We have an abundance of theme parks in our beautiful state of Florida so I am almost sure you have heard about LEGOLAND and well, it is exactly what it sounds like but also so much more! Before going to this amazing theme park, I would have assumed you would have to love LEGOs – and while we do, there is so much more for everyone in the family even if they aren’t quite the LEGO lover.
It is important to note that this park really does bring LEGOs to life. It is ideally suitable for kids under the age of 12 or 13 more so for the rides. There really is not any “thrill rides” per say but I am much older than that, and a parent, and still had a wonderful time. You truly feel like you’re walking through lands of actual LEGO creations as you walk through over 150-acres of this interactive theme park full of unique attractions, experiences, dining, and shopping.
LEGOLAND Florida is on the property of what used to be Cypress Gardens. There is still an area dedicated to the former park and there you will find the botanical gardens with lush landscapes with huge trees, cool plants and a gorgeous gazebo for a quick getaway, or the perfect picnic location if you need a break from the busy and child filled park.
LEGOLAND, similar to other popular theme parks is split into different lands. They offer: The Beginning, Fun Town, The LEGO Movie World, MINILAND USA, Duplo Valley, LEGO Kingdoms, Land of Adventure, LEGO City, Imagination Zone, LEGO Technic, LEGOLAND Water Park, Cypress Gardens, Heart lake City and LEGO Ninjago World. These are named and built after different LEGO offerings.
What You Need to Know, Before You Go
I was not aware until I went that LEGOLAND Florida is that it’s not quite in Orlando. I assumed it would be close to my other favorite parks like Disney and Universal but that is just not the case. LEGOLAND is located on LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven FL, 33884, and it is important to note that LEGOLAND Florida is approximately an hour from both Tampa and Orlando. If you live in Florida and are driving, it shouldn’t be too much of a detour or issue but you do want to make plans if you are flying into the area and potentially rent a car. For the theme park, they do offer on-site parking and it opens approximately 45 minutes ahead of park opening for those wishing to get a good spot and rope drop the park. Most days, LEGOLAND Florida is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and it has a trend of staying open slightly later on the weekends or during busy seasons such as summer. Be sure to check the website to make sure before visiting as there are events and things that can alter the opening and closing times for the park.
For tickets, you have the options to purchase one or two days to LEGOLAND, with or without a water park visit and now an option to add on LEGOLAND Florida’s newest addition, Peppa Pig Theme Park. The way the parks are super close to each other and the themed LEGO hotels offer pools and activities – there is plenty to do for an extended weekend trip or even a week-long summer or spring break trip too.
All About The Rides
LEGOLAND Florida has a really good variety of rides for kids and while nothing is considered a thrill ride – this is perfect for families with small children. In my opinion, the top must do attractions include the virtual reality coaster, The Great LEGO Race, interactive LEGO NINJAGO the Ride, and the Coastersaurus. Second to these, you have to try the classics such as The Grand Carousel, the DUPLO Train and Flying, Boating, and Ford Driving Schools. All of these were a fun experience and I highly recommend adding them to your to do list before you visit.
One of the experiences I really loved was hearing all about the LEGOLAND Story. It was so nice and interesting hearing about the surprising origin story of LEGO and how LEGOLAND became what it is today so make sure you check that out in the park as well during your visit.
In addition to rides, you have to check out the Pirates’ Cove for the brand-new Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show. You can witness gravity-defying water stuns including wakeboarding, barefoot-skiing, jump acts, an iconic ski pyramid and even a fly board that hoists pirates up 72 feet in the air as Captain Brickbeard tests the skills of his buccaneer recruits in his never-ending hunt for buried treasure and adventure while also jamming out to amazing music. It really is a good time for everyone.
LEGOLAND Characters & Meet and Greets
If you are all into the LEGO world and want to meet your favorite LEGO characters in person, you can easily find and take photos with Emmet and the gang from THE LEGO MOVIE, ninjas from LEGO NINJAGO World, and also all the LEGO Friends in Heartlake City. For their times and locations though it is best to download the app or grab a map at the front of the park.
Where to Eat in LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND Florida comes with a lot of food options for everyone in the family! There is an abundance of fun LEGO theming and they do an amazing job bringing the LEGO stories to life. My favorites include the Firehouse Ice Cream in LEGO City, Pepper & Roni’s Pizza Stop which has a very old school retro computer game vibe, and number one for us is the Fun Town Pizza & Pasta Buffet which offers Italian food in a fun environment for what I consider an affordable price.
For snacking, definitely do not miss the Granny’s Apple Fries, a LEGOLAND original. The LEGOLAND Coffee Co. which is a full-service café offers a variety of delicious breakfast items, coffees and seasonal treats. Before diving into all the amazing food and shopping experiences in LEGOLAND – you do need to be aware that the parks only take plastic. In an effort to go green and streamline the guest experience, LEGOLAND Florida has gone cashless and does not accept cash as a means of payment. A valid photo ID with a signature is required for credit card purchases. LEGOLAND Florida does accepts American Express, Discover Card, VISA and MasterCard for park admission, merchandise and restaurant purchases.
Top Tips for Visiting LEGOLAND
- Plan for Florida weather accordingly and make sure to dress according to that weather (always smart to bring a fan or poncho).
- Use your map or app! The first time we visited LEGOLAND, we would’ve missed a huge chunk of the park if we didn’t have our maps handy to guide us, I would personally download the LEGOLAND app on your phone so you have a one-stop shop for all things LEGOLAND, including wait times for rides, show times, dining information and more.
- If you need to store your personal belongings while enjoying a day at LEGOLAND Florida- Look no further than LEGOLAND’s locker rental service for around $15.
- Bring or buy a Minifigure to trade! Like pin-trading at Disney World, LEGOLAND model citizens (aka employees) will trade Minifigures with guests.
- Strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs are available for rent just inside the LEGOLAND Theme Park for around $20-28 or you can bring your own. I would plan accordingly if you think you may need one – especially for multiple days!
- Let the kids be kids and do some navigating! This may sound so silly if you are a Disney or Universal person or have been to any other theme park with kids – but I assure you – in LEGOLAND the vibes are much more chill and the park is less crowded and less overwhelming and doesn’t require nearly as much planning so it is a good time to let them be in charge.
Lindsey has lived in Jacksonville now for over 12 years and is originally from the southeast Georgia area. She is a business and data manager for UF Health Emergency and Trauma services downtown by day, a travel agent, social media influencer, and BLS instructor by night. She is also the mom of three kids, Lily, Logan, and Ruby. Lindsey is married to a very talented musician, Cody who plays locally all around in the Bold City Classics and Blue Muse and with the symphony as well. Lindsey started posting on social media about her trips to Disney and beyond on social media in the last few years as a means to document the joy and help others with planning their trips, balancing traveling and motherhood and finding the true magic in it all. As her presence grew she was invited to become a travel agent specializing in Disney and other theme parks because of her expansive knowledge. You can follow Lindsey on Instagram and tiktok as well as request a free travel quote for your trip @magicmomlife or send her an email at [email protected].
