LEGOLAND California Resort

LEGOLAND California Resort Review

The centerpiece of a development that includes resort hotels, a designer discount shopping mall, an aquarium, and a waterpark, LEGOLAND has rides and diversions geared toward kids ages 2 to 12. Bring bathing suits; there are lockers at the entrance and at Pirate Shores. The main events are as follows:

Lost Kingdom Adventure: Armed with a laser blaster, you'll journey through ancient Egyptian ruins in a desert roadster, scoring points as you hit targets.

Star Wars Miniland: Follow the exploits of Yoda, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan, Anakin, R2, Luke, and the denizens of the six Star Wars films. Some kids loop back several times to take it all in.

Miniland U.S.A.: This miniature, animated, interactive collection of U.S. icons was constructed out of 24 million LEGO bricks!

Soak-N-Sail: Hundreds of gallons of water course through 60 interactive features including a pirate shipwreck-theme area. You'll need your swimsuit for this one.

Dragon Coaster: Little kids love this popular indoor/outdoor steel roller coaster that goes through a castle. Don't let the name frighten you—the motif is more humorous than scary.

Volvo Driving School: Kids 6-13 can drive speed-controlled cars (not on rails) on a miniature road; driver's licenses are awarded after the course. Volvo Junior is the pint-sized version for kids 3-5.

The best value is one of the Hopper Tickets that give you one admission to LEGOLAND plus Sea Life Aquarium and/or the LEGOLAND Water Park. These can be used on the same day or on different days. Go midweek to avoid the crowds.

LEGOLAND Hotel: Set to open in May 2013, this is the place to immerse your family in everything LEGO. Family rooms are themed Pirate, Adventure, and Kingdom, with corresponding LEGO-style decor. Each suite has sleeping quarters for up to three kids. The hotel has interactive play areas, a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool but best of all, guests get early admission to the park. For more information, go to w www.legolandtravel.com.

Be sure to try Granny's Apple Fries, Castle Burgers, and Pizza Mania for pizzas and salads. The Market near the entrance has excellent coffee, fresh fruit, and yogurt.