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Winter Haven FL

VIDEO: LEGOLAND Hotel Officially Opens Its Doors (And Disco Elevators) to Guests

18 May 2015 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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It’s no secret we are huge fans of LEGOLAND Florida here at Zannaland. It is a place where all of my kids, from ages 16 to 6 have SO much fun every time we visit. It’s a place where everyone has a great time, and the surroundings are so beautiful. It’s a wonderful place to reconnect as a family and experience some of the real Florida at the same time as a fun theme park. Now that time can be extended with the opening of the Legoland Hotel. In complete Legoland style, they’ve seemed to have thought of every detail to make Lego fans and families relax and enjoy. The Legoland Hotel had its grand opening ceremony last Friday and we sent correspondent Kira from SecondBlogToTheRight.com over to cover this event. She came back with some great photos and details that make me want to book a hotel stay right NOW! So without further ado, please enjoy Kira’s coverage and see all of the bricktacular details below:

…

LEGOLAND® Hotel is officially open for business & we’ve got the inside scoop!

Legoland Hotel
Legoland Hotel at Legoland Florida

On May 15, 2015, the doors opened…well maybe that’s not exactly how it happened, check out the video below…

The grand opening was honored with thousands of colorful LEGO® minifigures blasting out of cannons atop the hotel and a child discovering a key to open the hotel built for kids.

Legoland Hotel Dragon

A few of our LEGO® friends greeted us in the lobby. The details in this hotel are incredible. As an avid LEGO® video game player & huge fan of The LEGO® Movie, the little things are really easy to get lost in.

 

Legoland Hotel Check-in Legoland Hotel Check-in

 

LEGOLAND® Hotel features 152 guest rooms and suites across four themes: Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, and LEGO® Friends. Guests of the Hotel also enjoy early access to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, free full breakfast daily, interactive play areas, daily and nightly entertainment, disco elevator, resort pool and much more.

Bricks Family Restaurant  (PHOTO / Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida/Merlin Entertainments Group Inc.)
Bricks Family Restaurant
(PHOTO / Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida/Merlin Entertainments Group Inc.)
Legoland Hotel Bricks Restaurant
Legoland Hotel Bricks Restaurant
Legoland Hotel Bricks Buffet Restaurant
Legoland Hotel Bricks Buffet Restaurant

 

 

Legoland Hotel Skyline Lounge
Legoland Hotel Skyline Lounge

 

Disco Elevator!  (PHOTO / Elaine Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida/Merlin Entertainments Group Inc.)
Disco Elevator! (PHOTO / Elaine Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida/Merlin Entertainments Group Inc.)

 

Legoland Hotel Pool
Legoland Hotel Pool

 

Legoland Hotel Pool Splash Area
Legoland Hotel Pool Splash Area

Each room sleeps up to five, and offers a king-sized bed for adults and a separate sleeping area for up to three children, featuring a bunk bed and a trundle bed, as well as two flat panel TVs.

 

Legoland Hotel King Bed
Legoland Hotel King Bed

 

Legoland Hotel Bunk Beds
Legoland Hotel Bunk Beds

 

Legoland Hotel Bathroom
Legoland Hotel Bathroom

VIP Suites feature a king bed, a living room, pull out sofa, kids’ play area and three flat panel TVs. Suites can sleep up to nine people.

Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Adult Room
VIP Suite Adult Room
Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Living Room
VIP Suite Living Room
Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Bunk Beds
Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Bunk Beds
Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Bath
Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Bath
Legoland Hotel VIP Suite Balcony
VIP Suite Balcony

 

All rooms and suites feature LEGO models and a treasure chest, which can be unlocked only by completing a hotel scavenger hunt.

In-room Treasure Chest
In-room Treasure Chest!

My personal favorite was the Adventure themed rooms due to all the Indiana Jones details!

Sidenote: LEGOLAND® resort is happy to preserve the land that used to be Cypress Gardens. Guests of the hotel can enjoy a relaxing walk on the boardwalk as well as the serene views of Lake Eloise.

