I-5 - Pitstops for Kids

Universal Studios Hollywood with kids and tweens

August 8, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

It’s been years since we’ve ventured any further north than Anaheim in search of theme parks during our annual vacation to Southern California, so in late July, we braved the commute up I-5 from Orange County to Los Angeles to revisit Universal Studios Hollywood.

Knowing Universal is a great pick for older kids, tweens, and teens, I opted to spend the day there with Nate (12) and Calvin (10) using Go Los Angeles tickets from Smart Destinations. A 3-day card gives you a day at Universal Studios, which you can upgrade to a Front of the Line pass should you desire.

What to do: Universal Studios Hollywood is different than other area theme parks in that its focus is more heavily on shows and tours than on ride-type attractions. Because visitors need a basic grasp on the movie-making industry and at least a small background on popular films in order to appreciate these shows and tours, older kids and teens enjoy the park more than young children and toddlers. Our kids (ages 10-12) loved the Studio Tour, which they deemed worth the 45 minute wait (during the peak of summer) despite not being familiar with all the TV series and films featured. The King-Kong 3D attraction in the middle of the hour-long tour added action, as did the special effects on several lots and sound stages. Adults will get a kick out of driving through working sets (we saw the sets of Parenthood and Desperate Housewives on our tour).

Another highlight was the WaterWorld stunt show, shown hourly throughout the day. No need to have seen the Kevin Costner film beforehand; the show demonstrates various stunts within an acted script that’s easy to follow, and tons of fun to watch. After learning how stunt doubles do their job, head to the back of the Upper Lot to the Special Effects show, to learn about CGI, green screens, and other digital effects. Again, these attractions are best for kids old enough to understand the basics of how a movie is made (or at least old enough to have the attention span to learn).

Nate loved both Revenge of the Mummy the Ride and Jurassic Park the Ride, though Calvin opted out of the former, wary of things ‘jumping’ out at him (and they do!). Both kids liked The The Simpsons the Ride, though all three would have been too scary for them just a few years ago!

Tip: The park is comprised of Upper and Lower Lots. The entrance is located on the Upper, which means it fills up fastest, but the Lower opens half an hour after the Upper on most days, forcing visitors to stay put. If you plan to take the Studio Tour, do this first (located toward the back of the Upper Lot), because it only gets busier later in the day. Once you’re done with the hour tour, the Lower Lot will be open, but still relatively uncrowded, due to Jurassic Park being a water ride. Later in the day, the wait will be long, but any time before lunch, it typically remains under 15 minutes.

If you do bring young children: There are sections just for them, though they are not abundant. Young kids will like the Nickolodeon water play area and the Curious George playground and ‘jungle’ (foam ball play area). None of these attractions require waiting in line, but do get crowded. Keep in mind that the few ride-type attractions in the park do have height requirement. If you have fearful or sensitive young kids (or kids of any age), beware the scary content in all Universal shows and attractions (including the Studio Tour): all play up the studio’s various monster and horror creations, such as King Kong, Jurassic dinosaurs, mummies, Frankenstein, and the like. Even Chucky and Norman Bates mother from Psycho make more appearances in the park than my kids would like.

Tip: To beat summer crowds, get to Universal (or any theme park) early. Arriving before ‘rope drop’ ensures staying ahead of the masses; we rode The Mummy and Jurassic Park two times each without a line between 9:30-10 am.

Admission: Admission varies based on height instead of age. Current prices can be found on the official site.

Hours Current park hours.

Dining: Multiple casual dining and counter service restaurants are located within the park, but to escape long waits and crowded table seating areas, we recommend leaving the park and dining in City Walk (directly adjacent). Just be sure to get your hands stamped, and remember to keep your ticket stubs to get back into the park.

Parking: General parking is $15 per car ($20 for preferred parking). We parked in the Jurassic garage at the end of City Walk, which was quite uncrowded).

Directions: From I-5, take Highway 101 Hollywood. Exit on Universal Studios Blvd.

Stanton Park, Douglas County Oregon

April 22, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

This review of Stanton Park has been submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader, Anne.

