Why Is Legoland the Greatest Place Ever? Proof in Photos

Legoland California had been described as a great amusement park for kids, particularly young ones that may not be ready for Six Flags-style monster roller coasters and whatnot.

But Legoland is great across the board. For one thing, unlike the House of Mouse, it doesn’t feel like your pocket is being picked from the second you walk in the door. The pace, feel, and flow are much more relaxed than your average theme park. And, best of all, there are museum-style attractions galore. Everywhere you go, there are impressive Lego sculptures on display, from dinosaurs to busts of presidents to Star Wars characters. What we found especially noteworthy is how visiting the Miniland attractions — the cities in miniature, Lego style — have captured a certain, powerful resonance evoking the flavor of those cities.

San Francisco, L.A., D.C., Las Vegas, New York and more are wonderfully represented. Check them out for yourself, via the magic of photography:

I left my teeny-tiny heart in San Francisco.

Even the Lego versions of San Francisco locals shy away from tourist-haven Pier 39. But what of Lego Bushman?

Please, people, don’t call the cable cars “trolleys.” Not even the Lego versions.

Wow, look at the lack of traffic on the bridge.

World’s most famous theater? We must be in Lego Hollywood.

Hollywood Bowl, always entertaining.

Couldn’t get close enough to see if there’s a Lego James Dean, rebelling sans cause.

Bring us your huddled masses (of blocks), yearning to be constructed into small-scale Lego replicas.

The Manhattan skyline was rather breathtaking, even in miniature.

Does a tiny Phoebe reach for the brass ring while plastic Holden looks on? Seeing the tiny Central Park Carousel evoked Salinger in a surprisingly powerful way.

No stupid jokes related to tired ad campaigns, please.

Wonder if Siegfried and Roy tickets are available?

Ah, the Venetian. Wonder if they had to blow up a little Lego version of The Sands to make room for it?

If this White House has a no-fly zone, it’s constantly being violated by all the giants walking around.

World’s most notable phallic symbol, impressive at any size.

Ah, backroom deals, filibusters, politicians . . . where all the work in Washington really gets done, in a slightly more digestible form.

Tags: hollywood, Las Vegas, Lego Land, Photo Essay, photos, San Francisco, Theme Parks, travel, Vacation, Wasington DC