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With the addition of the LEGOLAND Water Park and the SEA LIFE Aquarium to the LEGOLAND California Resort, it may be hard to imagine how you could see and do it all–even with the available“1-Day Resort Hopper” ticket option. I’m here to tell you that all three attractions can be thoroughly enjoyed in a single day, allowing you to experience the best of each of these three aptly “connected” zones in one family fun-filled day. Here’s a plan on how to make the most of your 1-Day Resort Hopper ticket.

First, be sure to visit the web site for each attraction for information about show times, feeding times for the sea life, and any special exhibits. It’s a great idea to sit with your family ahead of time to pick out what you would most like to see and do to maximize the time spent in each park. This will also ensure that everyone in the family gets to do one or more things they would personally enjoy. Also plan ahead by bringing swim clothes and towels, which you can keep in a locker until needed.

Start with LEGOLAND Amusement Park (open until 8pm)

It’s a good idea to start the morning at LEGOLAND amusement park because the lines are likely to be shorter for all the rides and the weather a touch cooler. There is so much to see and do with rides for all ages. For groups with multiple adults or older kids that can go it alone, you might consider splitting up so that the younger kids enjoy their age-appropriate rides while the older ones head for the roller coasters. Everyone can hit the discovery center to build anything and everything out of LEGOs of every sort. Make time for a round of miniature golf on the 18-hole putting green, which can actually be done in under an hour if it’s not too busy. There are some good restaurant options for lunch, so do stop and eat to fuel up for the rest of the day’s adventures. As you venture around the park, be sure to catch a glimpse of the Lego models of various famous buildings and cities, including Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas.

Cool off at the LEGOLAND Water Park (open until 5pm)

It’ll now be afternoon with the Southern California sun high in the sky, so it’s a great time to cool off and burn off those sugary treats at the LEGOLAND Water Park. After the peak 1:00-3:00pm hours each day is a good time if you want to avoid the largest crowds. Hit your locker so you can a quick change in the dressing area—and don’t forget your towel. If you don’t bring your own, the park has souvenir towels for sale. The water park is a treat for all ages with everything from small splash pools for toddlers, to a lazy river, to some adrenaline-inducing water slides for the older set. In all, there are ten play and spray areas, including two sandy beach wading areas where mom and dad can relax. There are snack carts and cafes in case anyone gets hungry again or you want to make an early dinner here. When you’ve had your fill of water whimsy, change back into dry clothes for the last leg of your LEGO-licious day.

Finish at the LEGOLAND Sea Life Aquarium (open until 8pm)

After enjoying dinner in the LEGOLAND amusement or Water Park, it’s time to head to the Sea Life Aquarium and wind down among the wonders of the ocean. This is an air conditioned reprieve from the fast rides and amusement park noise that is educational and awe-inspiring.  While at the aquarium, check out the 14 different exhibits and stations that cover all the marine life found in California. You can also watch many of the sea creatures get fed as well as interact with some life forms at the touch pool. There is also a theater that provides live informational movies as well as a new exhibit called “4 Claws.” On the way out, peruse the gift shop where you can get some great marine-inspired memorabilia or educational coloring books to enjoy once your incredible day at LEGOLAND is done.

Pricing for the 1-Day Resort Hopper ticket is $99 online/$97 walk up for Adults (13+) and $89 online/$87 walk up for children ages 3-12. With fully twelve hours availability for family fun, frivolity, and fanciful sea creatures, it’s well worth the price of admission.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost and/or arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way as per the disclosure policy on our “Legal” page***