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Legoland Florida
Open to the public October 15,
Legoland Florida promises to be a hit with kids of all ages. Legoland occupies what was previously Cypress Gardens and is located 45 minutes south of Orlando. Several of the original coasters have remained, cleverly converted into Lego-themed rides.
I recently previewed Legoland with my two grandchildren and, despite a sometimes-heavy rain, we found the park intriguing and lots of fun.
Upon entering Legoland, turn to your left and take a ride on Island in the Sky, a rotating lift that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the entire park. From here you can map out your plan for the day. Even the little ones will enjoy this enclosed ride with its 360-degree view.
Next comes Fun Town and the Factory Tour, where you will see how Lego bricks are made. Stop for a minute at Granny’s Apple Fries across the street for a taste of this delectable treat – good for the kids and a pleasure to eat!
Miniland USA is the main attraction in the center of the park. Take a moment to stand in awe at the genius and artistry involved in creating miniature versions of New York City, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Hollywood and several Florida cities. Notice the attention to detail in the exhibits, including the Obama family on the front porch of the White House. It’s fun and inspiring at the same time.
Land of Adventure is sure to be a favorite section with visitors. The main feature is the legacy wooden roller coaster Coastersaurus that offers thrills and chills. Kids squeal with delight on Egypt’s Lost Kingdom Adventure, where they shoot laser blasts while trying to find lost treasure. And don’t miss Safari Trek. As you travel through amazing life-size Lego figures of elephants, giraffes and lions prowl the savannah.
Every little prince and princess will enjoy Lego Kingdoms, where the land of Merlin comes to life. Kids can experience medieval times by riding roller coasters, mounting a horse during a jousting tournament and taking fairy tale photos at the Princess Palace.
My grandson’s favorite activity was the Ford Driving School that let youngsters ages 6 to 13 drive Lego cars through a Lego town and receive their first driver’s license! The full-size 2012 Ford Explorer standing in front of the school is made from 382,858 Lego bricks and took 2,500 hours to design and build. Weighing in at over 2,600 pounds, the Lego Explorer is one sight you don’t want to miss!
Legoland Florida also features a water ski show with skiers dressed as Lego figures. The property’s original gardens section is restored and offers a quiet retreat, and there are restaurants that serve an excellent selection of entrees and treats. The gift stores offer hundreds of Lego sets, including some that are not readily available in department stores, according to my grandson.
If you have children who are 12 years old or younger and plan to visit the Orlando area, I would highly recommend that you plan a day for Legoland fun.
