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Building Droids at the Droid Depot Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland Resort California

February 25, 2020 / Anaheim, California, Disney Travel, Disneyland, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Droid Depot at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland Resort California

Build your own custom droid at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland Resort California.

One of the most fun things we did at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was building our own droids at the Droid Depot inside the Black Spire Outpost. We had intended to build just the one but it was so much fun that we ended up building two.

First, register your choice of the BB-series unit or R-series unit with the clerk, who’ll provide a basket and blueprint for parts. Next, the builder selects the parts they want from a conveyor belt. You can take as long as you like to sort through the parts and decide what kind of droid you want to make.

After the parts have been selected, they are taken to the build station in the center of the workshop.

At the build station, follow the instructions on the placemat to assemble the droid in the proper sequence.

Once the parts have all been put together, the clerk will assist in pairing the droid with a remote control. Once activated, the droid comes to life.

The droids use bluetooth technology to communicate with other droids as well as certain other elements and objects in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We loved watching our droids “chatting” with each other.

Once the droid is built it is placed in a cardboard carry box. Builders have the option of buying additional accessories such as sticker panels and personality-affiliation chips for their droids.

The whole droid experience can take as little as 20 minutes if you’re fast, but a lot longer if you take your time. We spent at least an hour making our droids.

Must Know Info About Building Your Own Droid

Pricing: At time of writing, the each astromech droid unit cost $99.99, plus tax.

The age recommendation is 3+, however I would suggest even older than this as it’s quite tricky to assemble the droid and our 8 year old needed assistance.

The experience area is limited to the builder and one guest, and at least one person in the party must be age 14 or older.

If you run into trouble with how to use your droid, instruction manuals are available online.

Reservations can be made for Droid Depot up to 60 days in advance, with a credit card number required at the time of booking and payment will be due upon arrival. We had trouble with the online reservation system but had no trouble walking straight in and building our droids without a reservation.

Theme park admission is required to participate in this experience, and you will have to buy your Disneyland Park ticket separately.

If you do make a booking and want to cancel it, you must do so at least one day prior to your reservation to avoid a per-builder cancellation fee.

Droids must be carried around the park. You may not take them out of their box and use them while you are inside the park. The droid is able to interact with elements around the park while being carried.

Transporting Droids Home

We took our droids on an international flight from LA to Sydney with Qantas. To transport our droids we removed them from the cardboard boxes and wrapped them in thick jumpers and jackets, then enclosed them in backpacks. The droids were then placed inside a hard shell suitcase. The droids arrived intact on the other end and we had no problems with security or customs.

Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA
disneyland.disney.go.com/shops/disneyland/droid-depot/

More Disneyland Resort California Tips

How to have the best Disneyland holiday ever.

A guide to using MAXPASS At Disneyland.

Celebrating Halloween at Disneyland.

Celebrating the holidays at Disneyland.

Hotel review: The Grand Californian Resort & Spa.

Character Dining: Goofy’s Kitchen.

Character Dining: Minnie & Friends Breakfast at the Plaza Inn.

Character Dining: Mickey’s Tales of Adventure.

Our favourite Disney souvenirs.

The best bits of Disneyland with little kids.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland.

How to survive and enjoy Disneyland with a toddler.

Frozen Live at the Hyperion Theater.

Savi’s Workshop Lightsaber Building Experience.

Enjoy a drink at Oga’s Cantina.

A guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

The Best Things To Do In San Diego With Kids (Or Without!)

February 19, 2020 / California, San Diego, Travel, USA / 0 comment

The Best Things To Do In San Diego With Kids (Or Without!)

San Diego is a coastal city of California, well-known for its beaches, parks and warm weather. There are so many things to do in San Diego with kids (and without!).

Balboa Park

The 1,200-acre urban park is an icon in San Diego. Balboa Park contains more than 16 museums, theatres, open spaces, fountains, gardens, trails and the famous San Diego Zoo.

balboapark.org

Botanical Building and Lily Pond

While there are many gorgeous gardens in Balboa Park, this is this is the most famous and one of the most photographed spots in the park. The Botanical Building was built for the 1915-1916 Exposition, and is now home to vibrant flower displays and more than 2,100 plants.

The lily pond outside the Botanical Building is a tranquil place to stroll and watch ducks (and take a photo or two!). A visit to the Botanical Building is one of the must-see things to do in San Diego.

On El Prado walkway adjacent to the Timken Museum of Art.

Japanese Friendship Garden

The beautiful 12-acre Japanese Friendship Garden features stone arrangements, koi ponds, water features, and sukiya-style buildings. It was built as an an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama.

2215 Pan American Plaza, San Diego
niwa.org

San Diego Air & Space Museum

The San Diego Air & Space Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and home to a collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft from all over the world. Exhibits include a replica of Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis,” the actual Apollo 9 Command Module, and the only real GPS satellite on display in the world. There are also artefacts from the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Wally Schirra, a 3D/4D movie theater and a series of hands-on, interactive exhibits. Children will love the the Kid’s Aviation Action Hangar.

2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego
sandiegoairandspace.org

San Diego Museum of Man

A cultural anthropology museum, The San Diego Museum of Man explores the human experience from multicultural perspectives. A collection of unique and interactive exhibits covering human history and culture provides the opportunity to learn about our relationship to the world around us and reflect on what it means to be human.

1350 El Prado, San Diego
museumofman.org

San Diego Natural History Museum

If dinosaurs and fossils are your thing, check out the San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT). The museum explores the natural history of Southern California through interactive exhibitions spread across five floors. Journey through 75 million years of natural history, from the time of the dinosaurs to today, and discover more about the fascinating world we live in.

