Are you planning a LEGOLAND vacation but want to save money? You won’t want to miss these ways to visit LEGOLAND on a budget!
This guide to LEGOLAND on a budget was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
My kids LOVE going to LEGOLAND California Resort. It’s a short flight from Seattle and we can usually find some pretty good deals on hotels and theme park packages.
I know that a lot of families get sticker-shocked when they start to price out a LEGOLAND vacation. But, I’m here to tell you that you can totally save money at LEGOLAND if you know what you’re doing.
Keep scrolling for my budget-friendly tips for planning your LEGOLAND vacation.
13 LEGOLAND California Budget Travel Tips
Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Seasons
If it’s at all possible, try to visit during non-holiday periods or on weekdays. Not only is this when prices for tickets and hotel rooms are the cheapest, but there are also fewer crowds so you’ll be able to do more stuff with minimal waits.
Of course, you’ll want to check the LEGOLAND calendar before you book anything because sometimes the park is closed on random days.
Purchase Tickets in Advance
One of the best ways to save on your family adventure is by purchasing tickets online before your visit. Websites, like Get Away Today, offer fantastic hotel and ticket packages that can significantly reduce the cost of your trip.
These packages often combine the excitement of LEGOLAND with the comfort of staying in a family-friendly hotel, making your vacation both memorable and affordable.
Additionally, keeping an eye out for early bird specials or online-exclusive deals can lead to even more savings. For instance, Black Friday is a golden opportunity to snag tickets or packages at a fraction of the cost.
By planning ahead and taking advantage of these deals, you can enjoy all the fun Legoland has to offer without straining your wallet.
Bring Your Own Food and Snacks
Legoland lets you bring water, small snacks, and food needed for medical, religious, or special dietary reasons. This outside food policy is super helpful for saving money because buying food at the park can add up quickly.
When packing, think about including sandwiches, fruits, veggies, and maybe some crackers or cheese. These are not only healthy picnic lunch ideas but also kid-approved options that can keep everyone happy throughout the day.
Plus, having your own snacks means you can eat whenever you’re hungry without waiting in long lines or searching for something that everyone likes.
Remember to pack foods that are easy to carry and won’t melt or spoil during your adventure.
Look for Promotional Offers, Like Kids Go Free
One cool trick is to check out cereal boxes or other products for “Kids Go Free” promotions. Brands often partner with Legoland to offer these special deals, which can significantly cut down your expenses.
When you find a “Kids Go Free” offer, there will be a special promotional link you need to visit to get the discount. Make sure to follow the instructions provided carefully.
To take advantage of the offer, you must purchase your tickets directly through the promotion link specified. Look for the option that says “Kids Go Free Ticket – Includes One Child and One Adult Ticket (Discount applied. One Per Transaction).”
This means you’ll get one free child’s ticket with every adult ticket you buy, which is a fantastic way to save money while planning a fun outing to Legoland.
Stay at Budget-Friendly Accommodations
If it’s in your budget, I think the LEGOLAND Hotels are worth it. They have a daily treasure hunt with LEGO sets for prizes (everyone wins), a playground, dance parties, and lots of free entertainment for kids.
While it’s totally fun to stay at one of the LEGOLAND hotels (especially when you can score a deal), there are also several budget-friendly places to stay near LEGOLAND that are great options.
The trick is to balance the trade-off between how close you want to be to Legoland and how much you’re willing to pay. Staying a bit farther might mean a better deal on your room, but it also might mean a little extra travel time to get to the park.
However, if you’re looking to make the most of your Legoland adventure without spending too much, these budget-friendly accommodations can be a great choice. Plus, saving on your stay means you’ll have more to spend on fun inside the park!
Invest in an Annual Pass
I know it might sound weird to suggest paying MORE, but if you’re going to visit LEGOLAND for more than 2 days, it can save you money. Yes, it pays for itself in just 2 visits.
Plus, you can get discounts on hotel stays as well as things in the park. And you’ll get exclusive invitations to free events.
Utilize Free Activities and Shows Inside the Park
At LEGOLAND, your day can be filled with fun without spending extra on activities. Free shows and activities are everywhere, making it easy to plan a day that’s packed with entertainment at no additional cost.
For instance, dive into LEGO DREAMZzz to join Mateo and Izzie on a quest to save the dream world, or giggle along with the silly slapstick of “Once Upon a Brick” at the Castle Stage.
Don’t miss Benny’s Dance Party, where you can show off your best moves with the astronaut crew, or learn ninja moves at the School of Spinjitzu.
Plus, there are amazing 4D movies like “LEGO City 4D: Officer in Pursuit!” and “LEGO NINJAGO: Master of the 4th Dimension” that bring you right into the action with water, wind, and bubble effects.