Legoland Hotel Lake View
Legoland Hotel Lake View

Room rates begin at $219 per night. To make a reservation, visit LEGOLANDHotel.com.

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Family Travel, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Guest Authors, LEGOLAND Florida, Top Stories, Travel, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts Tagged With: Central Florida theme parks, Family theme parks, Florida theme parks, lego city, lego friends, LEGOLAND, Legoland Bricks Restaurant, LEGOLAND Florida, Legoland Hotel, Legoland Hotel Grand Opening, LEGOLAND theme park, Legoland VIP Suites, Polk County, Winter Haven FL

Opening Date for LEGOLAND Florida World of Chima Expansion

14 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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World of Chima
Click to enlarge and see concept art of the water blaster ride in World of Chima

I recently got a sneak peek peak at the newest creation at LEGOLAND Florida, the World of Chima expansion. I loved seeing the plans for this new area of the park and the rides and characters who will fill this section. Today, the opening date was announced, here is the official press release:

 

An army of animal tribes from LEGOLAND® Florida’s newest expansion featuring interactive family fun, The World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network, invaded Central Florida today with an important announcement. The dozens of three-foot LEGO® models of characters from the new product line, LEGO® Legends of Chima, descended upon downtown Orlando and downtown Tampa, bearing tags announcing that the park’s The World of Chima attraction will open to the public on July 3.

Laval the Lion, Eris the Eagle and members of other Chima animal tribes are searching for the missing CHI, a powerful energy source needed to power LEGOLAND Florida’s newest attraction that was stolen by Cragger, the leader of the Crocodile tribe.

World of Chima

Soon fans can join The Quest for CHI to help Laval and his friends find the CHI needed to power The World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network by joining an interactive Facebook contest beginning May 27 at www.facebook.com/LEGOLANDFlorida. One grand prize winner will be selected to be a VIP for the Opening Ceremony on July 3.

This expansion will be one of the centerpieces of the new LEGO Chima brand, which already includes a major LEGO product line, a stunningly animated television series to air on Cartoon Network beginning in July and multiple interactive video games and apps. LEGOLAND Florida is the only place in the world that LEGO fans can go to unleash the power and be fully immersed in The World of Chima, providing an experience like no other.
World of Chima The centerpiece of the new World of Chima at LEGOLAND Florida is an interactive, family-friendly water ride, The Quest for CHI. Guests will enter The World of Chima through a fantastical stone and moss covered entrance which leads to the Lion Temple at the base of the majestic 45-foot tall floating Mount Cavora. There, guests will explore a diverse landscape setting and join the Lion Tribe in an epic battle to recover the stolen CHI orbs. Guests will board a watercraft which will take them on an interactive experience using water cannons to help their hero, Laval the Lion Prince, defeat Cragger the Crocodile King as he attempts to steal the precious supply of CHI. The journey will take them through the land of Chima where they will meet some of the highly advanced animal tribal habitats, including the Rhino Quarry, Raven’s Roost, Eagle’s Nest, Wolves Encampment, Gorilla Forest and Crocodile Swamp among other imaginative settings.

The World of Chima also features a super-charged, super-fast SpeedorzTM Arena where multiple players build their LEGO Speedorz and compete to win the precious supply of CHI by participating in-group challenges and competing in a series of obstacles. Families can also enter Cragger’s Swamp, the Croc Tribe’s secret hideout, where they will find a lush green foggy swamp filled with playful bubbles, intermittent water spouts and interactive elements that trigger swamp water effects. A new 4D movie, the LEGO Chima 4D Movie Xperience, will further immerse families into The World of Chima by bringing the characters to life on the big screen. Kids will also get to meet their hero Laval the Lion Prince and Cragger the Crocodile King at daily character meet and greet sessions. Plus, with the largest supply of LEGO products in Central Florida, guests can find their favorite LEGO Legends of Chima sets and Speedorz.