1788 El Prado, San Diego
sdnhm.org

The San Diego Museum of Art

Browse the San Diego Art Museum’s impressive collection of Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings and 19th and 20th century American paintings as well as their major art exhibitions from all over the world. The museum hosts family drop-in days and family workshops (check their calendar for details).

1450 El Prado, San Diego
sdmart.org

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals from over 650 species and subspecies. It’s often described as having set the standard for modern zoos with its natural habitats for animals, often with different species living together, and lush landscaping.

San Diego Zoo is 100-acres in size, making for a big day out if you want to see everything on offer.

A visit to the zoo is one of our top picks for things to do in San Diego with kids.

Fleet Science Center

Explore more than 100 interactive exhibits at the Fleet Science Center. The science museum and planetarium is the perfect place to immerse yourself in science and enjoy an IMAX film.There are two floors of exhibits to discover, and the dedicated “Kid City” play area for kids under the age of five.

1875 El Prado, San Diego
rhfleet.org

USS Midway Museum

This historical navel aircraft carrier museum is one of San Diego’s top attractions. Inside the aircraft carrier Midway is housed an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California. There are over 60 exhibits and displays and over restored aircraft to explore, as well as plenty of family-friendly activities. Kids can earn their own pilot wings as part of the Junior Pilot Program.

910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego
midway.org

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum (SDCDM) is is full of hands-on educational exhibits and program that focusing on science, art, and world cultures. A visit to the SDCDM is all about play. Kids can explore, imagine, experiment, and discover through hands-on science, art, and cultural activities.

320 North Broadway, Escondido
sdcdm.org
Image courtesy of the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.

LEGOLAND California Resort

LEGOLAND California Resort is located in Carlsbad, about 30 mins north of San Diego or just under two hours south of LA. The resort has two official LEGOLAND hotels attached to it, however visitors are able to self-drive or get a day tour from San Diego or LA for a day at the park. LEGOLAND California is aimed at 2-12 year olds, with the “sweet spot” being 4-9 year olds. There are 30,000 LEGO models scattered all around the park.

LEGOLAND is without a doubt one of the top things to do in San Diego with kids.

Read more about visiting LEGOLAND California Resort.

Read our review on the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

Read our review on the LEGOLAND Hotel.

One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad

Meet The La Jolla Seals at Children’s Pool, Casa Beach

No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to meet the La Jolla seals. La Jolla is a seaside community located around 30 mins north of San Diego. The La Jolla Children’s Pool at Casa Beach is famous for its resident harbour seals and sea lions.

Read more about how to see the La Jolla Seals at Children’s Pool.

834 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla

Meet the La Jolla seals at Children’s Pool, Casa Beach

February 18, 2020 / California, San Diego, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Meet The La Jolla Seals at Children’s Pool, Casa Beach

Both harbour seals and sea lions enjoy a lazy life in La Jolla. The easiest way to tell them apart is to look for their ears. Sea lions have external ears while seals do not. Sea lion flippers are larger and stronger than those belonging to the harbour seals, who have small, webbed front flippers and have to wriggle on their stomachs to get around. Sea lions are able to stand up on their flippers and “walk” and are brown, while seals are a darker brown, grey or almost black with speckles. Sea lions are the noisier of the two mammals, making a loud barking sound, while seals grunt.

One of the best places to see the La Jolla seals is at Children’s Pool Beach, aka Casa Beach. This small beach has a curved protective wall that was built in the 1930s to hold back the rough waves and make a safe swimming spot for families.

The La Jolla seals, however, had other ideas and the cove is now filled with harbour seals and sea lions. You can visit the beach year-round to see the seals, and are allowed on the sand except from December 15 – May 15, which is when the babies are born.

The La Jolla seals can be viewed from the park at Coast Boulevard and Jenner Street, and from the breakwater wall. There is street parking nearby on Coast Boulevard.

There is a barricade on the sand to prevent close interaction with the La Jolla seals and sea lions.

Things to do in San Diego

Go wild at San Diego Zoo.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel California.

Visit LEGOLAND California Resort.

Find plenty of things to do in San Diego with kids (or without!)

La Jolla Children’s Pool Beach
834 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla
ajollabythesea.com

Review: LEGOLAND Hotel California

February 17, 2020 / California, San Diego, Travel, USA / 0 comment

LEGOLAND® California Hotel

The LEGOLAND® Hotel is a unique, family-friendly resort located in Carlsbad, California. The deluxe 250-room hotel opened in April 2013.

For any true LEGO fan, a stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel is an absolute must. A stay at the hotel includes themed rooms, free buffet breakfast, nightly children’s entertainment, and an in-room treasure hunt with LEGO surprises.

LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel vs the LEGOLAND® Hotel

There are two LEGOLAND® hotels, the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel and LEGOLAND® Hotel, both located a few steps from the park entrance. They both offer similar benefits: LEGO-themed rooms, exclusive early morning access to the park (when you book a package including tickets), free breakfast, nightly entertainment in the lobby and a daily in-room treasure hunt with LEGO surprises.

Both hotels are three-story with 250 rooms, so have the same amount of guests in each.

Compared to the LEGOLAND® Hotel next door, the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel is a bit smaller and quieter. The lobby and play area is smaller, the evening entertainment a lot quieter and there is one restaurant vs two and a cafe at the LEGOLAND® Hotel. Both are excellent hotels, however, and guests can use the restaurants and facilities at both quite easily.

Both hotels have swimming pools but only the Castle Hotel has play equipment and an outside movie theatre. The Castle Hotel’s pool is also considered the better of the two pools with its zero-entry and interactive water play features.

