THE SHORT SET: DISNEYLAND VS. LEGOLAND

Nipper has parents who are basically big kids (some might call it arrested development, but at least we have jobs) and love Disneyland. So why does he prefer Legoland to the Happiest Place on Earth? Is he already asserting his right to break our hearts? It’s simpler than that: “It has Legos,” says Nipper. That theme-park “magic” that Disney tosses around like pixie dust is more elusive at Legoland, but the Volvo Driving School is super fun, and the Minilands -- including a fantastic replica of the replica that is Las Vegas -- are worth the price of admission. The brightly painted, zanily cute Sky Cruiser (with Disneylandian long lines -- go early) looks like something Willy Wonka would use for weekend jaunts. Kids can get physical on the heart-pumping Fun Town Fire Academy, and the spinning Bionicle Blasters make Disney’s Teacups seem sluggish. Splash Battle at Pirate Shores really lives up to its name. And though our son won’t go near Disneyland’s Splash Mountain, he loves Lego’s mini-flume ride, Treasure Falls. So, although the parents still prefer Disneyland, we admit Legoland does offer appropriately mild thrills for a 6-year-old. But this battle isn’t over. Legoland, One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad; www.legoland.com/california

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YoMama@latimes.com