Legoland Florida
Introduction '''Legoland Florida Resort''' (stylized as '''LEGOLAND Florida Resort''') is a vacation destination in Winter Haven, Florida. The resort features the Legoland Florida theme park itself, the Legoland Water Park, three on-site accommodations and a separately-ticketed on-site park based on the British children's animated series ''Peppa Pig'' that opened on February 24, 2022.Built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens theme park, Legoland preserved the botanical gardens and re-themed the water park and select attractions and venues to reflect various Lego brands.
History On January 15, 2010, Merlin Entertainments declared its intention to build a Legoland theme park on the site of the former Cypress Gardens theme park, which permanently ceased operations in 2009.Six days later, a news conference was held with Florida Governor Charlie Crist and park officials. The story broke a day before the press conference after an email between public officials was obtained by a local newspaper; the sale price was $22.3 million.After a relatively short construction period (as compared to parks which were built from scratch), Legoland Florida opened on Saturday, October 15, 2011.The park expanded by adding more lands such as The World of Chima (Jul 2013), Heartlake City (Jun 2015), and Lego Ninjago World (Jan 2017) as well as expanding itself as a resort. On November 21, 2013, LEGOLAND Florida announced they would be adding their first onsite hotel, the LEGOLAND Hotel. It opened to the public on May 15, 2015.A second resort, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, was announced March 15, 2016 as part of a major expansion effort and it opened on April 7, 2017, approximately  east of the theme park, on the western shore of Lake Dexter. The most recent development was the announcement of the world's first theme park area themed with ''The Lego Movie'', which opened on March 27, 2019.From mid-March to May 2020, as with all Legoland parks, the park was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attractions ===Theme parks=======Legoland Florida====The Legoland Florida theme park opened on October 15, 2011, The park encompasses , making it the second-largest Legoland park after Legoland Windsor in the UK.Designed for families with children ages 2 to 12, the park has more than fifty rides, shows, attractions, restaurants, and shops, plus the original Cypress Gardens that pays homage to the park's former usage. Unlike other select Legoland attractions, children are  not required for entry.====Peppa Pig Theme Park====On February 25, 2021, as part of the company's exclusive multi-territory licensing agreement with Hasbro and Entertainment One, Merlin Entertainments announced to build a  ''Peppa Pig'' theme park in the resort simply titled "Peppa Pig Theme Park" for 2022.It will be the first standalone theme park based on the children's property, as well as the first second dry park and the first non-Lego related theme park to open in a Legoland Resort. Peppa Pig Theme Park is separately ticketed from the Legoland Florida park in the resort, but bundled two-day, two-park tickets to visit both parks are available.On August 13, 2021, the six main attractions for the park were announced.On October 13, 2021, it was confirmed that the park would open on February 24, 2022, a year after its initial announcement.====Legoland Water Park====The Legoland Water Park was initially constructed as "Splash Island", which debuted in 2005 with five rides within Cypress Gardens. Splash Island was the only water park in Polk County when it opened. After Merlin Entertainments purchased the Cypress Gardens site, Splash Island was reworked with Lego themes replacing the original Polynesian-themed attractions. The Legoland Water Park also added a sixth attraction, a toddler water play area named ''Duplo Splash Safari'', which featured slides and fountains in a shallow pool. The park reopened under its new name on May 26, 2012.Admission to the Water Park requires purchase of an admission ticket to the theme park. The initial extra cost for admission to the water park was $12 for ages 4 and up, aimed at visitors spending a second day at Legoland.====Bok Tower Gardens====The Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre haven with an assortment of beautifully curated gardens, lush landscapes, and an avian sanctuary where countless feathered friends find their home. It is a hidden gem in central Florida's heart. Designed to be a sanctuary for the soul, Bok Tower Gardens offers a breathtaking escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and enchanting melodies, this oasis is a must-visit destination for those seeking solace and serenity.