Both hotels offer package deals to stay that include park tickets.

Read about our stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

LEGOLAND Hotel themed rooms

The hotel offers five choices of themed rooms, each with an added “deluxe” option.

Pirate

Ahoy there, mateys! A breath-taking step into Captain Red Brick and his first mate’s pirate cabin. Your whole ship will be decked out with pirate bedding, curtains, wallpaper and even Polly, a LEGO parrot, can be found watching over you as you sleep! After a jolly adventure on the rides in the Park, send your junior shipmates up to their private bunks while you relax in the king-size cabin. So, me hearties, book your pirate room today for an unforgettable family treat. Shiver me timbers!

Adventure

Spend the night where the adventure never ends! Dare to follow in the footsteps of the famous LEGO hero adventurer, Johnny Thunder, and explore this adventure themed room… Send your junior explorers off to their very own bunks for a well-deserved rest as you kick off your desert boots and settle down in your comfy king-size bed, safe in the knowledge that Johnny is guarding all exits! Get ready for the ultimate adventure!

Kingdom

A royal welcome awaits you in the Kingdom themed rooms, fit for a king and his court. Bask in your luxurious surroundings and relax in your king-size bed, while your junior royals head off to their own sleeping quarters. With bunting, shields and flags above the bed, this LEGO kingdom is certainly up to royal standards. Little knights and maidens will love the LEGO models dotted around the room, but remember… whatever you do, don’t let them kiss the frog!

Friends

The LEGO Friends have invited you to the ultimate sleepover! Step into the world of Heartlake City where the girls are awaiting your arrival. After you and your friends spend the day in the Park, stay the night at Heartlake Stables with your favorite Friends. With a king-sized bed for parents and private bunk bed for the kids, it is sure to be a sleepover your family will never forget!

NINJAGO

Welcome young Ninja! Step into the temple courtyard, the cliff top overlooks all of NINJAGO as far as you can see. The bed lies at the bottom of a large shrine that holds all four of the epic elemental weapons. After a day in the Park, send your little Ninjas to their own private Dragon Cave while you relax in your king-sized bed. Ninja alike will love exploring the different powers of each Ninja… Which power will you choose?

Lobby

The LEGOLAND® Hotel lobby is a sensational space with a castle play area and giant pit of LEGO bricks.

This is also the area where the evening entertainment happens. Expect bright lights, lively hosts, plenty of music and dancing games.

The lobby is also filled with amazing little LEGO details like minifigures, and the merchandise store.

Bricks Family Restaurant

This fun restaurant is filled with cute restaurant-themed LEGO sculptures. A buffet breakfast at Bricks is included for hotel guests which features fresh fruit, smoothies, omelet station, bacon, sausage, hot and cold cereals and more.

Bricks is also open for dinner with a fab buffet for anyone who wishes to dine there. We loved the buffet because it had a huge range of food, including plenty of healthy options.

The dinner buffet includes homemade soups, a California fresh salad bar, carved meats sliced to order, a variety of hot and cold entrees, side dishes, desserts and sweets and a “Just for Kids Buffet”. As a vegetarian I found loads of food to choose from. Children 2 and under eat free.

There is plenty of entertainment throughout the dining period too. We had a photo opp with a LEGO character on arrival, and a hilarious act by a few of the LEGOLAND® Hotel Heroes as we dined.

Skyline Cafe

This bright little cafe is a great spot for a casual meal or snack, offering a variety of made-to-order appetizers, lunch and dinner options. You can also order tap beers, wines and spirits here. We really liked the decorating – the cafe features a LEGO® skyline.

Mini’s Lounge

The lounge is located right next to the play area, so it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee or snack while the kids are playing. Mini’s Lounge offers hot and cold beverages, fresh fruit, pastries and snacks.

Swimming Pool

The LEGOLAND Hotel features a large, heated swimming pool.

Resort Fee

All reservations are subject to a nightly Resort Fee of $28 plus applicable tax which is not included in your reservation total and will be collected upon check-in. Resort Fee includes nightly in-room refreshments, nightly surprises for the kids, luggage service, standard wireless internet, children’s entertainment, fitness center, pool access, pool towels, and local and domestic long-distance phone calls. Subject to change without notice.

Parking

Self-Parking: $25 / night
Valet Parking: $28 / night

Read about our visit to LEGOLAND California Resort.

LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad,
California USA
legoland.com

Additional photos care of LEGOLAND California Resort.

Things to do in San Diego

Go wild at San Diego Zoo.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel California.

Visit LEGOLAND California Resort.

Find plenty of things to do in San Diego with kids (or without!)

Review: LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, California

February 14, 2020 / California, San Diego, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Hotel Review: LEGOLAND Castle Hotel

The LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is located at LEGOLAND California Resort, Carlsbad. The deluxe 250-room hotel opened in April 2018.

A stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is a must (in our opinion) for anyone visiting LEGOLAND California Resort. With every room given a LEGO theme and 2,100 LEGO models made out of more than three million LEGO bricks scattered throughout the hotel, an overnight stay turns a park day trip into an immersive LEGO experience.

LEGOLAND Castle Hotel vs the LEGOLAND Hotel

There are two LEGOLAND hotels, the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel and LEGOLAND Hotel, both located a few steps from the park entrance. They both offer similar benefits: LEGO-themed rooms, exclusive early morning access to the park (when you book a package including tickets), free breakfast, nightly entertainment in the lobby and a daily in-room treasure hunt with LEGO surprises.

