LEGOLAND Florida Resort: 10th Anniversary, New Attractions, and Cypress Gardens History

LEGOLAND Florida Resort's 10th Anniversary and New Additions

• 🥳 LEGOLAND Florida Resort is celebrating its 10th anniversary, having evolved from the former Cypress Gardens into a full-fledged resort.
• 🎢 The resort now features two theme parks, a water park, and two hotels, with the Peppa Pig Theme Park opening earlier this year as a standalone park for preschoolers.
• 🌊 A new attraction, Pirate River Quest, is set to open on November 2nd, bringing back the charm of Cypress Gardens' canal boats with a LEGO twist.

Evolution from Cypress Gardens to LEGOLAND

• 🌳 Cypress Gardens, Central Florida's first tourist attraction, opened in 1936 and was a favorite of Roy O. & Edna Disney.
• 🎢 After facing challenges, including competition from Universal Studios Florida, Cypress Gardens closed in 2003 and was later acquired by Merlin Entertainment.
• 🧱 Merlin Entertainment transformed the site into the fifth LEGOLAND Park, opening in October 2011, with a commitment to preserving the botanical gardens.

Enhancements and Guest Experience

• ☀️ A significant addition for the 10th anniversary was a shade structure over Miniland USA, protecting the intricate models from the Florida sun and rain.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 LEGOLAND Florida Resort has achieved certified autism center status, with trained employees and sensory guides to assist guests with sensory sensitivities.
• 🛍️ The resort offers unique shopping opportunities, including rare and hard-to-find LEGO sets at The Big Shop, accessible only with park admission.

Entertainment and Historical Tributes

• 🚤 The Brickbeard's Water Sports Stunt Show was revitalized with more stunts and flyboarding acts, honoring the water ski show legacy of Cypress Gardens.
• 🏛️ The LEGOLAND Story museum near the park entrance details the history of Cypress Gardens, LEGOLAND parks worldwide, and the LEGO brand itself.
• 🐒 The new Pirate River Quest attraction will feature LEGO pirate boats on a quest through the Cypress Gardens area, incorporating LEGO elements while respecting the gardens' history.

Seasonal Events and Operations

• 🎃 Brick or Treat, LEGOLAND Florida's Halloween event, is expanding in 2022 with earlier dates starting in September and an extended run.
• 🎆 The resort hosted a Red, White, and Boom fireworks display for the 4th of July, visible from boats on Lake Eloise, showcasing unique viewing opportunities.
• 💳 LEGOLAND Florida Resort continues to operate on a cashless system resort-wide, with options for guests who bring cash to convert it into a temporary card for purchases.