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Winter Haven

Legoland Florida’s Annual Red, Brick and Boom Returns for the 4th!

2 July 2014 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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LEGOLAND FireworksMy family and I LOVE LEGOLAND Florida. I’ve gushed about it many times, and while it’s definitely not the park for everyone, if you are a LEGO fan, or an old Florida fan, you will love it too. I personally think it’s a great addition to an Orlando visit.

It’s almost time for their annual Fourth of July celebration, so I thought I’d share all the details below. A very different but exciting experience and with the addition of the “Everything is Awesome” song, what could be better? Here are the details below:

LEGOLAND® Florida is celebrating the 4th of July weekend in 2014 with its annual Red, Brick and Boom event! Three nights of fireworks set to The LEGO ® Movie soundtrack will light up the sky for all guests to experience, along with fun activities for the entire family to enjoy.  The event allows visitors to celebrate the weekend in style while experiencing LEGOLAND Florida’s more than 50 rides, shows and attractions.

What: LEGOLAND Florida is hosting a special 4th of July weekend. Activities for guests to enjoy include:

  • Fireworks choreographed to The LEGO Movie soundtrack, including such hits as “Everything is Awesome!”
  • Special viewing glasses to turn fireworks into millions of exploding LEGO bricks at night
  • Collective, interactive build of a giant LEGO American Flag
  • Special scavenger hunt in Miniland USA to win a LEGO Prize pack and much more

LEGOLAND fireworks

Where: LEGOLAND Florida | One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven, FL, 33884 |

When: Red, Brick and Boom will run from Friday, July 4th through Sunday, July 6th and is included in park admission. Park hours will be extended to 9 p.m. during the three-day event.

Additional Details:  For more information, please visit Florida.LEGOLAND.com.

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Disney Movie News & Reviews, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida, Top Stories, Travel, Theme Parks, and Resorts Tagged With: 4th of July, fireworks, Fourth of July, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND fireworks, LEGOLAND Florida, Polk County, Red Brick and Boom, Winter Haven

LEGOLAND Florida Proudly Restores A Piece Of Florida History

5 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

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Cypress Gardens Southern BelleReaders of Zannaland are no doubt aware of my great love of Legoland Florida. I think this is due to the dual nature of the man-made vs. nature that is abundant at Legoland Florida. My children and I truly do enjoy the Legoland side on its own, but also the fact that Legoland has embraced the grounds and the history upon which it made its Florida home – the former Cypress Gardens.

Many who grew up in Central Florida any time before the 1990’s probably visited Cypress Gardens at least once growing up. Over the years, the park had changed quite a bit since its 1936 opening by champion water skier Dick Pope and his wife Julie; these changes being a product of Walt Disney World making Orlando the hub of Florida tourism and leaving the many “old Florida” attractions by the wayside, quite literally. However, what remained the same were the beautiful, well-maintained gardens, native plants and trees which called Cypress Gardens home. The colossal Banyan tree, planted in 1939 became a centerpiece of the gardens, just as much as the Southern Belles who would dot the landscape, smiling and waving to visitors. Two other iconic spots were the Oriental Gardens and the Florida Pool, which until today had been closed off to the public as part of Legoland Florida.

The Florida Pool
Here is how the Florida Pool originally looked when built in the 50’s, all tile work with the lake water inside the pool.

The Florida Pool was first built in 1953 for the film “Easy to Love,” starring Esther Williams, based on a man’s successful water show at Cypress Gardens. Once the film was complete, Dick Pope decided to fill the pool with oranges, have some Belles pose with it, and use it as a promotional photo for Cypress Gardens (see below). Pope was instrumental in building Florida’s tourism back in those days and was an amazing promoter in addition to running the park and choreographing the famous human pyramid water ski shows. His work led to Winter Haven being named  the “Water Ski Capital of the World.” (As a side note, when I lived in Ocala, FL – I took swimming lessons with the daughter of Newt Perry. Newt was responsible for teaching Johnny Weismuller [who often worked with Esther Williams] his moves in the Tarzan movies-some filmed at Silver Springs, and for starting the Weeki Wachee mermaid attraction.)

The Florida Pool
The promotional shot Pope used after filming of “Easy to Love” in 1953

The other area which was reopened today was the Oriental Gardens. Known for its giant golden Buddha statue, the Oriental Gardens were in great disrepair and many of the pathways needed to be restored to be accessible to guests. Legoland has done that and it makes for a perfect area to meander and explore the beautiful plants and water features.

As Bob Gernert, former Winter Haven Chamber Executive Director said at today’s ceremony, “The most exciting thing about this is it makes the gardens whole again. It makes it exactly what it was when Mr. and Mrs. Pope put the concept together so many years ago.” I couldn’t agree more.