Both hotels are three-story with 250 rooms, so have the same amount of guests in each.

Compared to the LEGOLAND Hotel next door, the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is a bit smaller and quieter. The lobby and play area is smaller, the evening entertainment a lot quieter and there is one restaurant vs two and a cafe at the LEGOLAND Hotel. Both are excellent hotels, however, and guests can use the restaurants and facilities at both quite easily.

Both hotels offer package deals to stay that include park tickets.

What you can expect during a stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel California.

LEGOLAND Castle Hotel

The LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is shaped like a castle on the outside, which makes for an exciting experience from the moment you pull up into the car park. Note that parking is NOT included in the stay, nor is the daily resort fee.

Grand Hall

Inside the lobby, called the Grand Hall, the fun begins, with a large Merlin-themed brick pit and fun features to be discovered while waiting for your room key. The brick pit is also excellent for entertaining kids if it’s raining outside.

There are great photo ops in the lobby and up the stairs including tiny jail cell and a silly chair that makes funny comments. There is also a knock-knock wall that tells jokes and a Harry Potter located chair up the stairs.

The slide is a really fun way for kids to get back down to the lobby instead of taking the stairs. We suggest taking the elevator at least once as they’ve put a lot of effort into make the elevator ride itself a fun experience.

Themed Rooms

There are three different themed rooms to choose from: Knights & Dragons, Royal Princess or Magic Wizard.

Knights and Dragons Room: Guests will defend the King’s Castle and help protect the King’s treasure from the approaching bad Dragon Knights and their fire-breathing dragons!

Royal Princess Room: The Princess is no damsel in distress and she uses the help of the jester to prepare to sneak into the tournament and compete with the knights.

Magic Wizard: Full of curious potions, spell books, wands and magic mirrors, kids can use their imagination to believe their help is needed to protect these treasures and keep them safe from any bad Wizards or Dragon Knights.

Magic Wizard Room

We chose the Magic Wizard theme and loved our room, which was filled with spell books, wands, potions and even a magic mirror.

Each standard room as two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with single bunk beds. Both rooms have their own LCD TV screen.

The main bedroom has a light-up headboard that can be turned off thankfully at bedtime.

The room with bunk beds has a cool feature that, when turned on, shines stars onto the roof like a night light.

In between the two bedrooms is a bathroom. The bathroom had one sink and a combined shower/bath.

The room was a tight fit for the three of us with our luggage, but the theming was just incredible.

If you have a larger family, you might look into one of the 20 family suites at the hotel. The suites are roughly one and a half times larger than the standard rooms, sleeping up to seven people and including a lounge area with sofa bed, children’s sleeping area with a bunk bed and trundle and a king-sized bed for the adults.

The bathroom features two sinks and a separate bath and shower. There are closing doors for the children’s sleeping area and adults’ – something the standard rooms don’t have.

A cute added bonus of staying at the hotel is a daily treasure hunt. Reception hands over a map with four clues that are located around the lobby and restaurant. Find the answer to each clue and you will receive the code to the in-room safe. The safe is filled each day with a different LEGO surprise.

Also included in each room is a box of bricks and a cute LEGO ice bucket.

Dragon’s Den Restaurant and Bar

There is one sit down restaurant located inside the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, the Dragon’s Den Restaurant and Bar.

Dragon’s Den Restaurant and Bar is a full-service sit down restaurant. In the evenings guests can choose from an a la carte menu.

There is a large brick play area in the restaurant which makes is a great choice for families who want to linger over a meal while the kids play happily.

In the mornings there is a full, hot buffet breakfast on offers featuring fresh fruit, smoothies, omelet station, bacon, sausages and pastries.

Entertainment is offered inside the restaurant including singers and actors.

The Royal Courtyard

The Royal Courtyard area is located directly outside from the Dragon’s Den Restaurant. It has a DUPLO play area for younger kids, play structures movie screen for nighttime movies, a stage for live plays and shows, a gradual incline pool and hot tub.

The zero-entry pool has interactive water play features and whirlpool spa. For those that like to dine by the pool, Castle Pool Bar & Grille will offer smoothies, sandwiches and salads prepared fresh to order.

LEGOLAND Castle Hotel Amenities

24 Hour Front Desk and Security
Check-In: 4:00pm
Check-Out: 11:00am
Concierge Desk
Full Hot Breakfast Included at Dragon’s Den Restaurant
Wi-Fi Included
Outdoor Heated Pool
Hot Tub/Jacuzzi
Poolside Cabanas
Nightly Children’s Activities
ATM
Laundromat
Gift Shop
Fitness Center
Service Animals Only
ADA Accessible Rooms Available
Suites Available

Resort Fee

Parking

Self-Parking: $25 / night
Valet Parking: $28 / night

Read about our visit to LEGOLAND California Resort.

LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad,
California USA
legoland.com

Things to do in San Diego

Go wild at San Diego Zoo.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel California.

Visit LEGOLAND California Resort.

Find plenty of things to do in San Diego with kids (or without!)

12 reasons to visit LEGOLAND California Resort

February 13, 2020 / California, San Diego, Travel, USA / 0 comment

12 Reasons to Visit LEGOLAND California Resort

Have a LEGO-lover in your family? Then a visit to LEGOLAND California Resort in absolutely has to be on your family’s bucket list.

It’s designed for little kids

This is an excellent theme park for little kids. LEGOLAND California is aimed at 2-12 year olds, with the “sweet spot” being 4-9 year olds. What this translates to are rides and facilities geared towards this age group throughout the whole park, so kids who are at the older end of the age bracket will be able to go on every single ride and enjoy every attraction.