A regional park that is good for an hour’s respite from the car, the Stanton Park in Douglas County, Oregon has a day use area with a nice playground and big grassy area. It’s located on the banks of the Umpqua River in Canyonville, and includes a campground with immaculate toilets/showers. We were feeling frazzled and stopped (we thought) to use the restrooms but were lured into a hour of play with our frisbee and balls and on the playground. for more info, see the link to Stanton Park.

Distance from the interstate: Right off I-5.

Date last visited: March 2011

Admission fee: No admission fee for day use.

Website: http://www.co.douglas.or.us/parks/campgrounds.asp

Directions: The park is located at 1540 Stanton Park Road, Canyonville, Oregon. It’s easy to spot right off I-5 (visible to it, in fact). Take Exit 101. You have to do a little dipsy-doodle as you come off the interstate but it is well marked–you follow the signs to Stanton Park.

Great Wolf Lodge water safety: why you don’t need to worry

April 10, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

As a family travel expert, I’ve experienced many family resorts with my kids, and can sum up Great Wolf Lodge’s water park safety measures in one word: impressive. During our recent stay at the Grand Mound location, we enjoyed the water park under the supervision of literally hundreds of lifeguards during our three days at the resort, and observed only professional, polite, and friendly interactions with guests. Guards manned (and womaned) their stations with diligence, rotated responsibilities on a frequent and regular schedule, and enforced rules with confidence.

What makes Great Wolf’s water park staff such a well-oiled machine? I learned that each Great Wolf property is partnered with Jeff Ellis & Associates (E&A), a private, outside consulting firm specializing in aquatic risk management. I really like that an outside organization polices them, ensuring that standards remain the highest possible. In fact, Great Wolf lifeguards are training all the time: you may even see drills during operating hours (don’t be surprised to see a guard suddenly dive into the pool after a practice dummy). In addition to this, Ellis & Associates performs four unannounced operational audits per year at each resort, testing them in areas of professionalism, diligence in scanning techniques and rescue skills, as well as their ability to manage an aquatic emergency.

I could list stats all day long, but offer a visual instead: count how many times a lifeguard passes in front of my camera as I take a 30 second video of my son.

Rules you should know before you go:

1. All height requirements for the various water slides and features at Great Wolf are carved in stone. They’re clearly posted on-site, but we recommend checking them out before you arrive to prevent disappointment. I saw kids who did not meet the height requirement of a slide try to ride more than once; without exception, they were politely but firmly turned away. Oh, and tippy-toes are not allowed (see photo)!

2. U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted (and can be borrowed free of charge on-site), but no other floatation device or toy may be used in any part of the water park. Same goes for snorkels and flippers; leave them at home…it’s less to pack!

3. Outside food and drink are not permitted. For what it’s worth, this rule does not seem to be enforced. I wouldn’t make a show of rolling a large cooler into the water park, but extra waters and snacks in a tote bag seem to be ok (and will save you a bundle at the concession stands).

4. Lap-sliding (sliding with a child on your lap) is not permitted (though I wish it was). The slides on Fort MacKenzie are built for the smaller guests but are still quite intimidating, and I know many toddlers and preschoolers would be braver on the lap of a parent.

5. The lifeguards, though great, are not meant to take the place of a parent. Kids are not allowed into the water park without adult supervision. I’m not sure how heavily this rule is enforced, but its just practical; every parent knows to watch their kids around any major body of water.

At the time of our visit, no Great Wolf Lodge water park personnel were aware of our visit, or had any pending knowledge of this review.

Douglas County Museum, Roseburg OR

April 8, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

This review of Douglas County Museum has been submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader, Anne.

The Douglas County Museum in Roseburg, OR (123 Museum Drive) is a full-scale, quality museum in a small town. Its exhibits detail the Umpqua Valley history going back 12,000 years, and displays collections that appeal to adults and kids alike.

It’s located adjacent to the fairgrounds, just off I-5, and the price (free for kids!) can’t be beat. We love that it features a nice variety of historical and natural science exhibits, including some which are interactive. It makes for the perfect pit stop, as it won’t take families off the road for more than an hour (just enough time to stretch little legs and maybe have a snack). Anne’s kids (ages 5 and 7) loved playing “Little House on the Prairie” with the general store and Oregon Trail wagon exhibit and looking at the blacksmith and harvesting tools.