Well, I could go on about old Florida all day, but lets get back to present times. Certainly part of why I love Legoland Florida so much and praise it whenever I can, is its commitment to keeping and now restoring the elements which made Cypress Gardens what it was so long ago.  Of course they did not have to keep the gardens. They could’ve bulldozed over it and filled the park with easy-to-care-for cement and low-maintenance plants. They could’ve let these areas sit and rot, with nothing remaining but fond memories…like some other old areas we know and love (*cough River Country cough*). But they didn’t. They committed the time, effort and dollars needed to retain this beautiful Florida landmark, and keep up with its care, inspiring new generations to come and experience natural Florida. And for that, they are to be praised and admired.

At every Legoland event I’ve attended for the blog, company officials have always invited and partnered with local Winter Haven and Polk County representatives, fostering this feeling of family and community, which definitely shows when you are in the park. There are Legoland employees who were Cypress Gardens employees, and almost everyone seems to have a relative who was a former Belle, or water skier, or has some story to share about the history of the park and gardens. That is what makes Legoland Florida so very special and why I wish them nothing but success and support from all Florida visitors. Visiting Legoland Florida is completely different than any other typical Orlando vacation, and that’s just wonderful. Many visitors may go for the Legoland side, the rides, the Mini Lands, the water park, which are all fun on their own (I could spend hours in the Mini Lands!). But hopefully once there, they will explore the Cypress Gardens side and see that there is so much more to Florida than rides and attractions, and that it’s okay for both sides to exist in one theme park.

The Florida Pool has been cleaned and the tile restored, with water circulating again. The first step in the process, said Legoland Florida General Manager Adrian Jones, was getting a couple of alligators, who had taken up residence in the pool, out – which was done by putting some wooden boards in so they could get out on their own. The LEGO bricks you see in the pool photos below are just for today, and will be removed and brought back to the water park, where they normally float around the lazy river. I asked Adrian if they had any plans to restore the original tile work and while he agreed that that would be wonderful, they have other areas they are going to focus on within the park first.

Easy to Love poster
“Easy to Love” filmed at Cypress Gardens
The Florida Pool Legoland
The restored Florida Pool – I love the homage with the oranges and replacing them with LEGO bricks for the opening.
The Florida Pool Legoland
Florida Pool (shaped like the state of Florida)
The Florida Pool Legoland
Love the LEGO oranges
Cypress Gardens Southern Belle
The Southern Belles of Cypress Gardens
The Florida Pool Legoland
General Manager Adrian Jones with some real and brick-tacular Belles
The Florida Pool Legoland
Ribbon cutting ceremony with Bob Gernert
Cypress Gardens Oriental Gardens
Entry to Oriental Gardens
Cypress Gardens Oriental Gardens
Unique Y-shaped palm tree
Cypress Gardens Oriental Gardens
Golden Buddha at Oriental Gardens
Cypress Gardens Oriental Gardens
Bamboo water feature
Cypress Gardens Oriental Gardens
View from the upper pathway

Now, the canal boat rides may be on your mind as much as they were on mine as “what’s next” for the park…and that may not be too far off. Adrian Jones said that is definitely the next big project, but that it is a multi-million dollar endeavor and will take some time. (I for one would totally be willing to pay an additional cost for a canal boat ride!) For now, the next step is to add little LEGO animals, butterflies and such to the newly reopened areas, and a children’s path as well. I know I can’t wait to take my own children back to Legoland Florida again to enjoy both the Legoland experience and the special, old Florida Cypress Gardens experience.

Cypress Gardens is included with general park admission. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass as low as $99 each. Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and free parking. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit LEGOLAND.com.

 

The Florida Pool Legoland
Aerial shot of the Florida Pool and Belles – photo ©LEGOLAND Florida
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Filed Under: Disney Movie News & Reviews, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida, Orlando Area Attractions, Top Stories Tagged With: adrian jones, Banyan tree, Belles of Cypress Gardens, Bob Gernert, Cypress Gardens, Dick Pope, Easy to Love, Esther Williams, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, Old Florida, Oriental Gardens, Polk County, Southern Belles, The Florida Pool, Winter Haven

Turn Tricks into Bricks at LEGOLAND Florida’s 1st Brick or Treat Halloween Event

10 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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It’s been far too long since I’ve visited LEGOLAND Florida, one of my favorite parks in central Florida. I love the low-key, relaxing atmosphere and how there is something adorable or surprising at every turn. The park recently announced a new Star Wars area of their Minilands opening in November 2012 and crafted entirely from 1.5 million LEGO bricks. The interactive area will include scenes and characters from the iconic movie series.  The LEGO Star Wars Miniland Cluster will become the eighth interactive area in the park’s Miniland USA, a walk-through, interactive attraction that uses LEGO brick to recreate famous American cities such as Washington DC, New York and San Francisco.

