Legoland California#Pirate Shores

The Legoland California Resort currently encompasses:

• The original park (opened in March 1999)
• A Lego-themed Sea Life Aquarium (opened in August 2008),{{cite news |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-legoland-details-expansion-plans-2007nov07-story.html |title=Legoland details expansion plans |author=Fikes, Bradley J. |date=November 7, 2007 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |access-date=April 30, 2019}} the first Sea Life in the United States{{cite press release |url=https://endpoint910861.azureedge.net/globalassets/california/downloads/press/uvid-494e6e/sealifefactsheet.pdf |title=Legoland California Resort: Sea Life Aquarium Fact Sheet |publisher=Merlin Entertainments Group |access-date=April 30, 2019}}
• A Lego-themed water park (opened in May 2010){{cite news |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20100525/1686/legoland-california-open-water-park-may-28-2010 |title=LEGOLAND California to open water park on May 28, 2010 |author=Sim, Nick |date=May 25, 2010 |work=Theme Park Tourist |access-date=April 30, 2019}}
• A Lego Chima expansion to the water park (opened in 2014){{cite news |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20130916/14397/legoland-california-open-lego-legends-chima-water-park-2014 |title=LEGOLAND California to open LEGO Legends of Chima Water Park in 2014 |author=Sim, Nick |date=September 16, 2013 |work=Theme Park Tourist |access-date=April 30, 2019}}

The resort site includes two hotels:

• Legoland Resort Hotel (250 rooms, opened in April 2013){{cite news |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20130407/13155/images-legoland-hotel-welcomes-first-guests-legoland-california |title=Images: LEGOLAND Hotel welcomes first guests at LEGOLAND California |author=Sim, Nick |date=April 7, 2013 |work=Theme Park Tourist |access-date=April 30, 2019}}
• The first floor has rooms based on Kingdoms, Ninjago, and Friends.
• The second floor has rooms based on Pirates.
• The third floor has rooms based on Adventure.{{Cite web |title=What amenities are included in the LEGOLAND California Hotel rooms? |url=https://california-support.legoland.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001605871-What-amenities-are-included-in-the-LEGOLAND-California-Hotel-rooms |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=LEGOLAND® California Theme Park {{!}} LEGOLAND® California Resort |language=en-US}}
• Legoland Castle Hotel (250 rooms, opened in April 2018){{cite press release |url=https://www.legoland.com/california/about-us/press/press-room/legoland-castle-hotel-is-officially-open/ |title=Hear ye, hear ye! Legoland® Castle Hotel is officially open! |date=April 27, 2018 |publisher=Merlin Entertainments Group |access-date=April 30, 2019}}

Lego opened the first Legoland theme park in Billund, Denmark in 1968, followed by a second park in Windsor, England in 1996. The Carlsbad park was the third to open, in March 1999.{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-04-25-9904250404-story.html |title=Legoland California Builds on Success |author=Brandon, Karen |date=April 25, 1999 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 30, 2019}} At the time, Lego was considering an additional United States Legoland to be located somewhere on the east coast.{{cite news |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1996-09-18-1996262004-story.html |title=Arundeel site study for Lego put off {{!}} Theme park delay in Calif. leaves local project in limbo |author=McQuaid, Kevin L. |date=September 18, 1996 |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |access-date=May 4, 2019}} When the park opened, there were eight themed areas. Starting at the entrance (at the central southern part of the park) and proceeding clockwise, they were:{{cite web |url=http://www.legolandca.com/general.idc |title=Map of Legoland |date=2000 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001110065800/http://www.legolandca.com/general.idc |archive-date=November 10, 2000 |url-status=dead}}

{{OSM Location map

| coord={{coord|33.1280|-117.3119}} | zoom=17

| width=500 | height=500

| caption=Themed areas and key locations within Legoland California Resort

| label1 =Main entrance

| mark-coord1 ={{coord|33.126033|-117.311481}}

| label-pos1 =bottom

| mark-title1 =Main entrance sign

| mark-image1 =Legoland California (5459266958).jpg

| mark-description1 =The main entrance sign and entry plaza at Legoland California share a common design with other Legoland parks around the world.