World of Chima

For more information regarding The World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network and the more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, visit www.LEGOLAND.com. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with a Florida Resident Annual Pass for just $99 plus tax. Pass members will receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park along with other Merlin U.S. attractions including LEGOLAND California Resort & Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and Madame Tussauds with no blackout dates. The LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass also includes admission into special events throughout the year including Red, Brick & Boom, Brick-or-Treat, Christmas Bricktacular and Kid’s New Year’s Eve.  Additionally, pass members will enjoy free parking and discounts on all food and merchandise throughout the year.

World of Chima

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida, Top Stories Tagged With: cartoon network, Downtown Disney West Side, downtown tampa, Laval, Legends of Chima, lego fans, lego models, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND theme park, sneak peek, Winter Haven FL, World of Chima, World of Chima opening date

LEGOLAND Florida’s Shopping Pass Makes Back To School Bricktacular

27 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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LEGOLAND Florida The Big Shop I’m not sure I would’ve thought to head to LEGOLAND Florida for my back to school shopping, but the park is making it pretty tempting to head down there and get some fun supplies! If you purchase a one-day ticket and leave the park within an hour, your ticket price will be reimbursed at the front gate – and if you buy $20 or more of merchandise, even your parking fee will be refunded! Check out the official news below:

 

Winter Haven, FL (July 27, 2012) –  With back to school right around the corner, moms and dads are looking for great deals while kids are searching for the coolest backpacks, lunch boxes, T-shirts, hats, thermoses,  gadgets and supplies as they gear up for school.  LEGOLAND® Florida now offers a shopping pass allowing shoppers access into the park to shop for the latest LEGO® and LEGOLAND Florida apparel, school supplies and LEGO merchandise that kids will love.

With the purchase of a single day ticket at the front gate ticket window, shoppers will be given access to the park for one hour and will be reimbursed upon their check-out at the front gate ticket window. Shoppers will even get their parking reimbursed with a park purchase of $20 or more.

Shoppers can explore The Big Shop in the Beginning of the park, one of the largest LEGO retails stores in the world and discover a ginormous selection of all things LEGO.  Along with the Big Shop is the LEGO Studio Store where shoppers can pick up LEGO-licensed products like Harry Potter, SpongeBob™ and Star Wars™ or visit the Minifigure Market to create their own custom mini-fig.

Of course to experience all the interactive fun including 50 rides, shows and attractions and the all-new LEGOLAND® Water Park, guests can visit www.LEGOLAND.com  for more ticket information.

 

With convenient services like this, and the fact that LEGOLAND Florida has not increased its ticket prices, LEGOLAND is winning over the hearts of tourists and locals alike!

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: back to school, backpacks, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND theme park, lunch boxes, school supplies, shopping pass, Spongebob, ticket price, Winter Haven FL

LEGOLAND Florida Water Park Opens As a Park Within a Park

24 May 2012 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

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Legoland Water Park Today we were invited to experience the newly finished LEGOLAND Florida Water Park, just steps away from the LEGOLAND Florida park in Winter Haven, Florida. The day was kicked off with a Guinness World Record being set for the most people bouncing beach balls. The final total reached 1,355 volunteers which smashed the previous record of 401 beach balls. Guinness auditors will evaluate the attempt for authentication over the next several weeks. The colorful event celebrated the addition of the water park, which opens to the public Saturday, May 26.

 

After the setting the record, crowds and media were allowed to enjoy the LEGOLAND Water Park with their families. Unlike traditional all-day water parks, the LEGOLAND version is a “Park within a Park,” which means that it’s much less vast and time-consuming than most water parks. This new water park is a $12 add-on option for day visitors to LEGOLAND Florida, and guests may also purchase a premium annual passes, which includes 12-months of LEGOLAND Florida admission as well as Water Park access. With the heat of the Florida sun, it’s perfect to have a place to cool down and splash around either before heading home or back into LEGOLAND before the end of the day.

