Legoland begins to take shape

[ellie]

There is now a website dedicated to this new Legoland which will be built on the original site of Cypress Gardens, and will be open all year round.

It will be designed to appeal to families with children aged between 2 and 12 and will have 50 rides, shows and attractions. They say it will open at the end of 2011, so we won't have long to wait. It will be the biggest Legoland park and they are obviously convinced that it will be a success.

They are even advertising for a public relations rep, landscaper/gardener, and director of sales and marketing, so if that is you then don't forget to apply!<:wink

It will be interesting to see if Legoland can become a bigger long-term success than Cypress Gardens, and it will have to be VERY good if they are to persuade people to drive down to visit it. Of course, Busch Gardens is very successful despite not being in the heart of Orlando, but Legoland may have a more limited market, with it being geared to younger families. We shall just have to wait and see.

[JAF]

I doubt Blackstone would be putting in a Legoland at Cypress Gardens if they did not think it would be a 'winner' so I have high hopes for this being a success. The demographic market is different from Disney so hopefully they will compliment each other. They might also market it for 'short' breaks to the American market.

[Steve]

I am not sure, I hope it is a success and I suppose that Blackstone can afford to wait a couple of years to see if it is viable. I still think that the travelling may not appeal to many visitors to Orlando.

[Mary and Colin]

Even if it starts out as one of those places people will try just once look how many visitors that will achieve. With 50 rides and much better weather than in England i think it will do well from the british market. Is lego big in America? Sorry if that is ignorant of me for not knowing.

Mary

[pbensur]

Yes, Lego is very big in America. Plus, most American visitors to the area are from the Eastern part of the country as the Western half of the country tend to visit Disneyland in California. They have Legoland out there and it's been successful but there isn't anything like it on this side of the country so I think it will be a draw for those heading to the Orlando area.

[Debbie]

Having never been to Cypress Gardens, can I ask where this park will be?
Debbie<:confused

[ellie]

Its near Winter Haven, Debbie.

[Steve]

I must admit, I never got to visit Cypress Gardens either Debbie, Legoland will be just south of Winter Haven, see map.

[Shire Villa]

Sneak preview of what to expect at Legoland Orlando.....

YouTube - LEGOLAND Florida Rides, Shows & Attractions

[ellie]

Thanks for adding that link, Angela. It looks amazing.

[Steve]

Yes it does look good, I will definately visit but I think it may be like Busch Gdns for us not somewhere we visit every trip but ya never know. :)

[Mary and Colin]

Wow it does look good. We will defiantly give this a visit.

Mary

[Steve]

Here is some more info. If you order an annual pass now, it’s good for the park’s 2011 months and all of 2012. The offer is $99 until May 1, when it goes up to $129. You can purchase the passes at Legoland.com.

here is a bit of video

Here is the Link: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/videobeta/cd8ce23a-8b40-403d-8246-746b9ba974bc/Travel/Inside-the-Legoland-Florida-workshop

[Shire Villa]

Found this on the Legoland site

https://secure4.gatewayticketing.com/legolandflorida/shop/viewitems.aspx?cg=2&c=4

There is also an annual pass that covers the car parking fee too. Or if you are really keen you could opt for the lifetime pass at $2,500!!!

[Tans4USA]

Some pictures from the Orlando Sentinel
http://bit.ly/ev6Iez

and a map
http://orlandoparksnews.blogspot.com/2011/03/legoland-floridas-new-map.html

[Steve]

Thanks for the info Anita :)

[Mary and Colin]

Thanks Anita this looks really nice.

With the good weather in Florida as well it will do really well i think. So pleased they are keeping the gardens.

Mary