| label2 =Dino Valley

| mark-coord2 ={{coord|33.126493|-117.312755}}

| label-pos2 =right

| mark-title2 =Fairy Tale Brook

| mark-image2 =Misty Morning 3879 (5501794722).jpg

| mark-description2 =Fairy Tale Brook is a boat ride on Explorer Island that takes guests through scenes from fairy tales rendered in LEGO bricks.

| label3 =Sea Life Aquarium

| mark-coord3 ={{coord|33.126033|-117.312425}}

| label-pos3 =left

| mark-title3 =Sea Life Aquarium tank

| mark-image3 =Sea Life Aquarium - Legoland CAlifornia (6497747809).jpg

| mark-description3 =The Sea Life Aquarium features large tanks with fish and scenes such as this, depicting the mythical lost world of Atlantis, alongside LEGO brick sculptures.

| label4 =The LEGO Movie World

| mark-coord4 ={{coord|33.126635|-117.313493}}

| label-pos4 =top

| mark-title4 =LEGO Movie set

| mark-image4 =The Lego Movie movie set at legoland ca DSC 8567 (14501619117).jpg

| mark-description4 =The LEGO Movie World is a newer section of the park, depicting scenes from the eponymous film.

| label5 =LEGO/DUPLO Fun Town

| mark-coord5 ={{coord|33.128068|-117.313562}}

| label-pos5 =bottom

| mark-title5 =Volvo Driving School

| mark-image5 =Legoland (3108009997).jpg

| mark-description5 =The Volvo Driving School at LEGO Fun Town allows children to drive automobiles on a closed course with realistic light-controlled intersections and other traffic signs.

| label6 =Water Park

| mark-coord6 ={{coord|33.129438|-117.313530}}

| label-pos6 =top

| mark-title6 =Legoland California Water Park

| mark-image6 =Legoland California (5477082652).jpg

| mark-description6 =The water park includes waterslides and a lazy river attraction.

| label7 =Pirate Shores

| mark-coord7 ={{coord|33.129047|-117.312033}}

| label-pos7 =top

| mark-title7 =Splash Battle

| mark-image7 =Splash Battle Ride (2) (3838903022).jpg

| mark-description7 =On the Splash Battle ride in Pirate Shores, guests ride on pirate-themed boats and control water cannons.

| label8 =Castle Hill

| mark-coord8 ={{coord|33.128894|-117.310531}}

| label-pos8 =right

| mark-title8 =Castle Hill

| mark-image8 =King's Market area of Legoland.jpg

| mark-description8 =The Castle Hill area features medieval ('LEGO Knights') themes and rides.

| label9 =Miniland USA

| mark-coord9 ={{coord|33.127987|-117.311132}}

| label-pos9 =top

| mark-title9 =San Francisco at Miniland USA

| mark-image9 =Legoland California (5477854363).jpg

| mark-description9 =Miniland USA features architecture from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and (as depicted here) San Francisco, rendered in LEGO bricks.

| label10=Land of Adventure

| mark-coord10={{coord|33.127924|-117.309689}}

| label-pos10=left

| mark-title10=Lego pharaoh sculpture in Land of Adventure

| mark-image10=Lego King Tut (3838822010).jpg

| mark-description10=Land of Adventure features 'exploration' themes (generally Egypt) from Lego Adventurers.

| label11=Imagination Zone

| mark-coord11={{coord|33.127241|-117.310869}}

| label-pos11=top

| mark-title11=Imagination Zone

| mark-image11=USMC-01677.jpg

| mark-description11=The Imagination Zone area features interactive exhibits, where guests can build and test their own LEGO creations.

| label12=Ninjago World

| mark-coord12={{coord|33.126842|-117.310785}}

| label-pos12=bottom

| mark-title12=

| mark-image12=

| mark-description12=The Ninjago-themed area at Legoland California

| label13=Legoland Hotel

| mark-coord13={{coord|33.126132|-117.310391}}

| label-pos13=bottom

| mark-title13=

| mark-image13=

| mark-description13=The Legoland Hotel is just outside the park's entrance.