LEGOLAND Water Park
The Wave Pool is a gentle one for all ages

It is important to note that the LEGOLAND Water Park is definitely in keeping with the theme of the park next-door. Everything is geared toward families with children, especially younger ones, and LEGO lovers. There are two steep speed slides and some regular twisting water slides, but everything else in the park is made with a child in mind. The wave pool has small waves, no whitecaps, which run 5 minutes on and 10 minutes off. There are two kids splash zones, one made to look like Duplo blocks for the younger set. The main kids area is full of mini-slides, splash areas and a very low-depth pool area, all of which gets a soaked from a giant bucket of water above.

LEGOLAND Water Park
The Joker Soaker with 300 gallons spilled every few minutes

 

LEGOLAND Water Park
The Lazy River with floating LEGO bricks

The 1000 foot Build-A-Raft lazy river circles the park, with various inner tubes to float in the 3 feet of water. Foam versions of familiar LEGO bricks float throughout the river, allowing guests to build creations on the edge of their tubes. A note of caution: I’m not sure if it was opening day policies or the way things will be daily, but there were quite a few (unwritten) rules about the lazy river. Be sure you find out before entering how you are expected to float around with your group.

Overall, the LEGOLAND Water Park was a fun experience. As with the LEGOLAND park, there are lots of fun little details which remind you of the reason you’ve  made the trip – you’re a LEGO fan! A LEGO seagull perches atop the fence surrounding the Lazy River, LEGO jellyfish hang from the ceiling in the counter service dining location, and a fun LEGO water feature sits near the wave pool, where kids can build with real LEGO bricks after floating them down a chute full of water. The water park is small and easily navigable by young and old alike. If you are looking for big thrills, big waves, or big views, this won’t be your spot, but if you’re in LEGOLAND and would love to cool off in a pool or on the river, you’ll have a great time here.

 

LEGOLAND Water Park
LEGO Jellyfish

 

LEGOLAND Water Park
LEGO dude provides safe sunning tips!

 

LEGOLAND Water Park
DUPLO Splash Safari kids area

 

LEGOLAND Water Park
View of the Lazy River and rest of the water park

 

LEGOLAND Water Park
Splash Out and Twin Chasers slides

 

LEGOLAND Water Park
LEGO water feature for the little ones

 

For more information about the LEGOLAND Water Park and ticket options, head to LEGOLANDFlorida.com.

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: Central Florida theme parks, Family theme parks, Florida theme parks, interactive playground, lazy river, lego city, lego friends, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND theme park, LEGOLAND water park, Polk County, raft river, water park, water play, water slides, wave pool, Winter Haven FL

LEGOLAND Water Park Gets Water-Real H2O, not bricks!

3 April 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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Less than two months until the LEGOLAND® Water Park opens on May 26, and the attraction is getting its middle name – water! More than a half a million gallons of H2O were pumped into the LEGO® Wave Pool by a friend of the LEGO City Volunteer Fire Department. The first wave pool in any LEGOLAND Water Park will be home to gently rolling waves sure to please splashers young and old. Meanwhile, the rest of the water park attraction is currently under construction from DUPLO®Splash Safari to Joker Soaker.

                                LEGOLAND_WATERPARK

Key areas of LEGOLAND Water Park attraction include:

  • LEGO Wave Pool – Families can catch a gentle wave or simply cool off in this perfectly sized wave pool where the waves are just big enough for all ages to enjoy
  • Build-A-Raft River – Families can imagine, design and build a unique LEGO vessel and set afloat on a maiden voyage around the 1000-foot-long lazy river, set amongst playful LEGO Friends, flowering vegetation and palm trees
  • LEGOLAND_WATERPARK Twin Chasers – Friends ride tubes 375 feet down an intertwining pair of enclosed water slides before plunging into a refreshing pool below
  • Splash Out – The thrill seekers of the family can ascend to the tallest point of the water park attraction and choose from one of three unique slides, then speed down a 60-foot drop and “splash out” into the water below
  • Joker Soaker – A fun, interactive playground with various lengths, heights and types of slides that offer something different for every member of the family. Guests can wade in the surrounding pool and be surprised with a torrential spill from a 300-gallon bucket
  • DUPLO Splash Safari – Toddlers will rule at this water play area with shorter slides and interactive, larger-than-life DUPLO creatures

 LEGOLAND_WATERPARK

Admission to the water park attraction is included with an all-new LEGOLAND Premium Pass, which offers 12 months admission to LEGOLAND Florida and seasonal access to the LEGOLAND Water Park for just $179 for adults and $149 for child/senior. Single-day LEGOLAND Florida guests may upgrade to a water park attraction ticket for an additional $12 per person (children under 3 are $3). The Premium Pass is now available for purchase at www.LEGOLAND.com or AAA Auto Group branches.

