If you asked me which Florida theme park I would visit again and again (as a grown adult with a fully functioning prefrontal cortex) I would say… LEGOLAND! And that was even before I wrote this article. It is your favorite theme park’s favorite theme park and it will serve you exactly what you’re looking for, FUN! Between the temperature controlled water park with arguably one of the most terrifying (read: adrenaline pumping) slides I’ve been on in a while, the talented performers who dance and sing through their shows, and the intricate LEGO builds, I have spent many a frolic-filled day there, with and without my five-year-old.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. You may recall the hubbub that ensued when Merlin Entertainments (the parent company of LEGOLAND) bought Cypress Gardens back in 2010. I was one of many people afraid that a large company would entirely erase the history on Lake Eloise’s shore. However, Merlin has done a phenomenal job of updating and enhancing rides and attractions for a modern audience while also giving subtle nods to the site’s storied history. The original botanical gardens are still there in all of their banyon-y splendor, which guests can enjoy through walking trails, or by hopping on to the newest ride addition: Pirate River Quest. This privateer-themed ramble through newly restored canals calls upon your merry band of buccaneers to help discover lost treasure hidden in a real Florida swamp. Holy cypress knees, Brickbeard!
Upon entry to the park, guests are welcomed to tour a space dedicated to the rich history of LEGO as a company and beloved childhood toy, and the story of Cypress Gardens, Florida’s first theme park. Having been to Cypress Gardens often as a child and having strong, fond memories of going up into the Sky Ride and visiting with all of the animals; I have consistently been impressed by the commitment Merlin Entertainments has made to continuing the legacy that the Pope’s began.
LEGOLAND itself comprises several different areas, suited to different kiddos’ preferences and developmental abilities. There’s a Duplo farm area, with an inviting splash pad, small playground, and fun, low-thrill rides that will delight toddlers new to the theme park scene, THE LEGO MOVIE World, where “everything is awesome” (apologies in advance for getting that song stuck in your head), and my personal favorite, LEGO Kingdoms, where my craving for mini corn dogs is always vanquished. Kingdoms also has a great example of one of my favorite aspects of LEGOLAND, and why I would recommend it as my top theme park for children under 10. At nearly all of the rides, with the exception of those that have such short wait times that it’s not necessary, there are generally tubs of LEGO or Duplo bricks with a build area located within the queue. If you’re a parent of a little one, you KNOW how much of a lifesaver this is, especially through a long wait time. I am eternally thankful that in a world that increasingly uses screens and screen-adjacent appliances to keep kids distracted, LEGOLAND chose to go a more analog route and give kids a brain break and fine motor control development tool to pass the time instead. Given the overwhelming amount of sensory input that is a part of theme parks (think large crowds of people, the sun beating down on you, loud rides, food smells, feeling hungry/thirsty/overtired from walking) having a shaded area that allows your inner engineer to run free is exactly what I need, even as a grown-up. Obviously, their website will do a much better and more interesting job of describing all of the rides and areas of the park to anyone considering visiting, so I won’t take up more of the page to describe those, but I’ll touch on a few of my favorites in (drumroll please)...
THOUGHTS FROM A VETERAN LEGOLANDER
Mia’s Riding Adventure is way more fun than you’ll anticipate, if you have a weak stomach, DO NOT ATTEMPT.
Get the apple fries, just do it. You know you want to! (As an extra treat, go over to Kingdom Cones and get the cheesecake flavored soft-serve to go with it, add the caramel sauce drizzled on top and you have yourself a chef’s kiss masterpiece!)
Taking a stroll through the botanical gardens is a great way to get tired toddlers down for a nap, with the added bonus of the shade from the banyan tree giving you a place to rest, read, or scroll while you wait for them to wake up!
The fireworks shows are spectacular, especially with the addition of drones. At the time of this writing I haven’t been able to see the New Year’s show, but the pyrotechnic and well-coded display from the Brick-Or-Treat show was actually mind-blowing, so I can only imagine what future shows may bring.
The Merlin ride next to the Dragon is actually the scarier ride of the two, I am always illogically concerned that centrifugal force will fling me out of that seat, though the safety restraints are 100% keeping me from that fate.
Recently, I had the chance to visit during their Holidays at LEGOLAND event, a truly delightful spectacle if there ever was one. Between the fun and festive holiday treats, like the candy apple so decadently drenched in caramel, my jaw was sore afterward, and the refreshing and tart lime/cherry Dole whip soft serve, my partner, friends, and I were riding a sugar-high through to the first tree lighting of the season! If you are someone who wants to be wowed by the dedication of the park’s Master Builders, you have GOT to see this tree during the 2025 festivities. It’s constructed of over 365,000 LEGO and Duplo bricks and is their newest decoration from the 2024 holiday season. The light display they hooked it up to was also so fun and had our younger kiddos spellbound as we counted down to the grand reveal. The Model Citizens who interacted with the guests all brought the holiday cheer tenfold, and you could tell that many of them were just as enamored with the making of wintertime magic as the visitors to the park. Though the kiddos who were with us were antsy to explore more of the park, we did manage to catch the Festival of Flurries show. The caliber of talent is astounding! Between the singers and dancers in the Festival of Flurries and the a cappella group that performed carols before the tree lighting ceremony, I was thoroughly wowed by the moves and grooves of all the performers.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was the #BuildToGive initiative that Merlin Entertainments and LEGO have worked together to create. In one of the many openended build areas of the park, visitors were invited to create their own LEGO heart in whatever size or design they wished. Once our hearts were completed, we were informed that for every heart shared on social media with the hashtag BuildToGive, a LEGO set would be donated to a child in need. In 2024, LEGO hoped to donate 1.5 million sets worldwide, and with the number of hearts I saw shared I’m sure it wasn’t a problem.