Extra tip: If you have time, check out the Junior Naturalists program for kids!

Distance from the interstate: Right off I-5

Date last visited: February 2011

Admission costs: Adults: $5, children under 17: FREE

Hours of operation: 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays in winter)

Website; http://www.co.douglas.or.us/museum/

Directions: Take I-5 from either direction you are traveling to Exit #123. This exit is for both the Douglas County Fairgrounds and the Douglas County Museum. Once off the exit, follow the brown information signs directing you to the museum facility.

San Diego Zoo

March 30, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

A San Diego institution and for good reason, the San Diego Zoo offers visiting and local families alike an escape from the city into an extensive and beautifully maintained animal kingdom. If San Diego is your family’s vacation destination, you won’t want to miss this featured attraction.

Note: The San Diego Zoo has a Kidscore of 100. Learn more about Kidscore.

Given Southern California’s temperate climate, there’s really no bad time to visit this world-class zoo. Visitors will want to try to avoid summer’s warmest days, but due to the layout of the exhibits and the lack of ‘rides’ or other attractions, crowds are usually a non-issue. We’ve visited on a mid-summer weekend and haven’t had a problem.

We love not only the wonderful (and world-famous) array of exhibits, animal habitats, and expert programs at this zoo, but the ease (and fun!) of transportation through the park. Your admission ticket includes unlimited use of the guided bus tour (for when you’d like park guides to show you around) and the express bus (for when you know exactly where you want to go), and the Skyfari Aeriel Tram (my kids’ favorite mode of transportation in the park!). Less time hoofing it (pun intended) makes for more time and energy spent on making new animal friends (and for far less whiny travel companions…and I’m not just talking about the kids).

What you won’t want to miss: No trip to the San Diego Zoo would be complete without a visit to the Giant Panda exhibit in Panda Canyon (but there are days when they can’t be disturbed, so prepare your young panda lovers beforehand). While there, be sure to tour their panda research center as well!

In Asia Passage, the Sun Bear exhibit is one of our favorites for its meandering trail through dense forest. You’ll leave the sun of San Diego behind as you explore this awe-inspiring area!

Discovery Outpost features the Children’s Zoo (no, there are no children on display), reptile house, and insect exhibits. (The entrance to the ariel tram is nearby, too).

Travel Tip: A good way to beat the heat, crowds, or tired feet is to take in one of San Diego Zoo’s animal shows. Most are only 30 minutes or less, giving kids just long enough to rest and rejuvenate before hitting those exhibits again.

Date last visited: August 2009.

Distance from the interstate: Just a few minutes off I-5!

Admission Fee: Ticket prices vary by age and number of days, and whether you want to add admission to San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. Current pricing information.

A word on the San Diego Safari Park: When purchasing tickets, families have the option of adding entrance to this partner park to the price of admission. It’s well-worth the money, but bear in mind that it’s not located on-site, but 35 miles (1 hour driving time) from San Diego Zoo. Be sure you have an extra day to devote to it before purchasing!

Hours: The zoo is open every day of the year, from 9 am to 6 pm (seasonal nighttime hours extend closing time by three hours to 9 pm on select summer days).

Dining: There are a lot of restaurants to choose from within the park, but our favorite is the Treehouse Cafe. Located in the Lost Forest section, the cafe’s multi-level decks offer great views of the park, entertaining the kids while they wait for their food and orienting adults as they plan the afternoon.

Directions: The San Diego Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Drive in Balboa Park, just north of downtown San Diego. From Interstate 5 (Los Angeles and Orange County), take the Pershing Drive exit and follow the signs. From Interstate 15 (Escondido and Riverside), take State Route 163 south to the Park Blvd./I-5 South exit. Exit at Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo entrance is off Park Blvd. at Zoo Place.

Downtown on Dwellable

SeaWorld San Diego

March 28, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

SeaWorld San Diego has long been a San Diego landmark, and for good reason. Every time we visit, we’re amazed anew at how much the park offers and how enjoyable a day it provides. I don’t know why we’re surprised!

