Legoland California is a popular theme park located in Carlsbad, California that is geared towards families with children ages 2-12. With over 60 rides, shows, and attractions spread across 13 themed lands, Legoland offers a full day of fun and entertainment. When planning a trip to Legoland, one of the key factors families need to consider is how much it will cost per person. The cost per person can vary quite a bit depending on the age of the visitors, what ticket options you choose, whether you need parking, and how much you plan to spend on food, souvenirs, and other expenses at the park.
Legoland Ticket Prices
The first major expense for a Legoland trip is the price of admission. Legoland offers several different ticket options that include various combinations of dates, length of entry, and extras like food and merchandise discounts. The minimum price per person starts at around $95 per day for a regular child or adult ticket purchased in advance online.
Here is a breakdown of the main ticket types and pricing:
- Single Day Tickets
- Ages 3-12: Starting at $95 online
- Ages 13 and up: Starting at $105 online
- Park Hopper Tickets (entry to Legoland + Sea Life Aquarium + Legoland Water Park)
- Ages 3-12: Starting at $140 online
- Ages 13 and up: Starting at $150 online
- 2-Day Tickets
- Ages 3-12: Starting at $140 online
- Ages 13 and up: Starting at $155 online
- Annual Passes
- Basic: $199 per person
- Deluxe: $249 per person
Discounts are available for purchasing tickets online in advance, as well as for Southern California residents. Children under age 3 get free admission. So the base price per person starts around $95-$105 if you purchase single day tickets online in advance.
Parking Costs
Parking at Legoland California costs $25 per day for standard parking or $40 per day for preferred parking closer to the entrance. So you’ll need to budget an additional $25-40 per vehicle on top of ticket prices.
Food Costs Inside the Park
Food and drinks inside Legoland can add a significant amount to the cost per person for a day at the park. Here are some average costs for food items inside Legoland:
- Bottled Water – $3-$5
- Soda or Juice – $4-$6
- Burgers, Chicken Strips, Hot Dogs – $8-$12
- Salads, Sandwiches – $10-$15
- Pizza Slices – $5-$8
- Ice Cream, Funnel Cake – $4-$8
So realistically, you should budget at least $15-$25+ per person for meals, snacks, and drinks inside the park.
You can save money by:
- Bringing your own water bottles and refilling for free inside the park
- Packing snacks and light meals
- Eating a filling meal before you enter or after you exit the park
- Taking advantage of all-day dining plans or meal vouchers if you purchase those ticket options
Souvenirs and Game Costs
Beyond just rides and shows, Legoland offers plenty of opportunities to spend additional money inside the park:
- Lego Minifigure Trading – $6-12+ per minifigure
- Video Games – $5 per play
- Face Painting – $15
- Green Screen Photos – $20+
- Build-A-Minifigure Station – $20+ per customized minifigure
- Souvenirs like Lego sets, t-shirts, hats, keychains – $10-$100+
Budget $25-$75+ per person for these optional activities and souvenirs. Or set firm limits with your kids before entering the park.
Hotels Near Legoland
If you decide to make Legoland a multi-day trip, you’ll have to factor in hotel costs as well. Hotel prices very near Legoland such as the Legoland Hotel or local Carlsbad hotels average $200-$400+ per night.
You can find more budget-friendly hotels for $100-$200 per night if you stay a bit further away in Oceanside, Vista, or Encinitas and drive to the park. An overnight stay nearby averages $125-$250 per person.
Conclusion
Adding up the primary costs per person for a single day trip to Legoland California results in the following budget:
Expense | Cost Per Person |
---|---|
One Day Ticket (ages 3-12) | $95 |
Parking | $12.50 (assuming 2 people per car) |
Food | $15-$25+ |
Souvenirs/Games | $25-$75+ |
Total Cost Per Person | $147.50-$207.50+ |
So for a one day trip, you can reasonably expect to spend $150-$200 per person after tax for admission, parking, food, and souvenirs. The more extras you indulge in, the closer you’ll get to $250 or more per person.
Over a multi-day visit, you’ll spend an additional $125-$250 per night for hotel stays. Plus more money on food and entertainment outside the park.
The bottom line is that a Legoland California vacation for a family of four could easily cost $1000-$2000+ for a 2-3 day trip when you add up everything!
There are ways to save such as:
- Choosing cheaper weekday tickets
- Staying at a budget hotel farther from the park
- Packing your own food and snacks
- Setting firm budgets for souvenirs and extras
- Looking for discounts and bundle deals online
But in general, Legoland is one of the more expensive theme park options in Southern California. The tickets alone are $95-$150 per person, so costs add up quickly, especially for larger families. Overall, visiting Legoland California provides tons of fun and memories. But it is definitely not a budget-friendly destination and requires some spending money to fully enjoy everything it has to offer.