}}

• The Beginning (park entrance and gift shop){{cite web |url=http://www.legolandca.com/beginning.idc |title=The Beginning |date=2000 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001119131900/http://www.legolandca.com/beginning.idc |archive-date=November 19, 2000 |url-status=dead}}
• Village Green (including Playtown for toddlers)
• The Ridge{{cite web |url=http://www.legolandca.com/ridge.idc?guide=car |title=The Ridge |date=1999 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991125053138/http://www.legolandca.com/ridge.idc?guide=car |archive-date=November 25, 1999 |url-status=dead}}
• Fun Town
• The Garden{{cite web |url=http://www.legolandca.com/garden.idc?guide=car |title=Garden |date=2000 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001203182400/http://www.legolandca.com/garden.idc?guide=car |archive-date=December 3, 2000 |url-status=dead}}
• Miniland{{cite web |url=http://www.legolandca.com/miniland.idc |title=Miniland |date=2000 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001110100200/http://www.legolandca.com/miniland.idc |archive-date=November 10, 2000 |url-status=dead}} (including The Lake in the center of the park)
• Castle Hill
• Imagination Zone

By 2002, Village Green and The Ridge had been combined into an area called Explore Village{{cite web |url=http://www.lego.com:80/eng/legoland/california/default.asp?page=parktour&content=parkmap&subcontent=ex |title=LEGOLAND California Explore Village |date=2002 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021204145712/http://www.lego.com/eng/legoland/california/default.asp?page=parktour&content=parkmap&subcontent=ex |archive-date=December 4, 2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 25, 2020 }} and the Aquazone and LEGO Technic Test Track rides had been installed at Imagination Zone.{{cite web |url=http://www.lego.com/eng/legoland/california/default.asp?page=parktour&content=parkmap&subcontent=imagzone |title=LEGOLAND California Imagination Zone |date=2002 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021003124745/http://www.lego.com/eng/legoland/california/default.asp?page=parktour&content=parkmap&subcontent=imagzone |archive-date=October 3, 2002 |url-status=dead}} The fourth Legoland, built in Germany, opened in 2002. Dino Island and Coastersaurus opened in April 2004; the park also added Fun Town Fire Academy, a Florida-themed Miniland area, and the Block of Fame for its fifth anniversary.

Legoland California installed the first KUKA RoboCoaster in the United States in 2005. However, the weak retail toy market led to the sale of the four Legoland theme parks in July 2005 for $456 million{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4678213.stm |title=Troubled Lego sells theme parks |date=July 13, 2005 |work=BBC News |access-date=April 30, 2019}} to Blackstone Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in the United States. Blackstone had previously purchased Merlin in May 2005, which owned the Sea Life Centres and London Dungeon;{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4573127.stm |title=London Dungeon in £103m US buyout |date=May 23, 2005 |work=BBC News |access-date=April 30, 2019}} the two assets were combined as Merlin Entertainments, with Lego taking a 30% ownership share in the combined Merlin Entertainments.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2005/jul/14/1 |title=US swoop takes Legoland under Merlin's wand |author=Marriner, Cosima |date=July 13, 2005 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=April 30, 2019}} Collectively, the four theme parks had approximately 5 million visitors per year at the time.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jun-01-fi-lego1-story.html |title=Deal to Sell Legoland Parks Is Expected |author=Vincent, Roger |date=June 1, 2005 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 30, 2019}}

Under Merlin, Legoland California would add Pirate Shores (2006), a Las Vegas-themed Miniland area (2007), the Egyptian explorer-themed Land of Adventure (2008), and the {{convert|5.5|acre|adj=on|abbr=on}} Legoland Water Park (2010).{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201001/1633/ |title=Legoland California announces Water Park details, new 4D movie |author=Niles, Robert |date=January 8, 2010 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 2, 2019}} In 2009, Merlin requested permission to develop an onsite Lego-themed hotel in the existing parking lot;{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200901/1032/ |title=New official on-site hotel in works for Legoland California |author=Niles, Robert |date=January 19, 2009 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 2, 2019}} permission was granted in October{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200910/1505/ |title=Legoland California can build its hotel... when it wants to |author=Niles, Robert |date=October 29, 2009 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 2, 2019}} and plans for the 250-room hotel were announced in 2011, making the site a resort in 2013.{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201108/2634/ |title=Legoland California announces its Legoland Hotel |author=Niles, Robert |date=August 25, 2011 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 2, 2019}} The first fictional Miniland area, themed with scenes from the six (at the time) Star Wars movies and the Clone Wars television series,{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201101/2270/ |title=Star Wars is coming to Legoland California's Miniland |author=Niles, Robert |date=January 6, 2011 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 3, 2019}} opened in March 2011.{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201103/2418/ |title=Star Wars Miniland debuts at Legoland California |author=Niles, Robert |date=March 31, 2011 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 3, 2019}} The water park was expanded in 2014 with a Chima-themed area.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-carlsbad-legoland-chima-water-park-20140421-story.html |title=Carlsbad: Legends of Chima Water Park shapes up at Legoland California |author=Forgione, Mary |date=April 23, 2014 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 3, 2019}} A second 250-room hotel with a castle theme was added in 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201804/6077/ |title=Legoland Castle Hotel opens at Legoland California |author=Niles, Robert |date=April 27, 2018 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 2, 2019}}