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: Central Florida theme parks, Family theme parks, Florida theme parks, interactive playground, lazy river, lego city, lego friends, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND theme park, LEGOLAND water park, Polk County, raft river, water park, water play, water slides, wave pool, Winter Haven FL

VIDEO: LEGOLAND Florida’s First Christmas Tree Lighting

7 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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LEGOLAND Christmas Tree I’ve now visited LEGOLAND Florida twice with my family, and it is quickly becoming one of our favorite places in the Orlando area. Many people try to compare it to Walt Disney World or other local theme parks, but LEGOLAND really is a completely different kind of place. Kids rule there and everything is geared toward them. It is wonderful to see my 3 year-old get to play in life-size Duplo blocks and playgrounds, ride on the safari vehicles and drive his own LEGO car, and to see my older two run from coaster to coaster, spend an hour just looking at all the details in the Minilands, and most importantly – get along! It’s just a wonderful day of family fun.

To celebrate their first Christmas in Florida, LEGOLAND built a 30-foot Christmas tree entirely out of LEGO bricks – 270,000 of them to be exact. The details are so fun, with LEGO paper-chains on the tree and even little elves helping trim the tree in the back. David Oliver, the world’s current American record-holder in 110m hurdles and 2012 Olympic Track & Field favorite was on hand to light the lights and you can see him hurdle on to the scene in the video below, along with general manager Adrian Jones and of course, Santa! Check it out:

LEGOLAND Florida is a wonderful place and really not too far from the Disney area, it took us less than an hour to get there from Celebration. Especially for locals or those that visit Orlando frequently, I think the annual pass is well worth it for multiple visits. I’ll be posting more photos from our recent visit soon!

LEGO President Obama and Family
President Obama and Family are ready for Christmas!
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Filed Under: LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: adrian jones, christmas in florida, christmas tree lighting, david oliver, lego bricks, lego car, LEGO Christmas tree, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Christmas, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND theme park, LEGOLAND video, orlando area, Orlando area attractions, Orlando area theme parks, Polk County, videos, Winter Haven FL

Have a Brick-tacular Holiday with LEGOLAND Florida’s First Christmas

16 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Bricktacular LEGOLAND Florida is getting into the holiday spirit with the first annual Christmas Bricktacular.  Festive decorations and sounds of the season will fill The Beginning and Fun Town through the holidays, Dec. 8-31, followed by Kids’ New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31.  With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions all dedicated to families with children age 2 to 12 and one of the widest selections of LEGO® products available, LEGOLAND Florida is the best place to celebrate the season and pick up the Christmas gifts that are on every child’s wish list – LEGO!

The Beginning is home to a truly spectacular, Bricktacular sight – a more than 30-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree made with a combination of 270,000 forest green LEGO and DUPLO® bricks.  The park’s first-ever tree lighting ceremony takes place on Dec. 5 with a special master of ceremonies.  Through Dec. 31, a special family will be chosen to help light the Bricktacular tree each night. I can’t wait to see this in person!

Santa Claus even makes special daily appearances in the historical botanical gardens making a picture perfect spot to capture family memories sure to be treasured for years to come.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31 let’s kids rock out and watch the sky explode with LEGO fireworks at just the right time for them, midnight KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 7 p.m. EST.

