Expert: Steve Summers - 6/3/2009

Question
Hi Steve,

First of all, thank you very much for your advice on our Disneyland trip. We had a wonderful time and were well prepared for it thanks to the tips from you.

This year, I am thinking of taking my son to LegoLand. We didn't have enough time to stop by Legoland on our last trip. I am debating between flying to Disneyland area, stay in one of the hotels, then take tour bus to Legoland and just staying at Legoland hotel period. There's a kid-fly-free to Disneyland that I'm trying to take advantage of. What do you think? I plan to only go to Legoland and maybe Sandiego zoo. Our trip would be 3 days (or 4 since the 4th night is free at some DL hotels)

If we stay at a hotel near Legoland, which airport would work best for us? is there a shuttle service from the airport to Legoland hotels (we took the Kremer's shuttle from LAX to DL last time)?

Is there any tour bus service from Legoland to San Diego zoo?

Thanks so much for your help!
Rose

Answer
Hi Rose, It's nice of you to write back and let me know how things went.

It's 60 miles to Legoland from Anaheim, which is 120 miles round trip. It can take 1-2 hours, depending on traffic. That's quite a haul if you are staying in Anaheim.

If you stay near Legoland, San Diego Airport is much closer than Orange County/John Wayne. But if you can only get a "kids fly free" deal to Orange County, it might make it worth it.

I'm not a big fan of driving long distances while I'm on vacation. Once I get in town, I want to be as close as I can to the attractions at hand. I drive enough during my daily commute.

There are a number of shuttle services that will take you to Legoland. However, I think this is a case where a rental car would be most effective. San Diego isn't as crazy as LA, and you don't have as far to drive. However, if you'd like a shuttle, there are several that offer service: http://www.san.org/airport/ground_transportation/shuttle_services.asp
I am most familiar with Super Shuttle and Primetime Shuttle, and have used both in the LA area.

As for tours that go from Legoland to the San Diego zoo, I am unaware of any, and have not been able to find any. Since I am more of an expert on Disneyland, I'll refer you to the guru of San Diego, Local Wally. You can see his website at www.localwally.com. In addition to an encyclopedia of info on the San Diego area, he could probably direct you to what you want (or the closest alternative). The best advice I could offer would be to rent a car.

While you're in San Diego, didn't you want to go to Sea World? My daughter loved it. Just a thought.

Take care, have a blast!