Attendance at Legoland California reached 2.5 million visitors in 2013 and nearly 3 million by 2015, nearly double the attendance of Legoland Florida. More than $20 million was spent per year on sales tax on food and merchandise. The park employed more than 2200 workers in total: 600 full-time, nearly 500 part-time, and more than 1100 seasonal.{{cite report |url=http://www.townofgoshen.org/LegolandFEIS/APPENDIX%20K-%20ECONOMIC%20ANALYSIS.pdf |title=LEGOLAND Project Economic Impact Review: Final Report |date=February 2017 |author=KPMG |publisher=Orange County IDA |access-date=May 4, 2019}}

In mid-March 2020, in line with other Legoland parks, the park was indefinitely shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened on April 1, 2021.

Dino Valley is a section{{cite web |url=http://california.legoland.com/en/explore/rides_and_attractions/dino_island/ |title=Dino Island |author= |website=Legoland California Resort |access-date=February 19, 2015 }} with themes of dinosaurs and exploration. It contains a large sand area where children may dig for "fossils" and the Gerstlauer-built Coastersaurus{{cite web |url=http://www.gerstlauer-rides.de/references/reference-list/north-america/coastersaurus-en-US/ |title=References: North America: Coastersaurus |author= |website=Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GMBH |access-date=February 19, 2015 }} mini steel roller coaster, a close copy of the Legoland Germany junior coaster Drachenjagd, with a ride duration of approximately 2 minutes. It was installed in 2004{{cite web |url=https://rcdb.com/2614.htm |title=Coastersaurus |author=Marden, Duane |website=Roller Coaster Data Base |access-date=May 1, 2019}} by Ride Entertainment Group, who handles all of Gerstlauer's operations in the Western Hemisphere.{{cite journal |title=Gerstlauer busy in 2011| journal=Park World Magazine |date=December 29, 2010 |url=http://www.parkworld-online.com/gerstlauer-busy-in-2011/ |access-date=November 22, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Projects: 2004—Legoland California |url=http://www.rideentertainment.com/projects?wsyear=2004&wsproject=Legoland+California |publisher=Ride Entertainment Group |access-date=November 22, 2013}}

Explorer Island was previously named Dino Island. When the Village Green/Explore Village area was taken over by Heartlake City, the Fairy Tale Brook boat ride and Safari Trek on-rail driving ride (originally a walking trail showing life-size African animals built with LEGO bricks) were counted as part of the renamed Explorer Island. These rides date back to the opening of the park.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/09/travel/low-key-thrills-at-legoland.html |title=Low-Key Thrills at Legoland |author=Sterngold, James |date=May 9, 1999 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=April 30, 2019}}{{cite news |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1999-04-25-9904260303-story.html |title=Building fantastic fun, block by colorful block; Legoland: Kids have a great time playing, and adults take a nostalgia trip at the park in Southern California; Destination: California |last=Kaltenbach |first=Chris |date=April 25, 1999 |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |access-date=December 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430194905/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1999-04-25-9904260303-story.html |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/700880/Destination-Southern-Californias-Legoland.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926002912/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/700880/Destination-Southern-Californias-Legoland.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |title=Destination: Southern California's Legoland: Adults will enjoy watching their kids marvel |author=Rayburn, Jim |date=June 6, 1999 |newspaper=Deseret News |access-date=April 30, 2019}}

Explorer Island was rethemed and renamed "Dino Valley" and opened on March 22nd, 2024.{{cite web | url=https://www.legoland.com/california/things-to-do/theme-park/dino-valley/ | title=Dino Valley | NEW at LEGOLAND California }}