Accommodation ===Legoland Hotel===The 152-room Legoland Hotel opened May 15, 2015,===Legoland Beach Retreat===The Legoland Beach Retreat opened on April 7, 2017, which has 166 rooms in 83 freestanding bungalows designed to resemble giant Lego sets.===Pirate Island Hotel===Pirate Island Hotel opened on June 25, 2020, after a previous delay from April 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This hotel is themed to pirates.
Resort layout and attractions ===Legoland Florida===More than fifty rides, shows, and attractions are featured in the park based on those at other Legoland parks. The Jungle Coaster ride from Legoland Windsor was moved to the park and renamed Lego Technic Test Track (now The Great Lego Race).Cypress Gardens' botanical park was preserved as part of the park. Also surviving is a vast Banyan tree that was planted as a seedling in a five-gallon bucket in 1939.In addition, four attractions originally from Cypress Gardens were renovated and renamed: the ''Triple Hurricane'' wooden rollercoaster was renamed to ''Coastersaurus'', the ''Okeechobee Rampage'' family coaster was renamed to ''The Dragon'', and ''Swamp Thing'', a Vekoma family inverted coaster, was renamed ''Flying School''. The ''Starliner'' coaster, formerly built for the Miracle Strip Amusement Park in Panama City in 1963 before being moved to Cypress Gardens in 2004, was dismantled for sale. The ''Island in the Sky'' observation tower was also retained and operated from 2011 until it was closed in 2017.The Legoland Florida theme park has fourteen sections:====The Beginning====The Beginning features no attractions, but it has the park's main gift shops, restaurants, and administrative facilities. The Legoland Hotel is located just outside the park's entrance.====Fun Town==== Attraction Added Image DescriptionGrand Carousel  125px A two-level carousel. It originally opened with standard horses, but it was refurbished in February 2012 and the original horses were replaced with ones based on Lego horses. Wells Fargo Fun Town Theater  (Theatre) A 4D cinema with seven hundred seats. The theater is sponsored by Wells Fargo.+4D film titles Started  Title  Current  ''Lego Racers 4D''   ''Spellbreaker 4D''   ''Lego City: A Cluch Powers 4D Adventure''     ''Lego Chima 4D Movie Experience''     ''The Lego Movie: 4D – A New Adventure''     ''LEGO Nexo Knights: The Book of Creativity''     ''Lego Ninjago: Masters of the 4th Dimension''     ''Lego City 4D: Officer in Pursuit''     ''Lego Mythica 4D: Journey to Mythica''     ''Lego DREAMZzz 4D: Z-Blob Rescue Rush''  ====Heartlake City==== Attraction Added Image Description Mia's Riding Adventure June 26, 2015 A Disk-O flat ride manufactured by Zamperla which has guests strapped into a horse and spin on a disc alongside a track. The Park had a Zamperla Disc'O from under previous management from 2004 to 2008 Heartlake Stepping Tones Fountain June 26, 2015 Interactive, heart-shaped fountain filled with LEGO brick instruments that play music. Theatre June 26, 2015 Currently plays the show ''Lego Friends to the Rescue''.====Miniland USA==== Location Represented Added Image Features New York City October 15, 2011 125px Rockefeller Plaza, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Building, Guggenheim Museum, and Central Park Zoo. Washington, D.C. October 15, 2011 125px White House, U.S. Capitol building, Smithsonian Museums, WWII Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and parts of Georgetown. Las Vegas  October 15, 2011 125px A realistic walk through along the Las Vegas Strip from the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, past the Luxor, Excalibur, Mirage, Treasure Island, Tropicana, MGM Grand, Paris, and the Stratosphere tower. Florida October 15, 2011November 19, 2014(I-Drive 360 Complex) 125px Florida Keys, the Everglades, Miami, Tampa, Central Florida, Daytona Beach, The Kennedy Space Center, St. Augustine, the Panhandle and the I-Drive 360 complex (Orlando Eye, Sea Life Orlando and Madame Tussauds Orlando). Pirates October 15, 2011 125px A pirate