Brick-tastic Adventures Await!

If you were to ask me which theme park in Florida I’d visit repeatedly (as an adult armed with a completely functioning prefrontal cortex) my answer would be… LEGOLAND! And that sentiment was already clear even prior to my composing this article. It is the preferred theme park of your beloved theme parks and it will provide exactly what you seek, ENJOYMENT! With a temperature-controlled water park featuring arguably one of the most terrifying (think: adrenaline-inducing) slides I’ve experienced in some time, talented entertainers singing and dancing throughout their performances, and the elaborate LEGO constructions, I’ve relished countless playful days there, both with and without my five-year-old.

To begin, let’s confront the obvious issue. You may remember the commotion that arose when Merlin Entertainments (the parent corporation of LEGOLAND) acquired Cypress Gardens in 2010. I was among many who feared that a large organization would completely obliterate the history along the shores of Lake Eloise. Nonetheless, Merlin has brilliantly modernized and improved rides and attractions for contemporary visitors while also subtly paying homage to the site’s rich past. The original botanical gardens remain intact in all their sprawling glory, which visitors can appreciate via walking paths or by embarking on the latest ride addition: Pirate River Quest. This privateer-themed journey through newly restored waterways invites your crew of pirates to assist in locating lost treasure hidden within an authentic Florida swamp. Holy cypress knees, Brickbeard!

Upon arriving at the park, visitors are greeted with an exhibit that highlights the rich history of LEGO as a company and treasured childhood toy, along with the narrative of Cypress Gardens, Florida’s inaugural theme park. Having frequently visited Cypress Gardens as a child and possessing vivid, cherished memories of soaring in the Sky Ride and interacting with various animals; I have been consistently impressed by the dedication Merlin Entertainments has shown in preserving the legacy initiated by the Pope family.

LEGOLAND encompasses multiple distinct sections, catering to the various preferences and developmental stages of children. There is a Duplo farm area, featuring a delightful splash pad, a small playground, and engaging, low-thrill rides that will charm toddlers new to the theme park experience, THE LEGO MOVIE World, where “everything is awesome” (forgive me in advance for planting that song in your mind), and my personal favorite, LEGO Kingdoms, which always satisfies my craving for mini corn dogs. Kingdoms also showcases a perfect representation of one of my most cherished features of LEGOLAND, and one of the reasons I would recommend it as the top theme park for children under 10. At nearly every ride, except for those with such brief wait times that they aren’t necessary, there are usually bins filled with LEGO or Duplo bricks along with a build area situated within the queue. If you’re the parent of a young child, you KNOW how invaluable this is, especially during lengthy waits. I am forever grateful that in a world that increasingly relies on screens and screen-related devices to keep children preoccupied, LEGOLAND opted for a more traditional approach, providing kids with an outlet for creativity and fine motor skill development to pass the time. Given the overwhelming sensory stimulation that comes with theme parks (consider large throngs of people, the sun beating down on you, noisy rides, food aromas, feelings of hunger/thirst/overwhelm from walking) having a shaded spot that allows your inner engineer to roam free is precisely what I require, even as an adult. Certainly, their website would provide a far better and more engaging description of all the rides and park sections for anyone contemplating a visit, so I won’t occupy more of this space detailing those, however, I will mention a few of my favorites in (drumroll please)…

PONDERINGS BY AN EXPERIENCED LEGOLANDER

Mia’s Riding Adventure offers far more excitement than you might expect, if you tend to feel queasy, DO NOT ATTEMPT.

Be sure to try the apple fries, just go for it. You know it’s irresistible! (As an added delight, swing by Kingdom Cones and grab the cheesecake flavored soft-serve to pair with it, drizzled with caramel sauce on top, and you have a chef’s kiss creation!)

A leisurely walk through the botanical gardens is an excellent method to tire out little ones for a nap, with the added benefit of the banyan tree providing a spot to relax, read, or scroll through your phone while awaiting their awakening!

The fireworks displays are astonishing, especially with the incorporation of drones. As of this writing, I have yet to witness the New Year’s display, but the impressive and intricately designed visuals from the Brick-Or-Treat event were truly astonishing, so I can only speculate on what upcoming displays may entail.

The Merlin ride adjacent to the Dragon is indeed the more thrilling experience of the two; I irrationally fret that centrifugal force might propel me from the seat, despite the safety mechanisms entirely ensuring my security.

Recently, I was fortunate to attend their Holidays at LEGOLAND celebration, a genuinely delightful event if there ever was one. Between the enjoyable and festive holiday goodies, like the candy apple lavishly coated in caramel, my jaw was sore afterward, alongside the refreshing and tangy lime/cherry Dole whip soft serve, my partner, friends, and I were soaring on a sugar-high all the way to the season’s first tree lighting! If you’re someone eager to witness the dedication of the park’s Master Builders, make sure to view this tree during the 2025 celebrations. It’s made from more than 365,000 LEGO and Duplo bricks, and is their newest ornament from the 2024 holiday season. The light spectacle it was connected to was also such a joy, captivating our younger kids as we counted down to the grand unveiling. The Model Citizens who engaged with guests spread holiday cheer tenfold, and it was evident that many of them shared the same enchantment with creating wintertime magic as the patrons visiting the park. While the kiddos with us were eager to explore other parts of the park, we managed to witness the Festival of Flurries performance. The level of talent is remarkable! The vocalists and dancers in the Festival of Flurries, along with the a cappella group that performed carols before the tree lighting ceremony, thoroughly impressed me with their performances.

