ALONG COMES MARY

(Editor’s Note: I am so excited to introduce you to Catheryn, who is a contributor for SoCal Pocket Memories. When LEGOLAND California invited me to their bloggers event last week, I was unable to attend, & am so happy Catheryn & her adorable daughter, Lali, went in my place. Enjoy her recap! xo)

Legoland and snow? Yep and it’s happening now! No need to trek up to the local mountains, they don’t have any snow right now anyway. Legoland has got you and your kids covered from tubing, snowball making and that oh so popular question of the past year…do you wanna build a snowman? And this year Legoland has added an all new attraction to their Holiday Snow Days lineup, an Ice skating rink. So here’s all the details and a little about our experience as we were invited to check it out on behalf of Along Comes Mary, You know to make sure it was safe and all and worth your trouble wink, wink.

Ice skating:
This area is outside the actual park between the ticket booths and the Legoland hotel. You need to purchase parking to enter the area though. ( days the park is not open=you don’t pay parking, check out their site for those days in December they are Mondays and Tuesdays) .
They do have “Bobby the Seal” which is a very cool skate assist for an additional rental charge for those who need it.
Book your time online and fill out the waiver to save time. Anyone entering the rink MUST fill out the waiver.
The ice skating patio has cozy fire pits and yummy food available at the Mini’s Lounge with offering like chili and loaded baked potato soup and they even have a sweet s’more packs for sale for $9.00 with all the fixings.

The Holiday Snow Days at Legoland: Park ticket required.
Holiday Snow days/Winter Nights + Skating discounted tickets are also available; see site for info.

These activities are inside the park located in Fun Town.
This is where the tubing, snow play area and shows are at. Have your picture taken with Lego Santa. See Lego toy soldiers and more.
Walk down Fun Town’s Main Street as they make it snow.
Shows are performed in the amphitheater (see schedule for times)
There are tasty treats from the Fun Town Holiday Food Truck and tons of Christmas Lego themed photo ops all around.
The 30 foot tall Lego Christmas tree was really pretty amazing but then again we are talking Legoland, everything is Awesome! December 1 will be the official tree lighting ceremony and a Nightly lighting ceremony takes place with a Facebook contest you can enter to have your child chosen to do the honors.

The Jingle Jammers perform sets around the tree, Legolands own version carolers with a Glee spin.
New Years Eve there is a huge concert with several bands one of which is our favorite and (friends) Grammy winning Lucky Diaz and the family Jam band as well as the Pop-Ups and The Not- It’s to name a few, enough reason alone to go! The festivities include music and fireworks and the Brick Drop, space is selling out I’m told so you may want to get there early to save a good spot if going. The pre concert starts in Fun Town at 11:30 and the live music in mini land starts at 2:00 with the Brick Drop happening at 6:00 p.m.

 

Autism Pros/Cons:
For the ice skating I have to say, my girl has skated once before and since they had “bobby the seal” and I went along for a while with her she did fine. At points she did get frustrated due to her lack of ability only and with others around her but no major issues. I will say the staff that runs the ice rink is professional and patient with the kids (and adults) it may be a bit overwhelming for those who have never skated before and if it is crowded as it is not a “huge”rink.

The snow area is groomed between sessions (so there may be a break between sessions) and a numbered amount of guests are allowed into the area at a time. There are park employees inside helping with snowballs for the kids and with the sled area as well. There are pre made snowmen too that can be decorated. My girl just wanted to throw snowballs at the targets. There are multiples of everything, just bring gloves if your sensory kiddo allows for them and proper foot wear.

The tubing area I can see getting backed up quickly and having long lines. You have to drag your own tube up the ramp, my girl couldn’t do it on her own (she is 7) I had to exit the same way I came thru a sea of tubes coming at me. I can see this being a problem for kids that have issues waiting and being over stimulated.

A quick note for all the snow/ice activities. Take extra clothes proper shoes/socks have a change on hand to enjoy the rest of the day at the park when you are done with the snow activities.Overall autism/disability access in my experience at Legoland is the best of all parks in So Cal. There is no running around getting return times. Rides are mellow and lines are minimal and spread out. You pick the attraction you want to ride and enter through the exit, period. The ride attendants we experienced were very friendly and there was no waiting. It was a very low crowd day though, but being this our second visit to the park it was the same experience. I definitely recommend taking a stroller if you normally use one or only sometimes do, the park is not flat by any means and you and your kid(s) will get tired. We had a good time at the park for the limited time we had to spend in it and due to the time the park closed. My girl even went on a roller coaster ride with two new friends without me for the first time. She does roller coasters but without me, that was a first!

 

I want to express my gratitude to Along Comes Mary for letting me cover this event for her and Legoland for having us. We were invited as guests of the park and the ice rink to facilitate this review all opinions are my own.

Link to activities/Info at Legoland for Holiday Snow Days/Winter Nights:

http://california.legoland.com/en/HSDWN/ice-skating-FAQs/