Guide to LEGOLAND Florida
Legoland Florida is a theme park located in Winter Haven, Florida, less than an hour outside of the Orlando attractions area. You can reach it easily by taking I-4 to Highway 27, then taking State Road 540 across to the park, which is on the site of the former Cypress Gardens. Is it worth devoting a day of your Orlando trip to Legoland Florida? Here are three factors to help you decide:
How old are your children?
Legoland Florida is specifically geared to children between the ages of two and 12. The roller coaster seats are sized to youngsters, although adults can ride, too,. Rides like Boating School and Driving School actually put kids in control of their own ride vehicle rather than following a track. Adrian Jones, general manager of the theme park, describes its attractions as “pink knuckle,” meaning they’re geared more for fun than wild thrills.If your family includes toddlers, young children who enjoy kiddie rides and kids who are just getting up the nerve to try out roller coasters, Legoland Florida is the perfect spot. the toddlers and juniors can enjoy Duplo playgrounds and ride the kiddie rides, like the carousel, fire trucks, and junior version of driving school. Their older siblings can challenge the Coastersaurus. Flight School, Technic, and Dragon roller coasters.
Legoland Florida also has shows geared specifically to the younger set. The Big Test teaches fire safety in a fun and comical way, while the Brickbeard pirate show combines a corny, kid-friendly storyline with water skiing that honors the tradition of the old Cypress Gardens shows on Lake Eloise.
Do you have Lego fanatics in the family?
While Legoland Florida is definitely made to appeal to the younger set, Lego fans of all ages can easily spend a couple of hours wandering through Miniland USA, a recreation of major cities in Florida and around the USA. You’ll see Key West, the Daytona race track, the shuttle Kennedy Space Center, the White House and other Washington D.C. landmarks, and iconic scenes from Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco, and Hollywood, as well as a pirate battle scene.
The scenes are so intricate that you’ll spot a sunburned sun bather on the beach in Miami, Catman and his performing felines in Key West, and the Obama family in Washington. The shuttle prepares for take-off as the clock counts down, while cars race at Daytona and Bok Tower chimes the hours. People march, vehicles move, and fountains dance. Press the buttons throughout the display to see what they trigger.
Star Wars fans will be immediately draw to the Star Wars section, which has animated scenes from all four movies and the Clone Wars cartoon series. Watch lightsaber battles, see the Millennium Falcon take off, and enjoy the music of the cantina band.
When are you visiting Orlando?
Legoland Florida has special events for major holidays like Fourth of July, Halloween, Christmas, and New Years Eve, and the park is usually less crowded than its Orlando counterparts. The park also holds special Lego-themed events all year long.
For example, Fourth of July brings a fireworks display that looks like exploding Lego bricks when you don special glasses. Kids can trick or treat and participate in other special activities on select days around Halloween. Christmas means a nightly tree lighting, character appearances, visits with Santa, ornament making, and more. See nightly fireworks between Christmas and New Years, culminating in a giant brick drop to welcome the New Year. This kid-friendly park holds its New Years Eve celebration at 6 p.m. so the little ones don’t have to stay up late.
Other special events include Lego building competitions, Lego Friends parties, and special Star Wars days.
If you visit Legoland Florida between March and October and your family enjoys the water, upgrade your ticket to include the Legoland Water Park. Like the theme park, it’s kid-friendly, with play areas, a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river where you customize your raft with special Lego bricks.
Although it’s easy to get to Legoland Florida from anywhere in the Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando area, it’s particularly convenient if you stay in Davenport at a place like Regal Palms Resort and Spa. Visit www.orlandovacation.com or call 877-886-7195 for more information on convenient vacation homes and hotels.