Entrance to California's Legoland
Big newsflash–the informed readers of LanceAroundOrlando will be among the first to hear this news…
Legoland is creating a new theme park in Central Florida scheduled to open in late 2011.
Legoland is a very popular theme park specially designed for families with children ages 2 to 12. They currently operate in California (between San Diego and Los Angeles), Denmark, Germany and the United Kingdom. Legoland in Florida will be located in the former site of the Cypress Gardens theme park in Winter Haven, just 45 minute south of Disney World.
Based on the information from their California website, it looks like ticket pricing will be comparable to the prices at Disney World, Universal and Sea World.
Legoland is currently owned by Merlin Entertainments Group. Since 2005, Merlin has been majority owned by Blackstone, self described as one of the world’s leading investment and advisory firms. They acquired Legoland parks in 2005, Gardaland (in Italy) in 2006 and Tussauds Group in 2007 (yes, they are famous for Madame Tussauds Wax Museums but they also own Alton Towers–a theme park in England that is the 11th most visited theme park in Europe–and the London Eye, the landmark ferris wheel located in downtown London.)
In addition to their new theme park, Legoland will continue to operate what was known as Splash Island Water Park as a separate, ticketed attraction. They also state that Cypress Garden’s famed water ski shows and their historical gardens will stay intact.
All this was revealed at a special press conference today, 21 January 2010, attended by several Florida dignitaries, including Governor Charlie Crist.
Stay tuned to LanceAroundOrlando for further updates.
Lance Around Orlando 
January 22, 2010 at 1:43 pm |
What interesting news! This is funny because my parents are planning a trip to Florida in February and I was looking up things for them to do. When we looked up Cypress Gardens, I discovered that it closed in September! It’s nice to know that something will be in that spot – this looks like fun! Can I share?
January 22, 2010 at 2:55 pm |
Three of my most favorite “off the beaten path” things to do in Florida are: 1. Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. 2. Pancake breakfast and swim at Ponce de Leon State Park. 3. Kennedy Space Center, including the “Behind the Scenes” tour.” They can also check out the Maitland Art Center, Tampa Theatre, Enzian Theatre, Leu Gardens, Forever Florida, Orlando Shakes, SAK comedy club and take a biplane ride at Fantasy of Flight. Please share! Regards, LanceAround
January 22, 2010 at 3:27 pm |
Lance~ you are a treasure trove of Florida knowledge. You’re very handy to know! I’ve made a list of all these things and will be sure to share it with my parents and use it in helping to plan some fun things for them to do! Thanks bunches!