hill]
  • Garden Restaurant [Pirate Shores]
  • Fun Town Market [Fun Town]
  • Wok ‘N’ Bowl Ramen [LEGO^® Friends Heartlake City]

SPECIALTY ATTRACTIONS

• Wild Woods Golf (miniature golf free with admission) [Castle Hill]
• MiniLand USA – Las Vegas; New York City; San Francisco; New Orleans; Hollywood (a.k.a. LEGOWOOD) & Southern California; Washington, D.C.; New England
• MiniLand – Star Wars Area
• MiniLand – Model Shop (view where some of the LEGO^® model magic happens)
• Xbox WB Games Demo Room / Family Game Space [Imagination Zone]
• Carnival Style Games [Pirate Shores; Land of Adventure; Castle Hill; Explorer Island]

ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS

• SEA LIFE^® Aquarium (separate ticket)
• VIP Experiences (see website for details)
• Reserve n’ Ride (see website for details)

On our most recent visit to LEGOLAND^® we ate lunch at the Garden Restaurant and ate dinner at the Pizza & Pasta Buffet. Both meals were delicious and a good value. We were especially impressed by the variety and freshness of the food at the Pizza & Pasta Buffet. The buffet includes pizza, pasta, breadsticks, salad, and non-alcoholic beverages at an “All You Care to Eat” price.

Throughout the year, LEGOLAND^® marks the seasons by offering different events. During October, the park is decorated for Halloween and there are “Brick-or-Treat” parties on Saturday evenings (special ticket required). In the past, during the winter months, the park has offered a snow play area. Be sure to check the official website for details when planning your visit.

Even though LEGOLAND^® is mainly designed as a theme park for families with young children, it can be a fun place to visit for grown-ups who are young at heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”