themed area featuring miniature Lego pirate ships. ''Star Wars'' November 9, 2012May 4, 2018 (''The Force Awakens'' model) A collection of models from various planets in the ''Star Wars'' universe that also replicates famous scenes in the films. The planets and respective films from which scenes are represented are: Naboo from ''The Phantom Menace'', Geonosis from ''Attack of the Clones'', Kashyyyk and Mustafar from ''Revenge of the Sith'', Tatooine from ''A New Hope'', Hoth from ''The Empire Strikes Back'' Endor from ''Return of the Jedi'', and Jakku from ''The Force Awakens''. The area formerly featured Christophsis featured from ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' but was replaced with Jakku. Also featured are life-sized models of Darth Maul, R2D2, Darth Vader, Rey and Chewbacca.====Duplo Valley==== Attraction Added Image Description Duplo Train May 23, 2014 A ride in a Duplo-themed train carriage. Duplo Tractor May 23, 2014 A ride alongside a farm in a Duplo-themed tractor. Duplo Farm  October 15, 2011 An indoor, air-conditioned playground also housing the park's baby care center. Duplo Splash Pad  May 23, 2014 A toddler sized water play area. Duplo Tot Spot May 23, 2014 An interactive play area featuring Duplo bricks and a slide.====Lego Kingdoms====Lego Kingdoms Attraction Added Image Description The Dragon October 15, 2011 A steel family coaster manufactured by Vekoma which featured an indoor dark ride portion. Originally called Okeechobee Rampage and located at a different place within the park. During construction of LEGOLAND Florida, the track was extended to include the dark ride segment and was put alongside the perimeter of the park. The Royal Joust October 15, 2011 125px A simulated 'joust' attraction where children ride Lego-themed horses through medieval scenes. Merlin's Challenge October 15, 2011 A mini Himalaya flat ride with a LEGO model of Merlin as the centerpiece. The Forestmen's Hideout October 15, 2011 Large multi-level wooden playground designed for younger children, a structure with slides, rope ladders, and bridges.====Land of Adventure==== Attraction Added Image Description Beetle Bounce October 15, 2011 125px A dual junior drop tower ride manufactured by S&S – Sansei Technologies, formerly S&S Worldwide Coastersaurus October 15, 2011 125px A wooden roller coaster manufactured by Martin & Vleminckx and was formerly known as Triple Hurricane. On November 21, 2013, the ride received new Millennium Flyer trains from Great Coasters International. Lost Kingdom Adventure October 15, 2011 125px An interactive dark ride manufactured by Sally Corporation based on the Lego theme Adventurers. Pharaoh's Revenge October 15, 2011 An interactive play area involving small plastic balls (ball pit balls) moved around by air currents and suction. Safari Trek October 15, 2011 125px A jeep ride featuring life-sized LEGO animal models.====Lego Ninjago World==== Attraction Added Image Description Lego Ninjago: The Ride January 12, 2017 An interactive 3D dark ride where four riders assume the powers of the ninjas and use their hand motions to swipe at various obstacles and villains.====The Lego Movie World====The area occupied by The Lego Movie World was previously themed as The World of Chima. Attraction added Image Description ''The Lego Movie: Masters of Flight'' March 27, 2019 Flying theatre attraction where guests join Master Builders on a Triple Decker Flying Couch transporting riders all over The Lego Movie universe. ''Unikitty's Disco Drop'' March 27, 2019 Tower ride manufactured by Zierer. Drops, spins and bounces to the heights of Cloud Cuckoo land. ''Battle of Bricksburg'' March 27, 2019 Help defend Bricksburg by spraying down the DUPLO® alien invaders. Beware, you will get wet! Retained from The World of Chima and renamed from ''The Quest for Chi Splash Battle'', which opened in 2013.