Hammers pounding, saws cutting and drills buzzing were some of the sounds heard by the media in front of LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND® California Resort as Merlin the wizard unraveled his scroll officially declaring the Hotel’s opening day: April 27, 2018.

LEGOLAND® California’s General Manager Peter Ronchetti and LEGOLAND® Hotel Manager Frank Idris also addressed the crowd providing Resort updates and new details about North America’s first LEGOLAND Castle Hotel.

“It’s hard to imagine that just five years ago we were standing on a construction site just like this announcing North America’s first LEGOLAND Hotel which has proven to be extremely popular with our guests,” said Idris. “In fact, it was just named one of Trip Advisor’s top 25 Hotels for families in the United States! And, we achieved our goal of becoming the first hotel in Carlsbad to achieve the Environmentalist level from the California Green Lodging Association thanks to all of the additional conservation efforts that were implemented this past year. “

“Staying in a LEGOLAND Hotel is an adventure in itself and only adds to the overall experience families are treated to when they visit LEGOLAND California Resort,” said Ronchetti. “Adding LEGOLAND Castle Hotel proves how much LEGOLAND California Resort has become a multi-day destination for families with children ages 2-12 wanting to be fully immersed into the world of LEGO®.”

During the hard hat tour, guests received a first look at the 250-deluxe-themed room Hotel as they walked through the Grand Hall, Dragon’s Den Restaurant, Royal Courtyard and got a sneak peek at the three room themes: Knights and Dragons, Royal Princess and Magical Wizard. While in the Grand Hall, Idris and Ronchetti provided an overview of the Hotel, described key features and discussed the economic impact created by the 200 new job openings for LEGOLAND Castle Hotel. Details were also shared about the large LEGO Wizard model that will greet guests as they enter the Grand Hall, a slide that will connect the lobby to the first floor and a knock knock door created to entertain guests.

Inside Dragon’s Den, the head chef shared insight to the dining options available at LEGOLAND California Resort’s only full-service sit down restaurant. Dragon’s Den will include an open kitchen for guests to watch chefs preparing their food, LEGO models, entertainers and locally-sourced food creating a unique dining experience. Breakfast will be included with each guest’s stay and includes made-to-order items along with a buffet.

The Royal Courtyard outside is designed to immerse children in a fairy tale of their own creation with a DUPLO play area for the younger kids, larger play structures for the older kids, giant movie screen for nighttime movies, a stage for live plays and shows, a gradual incline pool and hot tub. The pool bar and grill will offer smoothies, sandwiches and salads prepared fresh to order.

Guests also explored each room theme and had a chance to view one of the 20 suites available. A Resort Master Model Builder greeted guests in the Magical Wizard theme room and treated them to a sneak peek of a few of the 2,100 LEGO models made out of more than three million LEGO bricks that will be featured inside the rooms and throughout the Hotel.