The Best Things to Do at Legoland Florida

Central Florida, the undisputed theme park capital of the world, boasts a dazzling array of attractions vying for the attention of vacationers. Nestled amongst giants like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, lies Legoland Florida, a unique destination that has successfully carved out its own niche. Situated approximately 45 minutes from its more established competitors, Legoland Florida distinguishes itself by focusing on families with children in the pre-teen demographic, offering an immersive and engaging experience tailored to younger audiences.

Spanning across a generous 150 acres, Legoland Florida is a vibrant tapestry of over 50 attractions, captivating live shows, and a plethora of interactive activities. This sprawling park is a haven for the younger set, providing an exciting alternative to the high-velocity thrills often found in other theme parks. With the thoughtful addition of attractions specifically designed for babies and toddlers, Legoland Florida ensures that every member of the family, regardless of age, can participate in the Lego-themed fun. Let’s delve into some of the best experiences that await you at this brick-tastic wonderland.

Battle Evil on the Lego Ninjago Ride

Prepare to be amazed by Lego Ninjago The Ride, a groundbreaking 4D interactive experience that debuted in 2017 and rivals the most innovative attractions offered by Disney and Universal. This cutting-edge ride transports guests into the heart of the Ninjago universe, where they become active participants in an epic battle against evil forces.

What sets this ride apart is its unique interactive technology. Utilizing sophisticated sensors, the ride interprets passengers’ karate chops and hand gestures, transforming them into virtual orbs that are used to combat the on-screen villains. As you unleash your inner ninja, you’ll accumulate points, adding a competitive and engaging element to the experience. Based on Lego’s popular Ninjago line of toys, this ride allows children and their parents to immerse themselves in the world of martial arts, creating unforgettable memories together.

The Lego Ninjago Ride is the centerpiece of Ninjago World, a dedicated land within the park that further enhances the Ninjago experience. Here, you’ll find a climbing wall where you can test your agility and strength, as well as various interactive games that challenge your ninja skills.

Enter the Lego Movie World

"Everything is awesome!" screams the very essence of Lego Movie World. Opened in 2019, this vibrant and immersive land brings to life the beloved characters and settings from the wildly popular Lego Movie franchise. Stepping into Lego Movie World is like stepping directly into the movies themselves, with meticulous attention to detail that captures the humor and whimsy of the films.

The highlight of Lego Movie World is undoubtedly The Lego Movie Masters of Flight, a state-of-the-art flying theater attraction that will take your breath away. This experience is reminiscent of Disney’s Soarin’, but with a unique Lego twist. Guests board Emmet’s iconic double-decker couch and embark on a thrilling journey through the Lego universe, soaring through familiar landscapes and encountering beloved characters along the way. The ride combines stunning visuals, immersive motion, and sensory effects to create a truly unforgettable experience.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Prepare to get soaked on the Battle of Bricksburg ride, a water-based attraction where you’ll join Emmet and his friends in a battle against the evil invaders. Meet and greet your favorite characters, including Emmet and Wyldstyle, at Emmet’s Super Suite, and explore the vibrant streets of Bricksburg.

Tour Miniland USA

No visit to Legoland Florida is complete without a stroll through Miniland USA, the heart and soul of the park. This captivating area features meticulously crafted dioramas of famous American landmarks and destinations, all constructed entirely out of Lego bricks. The sheer artistry and scale of these exhibits are truly impressive and must be seen in person to fully appreciate the dedication and skill that went into their creation.

Prepare to be transported to iconic locations such as the Daytona International Speedway, where you can marvel at the intricate details of the racetrack and the surrounding cityscape. Explore the dazzling lights and vibrant energy of Las Vegas, complete with miniature versions of famous casinos and hotels. Visit the bustling streets of New York City, where you can spot miniature versions of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and other iconic landmarks. And don’t forget to visit Washington D.C., where you can admire the White House, the Capitol Building, and other important government buildings.

In 2021, Legoland Florida enhanced the Miniland USA experience by adding shade structures throughout the area. This thoughtful addition provides much-needed respite from Florida’s intense heat, making it more comfortable for guests to explore and enjoy the exhibits.

Watch The Lego Movie 4D

Based on the immensely popular The Lego Movie and its various spinoffs, The Lego Movie 4D is a hilarious and engaging show that captures the same offbeat and charming sensibility as the films. This attraction is designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences, offering entertainment for both young children and their parents.

Kids will be enthralled by the zippy action and silly humor, while adults will appreciate the clever pop culture references and absurd situations. The Lego Movie 4D is widely considered to be one of the funniest shows at any theme park, guaranteeing plenty of laughs for the whole family.

It’s important to note that The Lego Movie 4D is shown in rotation with other presentations in the park’s 4D Theater. Other films include Journey to MYTHICA, Lego City 4D – Officer in Pursuit!, and Lego Ninjago: Master of the 4th Dimension. Be sure to check the theater’s schedule on the day of your visit to determine show times and plan accordingly.