Another reason LEGOLAND Florida is so special is it retained the unique “old Florida” feel of its former resident, Cypress Gardens. I absolutely love seeing the huge trees, waterfalls and other lush landscaping throughout the park. LEGOLAND Florida also keeps the fun going all year long with themed events like the upcoming Brick or Treat Saturdays.

LEGOLAND Florida's Brick or Treat

Pirates, witches, dracula and even Mr. Potato Head made appearances at LEGOLAND Florida this weekend during its first kid-friendly Halloween celebration of Brick-or-Treat presented by Wells Fargo. This month-long spooky, kooky event takes place on Saturdays in October from 10am-9pm and Sundays in October from 10am to 5pm.

During Brick-or-Treat, presented by Wells Fargo, Miniland USA has been transformed into a fun, haunted scavenger hunt for the whole family with the invasion of LEGO Monster Fighters and their enemies. With extended hours on Saturdays, Miniland USA gets a bit more spooky when the sun goes down and the fog rolls in on these LEGO cities.

This thrilling family event also features trick-or-treating along the brick-or-treat trail, a kids’ four category costume contest with brick-tastic prizes and a build your own Halloween themed LEGO pumpkin model activity station.  Only found at LEGOLAND Florida, families can also check out the world’s largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern made of 26,500 LEGO bricks and capture a great photo memory.

Activities Include:

  • LEGO® Pumpkin Build: Build your own LEGO Pumpkin at the model activity station in the Wells Fargo Fun Town 4D Theatre Plaza
  • LEGO® Monster Fighters Haunted Scavenger Hunt: Help the LEGO Monster Fighters capture monsters haunting the cities of Miniland USA in this haunted scavenger hunt. The whole family can enjoy searching for these creatures found in the over 30 million LEGO bricks that make up Miniland USA. With extended hours on Saturdays, Miniland USA gets a bit more spooky when the sun goes down and the fog rolls in on these LEGO cities.
  • Brick-or-Treat Trail: Trick-or-Treat along the Brick-or-Treat trail near the Pirates South Stadium for goodies, tasty treats and other fun surprises
  • Dance Party: Join us for our spooky Dance Party in the Haunted Miniland USA with a live DJ and dance games (Saturday only)
  • Kids Costume Contest: Show off your BOO-tiful costumes in the Kids Costume Contest in the Wells Fargo Fun Town 4D Theatre Plaza to win brick-tastic prizes like LEGO product and tickets to LEGOLAND Florida. Children may enter one of 4 specialized categories: Heroes & Villains, LEGO Monster Fighters, LEGO Themed, and most Creative.

I know this is something my whole family would love as we always have such a great time, even my 13 year-old, who is technically older than the demographic, loves it there. Will you be heading to LEGOLAND Florida for Brick or Treat? You can find more information on tickets and park hours at LEGOLAND.com

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: Brick or Treat, Cypress Gardens, lego bricks, lego star wars, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, Legoland Halloween, Polk County, Winter Haven

LEGOLAND Florida Gets Spooky With Brick-Or-Treat This Fall

31 July 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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Summer isn’t over yet but LEGOLAND Florida is already planning for my favorite time of the year. This Fall they’ll be starting the season off with their all-new Brick-or-Treat Halloween event. I think the park’s setting in Winter Haven will provide the perfect backdrop for this spooky celebration! Check out the official information below as well as some LEGOLAND Florid passholder news:

Just because summer is coming to an end that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. LEGOLAND® Florida has extended their Florida resident Premium Pass offer through August, 31, 2012 so guests can enjoy more interactive fun all year long. Plus, enjoy the all-new water park and special seasonal events including the park’s first big celebration of Brick-or-Treat, a kid-friendly Halloween event.

During Brick-or-Treat, ghouls, ghosts and goblins will descend on Miniland USA transforming it into a fun, haunted scavenger hunt. The whole family will be able to search for scary LEGO® creatures hidden within the 30 million LEGO bricks that make up Miniland USA.

This spooky, kooky event also features trick-or-treating, a brick-or-treat trail, a kids’ four category costume contest with brick-tastic prizes and a build your own Halloween themed LEGO model activity station. And don’t forget to check out the world’s largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern that can only be found at LEGOLAND Florida.

Legoland Jack-o-lantern

With the purchase of the Premium Pass, guests will get to experience not only Brick-or-Treat on Saturdays and Sundays in October, but, LEGOLAND Florida’s first birthday celebration, Christmas Bricktacular, Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration and much more.

Premium pass holders receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and the all-new LEGOLAND Water Park for just $159 plus tax with no black-out dates. Plus, free parking, discounts on food and merchandise and a complimentary subscription to LEGO Club Magazine are also included. Guests can purchase the Premium Pass at the front gate or online.

All events are included with park admission and subject to change without notice. For the most current information on LEGOLAND Florida special events and operating schedule, visit LEGOLAND.com.

