Day 2 - Legoland
We started our second full day in San Diego by grabbing breakfast at Better Buzz Coffee...again! We had a bit of a drive ahead of us and we wanted to make sure we all had some food (and coffee) in us for the busy day ahead. We all got the same thing as the day before because it was that good!
Once we had our breakfast and coffee we jumped on the highway and were off to Legoland! The drive took about 45 minutes. We made to sure to get there as soon as it opened so we could enjoy as much as the park as we could without huge crowds. Once we made it in to the parking lot, we had to pay for parking. The current cost is $25, which seems a bit much for parking, but we paid, parked, lathered up in sunscreen, and started walking with the masses to the main gate.
I had purchased our tickets beforehand because I had found some deal going on. They often have deals going on, so be on the lookout if you are heading there. We ended up getting the kids' tickets for free, and we are glad we did. There are all different types of tickets you can buy because there is the amusement park, the aquarium, and the water park all located here and are all considered separate attractions. We ended up getting the tickets that gave us amusement park and aquarium access.
As we headed in, you could definitely tell you were in Lego world, and Carson was in heaven! There are sculptures of all sorts of things made out of Legos all around the park.
Once we had our breakfast and coffee we jumped on the highway and were off to Legoland! The drive took about 45 minutes. We made to sure to get there as soon as it opened so we could enjoy as much as the park as we could without huge crowds. Once we made it in to the parking lot, we had to pay for parking. The current cost is $25, which seems a bit much for parking, but we paid, parked, lathered up in sunscreen, and started walking with the masses to the main gate.
I had purchased our tickets beforehand because I had found some deal going on. They often have deals going on, so be on the lookout if you are heading there. We ended up getting the kids' tickets for free, and we are glad we did. There are all different types of tickets you can buy because there is the amusement park, the aquarium, and the water park all located here and are all considered separate attractions. We ended up getting the tickets that gave us amusement park and aquarium access.
As we headed in, you could definitely tell you were in Lego world, and Carson was in heaven! There are sculptures of all sorts of things made out of Legos all around the park.
We instantly went to the first attraction we could find and began our day. The kids enjoyed all the rides and had a lot of fun. For me and Joe, we were a bit underwhelmed. After talking to people, this is an not common to feel the way we did. I think the problem for us was that we had just been to Disneyland a few months prior, and we weren't obsessed with Legos. If you love Legos, this place is for you. But it definitely is no Disneyland.
When we went to Disneyland, we went with an attack plan on where to go and when in order to maximize our time there. At Legoland, we didn't do this. We instead decided to just do the wander and ride what we wanted. I know there are certain attractions that are more popular than others, like the Coastersaurus ride. So if you really want to get on those rides, I suggest hitting those up first thing in the morning. We unfortunately didn't get to ride that ride because the lines were super long by the time we made it over there.
Before we knew it, it was lunch time. I had looked into the different dining options before we went and knew that we needed something simple, quick, and something the kids would eat. Also, I wanted to find a place that was on the cheaper side because the tickets were already spendy and this day was adding up quick! The place that fit the bill was Pizza Mania. They had outdoor tables that we were able to eat at and people watch as we ate. Legoland actually has quite a few dining options. I suggest looking into them before you go so you have an idea of what might work for you and your family.
When we went to Disneyland, we went with an attack plan on where to go and when in order to maximize our time there. At Legoland, we didn't do this. We instead decided to just do the wander and ride what we wanted. I know there are certain attractions that are more popular than others, like the Coastersaurus ride. So if you really want to get on those rides, I suggest hitting those up first thing in the morning. We unfortunately didn't get to ride that ride because the lines were super long by the time we made it over there.
Before we knew it, it was lunch time. I had looked into the different dining options before we went and knew that we needed something simple, quick, and something the kids would eat. Also, I wanted to find a place that was on the cheaper side because the tickets were already spendy and this day was adding up quick! The place that fit the bill was Pizza Mania. They had outdoor tables that we were able to eat at and people watch as we ate. Legoland actually has quite a few dining options. I suggest looking into them before you go so you have an idea of what might work for you and your family.