{{clear}}

The Heartlake City section, which opened on May 21, 2015,{{cite press release |url=https://www.legoland.com/california/about-us/press/press-room/lego-friends-heartlake-city/ |title=LEGOLAND® California Resort Builds on Its Future with the Addition of LEGO Friends Heartlake City |date=May 7, 2015 |publisher=Merlin Entertainments Group |access-date=April 30, 2019}} is based on the Lego Friends brand marketed to girls. The area features Heartlake Fountain, a water play area; Friends Forever Stage, where musical performances occur; Heartlake Stables, a play area and building zone; and Mia's Riding Camp, a carousel.

Heartlake City replaced Duplo Village, which included a set of musical fountains and water features collectively called the "Water Works".{{cite web |url=http://www.legolandca.com/villagegreen.idc?guide=car |title=Village Green |date=1999 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991225011420/http://www.legolandca.com/villagegreen.idc?guide=car |archive-date=December 25, 1999 |url-status=dead}} A temporary installation of the sets from The Lego Movie opened in 2014 at Duplo Village.{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201402/3888/ |title=The Lego Movie Experience opens at Legoland California |author=Niles, Robert |date=February 20, 2014 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 1, 2019}}

"DUPLO Playtown", a play area for little kids, and "LEGOLAND Express", a mini locomotive ride through the Playtown used to be in the Duplo Village/Heartlake City area. When Heartlake City opened, "DUPLO Playtown" and "LEGOLAND Express" became part of the nearby area, Fun Town. On May 9, 2019, DUPLO Playtown reopened in the queue of the Kid Power Tower. In that same year, Heartlake City was removed and replaced with a Lego Movie themed area in 2021.

File:Emmet’s Flying Adventure - Masters of Flight 01.jpg

In spring 2020, LEGOLAND California Resort was scheduled to open their biggest addition in the history of the park, The Lego Movie World. The opening was delayed until May 27, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The area features Emmet's Flying Adventure – Masters of Flight, a flying theatre attraction (similar to Soarin' at EPCOT and Disney California Adventure). Unlike Florida and Billund, this version will include two theatres rather than one. This area will also feature Unikitty's Disco Drop, a drop attraction where riders seated in four pairs raise, drop, and spin around a pole. It features two towers. There is also a carousel called Queen Watevra's Carousel, from LEGO Friends Heartlake City. Additionally, there is also a build area, Build Watevra You Wa'Na Build, and small playground, Benny's Playship, with two tall twisty slides that look like a rocket. There is also a splash pad with fountains, a convenience store, three dining locations, Everything is Ramen (a ramen quick service location), Cloud Cuckoo Crêpes (a crêpe stand), and Benny's Rocket Fuel (basic food stand with popcorn and pretzels).

Attractions:

• Emmet's Flying Adventure
• Unikitty's Disco Drop!
• Queen Waterva's Carousel
• Emmet's Super Suite
• Benny's Playship
• Build Waterva You Wa'Na Build

Fun Town is a role-playing amusement area where guests simulate adult skills or professional identities, such as driving cars, steering boats, or fighting fires.{{cite web |url=http://legolandca.com/funtown.idc?guide=car |title=Fun Town |date=1999 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991124123026/http://www.legolandca.com/funtown.idc?guide=car |archive-date=November 24, 1999 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 30, 2019 }}{{cite web |url=http://california.legoland.com/en/explore/rides_and_attractions/funtown/ |title=Fun Town |author= |website=Legoland California Resort |access-date=February 19, 2015 }}

{{cite web | url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2024-01-20/legoland-california-space-themed-coaster | title=Legoland California is getting a new space-themed coaster – but not until 2025 | date=January 20, 2024 }}

