LEGOLAND California is our most requested theme park for families with younger kids. So, we talk with people about the best ways to buy admission and sometimes help them crunch the numbers. I completely understand when people ask about Costco as a resource. I’m a Costco member, too, and I like it when I can save money using my membership.
I can confidently tell you that relying on your local Costco for LEGOLAND tickets is not a good idea. Here’s what you need to know.
Costco Does Not Regularly Sell Theme Park Tickets Online
As I’ve shared extensively, Costco no longer regularly sells theme park tickets online. Even their help center mentions that they don’t sell LEGOLAND tickets. You still might see one or two random theme park tickets pop up now and then, though.
For instance, at the time of this writing, they’re selling a Universal Studios Hollywood annual pass, and they have a LEGOLAND Florida Water Park Combo Ticket. The latter could be a good deal depending on how many people you need to buy for.
Remember, an adult with a full-price ticket (from $99) can buy up to four LEGOLAND $29 kids tickets through June 27. That’s the hot promotion right now and might be more advantageous for some people.
You Likely Won’t Find Them In-Store Either
Costco LEGOLAND tickets pop up randomly at some warehouses but not with enough frequency for you to depend on finding them. The most recent mention of a ticket being sold there was a Park Hopper ticket someone found at a Nevada store.
I regularly visit a handful of Costco locations in Southern California, including in Carlsbad near LEGOLAND (and the huge warehouse on Morena Boulevard near my house), to check for deals while I shop. However, there haven’t been any consistent in-store deals. I suggest keeping an eye out during the holiday season because they were in some stores last year around that time.
It doesn’t hurt to look around or ask the customer service desk about availability if you happen to be at a Costco. I always check the gift card and voucher section because sometimes you can find some good discounted restaurant gift cards.
Tip: Don’t Assume It’s a Great Deal
Look at what the park is offering online before you buy at Costco. Several months back, there was a SEA Life Hopper deal at the warehouse near my mom’s house in Huntington Beach. However, the savings didn’t impress me because there was a lower sale price through LEGOLAND’s website.
What About LEGOLAND Vacations Through Costco Travel
The travel agency division, Costco Travel, offers a handful of theme park vacation packages, but LEGOLAND isn’t one of them. I haven’t seen either of the LEGOLAND California hotels on offer lately, either.
Some San Diego vacation packages involve rental cars, hotels, and flights, but none are specific to the park’s hotels or tickets.
Costco’s Former LEGOLAND Annual Pass Discount
Costco used to sell a LEGOLAND PlayPass, which was an annual pass. It’s been a few years since anyone reported these in-store, and I read that it’s because a Costco and LEGOLAND partnership wasn’t renewed.
However, LEGOLAND does make it easier for people to afford annual passes by providing a monthly payment option. Aside from year-round entrance, the exclusive savings provided by some pass levels are very worthwhile for families. Just be aware of blackout dates and get a pass that covers everything you want to do and see.
Other Ways to Get Discounted Tickets
I’ve written extensively about saving money at our three LEGOLAND theme park resorts within the United States. Here, you’ll find the best ways to save for your trip based on your memberships and other sightseeing plans. I also cover annual passes and sightseeing passes.
Rest assured that there are plenty of other ways to avoid paying gate prices. We talk about current sales, sightseeing passes, group prices, special memberships that may have preferred prices, and other deals in these buying guides.
If you find tickets at your local Costco, please let me know so we can add them as a resource. It’s really important to get your calculator out and spend a few minutes crunching numbers to see which method will work best for your visit.