 

Holiday events are included in park admission. Tickets and Annual Passes for LEGOLAND Florida are available at www.LEGOLAND.com

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: Bricktacular holiday, Kids New Year's Eve, LEGO Christmas, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Christmas, LEGOLAND Florida, Polk County, Winter Haven FL

VIDEO: Fun Overview of LEGOLAND Florida on Opening Day

26 October 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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I had some friends along with my family at the Grand Opening of LEGOLAND Florida back on October 15, and my good friend Nicole recorded some of our experiences that day. This is just one short example of the many sights to enjoy at LEGOLAND. I’ll still be spotlighting a few of my favorites in the coming days here on Zannaland but until then, enjoy this video from Nicole!


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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, Guest Authors, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: Guest posts, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND Florida Grand Opening, LEGOLAND theme park, Nicole Siscaretti, Polk County FL, video, Winter Haven FL

LEGOLAND Florida Announces Official Opening Date in October

23 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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LEGOLAND Florida map
Ready for exploration and adventure in October!!

POLK COUNTY, Fla.(May 23, 2011) – To the delight of youngsters everywhere, LEGOLAND® Florida today revealed its official opening date: Saturday, October 15, 2011.

 

Inspired by America’s love affair with all things LEGO®, the new 150-acre theme park will cater to kids ages 2 to 12 with more than 50 “pink-knuckle” rides – from roller coasters to race cars – as well as family focused shows and attractions.

 

Park officials disclosed the date, a closely guarded secret since the park broke ground last year, to help families already planning vacations in the fall.  “I’d estimate 80 percent of the inquiries we’ve received have been about our opening date,” said LEGOLAND Florida sales manager Todd Andrus. “Guests are all but begging to know the date, so they can book their flights and accommodations, and purchase admission tickets.”  The park also unveiled a new online reservations program to make the vacation booking experience even easier. Travelers can now book tickets, accommodations, airlines and rental

cars through the LEGOLAND Florida website.  “Planning a family vacation can be daunting, especially for families with very young children,” said Andrus, a father and frequent traveler. “Packing alone is enough to overwhelm even the most organized parents. That’s why we designed our online system to be both user-friendly and convenient, allowing parents to book the essentials and then print out everything they’ll need right at home.”

 

The other key benefit of the program, Andrus explained, is that it features 13 preferred hotels in Central Florida that are officially endorsed by the park. Part of the “Bed & Brick” program, the hotels are all family friendly and collectively provide a range of price points and assets to accommodate different styles and budgets. Each of the hotels in the program will offer special rates and ticket/room packages.

 

For more information: www.LEGOLAND.com; Facebook.com/LEGOLANDFlorida and Twitter @LEGOLANDFlorida.

You can see a flyover of LEGOLAND Florida construction back in March on our post here. Can’t wait for opening day!

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND Florida opening date, LEGOLAND theme park, Polk County FL, Winter Haven FL

LEGOLAND Florida Helicopter Flyover and Preview Tour

23 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

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Zanna Shelley LEGOLAND helicopter tour
Do we look nervous? About to fly over LEGOLAND Florida!

Local media were treated to a special preview of construction progress at LEGOLAND Florida today. Included in this sneak peak was a helicopter flyover tour of the LEGOLAND Florida theme park – former site of the historical Cypress Gardens. It was my first time up in a helicopter and I must admit I was pretty nervous. Fellow blogger Shelley C. was there with me and we braved this new adventure together – and survived! It was actually totally awesome and I tweeted that I only wanted to travel by helicopter from now on.

During the flyover portion, Todd, our LEGOLAND guide and all-around cool guy gave us all the info on what attractions, rides and experiences were being built for LEGOLAND Florida visitors. The coasters on site are being re-tooled and re-themed with LEGO story lines and several all-new attractions are being built. In addition, the famed “MiniLand” takes center stage, featuring scaled miniature versions of famed cities like New York, Washington DC, Las Vegas, in addition to a special Florida-themed city scape. Adrian Jones, General Manager of LEGOLAND Florida shared that the best part of the MiniLand are the “interactives” or special events which take place at the touch of a button by a guest. In the Las Vegas city-scape, a LEGO couple emerges from a wedding chapel, the dancing waters seen at the Treasure Island are replicated, as well as lights and other fun surprises throughout the MiniLands.