It’s really nice for little kids to have a park geared towards their needs and entertainment. We found as a result the whole atmosphere of the park was calmer, a result of the younger aged visitors (mostly families with kids under the age of 8), easy to manage, and also very do-able to see all the attractions in one day.

Big kids will love it too

If you’re an adult who loves LEGO, then you will enjoy your experience at the park, too. When we visited in December there was a dedicated Star Wars-themed Miniland area (which has sadly since been removed) which my Star Wars-loving husband absolutely geeked out over. As adults we also appreciated the incredible work that goes behind building the LEGO masterpieces. They are such works of art!

There is LEGO literally everywhere

There are 30,000 LEGO models scattered all around the park. We wanted to stop and take photos of or with basically everything.

Inside the front entrance, visitors meet Bronte, the dinosaur. Bronte is made from 2 million bricks, the most of any model in the park. In total, sixty million LEGO pieces have been used throughout the park.

Ride your heart out

LEGOLAND California Resort is filled with more than 60 rides, shows and attractions. There are rides to suit kids of all ages and interests, from very gentle rides to thrilling rollercoasters.

Our daughter’s favourite however was the new Deep Sea Adventure, an interactive ride featuring more than 2,000 life sea creatures. We spotted sharks, rays and plenty of fish interspersed with sea-themed LEGO models.

Burn off steam in the play areas

There are several play areas around the park for kids to run and climb, as well as a dinosaur dig area and the popular LEGOLAND Build-a-Boat – a water play area where kids (and adults!) can build a LEGO boat and sail its around a water play table.

Get tiny at Miniland USA

It’s hard to tell who loves Miniland USA more, kids or adults! The incredible detail in the recreated famous buildings appeals to big and littles alike.

Around 32,496,352 LEGO bricks have been used to recreate landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the capital building in Washington D.C., Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Grand Central Station in New York and the strip in Las Vegas.

Also in Miniland USA is the Model Shop, home of the LEGO builders and more than three million LEGO bricks. The workshop is the headquarters for maintaining and repairing the models in the park, as well as the creative centre for developing new models and displays.

Cuddle up to a character

The LEGO character meet and greets are adorable! We met a very cute gingerbread LEGO character when we visited and it made for a very cute photo opp.

Enjoy seasonal delights

LEGOLAND California Resort is even more fun during the holidays. We visited at Christmas for example and enjoyed the special LEGO decorations, builds and character meet-and-greets at that time of year. Halloween would be an amazing time to visit.

Get a driving licence at Driving School

Driving School is technically a ride but it was the absolute favourite activity at the park for our daughter, so it deserves its own mention. Kids ages 6-13 can drive their own car and earn your own LEGOLAND Driver’s license.

Make a mini figure (or 10!)

Make mini figures to your hearts’ delight at the Minifigure station!

Go under the ocean at SEA LIFE® aquarium

Attached to LEGOLAND California Resort is SEA LIFE® aquarium, a great option for kids who love aquatic creatures. SEA LIFE® aquarium is a combination of active hands-on learning with up close encounters with sea creatures including sharks, octopi and rays. SEA LIFE® aquarium also has a new exhibit, Sea at Night, where visitors can stroll in a gentle surf under a starry sky, and frolic in a simulated bioluminescent tide.

Admission to SEA LIFE® aquarium is included in a LEGOLAND SEA LIFE Park Hopper ticket, or any LEGOLAND ticket can be upgraded to include SEA LIFE Aquarium admission for $25.

Splash in the water parks

During the warmer months, a visit to the LEGOLAND and CHIMA Water Parks are a must! There are plenty of slides and rides to enjoy – admission to the water parks is an additional $30.

Tips for visiting LEGOLAND California Resort

Buy tickets online in advance. If you book through Klook you can get a discounted rate.

Plan your visit by looking at the height restrictions map for attractions at LEGOLAND California Resort.

Pack lunch or try one of the restaurants.

We found plenty of healthy choices throughout the park including salads and toasted sandwiches.

Stay at a LEGOLAND Hotel for the full experience. We loved staying at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel. You can also drop into the lobby of either hotel and play in the brick areas if you’re not a guest of the hotel.

Read about our stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

If it look like rain, take a poncho and wear waterproof shoes! Rides can stop running during the rain however that are still plenty of inside rides that can be enjoyed, plus the SEA LIFE® aquarium.

Visit the LEGOLAND store! They have the most amazing LEGO merch, including some LEGO sets that are only available in LEGOLAND California Resort.

If you’re visiting with a disability, get tips on LEGOLAND California Resort’s accessibility from my friend Julie at Have Wheelchair Will Travel.

LEGOLAND California Resort
1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad,
CA 92008, United States
+1 888-690-5346
https://www.legoland.com/california/

We received admission tickets to LEGOLAND California Resort for reviewing purposes. Additional images thanks to LEGOLAND.

Things to do in San Diego

Go wild at San Diego Zoo.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel California.

Visit LEGOLAND California Resort.

Find plenty of things to do in San Diego with kids (or without!)

Top Tips for Visiting San Diego Zoo

February 10, 2020 / California, San Diego, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Top Tips for Visiting San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, San Diego California, is a world-renowned, innovative zoo, with a strong conservation focus.

San Diego Zoo is 100-acres in size, making for a big day out if you want to see everything on offer.

San Diego Zoo Conservation Focus

Both San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park are havens for endangered species where animals are cared for and breeding programs are in place to help protect them against extinction. Studies of animal behaviour and health are also conducted at the zoos which would be difficult or impossible to perform in the wild, which provides invaluable information on these species that is shared with other zoos and wildlife parks globally to aid animal conservation in the field.

