Just a short distance to the right of the entrance, inside the Imagination Zone, is the 4D movie theater known as LEGO® Show Place. The newest movie is called CLUTCH POWERS 4D, based on the same characters from the new full-length feature movie by LEGO called The Adventures of Clutch Powers.. Special effects, such as wind, smoke, rain and snow bring the movie to life, and at one point you’ll even feel like you’re riding down a steep San Francisco hill.

If you’re not familiar with a 4D movie, it is essentially the same as a 3D movie, where the audience wears special polarized viewing glasses, with the addition of live special effects. LEGOLAND® California was one of the first theme parks to begin using the phenomenon known as digital 4D. I was given a royal behind-the-scenes tour of the venue, and learned a lot about how the 3D technology works. Essentially there are two videos being projected simultaneously, superimposed on top of one another, one for each eye. In layman’s terms, the two videos are shot with different cameras and utilize colors on different wavelengths; then the polarization of the glasses tricks our brain into thinking the various characters and actions on the screen are popping out at us. It’s a fascinating technology that was first made popular during the 1950’s and then brought back in the late 80’s.

Best viewing for a 4D movie is typically the center of the center, but this venue is cozy so viewing is perfect and unobstructed throughout the house.

LEGO Show Place is a great place to sneak away from the heat or from the crowds, so be sure to check your show guides for show times when you first enter the Park. There are three other movies that play in rotation in LEGO Show Place: Spellbreaker, LEGO Racers, and Bob the Builder. My kiddos, 3 and 1, cannot get enough of watching Bob the Builder and his team build a rollercoaster. It’s a must see if you’ve got little ones under four.

Just outside the theater is an area where your little ones can have their photos taken with various costume characters including: Bob the Builder. Times vary depending on the season so check your show guide for more info on costume character viewings.

Enjoy your day at LEGOLAND, California!

Brick Regards,
Model Mom Mary

SEA LIFE Aquarium, next door to LEGOLAND, is proud to present not one, not two, but THREE new shows for your viewing pleasure. With the addition of the live entertainment, the aquarium experience has gone from a hands-on journey through the maze of magical tanks to a playful, interactive experience where kids will laugh, play and move along with the aquatic animals.

The first of the three new shows is called Shark Talk, featuring three adorable puppets your kiddos are certain to flip for. Based on the concept of a late night talk show, Jay Octo the Octopus interviews his guest, Hammy the Hammerhead, and pure comedy ensues.

A third puppet, Hermit the Crab, plays the stage manager and gets the kids clapping and laughing right from the get-go. One of the highlights of the show is the Q & A session at the end, where kids can ask questions regarding anything they’ve seen that day at the aquarium. Since both the questions and answers are completely unscripted, this part of the show is sure to leave the entire family in stitches.

The Daily Dive is a show like none other. Grab a seat early in the Shipwrecks Seating zone and be amazed as an underwater scuba diver, a SEA LIFE aquarist, talks through the tank via specialized communication equipment.  The kids are led in a game of Simon Says which gets the kids involved and learning all sorts of diver sign language.

And finally, in the Shark and Ray Show, a modern day, female version of Jacques Cousteau, played by the aquarist Elizabeth, hands out lab coats and clipboards to the kids, encouraging them to use their inner marine biologist while learning the Sting Ray shuffle. This show takes place upstairs at the Ray Lagoon and is a perfect hands-on lesson in Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays).

All three of the shows incorporate interaction with the children, and hold their attention, allowing parents some time to relax a bit. The element of entertainment is a unique twist to the aquarium experience, allowing for playful interactive learning and a whole lotta laughs. I think I laughed louder than kids at certain points since the puppeteers like to throw a few jokes out for the parents too. It’s a win/win for everyone! View our Feeding Times and Show schedule for details.

Enjoy your day at LEGOLAND California Resort!

Brick Regards,
Model Mom Mary