File:Easter Egg 0899 (7674403198).jpg

Miniland USA is a 1:20 scale model miniature park featuring prominent architecture and symbols from seven areas in the United States.{{cite web |url=http://california.legoland.com/en/explore/rides_and_attractions/miniland_usa/ |title=Miniland USA |author= |website=Legoland California Resort |access-date=February 19, 2015 }} Certain models are visible throughout the Legoland park. It was constructed over the course of three years using more than 20 million LEGO bricks.{{cite web |url=http://www.CaliforniaResortLife.com/northsd/legoland_california.htm |title=Tour Legoland California |website=CaliforniaResortLife.com |access-date=August 13, 2015 }} The Coast Cruise ride, which departs from Miniland USA, travels through the lake in the center of Legoland. The lake covers {{convert|1.73|acre|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.legolandca.com/lake.idc?guide=car |title=The Lake |date=1999 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000408212123/http://www.legolandca.com/lake.idc?guide=car |archive-date=April 8, 2000 |url-status=dead}}

Miniland includes the Model Shop, the main design and building office for Legoland's US parks. A large viewing window allows guests to watch master model builders working on new models. Repairs and refurbishment of existing models are also conducted in the Model Shop.{{cite web |url=http://www.brothers-brick.com/2010/02/06/behind-the-scenes-at-the-legoland-california-model-shop-an-interview-with-gary-mcintire-part-2/ |title=Behind the scenes at the LEGOLAND California Model Shop: an interview with Gary McIntire [part 2] |author=Becraft, "Thanel"|date=February 6, 2010 |website=The Brothers Brick |access-date=February 19, 2015 }}

Certain model builders have inserted incongruous scenes into the Miniland vignettes, including a businessman mooning the presidential motorcade and a man using the toilet in the Grand Central Station model. Miniland officials insist all such scenes are incorporated with full management knowledge and approval.{{cite news |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040314/news_1n14lego.html |title=Mature images Legoland builder's inside joke |author=Dougherty, Conor |date=March 14, 2004 |newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune |access-date=February 19, 2015 }}

The Star Wars-themed Miniland was expanded with a life-size model of an X-wing starfighter, on display in 2013.{{cite news |url=https://gizmodo.com/this-incredible-full-scale-lego-x-wing-is-the-largest-m-509484787 |title=This Incredible Full Scale Lego X-Wing Is the Largest Model In History |author=Diaz, Jesus |date=May 23, 2013 |work=Gizmodo |access-date=May 3, 2019}} A large-scale model of the Death Star was added in 2015, along with a recreation of the trench run scene from the climax of Episode IV.{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201503/4447/ |title='That's No Moon. That's a Space Station... Made Out of Legos' |author=Niles, Robert |date=March 4, 2015 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 3, 2019}} Scenes from The Force Awakens were added in 2017,{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201703/5483/ |title=The Force Awakens in Legoland's Star Wars Miniland |author=Niles, Robert |date=March 10, 2017 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 3, 2019}} including what was billed as the longest LEGO model for Star Wars Miniland, a {{convert|16|ft|adj=on|abbr=on}} long Resurgent-class Star Destroyer Finalizer.{{cite press release |url=https://www.legoland.com/california/about-us/press/press-room/star-wars-tfa-miniland/ |title=LEGOLAND® California Resort proudly unveils the Longest LEGO Star Wars™ Miniland model ever built with grand opening of the LEGO Star Wars™: The Force Awakens Miniland model display! |date=March 9, 2017 |publisher=Merlin Entertainments Group |access-date=May 3, 2019}}

On January 6, 2020, Star Wars Miniland was permanently closed.{{cite press release |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2019-11-18/legoland-california-to-close-star-wars-miniland/ |title=Star Wars attraction closing soon at this California theme park |date=November 18, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 14, 2020}}

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Castle Hill is a medieval castle-themed area.{{cite web |url=http://legolandca.com/castlehill.idc?guide=car |title=Castle Hill |date=1999 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000601102019/http://legolandca.com/castlehill.idc?guide=car |archive-date=June 1, 2000 |url-status=dead}} The area includes one roller coaster and a wooden playground for little kids.