LEGOLAND Florida
Look familiar to Cypress Gardens fans?

Jones understands that LEGOLAND has a lot to live up to with the past failure of the Cypress Gardens park, even after being re-vamped as an “Adventure Park” with thrill rides. However he is confident that they are up to the task. Jones says they know what they’re doing and they aren’t trying to be everything to everyone. The park is themed to ages 2-12 and they stick to that demographic. Jones joked that they are known for “pink knuckle rides” rather than “white knuckle rides” most theme parks offer. LEGOLAND operates 5 theme parks across the world and they have taken what works best in all the other parks to LEGOLAND Florida, with additional touches never before seen at any LEGOLAND park, including the first wooden roller coaster. Jones notes that money has been allocated for future use and expansion as guest feedback starts coming in. He anticipates the park to be a full-day experience at opening, with expansion extending it to a multi-day park visit.

Another draw to LEGOLAND Florida is the interactive experience parents will enjoy with their children, rather than letting them go on a bunch of kid-based rides as they stand by and watch passively. Jones points out that the quality time parents spend with their children building LEGO at home is transferred to the theme park experience as parents work together with kids on certain rides and attractions, like the Funtown Fire Academy and Driving School.

Something I was happy to see is that LEGOLAND Florida will be preserving the botanical gardens Cypress Gardens was known for, even paying homage with LEGO models of the Cypress Belles that once graced the lush landscapes and gardens. Little LEGO touches will be added throughout the area and Jones says the future might bring some cabanas for kids birthday parties within the gardens as well. There will be a water ski show with a pirate theme which works well with the Florida location.

This is just the tip of the LEGO brick as far as exciting new features at the park. Stay tuned for part 2 of my coverage. Until then, enjoy the photo and video tour of today’s preview as well as highlights of LEGOLAND Florida’s themed areas:

 

 

 

THEMED ZONES:

The Beginning
The Beginning hosts the park entry, ticket and pass sales, the Garden Restaurant and The Big Shop.

The Big Shop – One of the largest retail stores in the world where guests can take advantage of a huge selection of LEGO and LEGOLAND merchandise
The Market – Authentic imported Danishes and freshly baked pastries, espresso, milk, juice, fruit, a selection of yogurts and soft serve ice cream

Fun Town
When guests enter Fun Town, they truly get a sense they’ve entered a LEGO village.

Factory Tour – A firsthand look at how LEGO bricks are made from factory to finish
Studio Store – Visit this store to pick up all your favorite LEGO licensed products, such as Clutch Powers, SpongeBob™, Indiana Jones™, Star Wars™ and Batman™
Granny’s Apple Fries – The park’s signature dessert item made with crisp Granny Smith apples, powdered with cinnamon and sugar and served with a deliciously sweet vanilla cream sauce
Fun Town Theater – Three different 4-D movies will show throughout the day at LEGOLAND’s largest 4-D theater with seats for 700

Miniland USA
The heart of every LEGOLAND Park, Miniland USA will be home to seven specially themed areas:

Florida encompasses the entire state from Mallory Square in Key West to Bok Tower in Central Florida and antebellum mansions in the Panhandle.  Miniland Florida also includes an expanded area for Kennedy Space Center and an interactive Daytona International Speedway® racing experience where guests can race LEGO brick cars.
Las Vegas features the world-famous Strip including the Luxor Las Vegas, New York, New York Hotel and Casino, Excalibur, Mirage, Treasure Island, Tropicana, MGM Grand, Venetian, Stratosphere tower and two iconic structures of Paris Las Vegas:  the balloon sign and Eiffel Tower. “The Strip” at LEGOLAND also features a miniature wedding chapel, monorails and real-life sounds recorded in Las Vegas.
Washington, D.C. sports faithful re-creations of the White House (including the first family and “first dog”), the U.S. Capitol building, Smithsonian, Washington and Jefferson monuments and parts of Georgetown. An animated marching band parades in front of the Capitol and tiny cherry trees blossom every spring.
New York City features tiny jets of water shooting up from the fountain in Rockefeller Plaza, while an army of animated yellow taxicabs prowls the streets of Times Square. The Statue of Liberty, a cutaway view of Grand Central Station, The Empire State Building, the Guggenheim Museum and the Bronx Zoo are just a few of the iconic landmarks.
A Pirate-themed section hosts a full-on swashbuckling pirate adventure as two opposing pirate ships and their “mates” battle it out upon the high seas.