We’ve been taking our kids almost annually since they were babies, and every year, there’s something for everyone. We love the relaxed feel of the park, focused so much more on marine shows than long lines (although we’ve noticed a change with the addition of more featured attractions). Families can grab a daily schedule at the entrance and plan their day around who wants to see what, and know that in their downtime, play areas such as the Sesame Street Bay of Play await the little ones and rides such as Journey to Atlantis await the more daring. There are a lot of souvenir shops in the area so you will be spoiled for choices. There’s even a store that exclusively sells Cookie Monster onesies from Kigurumi.co.

We always like to start our day visiting the sections of the park that get congested later in the morning, such as the Wild Arctic or Shark Encounter. Open areas such as the Forbidden Reef and Rocky Point Preserve are more manageable later in the day. Of course, if you have ride enthusiasts in your group, try to hit those first! The show stadiums seat thousands, so it really doesn’t matter if you save those for later in the day. Extra Tip: Be sure to look for the new turtle exhibit, Turtle Reef, to open in summer of 2011!

A word on the ‘extras’: When you purchase your tickets at the entrance, take a moment to glance over the tour and special experiences offered on the day of your visit at the information booth. The behind the scenes tours are not expensive to add to your ticket, and well worth your family’s time. We’ve also tried the Dine with Shamu event (re-opening Spring 2011), and while it’s more expensive, we recommend it, especially if you have young kids or are touring the park with kids without the help of another adult. When I bought our Dine with Shamu tickets while touring SeaWorld solo with my seven and five-year-olds, I wasn’t sure it would be worth the cost of the upgrade, but I hadn’t considered the value in a relaxed dining atmosphere with no need to claim tables, wait in line with kids, or balance multiple food trays on one arm. We loved the buffet (although my kids are light eaters), and our table directly in front of the killer whale tank, where we watched them swim and train throughout lunch. During our meal, a trainer came to speak to us, demonstrated some behaviors for us with the whales, and allowed for some photo ops. With only a few dozen diners, it felt like a private show, and I didn’t have to beg anyone to sit still or wait for their food. I’m not sure I’d do it again with older kids, but with the younger set, it’s very valuable…especially if they have a hard time seeing over the heads of the crowd during traditional shows.

Admission: SeaWorld day tickets are good for up to seven days, and start at $69. If you think you might be back within the year, however, annual passes are a wonderful deal (you can even pay for them in low monthly increments).

Distance from the interstate: A few minutes off I-5.

Hours: Check the SeaWorld website for exact hour information at the time of your visit.

Directions: SeaWorld San Diego is located at 500 SeaWorld Drive. From I-5, exit SeaWorld Dr. and head west one mile, following signage.

Out ‘N About Treesort

October 6, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Hanging out in the trees in the Swiss Family tree house!

Last weekend, the Pit Stops for Kids crew had the opportunity to stay in one of the most unique locations we’ve ever experienced: a tree house high in the air! At Out ‘N About Treesort near Cave Junction, Oregon, guests have their pick of one of 15 tree houses, elevated yurts, cabins, and tree ‘gazebos’ in which to spend the night. Each one is different, offering different views, different features, and different amenities (or as they say there, ‘amenitrees’).

It only took us approximately ten minutes to reach the resort from Highway 199 (which runs between I-5 and the Oregon coast), or 40 minutes from I-5. When we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly resort staff and shown around the beautiful property of mountain meadows, sugar pine trees, pasture, and hillside. It didn’t take us long to realize that Out ‘N About is all about making guests feel at home: in addition to the main lobby with couches, games, TV, freshly brewed coffee, and wireless, a ‘Central Amenitrees’ cabin is situated adjacent to a communal fire pit housing a full kitchen for guest use, a spacious bathroom with shower for those guests without plumbing in their tree house, and numerous BBQs, dishes, wood, charcoal, and the like.

Exploring the rope bridges at Out ‘N About!

Further exploration of the resort yielded elevated tree platforms, rope bridges high in the air, a rope swing the kids couldn’t get enough of, stables, an expansive zip line course, and a swimming hole beautifully landscaped and fed by the nearby Illinois River. Put simply: this is kid paradise.

