By: Kevin L. Nichols

When Bay Area residents think of winter time, we often think of going to the snow. However, this year, we are experiencing a drought with little rain and very little snow in the Sierra. Although the ski-resorts have snow making machines, it is difficult to produce enough to make it worth skiers’ while by making an extended stay vacation out of making the trek up there. If going to the snow is not practical this season, where else can families go to have some fun and get away? How about taking a trip to the San Diego area to visit LEGOLAND ^®USA and stay at the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort nearby?

Recently, LEGOLAND ^®opened its new Star Wars ^® exhibit, which features 7 scenes from the epic Star Wars ^® movie series. The first scene is the Battle of Naboo in Episode I. The second is the Geonosis arena, in which Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker fight the clones in Episode II, Attach of the Clones. Next is Episode III, the Clone Wars, featuring the battles that occurred on two planets Kashyyyk and Mustafar. Then, Episode IV, the original Star Wars, ^® on Tatooine where Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO and R2-D2 can be spotted in this desert planet. The Empire Strikes Back in Episode V, where the fierce battle takes place on icy Hoth. But the Jedi Returns in Episode VI, where the Battle of Endor takes place. The final scene is from the animated series The Clone Wars on the planet Christophsis. Everything from sound to the selection and careful crafting of the 2,000 Lego models was developed in concert with Lucas film, Ltd.

The Grand Pacific Palisades Resort is a gorgeous and immaculate destination with 5 star amenities. It has a majestic approach and the staff is welcoming and courteous. Nestled on a hill adjacent to LEGOLAND ^®, the Grand Pacific offers free shuttle service to and from the theme park.

The Grand Pacific literally is like a home away from home. Not only is it a hotel, but the resort portion offers timeshare condominiums where families can have a living room, dinning room, full kitchens with refrigerators (and freezers), dish washers, cups, glasses, plates, cooking and eating utensils, and complimentary high quality coffee, popcorn, and other snacks. They also have tons of closet space, including an iron, ironing board, and mini-push vacuum cleaners to pick up lint and other unwanted dirt or sand that may find its way on the ground.

The condominiums also have separate quarters for the master bedroom and a massive bathroom with two entry points so that occupants can access both via the master and living room. Moreover, the bathroom has both a full glass shower and bathtub and a enormous counter for storing toiletry items. If someone is using the bathroom, there is a separate counter in the master bedroom for washing hands.

There are separate televisions in the master bedroom and the living room so that parents can watch their favorite tasteless reality TV shows, while their children watch cartoons, music videos, or sports simultaneously. The living room has a sofa bed for the children to sleep in as well. At night, if you are lucky, you can catch the fireworks from LEGOLAND ^® and make it either a romantic night for the adults, or fun for the children.

Finally, the Grand Pacific has meeting space for conferences, a gym, and an awesome swimming pool area with a private area and grill that can be reserved. The pool overlooks the Carlsbad area and the beautiful San Diego coastline. Nearby, there are delicious and eclectic restaurants and the famous Carlsbad Premium Outlets for your shopping interests. Overall, the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort is the perfect place to satisfy the family’s need for an entertaining vacation (primarily for the children) at LEGOLAND ^®and shopping, swimming, and relaxation for the adults.