Today marks the
official opening of Legoland
California’s brand-new “land”, Dino Valley. March 21 saw the Grand Opening event
and VIP preview of this new section, dedicated to the giant prehistoric animals
in their very gentlest incarnations.
A lush, secluded portion
of the park, Dino Valley transports visitors back to the Mesozoic Era with
three captivating new rides, play areas, photo op spots and, of course, dino-themed
eateries. There’s even a sand pit where aspiring young paleontologists can jump
in and dig for dino bones.
Although dinosaurs
may be extinct everywhere else on the planet, Legoland’s guests will find
themselves surrounded by the sounds produced by these bewitching beasts as they
stroll through the pathways of this enchanting forested enclave. Like the rest
of the park, everything in this area is designed to spark the vivid imaginations
of kids and adults alike.
Colorful giants—constructed,
of course, completely from Lego bricks—peek out from around every corner, while a human-sized
T-Rex character hangs out at the Dino Encounter encampment, along with a Lego
lady explorer, ready to meet and greet with eager young visitors for a fabulous
photo op.
Dino Valley's Explorer River Quest attraction, Legoland California. (Photo Credit: Northstar Travel Group/Laurie Baratti)
Then, there is the
trio of attractions that’s destined to thrill youngsters and delight adults
equally. Join Lego-man and -lady adventurers as you meander along the waterways
of Explorer River Quest, where all manner of vibrantly colored dinosaur species
greet guests around every corner.
You’ll encounter
adorable baby dinosaurs and their mothers, cheeky water-spitting aquatic variety,
formidable bipedal and quadrupedal land-dwellers, and, of course, the
awe-inspiring carnivorous species, all arrayed in a rainbow of colors, which
tower over you as you float along the intriguing twists and turns of this quite
tame flume ride.
Next, you’ll want
to embark on the thrilling Coastersaurus, a wild rollercoaster-type attraction that
sees riders 42” and taller board a sort of expedition train, which takes them
through various twists, dips and dives on a track over a lagoon that’s presided
over by a massive resident brachiosaurus.
Dino Valley's Lego Duplo Dino Trail attraction, Legoland California. (Photo Credit: Northstar Travel Group/Laurie Baratti)
If you’re
accompanied by little ones who’d prefer an even tamer version of these enormous
eons-old animals—or even if you’re an adult-sized kid—you’ll enjoy the next
attraction that’s caters to a younger audience. The Duplo Little Dino Trail whisks
guests away on a photo safari in a Jeep-style vehicle, equipped with built-in
handheld “cameras” that you can use to snap shots of the various dino species
you encounter along the track.
When you manage to
capture your intended subject (or the little red light next to it that you’re
supposed to aim for), it activates motion or plays sound bites from the
adorably stylized animatronic creatures as you pass by. It also gives kids a
chance to sit in the driver’s seat as you wheel around the various twists and turns,
which is always a hit with audiences of a certain age.
Moreover, the new
Dino Valley area is both a charming and highly dynamic addition to Legoland’s
existing collection of themed park areas, and is sure to capture the interest and
activate the imaginations of guests of all ages.
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