San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research generates, shares, and applies scientific knowledge that is vital to the conservation of animals, plants, and habitats worldwide. You can read about their excellent work online.

Plan your visit to San Diego Zoo

The zoo is absolutely huge, so good planning is a must. Take a good look at the map in advance and plan what animals are a must-see and plot your path. The very helpful volunteers at the entrance will let you know if there are any babies at the zoo and where you can find them.

I also suggest wearing good shoes for walking, arriving when the zoo opens to make the most of the entire day and pack sunscreen and a hat.

Click here to see a large Zoo map.

Save your legs with the Guided Bus Tour

The easiest way to see the zoo is with a 35-minute narrated tour on a double-decked bus. The Guided Bus Tour presented by Go San Diego® Card is included with all admission tickets.

Hop on and off the Kangaroo Bus

A great option if you want a lift between stops around the zoo but want to see most of it as close as possible with some walking here and there. The Kangaroo Bus lets you hop on and off at four different stops throughout the Zoo.

There are well-signed stops around the zoo – simply wait at one of the stops for a bus with a yellow Kangaroo Bus banner to arrive. The buses run roughly every 15 minutes. All admission tickets include the Kangaroo Bus. You may bring an empty, folded stroller on the Kangaroo Bus, space permitting.

Catch the Skyfari Aerial Tram

We loved the Skyfari Aerial Tram. It’s a convenient and fast way to get from one side of the zoo to the other, as well as giving a beautiful view of the zoo as you go. The Skyfari Aerial Tram is included with all admission tickets. Note however that jogging, oversized, and double strollers cannot be accommodated and children younger than 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Skyfari Aerial Tram will be closed for renovations during early 2020 so check the website for updates if taking it is a must for your visit.

Enjoy a show

The zoo runs some fun shows that are perfect for kids in particular. At time of writing the Dr Zoolittle Explores Australia show is running weekends at 12pm and 1pm.

Get the most recent information on shows online.

Let the kids play

There are three play spaces for kids spaced throughout the zoo.

The Elephant Play Yard is a hands-on play and exploration area for anyone who loves fossils. Enjoy the fossil dig play area, puzzles and maze of elephant satellite tracking collars in this space. Located at Elephant Odyssey

The Koala Klimber lets visitors snap some fun selfies with replica koalas in the Australian Outback section.

The Polar Play area has some super shiny polar bears to get up close to, plus a polar bear den that kids love crawling through. Located in Northern Frontier

Plan your meals

There are an overwhelming number of choices for dining at San Diego Zoo. Options range from casual to restaurant dining and quick bites. You also have the option to keep costs down by bringing your own lunch and snacks, however that’s always a challenge if, like us, you’re visiting and don’t have a kitchen to make your own meals.

Each of the dining options has a different menu and price point, so I highly advise taking a thorough look at the website in advance and exploring the dining options available before your zoo day, particularly if you have any dietary requirements or fussy eaters.

Tips for visiting San Diego Zoo — Kids’ Meal

Try and upgraded experience

If you want to make your day even more special, try an upgraded experience, which lets visitors get even closer to the animals.

Animals in Action

We loved the Animals in Action interactive experience. The one-hour experience took us behind the scenes to feed, touch and observe some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors up close.

It was a fantastic opportunity to not just meet some animals that we would never have otherwise been able to see up close, but to hear stories from the keepers on the animals, how they ended up at the zoo, the part they play in animal conservation, and fun facts that we didn’t know. Some animals are only able to be viewed by attending the Animals in Action experience.

On our Animals in Action experience we met a rhino, flamingoes, hedgehog, zebra, cheetah and armadillo. The animals change in each experience based on their health.

Tips for guests with disabilities

San Diego Zoo have several services to help guests with disabilities. The Zoo provides special parking, rest rooms, and access to shows, tour buses, and exhibits for guests with disabilities.

Please note there are steep grades in parts of the Zoo. Free shuttle bus service operates inside the Zoo for those with limited mobility. Guests who use wheelchairs are not able to use the moving walkways.

Find the Zoo’s guest disability services and policies online.

San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego
Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm
zoo.sandiegozoo.org

We received general admission tickets as guests of San Diego Zoo. We paid for the Animals in Action experience ourselves.

Things to do in San Diego

Go wild at San Diego Zoo.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

Stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel California.

Visit LEGOLAND California Resort.

Find plenty of things to do in San Diego with kids (or without!)

The Best Things To Do In Maui With Kids

March 4, 2019 / Hawaii, Travel, USA / 0 comment

The Best Things To Do In Maui With Kids

Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian islands. It’s a wonderland of fun for families, with Haleakala National Park, thrill-seeking adventures, 30 miles of beaches and aquatic wildlife galore. There are plenty of things to do in Maui with kids!

Family-friendly Activities

Surfing Goat Dairy

Surfing Goat Dairy is a dairy farm located on the slopes of Maui’s Haleakala Crater in lower Kula, Hawaii. It produces more than two dozen goat cheeses, many of which have won national awards and are used by hotels and restaurants on the island.

The dairy was was established in 1998 by German expatriates Thomas and Eva Kafsack.

Visitors are welcome to drop by the dairy and try the cheeses or meet the goats near the main office. I highly recommend taking a daily tour. The walking tours last for 30 minutes and take visitors around the working farm and dairy and includes petting and feeding the working goats and meeting the dogs and cats.

Read more about our experience visiting Surfing Goat Dairy here.

Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm

A sweet-smelling place to stop on the slopes of Haleakalā, Ali’i Kula Lavender grows 45 varieties of lavender. It’s a gorgeous spot to wander through the different lavender plants and smell the differences. There is a kids’ trail on offer. Try the lavender ice cream for something different!

Get more info on visiting Ali’i Kula Lavender here.

Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā, or the East Maui Volcano, is a massive volcano that forms more than 75% of Maui. Haleakala is home to some of the world’s rarest and most endangered plant and animal species. The mountain summit is one of the few easily-accessible parts of Hawaii where their rare and endemic species can be found to survive and thrive.

Driving to the summit takes 2-3 hours. Sunrise is the most popular time to visit, however any time of day is beautiful.

Read about driving to the summit of Haleakalā here.

Napili Beach

A gorgeous spot with sloping sand and plenty of trees for shade, Napili Beach is a top spot for families. The enclosed bay keeps the beach protected from waves, making it a gentle, flat beach, perfect for kids and snorkelling. With plenty of reef areas to the left of the beach, Napili is a great spot to float around looking for fish.

There is an outdoor shower at the exit/entrance to the beach and restroom amenities. parking however is a challenge and we had to park a long way down the road. Bring a picnic lunch as there is nowhere to buy food and set up for the day in a shady spot.

Ka’anapali Beach

This gorgeous beach is home to seven resorts (we’ve stayed here twice!) and plenty of restaurants. The key attraction however is the beautiful golden sand that stretches for three miles and the soft waves that crash upon it.

There are plenty of trees not far back from the waters edge so there is plenty of space to set up towels or chairs for the day. Morning is the best time to visit to get shade.

Ka’anapali Beach is a fantastic snorkelling spot as there is a reef just beyond the wave break. Take along a snorkelling set and spot beautifully coloured fish and even the odd green sea turtle.

There are outdoor showers to rinse off at several spots along the beach near the resorts. Kahekili Beach Park has outdoor showers and restrooms to change in.

Whalers Village

This beachside mall has it all! Plenty of boutique shops, restaurants, a whaling museum, cultural activities such as lei making and hula lessons, free movie nights, live music and a kids play area featuring a climbing structure and splash play area.

Get more info on Whalers Village here.

Maui Ocean Centre, The Aquarium of Hawaii

The Maui Ocean Center is an aquarium and oceanography center located on the island of Maui, Hawaii, and is the largest tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.

The Maui Ocean Center mission is to foster understanding, wonder, and respect for Hawaii’s marine life with local residents and visitors from around the world. The center is home to many of Hawaii’s unique marine life, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The Maui Ocean Center is at the top of our list for things to do in maui with kids.

You can read more about our visit to the Maui Ocean Center here.

Ziplining

Ziplining over the beautiful island of Maui is a popular activity for visitors to the island. If you want to take kids ziplining, try Maui Zipline Company, who offer side-by-side zip lines over a tropical plantation for kids ages 5+ and adults.

Get more info on ziplining with kids here.

Horseback Riding

Kids need to be aged seven and up to horseback ride at most ranches on Maui. Try Ironwood Ranch – they have an excellent location and offer rides of various lengths.

Get more info on Ironwood Ranch here.

Ho’okipa Beach

A world-renowned windsurfing destination, Ho’okipa Beach is also a prime turtle-spotting location. Hawaiian green sea turtles can usually be found at the north end of the beach near the rocks. Be mindful that they are wild animals and stay 6-10 feet away.

Pa’ia

This little town on Maui’s north shore is big on charm. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch and to check out the little art galleries, boutiques and street art.

We dined at the Flatbread Company, who serve hand-made pizzas cooked in clay ovens. Kids can watch the pizza dough being stretched and toppings being added.

Luau or hula show

An absolute must on Maui is a hula show or luau. The Whalers Village at the Kaanapali Beach Resort has free hula shows, as do some hotels such as the Westin Ka’anapali Beach Villas. If you have a dancer in the family like we do, catching a hula show should be at the top of your list for things to do in Maui with kids.

Soak up a true Hawaiian experience at the Old Lahaina Luau.

Lahaina Banyan Court

Kids will love running underneath the famous banyan tree in Lahaina. Measuring over 60 feet high, and looks like a mini forest with several tree trunks.

Maluaka Beach: Turtle Town

Stronger swimmers will love seeing Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat at Maluaka Beach, also called “Turtle Town”. Maluaka Beach is located adjacent to the Makena Beach & Golf Resort and has nearby amenities like a grassy park area, bathrooms and snorkel gear rentals on site. The entrance to Maluaka Beach and Turtle Town are both unmarked and easy to miss.

Early morning is the best time for snorkelling as the water is calmest then. The reef at the south end of the beach is where you’ll find marine life including angelfish, butterfly fish, moray eels, octopus, trumpet fish, triggerfish and Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Maluaka Beach has a sandy-bottom, shallow area that is ideal for swimming with young kids. There is shade, picnic tables and an excellent view of the Molokini crater in the background.

More things to do in Maui

Have older kids? Try the Road to Hana – get info here.

Where to eat with kids

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice

Shave ice is an iced-based dessert made by shaving a block of ice. Flavoured syrups are added to the top. Ululani’s can be found in a few locations across Maui.

The first store is located on Front Street at the Lahaina Market Place.

Get more info on Ululani’s here.

Island Cream Co.

A delicious spot for gelato and ice cream, at the Lahaina Gateway. Add fun toppings like gummy bears for some extra fun.

Get more info on Island Cream Co. here.

Hula Grill

A fun, beach-side eatery in Ka’anapali at Whalers Village, we loved dining at their barefoot bar, which was reminiscent of eating at the beach thanks to the sand underfoot.