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After lunch the kids were ready for more rides. Carson had seen one that he really wanted to try and it wasn't a ride Reagan could do, so Joe took Carson and I took Reagan and we went our separate ways. During this time, Reagan and I stumbled upon some show they were having with knights and she enjoyed sitting and watching that. Right after, we ran into some characters and she got to chat with a princess, and she loved that. She then went on a ride she had seen and wanted to ride.
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Meanwhile, Carson and Joe were waiting in line to go on popular ride and they spent most of the time waiting. Once they were on, we were on our way to meet them and were able to catch them as they rode.
Once we were reunited, we asked the kids what they wanted to do and they picked the most simple attractions. We found it funny that all they wanted to do was slide down this big blue slide over and over. We kept asking if they wanted to go check out a roller coaster or ride something a little more exciting, but they were content doing the basic stuff. We also spent time wandering around all the different areas just looking at the Legos. It was truly amazing what people are able to create out of Legos. Lego sculptures are everywhere and they have built a whole world you can explore from New York, to New Orleans, and Las Vegas. |
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On The Deep Sea Adventure ride.
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At this point, the kids were getting hot and were ready for a snack. I had read about these apple fries that were supposed to be fantastic. We found the stand they sold them at and there was a long line, so we knew they must be good. Once we finally got them, they lived up to the hype. They were pretty delicious! They are real apples covered in this cinnamon and sugar topping, and served with this dipping cream. The kids wiped them real quick!
We knew our time with the rides was over as the kids were just done. We headed to the aquarium and started to explore. The highlight of the aquarium for Carson was The Deep Sea Adventure. This is where you get into a submarine and go through a tour of marine life under water. When we had gone on the Finding Nemo ride at Disneyland, Carson was so annoyed that majority of the fish were animatronic and not real. But on this ride, they were real, and that made him very happy. It was pretty cool! If you are a bit claustrophobic, I wouldn't suggest this ride for you. |
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The aquarium was well done with a lot of different varieties of sea life. It wasn't huge by any means, but the kids enjoyed the tunnel that went under water and the touch pools. Because we were doing this aquarium, we chose to skip Sea World, and I think it would have been too much aquarium had we done both.
And finally, what trip would be complete to Legoland without going to the Lego Store and getting a Lego? Carson had been waiting for this moment the whole day, if not month! I have a feeling that is why he was ready to go and not do any more rides...he wanted a Lego, bad! The Lego Store is quite large, with Lego everything. You can find most of the same Legos at home or online and not have to pay tax, but there is something special about getting a Lego at Legoland. |
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Carson and Reagan have a very generous aunt and uncle who also gave them money to spend. We spent quite a bit of time looking and trying to decide on which Lego would be the special one they would take home. At the end, they each picked out a Lego and were thrilled!
We were probably at the park until about 3:00. That was a good enough time for the kids, but if you want to get your money's worthy, I suggest being prepared to stay the whole day. Or, if you really want to do Legoland right, they also have a couple of hotels you could stay at and you could do it over several days. The kids say they want to go back, and Joe and I are fine if don't. I am more of a Disneyland girl, and feel I get more for my money at Disneyland. But again, if you are in San Diego and you have a Lego lover, it's a good place to put on your itinerary. We got back to our hotel around 4:00. The kids were tired out from the heat, so we all just took some time to lie around and rest. For dinner, we headed to Old Town San Diego. |
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Joe and his margarita at Cafe Coyote's in Old Town
When in San Diego, you have to come to Old Town and eat. They vibe is the best! The dining options are mostly outdoors. They made dining outdoors popular before the pandemic! We always make it a point to head here and eat at Cafe Coyote's. The restaurant is HUGE! There are all different types of seating choices. This restaurant is fun! It's bright colored, seating is outdoors, you can watch them make their tortillas by hand, the food is good, and it's great for kids. Even if you don't eat at Coyote's, you need to try out one of the other great restaurants in Old Town.
After dinner, we skipped the pool and headed straight for bed. This day was busy, fun, and tiring. The kids were worn out and ready for some sleep. For Day 3 in San Diego, we planned a chill day to make up for all we did on this day. Check out Day 3, here!
After dinner, we skipped the pool and headed straight for bed. This day was busy, fun, and tiring. The kids were worn out and ready for some sleep. For Day 3 in San Diego, we planned a chill day to make up for all we did on this day. Check out Day 3, here!