In 2005, Legoland opened the Wild Woods Golf putting course decorated with off-green LEGO models on the west side of Castle Hill. Wild Woods Golf and the neighboring Enchanted Walk were replaced by the submarine ride LEGO City: Deep Sea Adventure, which opened in July 2018.{{cite press release |url=https://www.legoland.com/california/about-us/press/press-room/lego-city-deep-sea-adventure/ |title=LEGO City: Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride takes its maiden voyage at LEGOLAND® California Resort! |date=July 2, 2018 |publisher=Merlin Entertainments Group |access-date=May 1, 2019}}

In the Imagination Zone, visitors can ride a Wild Mouse-style roller coaster called the Technic Coaster-Test Track (formerly named Project X), Bionicle Blaster (a variant of a teacup ride). Kids can also build and race Lego cars down a ramp at Build 'n Test (younger children have a similar build and play area in the same building, named Duplo Play), play LEGO PC games at the Maniac Challenge (later converted to consoles and renamed the Xbox Family Gamespace after its corporate sponsor),{{cite web |url=http://technicalshowmanagement.com/event-photos/xbox-family-gamespace/ |title=Xbox Family Gamespace |publisher=Technical Show Management, Inc. |access-date=May 3, 2019}} and program robots in Mindstorms. At the park's opening in 1999, the Imagination Zone only referred to the Maniac Challenge/Mindstorms and Build & Test/Duplo Play buildings; the other rides had not yet been built. The Maniac Challenge/Mindstorms building was distinguished by large LEGO models of Albert Einstein's head, a submarine, and a Technic Tyrannosaurus rex.{{cite web |url=http://www.legolandca.com/imagination.idc?guide=car |title=Imagination Zone |date=1999 |publisher=Legoland California |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991124130309/http://www.legolandca.com/imagination.idc?guide=car |archive-date=November 24, 1999 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 30, 2019 }}

The LEGO Show Place theater screens 4-D films. In the initial incarnation, the movie was interactive and the audience could decide the ending. Later, more movies were added, including Bob the Builder and Clutch Powers (a racing movie). Racers 4-D began alternating with the new Spellbreaker 4-D film in May 2006. Bob the Builder in 4-D: Bob the Builder and the Roller Coaster was added in March 2009.{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200811/961/ |title=Bob the Builder 4-D film to debut at Legoland |author=Niles, Robert |date=November 17, 2008 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 5, 2019}} The Legends of Chima debuted on March 7, 2014. The LEGO Movie™ 4D A New Adventure was added to Legoland California on February 6, 2016.{{cite press release |url=https://www.legoland.com/california/about-us/press/press-room/press-releases/ |title=The LEGO Movie 4D – A New Adventure Brings Awesome Back Exclusively to LEGOLAND® Parks and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centers Worldwide in January 2016! |date=October 12, 2015 |publisher=Merlin Entertainments Group |access-date=May 3, 2019}} LEGO NINJAGO – Master of the 4th Dimension opened on January 12, 2018.{{cite press release |url=https://www.legoland.com/california/about-us/press/press-room/lego-ninjago-4d/ |title=LEGOLAND® California Resort kicks off 2018 with new exclusive 4D film, LEGO® NINJAGO – Master of the 4th Dimension! |date=October 12, 2015 |publisher=Merlin Entertainments Group |access-date=May 3, 2019}} LEGO City 4D – Officer in Pursuit! was added on April 12, 2019.{{cite news |url=http://www.parkworld-online.com/lego-city-4d-officer-in-pursuit-debuts-at-legoland-california/ |title=Lego City 4D – Officer in Pursuit! Debuts at Legoland California |date=April 25, 2019 |work=Park World |access-date=May 3, 2019}}

In February 2019, sets from The Lego Movie 2 were installed in the Imagination Zone.{{cite press release |url=https://www.legoland.com/california/about-us/press/press-room/lego-movie-2-experience/ |title=And... Action! LEGOLAND® California resort opens the LEGO Movie 2 Experience |date=February 15, 2019 |publisher=Merlin Entertainments Group |access-date=April 30, 2019}}

Pirate Shores is a splash park with water-oriented rides and attractions.{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2012/08/more-details-on-legolands.html| author= Richard Bilbao| work= Orlando Business Journal |title=More Details on Legoland's Pirates Themed Expansion}} This area was added in 2006, and Captain Cranky's Challenge was added in May 2007.

