LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a vibrant family theme park located in Winter Haven, Florida, roughly 45 miles from Downtown Orlando. Designed primarily for families with children aged 2 to 12 years, the park provides a playful and imaginative experience with a vast array of LEGO-themed rides, shows, models, and attractions. It spans across 150 acres, making it one of the largest LEGOLAND parks in the world.
History
LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened on October 15, 2011, and it was built on the former site of Cypress Gardens, one of Florida’s earliest theme parks that opened in 1936. The park preserved the historic botanical garden and repurposed the space into a LEGO wonderland. Over the years, LEGOLAND Florida has expanded to include a water park and themed hotels, continually adding new attractions to enhance the guest experience.
Facts
- LEGOLAND Florida is the second LEGOLAND theme park in the United States, after LEGOLAND California.
- The park features over 50 rides, shows, and attractions.
- LEGOLAND Florida Resort is the first theme park in the world to receive the designation as a Certified Autism Center.
- It hosts millions of LEGO bricks, with impressive models and interactive areas where children can build and play.
- The park preserved the historic Cypress Gardens, including the iconic banyan tree that was planted as a seedling in 1939.
Location
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is located at 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, approximately a 45-minute drive from Orlando and Tampa. The central location allows easy access for visitors coming from different parts of Florida.
Website
The official website for LEGOLAND Florida Resort is https://www.legoland.com/florida/. Visitors can find detailed information about the park, purchase tickets, book hotel stays, check the calendar for opening days and hours, and plan their visit.
Opening Hours
LEGOLAND Florida Resort typically opens at 10:00 AM and closes between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, depending on the season and day of the week. The park is not open every day of the year, so it’s important to consult the calendar on their official website for the specific dates you plan to visit.
Things to Do
Rides and Attractions
- The Dragon: A family-friendly roller coaster that takes riders through a medieval LEGO castle.
- LEGO Ninjago The Ride: An interactive attraction where guests use hand gestures to throw virtual fireballs and lightning bolts.
- Ford Driving School: Kids can drive LEGO-themed cars and earn their own LEGOLAND driver’s licenses.
- Coastersaurus: A wooden coaster that weaves in and out of life-sized LEGO dinosaurs.
- Flying School: A suspended coaster that lets kids experience the thrill of flight.
Shows and Entertainment
- 4D Cinema Experiences: Watch LEGO-themed movies with exciting 4D effects.
- Live Stage Shows: Enjoy a variety of live performances featuring LEGO characters throughout the park.
- LEGO Friends to the Rescue: A musical show in Heartlake City featuring the LEGO Friends characters.
Interactive Experiences
- Build & Test: Guests can build their own LEGO vehicles and test them on a digitally timed track.
- LEGO Mindstorms: A robotic programming area where kids can build and program LEGO robots.
- Miniland USA: A stunning display of famous American cities and landmarks built entirely out of LEGO bricks.
LEGOLAND Water Park
- Build-A-Raft River: Customize your own raft made of soft LEGO bricks before floating down the lazy river.
- LEGO Wave Pool: A family-friendly wave pool with gentle waves and LEGO-themed decorations.
- DUPLO Splash Safari: A water play area designed for toddlers with shorter slides and larger-than-life DUPLO animals.
Dining and Shopping
- Fun Town Pizza & Pasta Buffet: An all-you-can-eat dining option with a variety of choices for the whole family.
- The Big Shop: The largest retail store in the park, offering a vast selection of LEGO sets and merchandise.
- Granny’s Apple Fries: A must-try unique treat made with Granny Smith apples, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, and served with vanilla cream.
Seasonal Events
- LEGOLAND Brick or Treat: A Halloween event with trick-or-treating, themed shows, and costume contests.
- Christmas Bricktacular: Celebrate the holidays with a giant LEGO Christmas tree and seasonal shows.
LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Beach Retreat
- Themed Rooms: Choose from LEGO Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, or LEGO Friends rooms for an immersive stay.
- Resort Activities: Enjoy the pool, nightly entertainment, and early access to the theme park for hotel guests## Tips for Visiting
- Plan Ahead: Check the park’s schedule and hours of operation before you go, as they can vary throughout the year.
- Buy Tickets Online: Purchasing tickets in advance online can save time and occasionally you can find discounts.
- Stay Hydrated: Florida can be hot, so bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. There are several refill stations around the park.
- Take Advantage of the Model Citizen (Employee) Knowledge: The park staff, known as Model Citizens, can offer tips and information to enhance your visit.
- Use the App: The LEGOLAND Florida app includes an interactive map, ride times, and it can help you plan your day.
- Consider a Multi-Day Pass: If you want to explore the park at a leisurely pace and enjoy the water park, a multi-day pass might be a good investment.
- Height Restrictions: Check the ride height requirements in advance, especially if visiting with little ones, to plan your day accordingly.
- Stay On-Site for Early Access: Guests staying at the LEGOLAND hotel or beach retreat get early access to the park.
- Bring Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential for a comfortable visit.
- Pack Light: You’ll be walking a lot, so a small backpack with essentials is ideal. Lockers are available for larger items.
Conclusion
LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers a unique blend of interactive attractions, playful learning experiences, and family-friendly rides, all wrapped in the creative world of LEGO. Whether guests are looking to engage with their favorite LEGO themes, enjoy a relaxing day at the water park, or simply take in the detailed LEGO models, there’s something for everyone. With a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, the park is suited for a year-round adventure. By planning ahead and taking advantage of the tips provided, families can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to this iconic destination where fun and creativity come together to build memories that will last a lifetime.