One of the highlights of the visit was the #BuildToGive initiative that Merlin Entertainments and LEGO collaborated on. In one of the many open-ended building areas of the park, guests were encouraged to construct their own LEGO heart in whichever size or design they chose. Once our hearts were finalized, we learned that for every heart shared on social media with the hashtag BuildToGive, a LEGO set would be contributed to a child in need. By 2024, LEGO aimed to donate 1.5 million sets globally, and with the number of hearts I observed being shared, I’m certain it wasn’t an issue.

For long-time admirers and newcomers alike, there’s thrilling updates for LEGOLAND Florida Resort in 2025. Reveling in the beauty of our aquatic ecosystems, SEA LIFE is making its way to Winter Haven! Providing us with insights about this new attraction, Stephanie Bechara, LEGOLAND’s Senior Public Relations & Marketing Manager, shared information about their new Theme Park Under the Sea. “Visitors will encounter their favorite marine creatures in vibrant displays inspired by cherished theme park attractions, featuring coral-themed designs reminiscent of castles, Ferris wheels, carousels, and even haunted houses. From blacktip reef sharks to clownfish, SEA LIFE Florida showcases fascinating exhibits that lead you on a journey through Florida-inspired environments like the Freshwater Swamp and Key West Harbor. Additionally, highlights such as the rock pool experience and a sunken pirate ship with bubble domes and portholes bring the underwater realm to life in a way that’s absolutely unique to Florida!”

Guests visiting SEA LIFE will be delighted to learn
“`their ticket revenue contributes to the SEA LIFE Trust, a recognized charity committed to worldwide ocean preservation with a goal to enlighten and motivate families about marine biology and conservation. Stephanie recounted her most cherished moment during the construction phase thus far, the “Sealed with Steel” event. “We invited attendees to inscribe their names on the last piece of steel being put into place in the building in return for a donation of any amount to our partner charity, SEA LIFE Trust. It was truly touching to witness so many families participate in leaving their mark on this remarkable project. Thanks to their kindness, we amassed $1,400 to aid the Trust’s essential conservation initiatives— a remarkable milestone as we prepare to unveil SEA LIFE Florida!” She additionally mentioned that with around 150 species amounting to about 3,000 individual creatures, this new aquarium is set to offer an extraordinary expedition through the marvels of Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. The facility will feature just under 200,000 gallons of water habitats, with the ocean habitat alone measuring an astounding 125,000 gallons, which I for one, eagerly anticipate exploring!

While I’ve spent considerable time discussing LEGOLAND (which is justified because it’s fantastic!) I’d also like to highlight a particular muddy British pig’s favorite hangout, the Peppa Pig Theme Park! Initially, when I received passes for Peppa, I was unsure if it would capture my 5-year-old’s interest, but wow, was I mistaken! This park boasts one of the coolest splash pads around, and offers a variety of opportunities for unstructured play through a tricycle track, sandbox area, and playground. This complements the more conventional theme park attractions, with Daddy Pig’s coaster being the largest and most thrilling of them all. Peppa isn’t just about oinking though.

As a Certified Autism Center, every team member is trained on how to best support guests on the spectrum and the park undergoes routine assessments to preserve their certification through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Having personal experiences working with both children and adults on the spectrum throughout much of my teenage years and in my present profession, I have witnessed firsthand how autism or sensory processing disorder (SPD) can manifest differently among individuals and how significantly varied those manifestations can be. When asked how the Peppa Pig Theme Park caters to such a wide range of needs, Stephanie remarked, “We recognize that each person is unique, which is why we offer resources like our Accessibility Guide and Sensory Guide [at both parks]. These resources, accessible online or at Guest Services, assist families in planning their visit according to their specific requirements— whether someone seeks more sensory engagement or prefers a more serene experience. Our attractions and play areas are thoughtfully crafted with accessibility in mind, ensuring that every guest can engage and feel included. Our devoted staff is always available to provide assistance, helping families create cherished memories together.” She further elaborated that Peppa specifically features quiet zones for resting and refreshing, as well as additional sensory guides and signage to give families a clearer idea of what to expect or avoid during their visit! With 1 in 36 children in the United States being diagnosed with autism and 1 in 6 individuals worldwide having a sensory need or sensitivity, establishments like these are crucial in supporting a significant portion of our community.

For excitement and creativity in Polk County, there’s no place quite like LEGOLAND! Budget-friendly for the entire family and brimming with enjoyment for all age groups, this central Florida treasure continues to improve every year, with developments such as the Ferrari Build station in 2024, and the launch of SEA LIFE in 2025. Each visit is one-of-a-kind and provides explorations into the depths of your imagination; reignite your childhood awe or unveil your child’s perspective on fun possibilities! Although we were disappointed to learn that the ski shows are being phased out, there remain countless reasons to enjoy a day at the park. I’ll conclude with the guiding principles of Merlin Entertainments, the benchmarks each experience and park aspires to embody.

1. We Care – From guest safety to guest satisfaction, we place care at the core of every choice.

2. Own Your Craft – We’re experts in play, refining every model, attraction, and experience.

3. Drive and Discover – Innovation fuels our curiosity and drives us to forge unforgettable adventures.

4. Go Together – Teamwork is the force behind everything, from iconic collaborations to team accomplishments.

5. Enjoy the Ride – Fun energizes us! We create joy for our guests and ourselves every single day.

One LEGOLAND Way Winter Haven, FL 33884