Of course, we were anxious to see our tree house. We stayed in the ‘Swiss Family’ complex, which comfortably slept the five of us in two distinct tree house cabins: the upper two-story adult unit has a double bed along with a child size single and rocking chair on the landing and large covered open deck below. ‘The kids’ unit, connected by a swinging bridge, has a bunk bed and a small table with chairs like the playhouse all kids want. We used the bathroom facilities in the ‘Central Amenitrees’ (only 75 feet away), but had electricity and heat.

The older two kids loved having their own ‘place’ connected by the bridge, and Toby was more than happy to curl up on the cozy bench bed in the main unit. And while this was a tree house in the truest sense of the word (we had to climb a ladder to enter our unit by a trap door), it was comfortable and all our needs were met: fresh towels and sheets awaited us, and we had plenty of warm blankets to accompany our heater. We even had a fridge and the kids had a fire pole to shimmy down to the ground! (See more photos of the tree houses and even virtual tours of the interiors!)

Bridge from the Swiss Family kid suite to the main complex and lower deck.

Date Last Visited: October 2, 2010

Distance from the Interstate: 40 minutes from I-5.

Room Rates: Tree house rates range from $120-$250 per night.

Dining Options: ‘Central Amenitrees’ is stocked with everything you need to cook or BBQ a meal (minus the food), and breakfast is served daily (included in the price of your tree house). We found the breakfast to be delicious (in fact, the kids went back for a ‘second breakfast’ about an hour later!). Completely homemade, during our stay we had our pick of quiches, egg dishes, french toast, muffins, fresh fruit, and cereal. If you want to dine elsewhere for lunch or dinner, nearby Cave Junction offers several choices. Our pick: Wild River Pizza on Hwy 199.

Calvin listens to final instructions before zipping across the meadow.

Activities: There’s plenty to do at Out ‘N About. In addition to simply letting your kids have the run of the place (kids under 8 need to be with an adult while exploring), families can sign up for a number of activities and classes on the grounds, all listed daily in the main lobby. During our visit, horseback rides were offered, in addition to a mosaics and felting class and the activity my kids were most looking forward to: the zip-line.

Out ‘N About has an extensive network of zip-lining courses on their property, designed to put a smile on the face of both novices and experts. We signed up for their ‘Basics Course’, which gave us five long zip-line experiences over the meadow and through the trees. The zip-lines soared over 70 feet over the ground in some places, and we had an absolute blast zipping from tree platform to tree platform high in the air.

The Out ‘N About zip line staff were professional, capable, and very friendly, putting the kids (and us) instantly at ease and making the afternoon all the more fun. We felt very safe in their hands as they suited us up in harnesses and taught us the basics on a practice line. Even Toby (only 35 pounds) was able to join the fun (and had a blast!). After completing the Basics Course, guests have the option of more zip-lining fun on their more advanced lines.)

Toby soars through the air!

Zip-lining starts at $45 per person, and you don’t have to be a guest to give it a try. If you are driving along Hwy 199 and have a few hours to spare, it’s well worth the pit stop! (Call ahead to reserve a spot!)

Other Attractions in the Area: There’s a lot to do in Southern Oregon, from swimming in the Illinois River in the summer to picking blackberries in the fall. We combined our stay at Out ‘N About with a day trip to Oregon Caves National Monument, located approximately 20 miles away on OR-46. Check out our review of Oregon Caves and consider making it a stop!

Website: http://www.treehouses.com/

Phone: 541-592-2208

Directions: Out ‘N About is located at 300 Page Creek Road, Cave Junction OR. From I-5, take Grants Pass exit 55. Take Hwy 199 28 mi. to Cave Junction. South of Cave Junction about 1/2 of a mile, take a left on Rockydale Road. Go 7.5 miles to the stop sign at Waldo Road and make a left. About a mile to next stop sign, make a right on Takilma Road. In 2.5 miles you will see Page Creek Road on the left; turn left and go about 1/4 mile. You will see mail boxes and 300 Page Creek Rd. Turn left on gravel road and take it to the end.

From the south on HWY 199, turn right just past the flashing light and old cop car at the O’Brien store onto O’Brien st. O’Brien street dead ends on Waldo Rd. Take a right onto Waldo Rd. Stay on Waldo for about 4 miles until you hit the stop sign at Takilma Rd. Make a right on Takilma Road, and in 2.5 miles you will see Page Creek Road on the left. Turn left and go about 1/4 mile; you will see mail boxes and 300 Page Creek Rd. Turn left on gravel road and take it to the end.