With all these free activities, you can easily fill your day with non-stop fun and adventure without dipping into your wallet for extra entertainment costs.
Set a Souvenir Budget
When visiting Legoland on a budget, setting aside money for souvenirs is smart. A super fun and free activity we love is trading LEGO minifigures with staff members around the park.
Just remember to bring minifigures from home that are complete with all their parts to trade for new ones. This can be a cool way to get new toys without spending extra money.
It’s also important to talk with your kids about how much you plan to spend on souvenirs before you go. This helps manage their expectations and turns souvenir shopping into a fun challenge rather than a spending spree.
One tip is to take photos of LEGO sets they’re interested in. This way, you can compare prices and maybe find a better deal online or once you’re back home.
Collect Pop Badges
One of the best free things to do at LEGOLAND (according to my boys) is to collect Pop Badges. These are plastic badges that feature LEGO characters and there are a ton of options.
To collect them, you just walk up to staff members and ask if they have any. These could be security people, restaurant workers, at the rides, etc.
They also have a few “rare” Pop Badges that are highly coveted. Mr. Gold is pretty hard to find and right now they also have Space Baby.
Get There Early
While this doesn’t technically save you money, it does help you maximize your time at LEGOLAND. Anyone can enter the park early (alongside the early entry people) but you won’t be able to get into the ride areas.
However, you can still do character photos, grab coffee or snacks, stop by guest services, look for Pop Badges, etc. And it will get you close to the rides when the park opens to the general public.
Skip the Photo Pass
While it can be tempting to buy the LEGOLAND Photo Pass, I suggest just taking free photos with your phone. It will save you a lot of money and you’ll still get cute photos.
Bring Your Own Stroller
If you think your kids will need a stroller, one of the best money-saving tips is to just bring your own instead of renting a stroller at the park.
Skip the Express Passes on Lighter Days
When planning a budget-friendly trip to LEGOLAND, it’s a good idea to check the crowd calendar before you go.
On days when the park isn’t as crowded, you might not need to buy express passes. These passes let you skip lines, but they cost extra.
If you visit on a lighter day, you can save money by not buying them and still enjoy all the rides without waiting too long. This tip can help you keep your budget in check while still making the most of your LEGOLAND adventure.
LEGOLAND Budget Breaks FAQs
Where can I find free kids tickets for LEGOLAND?
You can find free kids’ tickets for LEGOLAND in special promotional offers, such as those found in kids’ meal deals at fast-food restaurants or through certain LEGO product purchases.
Does the LEGOLAND water park cost extra?
Yes, the LEGOLAND Water Park costs extra on top of the general admission ticket to LEGOLAND.
What are some other affordable San Diego attractions?
Other affordable San Diego attractions include the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum.
Is the San Diego CityPass worth it?
The San Diego CityPass is worth it if you plan to visit multiple attractions covered by the pass, as it can save you money compared to buying individual tickets.
Is Sea Life Aquarium worth it?
The Sea Life Aquarium is worth it for families who enjoy marine life, offering interactive and educational exhibits about the ocean and its inhabitants.
How does the cost of LEGOLAND compare with other theme parks?
LEGOLAND’s cost is generally comparable to other theme parks, but it often offers more deals and promotions that can make it more affordable for families.
Are there LEGOLAND discounts in LEGO Magazine?
Yes, there are LEGOLAND discounts and special offers available in LEGO Magazine for subscribers.
Is there a free shuttle to LEGOLAND?
There is no free shuttle service directly provided by LEGOLAND, but some nearby hotels offer shuttle services to the park.
Are there any LEGO Star Wars attractions at LEGOLAND?
Yes, LEGOLAND California features LEGO Star Wars attractions, including a Star Wars Miniland area with scenes from the movies made out of LEGO bricks.
Budget-Friendly LEGOLAND Tips Wrap-Up
Visiting LEGOLAND on a budget is totally possible with a little planning and some smart tips.
Remember to look for deals and discounts before you go, like online ticket sales, promotional offers, and even special LEGO Magazine discounts.
Don’t forget to bring your own snacks and maybe even some LEGO minifigures to trade in the park!
By skipping express passes on less busy days and setting a souvenir budget, you can make the most of your visit without spending too much.
Use these strategies to have a blast at LEGOLAND while keeping your wallet happy. Happy building and exploring at LEGOLAND!
Looking for more LEGOLAND California Travel Resources? Check out My Ultimate LEGOLAND Packing List for Families, Is the LEGOLAND Hotel in California Worth it?, LEGOLAND for Toddlers: Guide to Rides, Activities + Hotels, and 10 Tips for LEGOLAND California: Know Before You Go!