====Lego City==== Attraction Added Image Description Ford Driving School October 15, 2011 125px A “real-life” driving experience for children ages 6 through 13, where children receive their official Legoland driver's license which can be upgraded to have their photo and watch a video on how to drive. The ride and the junior ride are sponsored by Ford. Ford Jr. Driving School October 15, 2011 A smaller version of the driving school attraction for children ages 3 through 5.Flying School October 15, 2011 125px A Suspended Family Coaster manufactured by Vekoma themed around an airport. The attraction was previously called Swamp Thing. Boating School October 15, 2011 125px Self-propelled boat-ride that travels a winding watercourse. Rescue Academy  October 15, 2011 Competitive team attraction where groups propel a hand pumped truck in a race down a street to douse a simulated building "fire" or to take down a "criminal" and return the truck.====Lego Technic====Lego Technic sign Attraction Added Manufacturer Image Description AQUAZONE Wave Racers October 15, 2011 Zierer 125px A dual water carousel where guests spin out over the water while off-riders try to blast water cannons in the ride's pond. The Great Lego Race October 15, 2011 (as Lego Technic Test Track)March 23, 2018 (as The Great Lego Race) Mack Rides  A large wild mouse coaster with a VR experience. Replaced Project X, the Florida version of Lego Technic Test Track. Operated at Legoland Windsor as Jungle Coaster from 2004 to 2009.Technicycle October 15, 2011 Zamperla A pedal-powered spinning machine that propels riders into the air.====Imagination Zone==== Attraction Added Image Description Build & Test October 15, 2011 125px An exhibit where guests can build a Lego car and test it on the digitally timed track. Kid Power Towers October 15, 2011 A set of towers where guests can hoist themselves up to the top then enjoy a “free-fall” to the bottom. Lego Mindstorms October 15, 2011 An exhibit where guests can build and program computerized Lego Mindstorms robots. WB Games Zone 2012 A room where players can try out levels of the Lego video games.====Pirates' Cove==== Attraction Added Image Description The Battle For Brickbeard's Bounty October 15, 2011 125px A live-action water ski show performed daily on Lake Eloise Lake, featuring a mix of human skiers and LEGO costumed characters such as the pirate Captain Brickbeard. It was to be replaced at some point in 2020, but the venue is currently vacant due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Legoland Florida announced that the updated show, Brickbeard's Watersports Stunt Show, will debut in February 2021, as a part of the park's 10th birthday.====Cypress Gardens====Cypress GardensLegoland Florida fully reopened the original botanical gardens from the former Cypress Gardens park in March 2014.The gardens were the initial attraction at the site, which first opened in 1936.After the theme park reopened as Legoland Florida, the Oriental Gardens and Florida Pool within Cypress Gardens remained closed while repairs and landscaping were performed. The Florida Pool, named for its shape, was originally built for the 1953 film ''Easy to Love'', starring Esther Williams.The gardens are owned by Polk County and were listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in April 2014.===Legoland Water Park=== Attraction Added Image Description Lego Wave Pool May 26, 2012 A gentle wave pool; formerly known as ''Kowabunga Bay'' at Splash Island. Twin Chasers May 26, 2012 Two  long tube water slides; formerly known as ''Tonga Tubes'' at Splash Island. Splash Out May 26, 2012 Three body slides each with a  drop; formerly known as ''VooDoo Plunge'' at Splash Island. Joker Soaker May 26, 2012 Children's water play area; formerly known as ''Polynesian Adventure'' at Splash Island. Build-A-Raft River May 26, 2012 A  long lazy river with interactive inner tubes that had a baseplate on which riders could stack floating Lego bricks. Formerly known as ''Paradise River'' at Splash Island. Duplo Splash Safari May 26, 2012 Toddler's water play area; this area was the only one newly constructed for the Legoland Water Park.