As I disclose with all compensated reviews, Out ‘N About generously compensated us for the price of our rooms and my zip lining adventure. While we greatly appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Oregon Caves National Monument

October 4, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Oregon Caves Chateau on a sunny October afternoon.

If you’re driving along Hwy 199 to or from the California or Oregon coast and I-5, a stop off the beaten path at Oregon Caves National Monument is well-worth a few hours of your time! A beautiful 20 mile drive from the highway (up OR-46), Oregon Caves offers cave tours of one of the few marble caves in the world, easy hiking trails, a gorgeous lodge with dining, and breathtaking scenery.

The cave is definitely the main attraction, but keep in mind that kids MUST be at least 42″ to take the tour. Our five-year-old was finally tall enough this fall, so we spent a beautiful Sunday here just last weekend. The tour is 90 minutes, and the cave temperature is approximately 45 degrees, so dress warmly even in summer! (Jackets are available to borrow in the Visitor’s Center, which we found to be a nice touch.) The tour, which winds its way almost a mile through the extensive cave system, was very interesting and kept all our kids’ attention despite its length. Our guide, Suzan, was very knowledgeable and great with the kids in our tour, and encouraged lots of questions. The kids loved climbing all the stairs, ducking in the narrow sections, and spotting bats! The tour is lighted, but at several points, they’re turned off to give visitors a feel of how dark it actually is in the cave. Our kids couldn’t get enough; even my youngest, who’s afraid of the dark!

Toby and Nate head into the interior of the cave!

Adjacent to the cave, the Oregon Caves Chateau is a National Park Landmark and a truly beautiful place to stay. We enjoyed looking around, checking out the gift shop, and taking in the view from the main lobby before returning to our tree house accommodations at Out ‘N About Treesort in nearby Cave Junction.

If caving isn’t for you, try one of the many moderate hikes in the area (trail heads start at the Visitor’s Center). And don’t forget: ask a ranger about their Junior Ranger program! Kids are rewarded with pins and an impromptu award ceremony upon completing their material! We can’t recommend this program enough: no matter what park you visit, your kids will come away from the experience with a better understanding of the area’s history and natural treasures after completing Junior Rangers!

Distance from the nearest interstate: On OR-46, approximately 20 miles for Hwy 199 and 50 miles from I-5.

Date Last Visited: October 2010

Hours: The monument is a seasonal attraction. Tours are offered spring, summer, and fall, from 9 am to as late as 6 pm.

Calvin and Toby earn their Junior Ranger badges in the Visitor’s Center.

Admission Prices: Admission to the monument is FREE. Cave tours are $8.50 for adults, $6.00 for children (under 17).

Dining options: The Oregon Caves Chateau offers both fine dining and a casual diner with fun atmosphere, which we recommend. Otherwise, several options can be found in Cave Junction (20 miles), including locally famous Wild River Pizza (on Hwy 199).

Website: http://www.nps.gov/pwr/orca/

Directions: From I-5, take exit 58 to merge onto NE 6th St/OR-99/Redwood Hwy. Continue to follow Redwood Hwy (3 miles), then turn right at US-199 to Cave Junction (28 miles). Turn left on OR-46 (a gas station is on the corner) and follow OR-46 for 20 miles to the monument.

Thompson Mills State Historical Site

September 27, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Photo courtesy of Ken’s World

13655 Boston Mill Drive
Shedd, OR

This pit stop has been submitted by Ken of Ken’s World. Thank you, Ken, for supporting Pit Stops for Kids!

Thompson Mills State Historical Site, located near I-5 in Shedd, Oregon, offers a glimpse into the area’s early farming and irrigation days with an impressive number of interpretive displays and knowledgeable staff. Opened in 2007, visitors can try their hand at a miniature grinding wheel, hear the history of the mill, and learn how the mill used water from the nearby Calapooia River to grind grains.

Date last visited: August 2010

Distance off the interstate: Right off I-5.

Hours: Open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mill tours: Monday – Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday hourly tours from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Website: Thompson Mills State Historical Site

Admission: Free

Directions: From I-5, take the Boston Mill Road exit near Shedd.

