Filled with anticipation, one half of my family loaded up our car and ventured south on the I-5 Freeway to Carlsbad. Destination: Legoland California Resort. As first timers, we were excited to see some of the Lego-inspired creations, the new Lego World parade with its hosts of beloved characters and Dino Valley.

My daughter Quinn, who lives for a birthday cake and rainbows, was looking forward to celebrating Legoland’s 25th birthday bash and, of course, the magical wizard! Armed with a bag full of snacks and coloring books, we were off to see the wizard. One hour and 45 minutes later, we turned onto Legoland Drive and were welcomed by little Lego statues — certainly the byproduct of a master builder’s vision. We unloaded and crossed over a trumpeted capped drawbridge into our home for the weekend, The Magic Castle Hotel.  

Amidst the hustle and bustle of families wrangling kids was a pool full of Legos waiting to be clicked and clacked into some innovative mind’s masterpiece. Children poured in to build, while waiting for their adults; others slid down the slide alongside the stairs or played in the pretend holding dungeon.  My husband Cory and I looked at each other with silent words and loud thoughts, “We definitely are not in Walnut anymore.”  Somewhere between home and Oz, we had teleported into a world of make-believe. 

As we pushed the button of the elevator to get to our floor, the wizard himself narrated our ride as we “levitated and flew” between floors. Gems and crystals lit up on the walls of our magic ride until we reached our destination.

In our room, the medieval and digital world coexisted as purple regal tapestry adorned walls and plush beds. Requests are at your fingertips. With one swing of the magic wand (via QR code), your wish is granted — per the digital magic genie. My favorite part of the room was the message on the wall: “You are far more powerful than you can ever imagine.” 

Off to Dino Valley

Well-rested and caffeine-fueled, we set out for our first adventure: Dino Valley! As we walked through the land where dinosaurs roam, we caught our first dino sighting: a T-Rex! When navigating from one adventure to the next, sensory guides pose as yellow brick roads for parents. I found this a very helpful tool while exploring activities. 

We boarded Coastersaurus, the roller coaster that matches the thrill seeker’s quest for fun, and then Explorer River Quest, a tranquil boat ride for dino seekers. Also new to Dino Valley is Dino Outpost, where little paleontologists get to uncover fossils and build their own dinosaur creations. This was a sensory level 5 for touch and deeply satisfying for my 6-year-old explorer. After a quick wash off of sand, sand and more sand, we stopped off for a quick bite to eat at The Market, a cafeteria style marketplace that offers a variety of food options (great for picky eaters), then it was on to the parade.

Lego World Parade

The anticipation of the parade was felt throughout the park as onlookers began to line the streets. I, too, sat amongst the spectators, between a veteran and his great-granddaughter. The old and the new, united in our excitement. The doors opened and the parade began with flags, bubbles and a celebratory song. The Lego World parade featured the Lego City Fire Truck with a dancing Fire Chief Freya, a swashbuckling ship with Scallywag Pirate, plus Lloyd, Scuba Diver and Hopsy.  

Capping off the festivities, we had to take a selfie with the 25th birthday cake Lego model. This cake took 400 hours to build, and it consists of more than 200,000 bricks! Finally, now joined by the other half or our family, we wound down with a visit to the Sea Life Aquarium. Here, we encountered sharks, octopus, star fish and other sea creatures enclosed in varying shades of indigo waters.  

The beauty of the aquarium, and perhaps Legoland, is that it gives permission for all to simply be. Our little family dined on our last meal at the Dragons Den Restaurant before hitting the road again. Our  Legoland adventure is now tucked away as a sweet memory — somewhere over the rainbow, where builders click-clack, kids slide downstairs, elevator rides are magic and dreams come to life.

Cherie Cofer, an editorial fellow for L.A. Parent, is a writer, mom and educator who lives in Walnut, Calif.