===Peppa Pig Theme Park=== Attraction Added Image Description Daddy Pig's Roller CoasterFebruary 24, 2022A Zamperla Junior Coaster themed after Daddy Pig's Car. Peppa Pig's Balloon RideFebruary 24, 2022A Technical Park Samba Balloon ride that provides a view of the park. Grandad Dog's Pirate Boat RideFebruary 24, 2022 A rotating boat ride set within the "Pirate Island" location. Grampy Rabbit's Dinosaur AdventureFebruary 24, 2022A themed tracked ride with cars themed like George's toy dinosaur. Mr. Bull's High StrikerFebruary 24, 2022A small kiddy drop tower. Peppa's Pedal Bike Tour/George's Tricycle TrailFebruary 24, 2022A themed Bike/Tricycle attraction. Muddy Puddles Splash PadFebruary 24, 2022A water play area. George's FortFebruary 24, 2022 A themed Maze attraction. Grandpa Pig's GreenhouseFebruary 24, 2022 A themed walk-through attraction. Peppa Pig's TreehouseFebruary 24, 2022A themed play-area/treehouse. Madame Gazelle's Nature TrailFebruary 24, 2022 A themed Nature-Trail attraction. Mr. Potato's Showtime ArenaFebruary 24, 2022 A show stage that showcases Peppa Pig-themed live shows with costumed characters. The CinemaFebruary 24, 2022 An indoor attraction that broadcasts episodes from the ''Peppa Pig'' series.===Former Attractions===The following are individual attractions that have closed formerly operated throughout the park's history: Attraction Section Added Removed Image Description Cragger's Swamp The World of Chima   An interactive water play area. Fresh from Florida Greenhouse Fun Town 2012 2015 A conservatory where guest could walk through and be educated on foods made in the state of Florida. The conservatory was demolished and replaced along with some of the mansion's grounds with the Heartlake City section. Island in the Sky The Beginning October 15, 2011 2017 125px A  rotating platform ride that provided a 360° view of the park that opened with the park. After standing dormant throughout 2017 on January 25, 2018, LEGOLAND Florida officially announced its closure due to the age of the attraction. Junior Fire Academy Duplo Village   A small roundabout where children could control a fire truck and attempt to douse fires, similar to the ''Rescue Academy'' attraction across the park. Lego Factory Tour Fun Town October 15, 2011 2014 125px A walk-through attraction that taught visitors how a Lego brick was made. The building also shared space with the model shop, where visitors could peer in seeing the park's master builder's build the models for not only LEGOLAND Florida but for the LEGOLAND parks and discovery centers around the world. The walk-through attraction closed around 2014 to expand the model shop. The model shop was then moved off-site to a larger facility and space eventually became a store housing a "Pick a Brick" wall as well as discounted sets. It reopened as LEGO Factory Experience. Quest for Chi The World of Chima   A splash battle attraction manufactured by Mack Rides Speedorz Arena The World of Chima   An interactive LEGO play station where children raced their Speedorz creations. only one section of the park has closed while another has been rethemed:;The World of Chima''The World of Chima'' was a section based on Lego's Legends of Chima sets and was sponsored by Cartoon Network throughout the area's lifespan. The area opened on July 3, 2013, and was the park's first new land. It was closed on May 29, 2017, and was replaced by ''The LEGO Movie World''. ;Duplo VillageDuplo Village originally opened with the park on October 15, 2011.On October 3, 2013, it was announced that the area would be enhanced and rethemed as Duplo Valley. One attraction would be removed while the others were re-themed.
Gallery File:Legoland FL Construction Aerial 2011-03-23 15-20-58 122 (5559336022).jpg|Aerial photo during construction, March 2011.The dual carousel pond for AQUAZONE is completed in the foreground, while Coastersaurus awaits refurbishment in the background.File:Lake Eloise Legoland Florida.jpg|Lake EloiseFile:Cypress Gardens Legoland Florida.jpg|Cypress Gardens
See also *2011 in amusement parks*Bok Tower Gardens
References
External links * *  Legoland Florida Photo Gallery