CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Legoland California, North America's fastest-growing theme park, plans a $20 million expansion, including a 36,000-square-foot aquarium, its owner said.
A 350-room Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa -- with an entrance to the park -- is also planned as part of a larger strategy to extend the length of time guests spend at the park, said Merlin Entertainments Group Ltd., the world's second largest attractions operator after Walt Disney Co.
Merlin, of Poole, England, bought a controlling interest in the four Legoland parks -- in California, Germany, Denmark and Britain -- from Denmark's Lego Group.
Since taking over Legoland California, Merlin has added 15 attractions there, opened a $10 million Pirate Shores in May and added Miniland Las Vegas.
Merlin, which also owns Madame Tussauds wax museums and 26 Sea Life aquariums in nine countries, was acquired by private-equity firm Blackstone Group in 2005. Merlin is aiming for public listing by 2009, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The Legoland California expansion will include a Land of Adventure, to open in March.
The Sea Life aquarium, set to open next summer, will charge a separate admission fee of less than $20, Merlin said.