The excellent kids’ menu with activity sheet left the little one happy, while the adults loved the cocktails, fish tacos and goat’s cheese pizza (cheese from the local Surfing Goat Dairy).

Get more info on Hula Grill here.

Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop

Famous for their pies and sandwiches, Leoda’s is so good we could have eaten there every single day.

The little one liked the grilled cheese on brioche bread while the adults enjoyed the massive, freshly made sandwiches. Don’t leave without a sweet pie, they are delicious!

Get more info on Leoda’s here.

Kimo’s Maui

Home of the original Hula Pie, Kimo’s is a Lahaina institution.

A seafood restaurant, Kimo’s has vegetarian options and a great kids’ menu. We ordered a vegetarian sandwich and burger for the adults and mac and cheese for the little one. The view is impossible to beat.

Order the Hula Pie to share!

Get more info on Kimo’s here.

Flatbread Company

We dined at the Flatbread Company in Paia, who serve hand-made pizzas cooked in clay ovens. Kids can watch the pizza dough being stretched and toppings being added.

Get more info on the Flatbread Company here.

How to get around on Maui

I think car hire is a must on Maui unless you intend to never leave your resort or only plan to do so with guided tours that pick up at your hotels. We used our car every day to pick up groceries, head to a new spot for lunch and visit attractions. There are many different car rental providers at Maui airport that are all quite similar. You can get a free shuttle bus between the car hire places and airport. I would suggest booking car hire in advance.

Where to stay on Maui with kids

Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas

We chose the Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas because all rooms or “villas” have a full kitchenette as well as excellent resort facilities including six outdoor pools.

You can read more about our stay at the Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas here.

Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel

Often called the “most Hawaiian of Hawaiian hotels”, the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel offers an authentic Hawaiian experience with plenty of aloha warmth from staff. We loved the hotel’s location and friendly staff.

Read more about the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel here.

More things to do in Maui

Find great hikes on Maui here.

Haleakalā National Park: Driving To The Summit

March 4, 2019 / Hawaii, Travel, USA / 0 comment

Haleakalā National Park, Maui Hawaii: Driving To The Summit

Driving to the summit

Depending where you get started from on Maui, it can take two to three hours to drive the Haleakala Highway (HI 37) and then up the winding Haleakala Crater Road leading to the summit of Haleakala.

Kahului	1.5 – 2 hours
Kihei	1.75 – 2.25 hours
Kaanapali and Lahaina	2.25 – 2.75 hours
Kapalua	2.5 – 3 hours

The Park Visitors Center is located at 7,000 feet. Continue past it to the Haleakala Visitors Center at 9,740 feet.

Visitor information

Haleakalā National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except during severe weather closures.

There are 24-hour available restrooms at the two visitors centres.

Park Headquarters Visitor Center (7,000 feet/2,134 meters) is open 8am-4pm. Haleakalā Visitor Center (9,740 feet/2,969 meters) is open sunrise to noon. Kīpahulu Visitor Center (coastal) is open 9am-5pm.

The visitors centres have naturalists are on duty during business hours to answer questions.

Entrance fees

Daily passes are required to enter the park. Have a credit card handy to use for payment of entry fees at the Summit and Kīpahulu entrance stations.

Private Vehicle: $25. Valid for 3 days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (14 pax capacity or less) and all occupants to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas.

Motorcycle: $20. Valid for 3 days. Admits a private, non-commercial motorcycle to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas.

Per Person: $12. Valid for 3 days. Admits one individual with no car to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Areas – typically used for bicyclists, hikers and pedestrians. Youth 15 and under are admitted free.

If you arrive at the park at a time when the entrance station is closed, please pay the entrance fee at the automated fee machine using cash.

Sunrise and sunset at Haleakalā

Watching the sunrise over Haleakalā is an incredibly special experience, one which now requires reservations to keep the crowd numbers down. If you want to visit at sunrise, reservations open up online 60 days in advance at recreation.gov.

Sunset at Haleakalā is just as beautiful and requires no reservations.

Before sunrise and after sunset the temperatures plunge dramatically, so you will need to pack extra layers like coats, beanies, gloves and possibly even blankets if you plan to visit then.

Get more information about sunrise at Haleakalā here.

Haleakala Visitor Center and Pa Kaoao Trail

Elevation: 9,740 ft. (2969 m.)

Features: Ranger Station, Wheelchair Accessible, Restrooms, Water

This small Visitor Center is perched right at the edge of a cliff. Leave your car here to walk the Pa Kaoao Trail, which leads 100 ft. (30 m.) up to an overlook with a remarkable view. The change in altitude on this short trail is very noticeable.

Puu ulaula Summit

Elevation: 10,023 ft. (3,055 m.)

Features: Wheelchair Accessible Drive up to Haleakala’s highest point, Puu ulaula Summit, to enjoy 360-degree views of the alien Haleakala landscape. This is the spot to stick around and watch the sun set from.

Important information before driving up to Haleakalā

Dress warmly. Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Temperatures at the Summit are at least 20 degrees colder than at sea level and often drop below freezing.
Fill up your gas tank and bring food. Neither are available in the park.
Bring water, sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes.
Pay the entrance fee with a credit card.
Always respect speed limits. The park road goes through endangered species habitat.
Please leave natural resources and cultural artefacts, rocks, and structures alone.
No climbing/ walking off the marked trails as this can destroy habitats and scare wildlife.
Please be quiet and respectful. The Summit is sacred to Native Hawaiians.
The Summit is remote. Emergency medical assistance is at least one hour away.

Safety information care of nps.gov