Travel Tip: Legoland’s Premium Play Pass

September 17, 2010 By Amy Hagstrom

Toby enjoys a Legoland horse ride minus the wait!

If you plan to visit the increasingly popular Legoland California in Carlsbad, CA during their peak summer and holiday periods, you might consider upgrading your admission tickets to Premium Play Passes.

Not widely advertised, this upgrade allows every passholder front of the line access for every ride, all day long and preferred seating for every show. The cavat: you pay dearly for this convenience, and with a limited number of passes available per day, they go fast.

The nitty-gritty: PPPs are $150 per adult and $130 per child (almost double regular admission). They include 1 day admission to Legoland and the CA Sea Life Aquarium and front-of-line privileges. (I do not believe they include water park admission.) Each day, only 100 PPPs are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. To snag a set on a crowded day, plan to arrive at the park at least 45 minutes before opening. (When we experienced Legoland with PPPs, 55 of the 100 had been sold by the time we arrived 1 hour before park opening.)

Where you get them: Pay for regular admission at the main booth to enter the park, then head to Guest Services, where you can upgrade your tickets to PPPs. (You can access Guest Services even before park opening.) PPPs aren’t sold at the admission booths. In fact, when we visited, they weren’t advertised on their pricing board in any way. Even at Guest Services, you need to ask for Premium Play Passes specifically.

The way it works: At Guest Services, each member of your party who upgraded to a PPP will be issued a wristband (when we went, it was yellow). These must be worn all day! At each ride or attraction, go to the exit (similar to how you’d access rides with a disability pass). Show the attendant your wrist bands (they’ll probably spot them immediately) and follow instructions for boarding the ride (in our experience, within 30 seconds to 2 minutes). All day long, you’ll never enter a regular line.

Our experience: To be honest, when we decided to try the PPP, I was unsure about how I’d feel about boarding rides in front of people who had waited in line. Sure, it’d be awesome, but would I feel like a jerk? The answer: yes and no. At times during the day (at especially crowded rides with long waits), I did feel a bit uncomfortable (it was weird for our kids, too!). However, the way Legoland has designed the PPP, you never directly ‘cut’ in front of waiting people, for which I was grateful. Because you enter at the exit, most regular guests never know you’re there (or what you’re doing). And the park employees are very good at getting PPP holder on rides quickly (that’s what you paid for, after all) and smoothly. We never encountered an employee who didn’t understand the system, and there was never any ride where the PPP didn’t apply, no matter how long or short the wait time.

And for us, the value of the PPP was measured way beyond the lack of wait time. If you’re the type of theme park guest who gets anxious about getting to the ‘big’ rides early in the day, staying on a schedule so that you avoid major crowds, or try to plan your break and meal times around crowd levels (that’s me!), the PPP will give you a peace of mind that slows your whole day down. Instead of worrying about what ride lines were filling up, we could spend time meandering the Mini-Land exhibits and posing next to lego-fied Darth Vader (all my preschooler wanted to do!). I didn’t rush my kids, took lots of breaks in the middle of the day, and generally felt stress-free…which I’m pretty sure is how a day at Legoland is supposed to feel!

The moral of the story (at least from a travel perspective!): The PPP is a perfect example of a little research going a long way. At Pit Stops for Kids, we always advocate pre-planning, and since the PPP isn’t well advertised, it’s definitely something you can only take advantage of if you know what you’re looking for. Any time you opt for something the general public is not readily made aware of, you’re going to find a crowd-reducing measure. We ended up having a memorable day of fun with our kids because we knew what was available.

Worth the price?: Definitely, if you’re visiting during peak season. The PPP buys not only convenience, but time, a commodity in short supply while theme park touring. If you plan to visit while California schools are in session (and avoid Spring Break weeks, winter breaks, and three-day weekends), the PPP will not be worth the price. But if you go on a weekend in August (which is when we found ourselves there), I’d recommend it, especially considering how large Legoland is becoming.

For more Legoland tips, Pit Stops for Kids recommends the Unauthorized LegoLand Guidebook by Bridget Smith.

We upgraded our park admission to Premium Play Passes at our own expense. Legoland CA did not pay or compensate us for this review in any way.