San Diego/Anaheim/Carlsbad
 

I'm going south from the SF Bay area to meet my kids from VT. the end of May. We plan on Legoland (7 yr old grandson), Disneyland, Universal, and Sea World or the SD Zoo. We have a week. Any suggestions on saving $$ yet having a memorably great vaca? Would love to stay on/near the beach somewhere between Carlsbad and/or in San Diego. Is Gaslamp or Old Town San Diego worth adding in?
Thanks for any info. Have never been to SD before.

Grand Pacific resort is right next door to Legoland in Carlsbad..
San Diego is gorgeous.
Do not stay in Old Town..only visit for some Mex food.
Great deals on expedia.com for 4-5* resorts right now.
Loew's resort in Coronado had $129 room rates on expedia.

Carlsbad is my favorite beach town - daughter used to live there so never had to stay in a hotel - but close to where she lived is a Quality Inn - you can walk to beach from there -its a couple of blocks to a very nice beach - Carlsbad Village is a nice walkable town with many shops and restaurants- you could rent some boogie boards and go boogy boarding

I did not care for the Gaslamp area - I like the beach towns of North County

What's your hotel budget?
Carlsbad is a lovely coastal town..

Thanks to all for your help.
I'm always trying to get everything for next to nothing, but I want this to be nice. I'm expecting to pay between $125-$180 per night, for each of two rooms, if not more.
My daughter, her husband, and especially their son love the beach and that would be important and great for 'unwinding' after the day at any of the parks.
I'll check on your suggestions and thanks again