Ultimate LEGOLAND California Guide: 21 Essential Tips for a Perfect Weekend Getaway from Ventura County
Planning a weekend escape from Ventura County? LEGOLAND California is the perfect destination, especially for families with younger children. The park is designed with the little ones in mind, providing a captivating and fun-filled experience.
- Perfect Weekend Getaway: For parents in Ventura County, LEGOLAND California serves as an ideal weekend retreat. It’s a fun-packed escape that your young ones will adore.
- Tailored for Younger Children: LEGOLAND’s offerings are specifically geared towards younger visitors, ensuring they have a fantastic and memorable time.
- Maximize Your Annual Pass: As a family, we opted for LEGOLAND annual passes (one platinum and the rest gold level), which we fully utilized throughout the year.
- Festive Fun: LEGOLAND goes all out during the festive season with a Christmas Santa, making for a perfect backdrop for your holiday cards.
Other indispensable tips for an unparalleled LEGOLAND adventure include:
- Booking in Advance: LEGOLAND now mandates pre-booked reservations and tickets. Visit the LEGOLAND reservations page for further details.
- LEGOLAND Mobile App: Install the app for interactive park maps, estimated ride wait times, directions, and a car finder tool. Despite the wait times not being perfectly accurate, they provide a useful rough guide for planning your next ride! It is available on both iOS and Android.
- Outsmart the Crowds: When you first enter the park, head towards Ninjago World (Right – Turn) to evade lengthy queues for top attractions like Coastersaurus, Safari Trek, and Fairy Tale Brook. Most of the crowd turns Left towards Coastersaurus, Safari Trek, and Fairy Tale Brook.
- Timing Matters: Utilize the crowd calendar to schedule your visit during less busy periods. School days with mild weather are ideal.
- Explore MINILAND San Diego: Don’t miss the latest addition to MINILAND – San Diego, where your favorite landmarks are replicated in LEGO.
- Photo Ops with LEGOLAND Characters: Check the LEGOLAND App for the character show schedule. Post-show photo opportunities are a hit with the kids.
- Shop and Collect Later: Purchase souvenirs from any park shop and pick them up at the end of your day for a hassle-free shopping experience.
- Annual Pass Recommendation: For Southern California residents, consider getting an annual pass. If you plan to visit at least twice, it pays for itself. A cost-saving tip is to get one Platinum Annual Pass (which includes free parking) and Gold Annual Passes for the rest of your group.
- Single-day Ticket Discounts: Consider pre-purchasing tickets for discounts and quicker park entry. Deals are available for Costco members, AAA members, and military personnel.
- Mini-figure Trading: Trade old mini-figures for new ones with LEGOLAND employees or at park trading posts. LEGO “Friends” collections are typically not eligible for trade.
- Early Birds Advantage: Aim to reach the park by 9 a.m. for early ride access and optimal parking.
- Ride Swap: LEGOLAND California offers a ‘Parent Swap’ system for rides with height restrictions. The entire party must queue together, but parents can take turns to ride with older children.
- Reserve ‘N’ Ride System: Bypass long lines using the Reserve ‘N’ Ride system, accessible via the LEGOLAND app. Note that it comes with an additional cost.
- Avoid Peak Hours at Rides: During peak times, consider visiting non-ride attractions like LEGO Factory tour, Police and Fire Academy, DUPLO Playtown, and the Imagination Zone.
- Visit Hideaways: The Hideaways play area near Granny’s Apple Fries is perfect for letting your kids expend some energy.
- Pack Extra Outfits: Even if the water park isn’t on your agenda, pack additional clothes for potential splashes on rides and at splash pads in Pirate Shores.
- Food and Drink Regulations: While outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, exceptions are made for dietary needs and baby food.
- Water Park Fun: A Park Hopper pass gives access to the water park, a great option if your accommodation doesn’t feature a pool.
- Discover SEA LIFE Aquarium: The Park Hopper pass also provides access to SEA LIFE