SEA LIFE
For long-time fans and newcomers alike, there’s exciting news for LEGOLAND Florida Resort in 2025. Basking in the wonder of our aquatic biomes, SEA LIFE is coming to Winter Haven! Giving us the inside scoop on this new attraction, Stephanie Bechara, LEGOLAND’s Senior Public Relations & Marketing Manager, told me all about their new Theme Park Under the Sea. “Guests will see their favorite sea animals in vibrant exhibits inspired by beloved theme park attractions, including coral-themed structures that resemble castles, Ferris wheels, carousels, and even haunted houses. From blacktip reef sharks to clownfish, SEA LIFE Florida features captivating exhibits that take you on a journey through Florida-inspired habitats like the Freshwater Swamp and Key West Harbor. Plus, highlights like the rock pool experience and a sunken pirate treasure ship with bubble domes and portholes bring the underwater world to life in a way that’s completely unique to Florida!”
Visitors to SEA LIFE will be pleased to know their ticket sales go towards the SEA LIFE Trust, a registered charity dedicated to global ocean protection with a mission to educate and inspire families about marine ecology and conservation. Stephanie shared her favorite moment in the building process so far, the “Sealed with Steel” activation. “We invited guests to sign the final piece of steel being installed in the building in exchange for a donation of any amount to our partner charity, SEA LIFE Trust. It was heartwarming to see so many families get involved in leaving their mark on this incredible project. Thanks to their generosity, we raised $1,400 to support the Trust’s vital conservation work— an unforgettable milestone as we bring SEA LIFE Florida to life!” She also shared that with approximately 150 species totaling about 3,000 individual animals, this new aquarium promises an incredible journey through the wonders of Florida’s marine ecosystems. The facility will encompass just under 200,000 gallons of aquatic habitats, with the ocean habitat itself spanning an impressive 125,000 gallons, which I for one, cannot wait to explore!
PEPPA PIG THEME PARK
While I’ve spent a lot of time talking about LEGOLAND (which is fair because it’s awesome!) I’d also like to shine a light on a certain muddy British pig’s favorite place to hang out, the Peppa Pig Theme Park! Initially upon getting passes for Peppa, I felt uncertain of if it would catch my 5-year-old’s fancy, but boy, was I wrong! This park has one of the coolest splash pads in town, and provides multiple opportunities for free play through a trike track, sandbox area, and playground. This is in conjunction with your more traditional theme park fare, with Daddy Pig’s coaster being the biggest and baddest of all. Peppa isn’t all oink though.
As a Certified Autism Center, each staff member receives training on how to best assist visitors on the spectrum and the park undergoes regular inspections to maintain their accreditation through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Having personal experiences working with children and adults on the spectrum through much of my teenage years and in my current career, I have seen firsthand the ways in which autism or sensory processing disorder (SPD) can express itself from person to person and how wildly different those expressions may be. When asked how the Peppa Pig Theme Park accommodates such a large variety of needs, Stephanie stated, “We understand that everyone is different, which is why we provide tools like our Accessibility Guide and Sensory Guide [at both parks]. These guides, available online or at Guest Services, help families plan their visit based on their unique needs— whether someone craves more sensory input or prefers a quieter experience. Our attractions and playscapes are thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that every guest can participate and feel included. Our dedicated staff is always on hand to provide support, making it easier for families to create unforgettable memories together.” She went on to discuss how Peppa specifically has quiet areas for rest and reset, and extra sensory guides and signage so families have a better idea of what to expect or avoid during their day! As 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism and 1 in 6 people worldwide have a sensory need or sensitivity, centers like these are integral in supporting a large part of our community.
PLAN YOUR DAY
For thrills and builds in Polk County, there’s no better place than LEGOLAND! Affordable for the whole family and full of fun for all ages, this central Florida gem just gets better every year, with additions like the Ferrari Build station in 2024, and the opening of SEA LIFE in 2025. Each visit is unique and offers explorations into the depths of your creativity; unlock your childhood wonder or open your child’s eyes to the possibilities of fun! Although we were saddened to hear that the ski shows are being discontinued, there are still a million reasons to spend the day at the park. I’ll leave you with the guiding principles of Merlin Entertainments, what each experience and park strives to live up to.
1. We Care – From guest safety to guest excellence, we put care at the heart of every decision.
2. Own Your Craft – We’re masters of play, perfecting every model, attraction, and experience.
3. Drive and Discover – Innovation keeps us curious and pushes us to create unforgettable adventures.
4. Go Together – Collaboration powers everything, from iconic partnerships to team achievements.
5. Enjoy the Ride – Fun fuels us! We create joy for our guests and ourselves every single day.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
One LEGOLAND Way Winter Haven, FL 33884