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: costume contest, florida resident, Halloween, halloween event, jack o lantern, lego bricks, lego club, lego model, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, miniland, Winter Haven

LEGOLAND Florida Hosts LEGO Club Weekend for Father’s Day

8 June 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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LEGOLAND Florida has been growing brick by brick since opening last Fall. With the recent addition of LEGOLAND’s Water Park now there is even more fun for all down in nearby Winter Haven. Just in time for Father’s Day weekend, LEGOLAND is now hosting a fun LEGO Club Weekend with lots of fun activities and prizes. Check out the news from LEGOLAND below:

LEGOLAND grand opening

 

Holy LEGOLAND Batman!  LEGOLAND® Florida, Central Florida’s newest theme park with over 50 rides, shows and attractions, offers a chance to play like your favorite super hero during LEGO® Club Weekend Jun. 16 and 17. Celebrate with Dad this Father’s Day during this special weekend and let him show off the super hero we already know he is.

LEGO® Club Weekend will be action-packed with fun for the whole family:

  • Whether you’re young or just young-in-spirit, come dressed in your favorite super hero costume to have a chance to win cool prizes. Prizes include a LEGO® prize pack filled with Super Hero product and LEGOLAND® Florida tickets and the ultimate Warner Brothers® grand prize of an XBOX 360 Console.
  • Be among the first to preview the all-new LEGO® Batman 2: DC Super Heroes video game at the all-new Warner Bros.™ Games Zone. Compliments of our partner, Warner Bros.™ Interactive Entertainment, the first 200 guests to come and play will get a free LEGO® Batman 2 poster. Warner Bros.™ Games Zone, an all-new attraction in the Imagination Zone at LEGOLAND® Florida, is every gamers dream and a great way to take a break from the heat. This interactive game zone is where kids can test and play the latest LEGO® video games and interact with high-tech technology such as, iPads and playable video kiosks.
  • Become an official certified super hero by defeating the villains at Super Hero Training Camp. The Gardens have been transformed into the ultimate training facility so you can practice your super powers.
  • Challenge your family to a Super Hero Scavenger Hunt. Your favorite heroes and villains have invaded Miniland USA and it’s up to you to save it. And for your hard work, the winner will take home a LEGO® prize pack filled with Super Hero product and LEGOLAND® Florida tickets.
  • Meet Max, the LEGO® Club mascot, and get your picture with him.
  • Enjoy special discounts on food and beverage.

All events are included with park admission and subject to change without notice. The best way to experience LEGOLAND® Florida for the best value is with the Premium Pass, which offers 12 months admission to LEGOLAND® Florida and seasonal access to the all-new 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.

 

All who attend the LEGO® Club Weekend event can register to become a LEGO® Club member for free.

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Filed Under: Central Florida Family Entertainment, Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: Father's Day Weekend, imagination zone, lego club, LEGO CLUB Weekend, lego prize, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND theme park, LEGOLAND water park, water park, Winter Haven, xbox 360

LEGOLAND Florida Water Park and New Premium Pass Announced

29 November 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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LEGOLAND® FLORIDA – JUST ADD WATER!
Central Florida’s Newest Theme Park Announces Water Park Details and Unveils All-New Premium Annual Pass

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (November, 28, 2011) – Just six weeks after its official grand opening, LEGOLAND Florida today released details of its first expansion – LEGOLAND Water Park. Scheduled to open in time for summer 2012, the water park will feature a wave pool, Build-A-Raft lazy river, tube slides, body slides and an interactive water-play structure – DUPLO® Safari.

“We’re very excited to share plans for this amazing new attraction,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones. “True to our mission, the water park attraction has been designed for families with children ages 2 to 12 and will add hours of water play to an already full day and move LEGOLAND Florida into a multi-day experience for vacationers. The additional also adds another great value proposition for our Annual Pass members.”

Legoland FL Waterpark
Artist rendering of future LEGOLAND Florida water park

 

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. 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 select AAA Auto Club Group branches.

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
· 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
· 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
· DUPLO® Splash Safari – Toddlers will rule at this water play area with shorter slides and interactive, larger-than-life DUPLO creatures

“This newest attraction is just one of many ways we will continue to evolve LEGOLAND Florida over the next several years,” said Jones. “Creating a multi-visit proposition for families adds another dimension to the LEGOLAND Florida offering. Adding the water park attraction will fulfill this criteria as well as offering a unique attraction in Central Florida. ”

**Important: Please check operating schedule at www.LEGOLAND.com for park days and hours.

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Filed Under: Florida Theme Parks & Attractions, LEGOLAND Florida Tagged With: LEGO, LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND premium pass, LEGOLAND water park, Orlando area attractions, Orlando area theme parks, Polk County, press releases, Theme parks, Winter Haven

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