LEGOLAND: More than an Amusement Park!
Carlsbad, CA

by Tammie Thompson

A box with thousands of LEGOs still sits under my son's desk. He'll get them out once in a while - build a car or plane, and then away they go again. It's a bit of a contrast to all those years of constant LEGO action. Back then he would build a tower and then "CRASH". Giggles and he would do it again and again. Jake was only one when he got his first DUPLOs. We had the basic guys in the basic cars, moved up to water action, with submarines and pirates, then on to the Technics, with all those tiny moving parts. We haven't quite made it to the battery-powered stuff - but we just might after our trip to LEGOLAND.

LEGOLAND, amid the flower fields east of Carlsbad, CA, is like an oasis of LEGO pieces. LEGO guys greet you at the gate amid giant LEGO structures. It's only when you look close that you notice all the LEGO pieces that make up the giant structures. "Hey Mom, these are real!" Yup, LEGOLAND (for the most part) is constructed of LEGO pieces. Gazillions of them.

We wandered the park, and what I noticed first was the pace of the kids. Less frantic, more awed, and definitely more interested in participating in exhibits and rides than other "amusement" parks. In fact, LEGOLAND is not an amusement park at all. It's an interactive journey that you take with your children through LEGO inspired games, exhibits and rides.

I could have wandered the gorgeously landscaped paths through LEGO villages and structures for most of the day. We hit a few rides, watched a few performances, were glued to the LEGO cities, and stopped for a healthy lunch. Lunch tables and umbrellas were close to LEGO building blackboards so the kids could build and us "grown ups" could actually enjoy our salads. I was impressed with the food selection: usual burgers and hot dogs for the kids (affordable kids' meal prices), plus salad bar, fruit and other attractive selections.

The crowds picked up in the afternoon with the lines at the rides getting longer. We hit the roller coasters (Spellbreaker, The Dragon, and the new Technic Coaster) again and again. They are designed for kids - and even my five-year-old felt proud to have survived her first coaster experience. "Let's do that again!" With the temperatures increasing, the kids loved the Water Works and Aquazone Wave Racers (plan on getting wet!). A highlight for the little ones was a trip to Driving School, where they got their own driver's licenses and were able to drive their own electric LEGO car around an intricate roadway. "Signs?" "What signs?"

Tired, but still moving, we saved the Imagination Zone for last. Giant LEGO worktables attracted kids of all ages. Test tracks, tables, and building centers had kids and parents inventing vehicles, structures and more. For older kids, the Technic Center offered specific plans for LEGO creations, with prizes for incentives. Once again the interactive atmosphere of LEGOLAND struck me. The kids were into it. Parents were playing with their kids. The place was casual - no frantic parents fighting crowds and screaming kids.

LEGOLAND is probably not for everyone. But families who enjoy creativity, family time with an infusion of adrenaline, will enjoy it. There's much to see and do. So plan on spending a day or two. Or break up some beach time with an hour or two and return another day. Access is easy and parking plentiful. Inexpensive yearlong passes are available (Block Party Pass or Primo Year Pass) and make sense if you plan to visit for more than three days.

We were hot and tired when we left. But my kids were busy plotting their next LEGO creation, thoroughly inspired by the experience.

LEGOLAND California combines 40 hands-on, minds-on, interactive attractions, family rides, shows, restaurants, shopping and landscape features. Thirty million LEGO bricks are used to create 5,000 LEGO models, which decorate the park setting, adding to its charm and delight. The park sits on 128 acres and is designed specifically for families with children between the ages of 3 and 12 (teens and adults will still love it!). LEGOLAND is easily accessible. Exit Interstate 5 at Cannon Road in Carlsbad. Go east, following signs to LEGOLAND Drive. Ticket prices for 2002 are: Adults $39.95; Children 3-16 $33.95; and special rates for seniors at the gate. Parking is $7. Park hours vary by season. For information call (760) 918-LEGO or check out the website at www.legoland.com.

Other info:

Lodging: See www.carlsbadca.org.

Dining: LEGOLAND offers a variety of excellent dining choices. Kid's love the Kid's meals, but there are a variety of choices for adults too. Fresh salads, Mexican, fruit.. a theme park with healthy food, what a concept!

For dining out of the park, check out Karl Strauss's, adjacent to LEGOLAND. It was just the right atmosphere to cool off and settle back for a meal. They have an exceptional collection of beer, eclectic collection of food, yet a very family friendly atmosphere. Plus a good kid's menu - my daughter loved the "Naked Noodles" and was satisfied with the crayons and placemat (throughout the entire meal!).

Other Things to Do: Destination Carlsbad.

LEGOLAND: What's New? New rides, events, more fun stuff here.