This section is designed to replicate the 1920s in Egypt, drawing inspiration from the LEGO Adventurers line (Egypt sub-theme).{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200803/638/ |title=New attraction spotlight: Lost Kingdom Adventure |author=Niles, Robert |date=March 20, 2009 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 1, 2019}} Land of Adventure opened in March 2008.{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/200903/1103/ |title=Legoland California celebrates its 10th birthday |author=Niles, Robert |date=March 20, 2009 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 1, 2019}}

The Lego Ninjago World opened in May 2016.{{cite press release |url=https://www.legoland.com/california/about-us/press/press-room/lego-ninjago-world/ |title=It's Ninja Time!!! LEGO NINJAGO World® Officially Opens at LEGOLAND® California Resort |date=May 5, 2016 |publisher=Merlin Entertainments Group |access-date=April 30, 2019}} The area features Ninjago: The Ride along with new retail and dining options. Ninjago: The Ride is controlled by hand motions using "Maestro" technology developed by Triotech,{{cite press release |url=https://www.legoland.com/california/about-us/press/press-room/legoland-california-resort-and-triotech-present-maestro-hand-gesture-technology-at-iaapa-expo-in-orlando-for-the-new-lego-ninjago-the-ride-opening-2016/ |title=LEGOLAND California Resort and TRIOTECH Present Maestro Hand Gesture Technology at IAAPA Expo in Orlando for the New LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, Opening 2016! |date=November 17, 2015 |publisher=Merlin Entertainments Group |access-date=May 3, 2019}} who had previously developed the interactive Voyage to the Iron Reef dark ride at Knott's Berry Farm.{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201509/4743/ |title=The Next Generation of Interactive Theme Park Rides Comes to Legoland California Next Year |author=Niles, Robert |date=September 17, 2015 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 1, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201511/4835/ |title=First Look at the New Hand-Motion Technology Behind Legoland's Ninjago Ride |author=Niles, Robert |date=November 17, 2015 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=May 1, 2019}} This area also features Ninjago Training Camp, a playground that opened in December 2022.{{cite web |title=LEGO NINJAGO Training Camp |url=https://www.legoland.com/california/things-to-do/theme-park/rides/lego-ninjago-training-camp/ |website=LEGOLAND California |access-date=February 22, 2023}}

File:Sea Life Aquarium - Legoland CAlifornia (6497747809).jpg

The first Sea Life Aquarium in North America opened at Legoland California in August 2008. It has {{convert|36000|sqft|abbr=on}} of floor area on two stories, featuring a {{convert|35|ft|abbr=on|adj=on}} long acrylic walk-through tunnel and LEGO models in the tanks.{{cite news |url=http://www.parkworld-online.com/the-lego-aquarium/ |title=The Lego Aquarium |date=September 23, 2008 |work=Park World |access-date=May 3, 2019}}

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File:IMG 9760 aquatune crop.JPG, an underwater pipe organ. The hydraulophone is the centerpiece of a series of interactive exhibits on either side of it that teach other elements of flow, such as water tables, and small water laboratory-like spaces where participants can explore hydraulophonic-like action (blocking water jets to create head, pressure, etc.), and also construct dams from Lego bricks.]]

This is a water park area in Legoland California. Planning for the water park began in September 2009,{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-sep-05-fi-legoland5-story.html |title=Legoland wants to add water attraction to its theme park |author=Martin, Hugo |date=September 5, 2009 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 1, 2019}} and it opened on May 28, 2010. It is located next to the buildings in Fun Town, meaning admission to the water park is an extra cost ticket in addition to regular park admission.

It is the first Legoland to feature a water park; a Legoland Water Park opened in Florida in 2012.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/orl-legoland-florida-water-park-pictures-photogallery.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501193456/https://www.latimes.com/orl-legoland-florida-water-park-pictures-photogallery.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2019-05-01 |title=Pictures: Legoland Florida water park |date=2012 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 1, 2019}} At Legoland California, a Legends of Chima-themed expansion to the water park opened in early July 2014.

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{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Portal|California}}

{{Commons category|Legoland California}}

• {{Official website|http://california.legoland.com/}}
• [https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=legoland+california&ie=UTF8&ll=33.127875,-117.311754&spn=0.005481,0.006963&t=h&z=17&om=0 Satellite image from Google Maps]
• [http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=102673 William Webb's New York Photo Gallery]
• {{RCDB|4733}}

{{Legoland}}

{{Merlin attractions}}

{{Lego}}

{{Amusement Parks & Theme Parks of California}}

California

Category:Amusement parks in California

Category:1999 establishments in California

Category:Buildings and structures in San Diego County, California

Category:Tourist attractions in San Diego County, California

Category:Carlsbad, California

Category:Amusement parks opened in 1999