Castle Hill
Castle Hill takes kids back to medieval times where spells are cast and many knights, damsels and dragons are found.

The Dragon – An indoor/outdoor steel roller coaster that features a spirited and humorous view of life behind the scenes within the enchanted LEGOLAND Castle.
The Royal Joust – Kids ride LEGO-themed horses through a number of medieval scenes where they encounter other riders in a simulated joust.

Land of Adventure
In Land of Adventure, visitors of all ages explore hidden tombs and hunt for treasure.

Coastersaurus – This junior coaster reaches curves and dips in and around a prehistoric jungle of animated and life-sized LEGO brick dinosaurs.
Lost Kingdom Adventure – LEGOLAND Florida’s spectacular dark ride invites guests to fire laser blasters at targets and brave the rugged Egyptian landscape in all-terrain roadsters, while attempting to unearth the vast treasures of a forgotten empire.
Pharaoh’s Revenge – This outdoor attraction lets children and parents fire soft foam balls at enemies and explore the complex maze of the Pharaoh’s kingdom.
Beetle Bounce – Launch 15-feet up toward intricate, brightly jeweled LEGO scarab beetles perched atop two monumental obelisks.
XTreme LEGO TECHNIC® Test Track –Brave guests feel the power of acceleration, braking and maneuverability as they race a life-size LEGO TECHNIC vehicle along a wild roller coaster track.
AQUAZONE® Wave Racers –Riders zip in and out of waves as they dodge water blasters on this dual water carousel ride.

LEGO City
LEGO City is the perfect place for youngsters to live out their dreams in a scaled-down town created just for them.

Fun Town Fire Academy – Families race to put out a “blaze” by piling into a “fire truck” and power it by pumping levers across a paved straightaway. The first family to put out the fire and make it back wins
Driving School – A “real-life” driving experience for children ages 6 through 13, where kids receive their official LEGOLAND driver license.
Junior Driving School – A print-size version driving school course for children ages 3 through 5
Flight School – An inverted steel coaster that lets kids experience the thrill of flight.
The Big Test – This interactive show uses acrobatics, music and playful fun to teach fire safety as the zany crew of Fun Town Fire Department attempts to conquer the “Big Test” to become official firefighters.

Imagination Zone
Imagination Zone emphasizes exploring and creation, while showcasing seven of the most visually exciting LEGO models in the world, including a replica of Albert Einstein’s head.

Game Space – Features 13 game stations where guests can experience LEGO STAR WARS™ and other family friendly games like LEGO INDIANA JONES™, LEGO BATMAN™ and Monsters vs. Aliens all year.
Build & Test – Build a LEGO car and test it against the competition on the digitally timed track.
LEGO MINDSTORMS™ – Build and program cutting-edge, computerized LEGO MINDSTORMS™ robots.
LEGO Clubhouse – Kids and parents stock up on bulk LEGO bricks and Make & Create kits while enjoying ice cream, popcorn, beverages and snacks.
Kid Power Towers – Kids and parents alike hoist themselves up to the top of a tower to get a great view of the entire park and lovely Lake Eloise, and then enjoy a fun “free-fall” to the bottom.

Pirate’s Cove
Pirate’s Cove has been taken over by swashbuckling pirates along the shores of Lake Eloise at LEGOLAND Florida’s very own live-action, water-stunt show.

DUPLO® Village
Duplo Village is ideal for toddlers and their imaginations.  Youngsters can fly a plane, drive a car or explore a whole town – designed with their height in mind.

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: Cypress Gardens, helicopter tour, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND preview, LEGOLAND theme park, Winter Haven FL

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