Wander Cypress Gardens

Before it became Legoland Florida, the park was known as Cypress Gardens, a beloved Florida tourist destination that predated Disney World by many years. While much has changed over the years, remnants of the original park remain, most notably the beautiful botanical gardens that Legoland has preserved and renamed "Cypress Gardens."

These serene gardens offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme park, providing a peaceful oasis where you can reconnect with nature. Paths meander along the picturesque Lake Eloise and through meticulously maintained formal gardens filled with a vibrant array of flowers, plants, and trees. The gardens are also home to namesake cypress trees and an enormous banyan tree, creating a truly breathtaking landscape.

Float at Legoland Florida Water Park

While not the largest water park in Florida, the Legoland Florida Water Park offers a refreshing and fun-filled escape from the state’s often intense heat and humidity. The water park features a variety of slides, pools, and other wet attractions, all cleverly themed around the Lego universe.

One of the most popular attractions is the Build-a-Raft River, where passengers can design their own unique tubes using oversized Lego blocks before embarking on a relaxing float down the lazy river. This interactive experience allows guests to unleash their creativity and personalize their water park adventure.

It’s important to note that admission to the water park requires an extra fee, and visitors cannot purchase water park-only tickets.

Ride the Dragon

While Legoland Florida is primarily designed for pre-teens and doesn’t feature any major thrill rides, The Dragon is a notable exception. This outdoor steel roller coaster offers a thrilling experience that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

The Dragon features a combination of outdoor coaster elements and indoor dark ride sequences, creating a unique and engaging experience. Riders must be at least 40 inches tall to ride. Other roller coasters at Legoland Florida include the wooden Coastersaurus and the inverted Flying School.

Experience VR on the Great Lego Race

In 2018, Legoland Florida enhanced its Project X coaster with a virtual reality overlay, transforming it into The Great Lego Race. Passengers wear VR goggles and experience a Lego-themed race through computer-animated visuals that synchronize with the coaster’s movements.

The VR action mimics the twists, turns, and drops of the Wild Mouse track layout, creating a truly immersive and thrilling experience. However, the hairpin turns and sudden changes in direction may prove unsettling for more squeamish visitors, especially since the VR goggles obscure their view and prevent them from anticipating the coaster’s movements.

Jump in a Mud Puddle with Peppa Pig

In 2022, Legoland Florida expanded its offerings with the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park. This separate gate allows children and their families to immerse themselves in the world of Peppa Pig, meeting the characters from the popular TV series and exploring its stylized farm world.

The Peppa Pig Theme Park features interactive rides, themed play areas, and live shows, all geared towards the six-and-under set. A highlight of the park is the muddy puddles water play area, where children can splash and play just like Peppa Pig herself.

As with the Legoland Florida Water Park, the Peppa Pig Theme Park requires a separate admission to enter. At approximately four-and-a-half acres, it is considerably smaller than Legoland Florida and can likely be experienced in a few hours.

Get Behind the Wheel at Driving School

Legoland Florida offers two "driving schools," one for ages 6 to 13 and a junior version for 3- to 5-year-olds. In both cases, children can get behind the wheels of their own cars, learn the rules of the road, and earn "licenses."

These interactive attractions provide a fun and educational experience for young children, teaching them about road safety while allowing them to experience the thrill of driving their own car.

Set Sail on Pirate River Quest

In 2022, Legoland Florida introduced Pirate River Quest, a boat ride located in the Cypress Gardens section of the park. Passengers embark on a treasure hunt for lost booty that has been stolen by mischievous monkeys, encountering various pirate-themed scenes and characters along the way.

Enjoy a Water Ski Show Legoland Style

Continuing a tradition from Cypress Gardens’ heyday, Legoland Florida puts its own spin on the classic water ski show. Instead of glamorous gals and buff boys, swashbuckling pirates in Lego gear hang on to tow ropes and ply the waters of Lake Eloise.

In 2021, the park introduced a new water ski show, "Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show," featuring wakeboarding, barefoot-skiing, flyboarding, jump acts, and an iconic ski pyramid. The show also features Calico Jade, a female pirate character.

Stay at Legoland’s Hotels

As with Universal and Disney, you can stay where you play at Legoland Florida. There are three options: The Legoland Hotel, adjacent to the park; Legoland Beach Retreat, a lower-priced option a few blocks away connected via frequent shuttle buses; and Legoland Pirate Island Hotel, which opened in 2020.

All of the hotels feature the kid-centric and whimsical look, feel, and focus of the park. Each hotel offers bountiful breakfasts as part of the room rates and plenty of complimentary activities. They also provide their guests with exclusive early access to the park.

Eat Apple Fries

The food at Legoland Florida is a step above a typical amusement park. In addition to pizza, burgers, chicken fingers, and the usual suspects, some more interesting (and slightly healthier, perhaps) options include paninis, a pasta buffet, and a grilled chicken salad.

One of the park’s signature treats can be found at Granny’s Apple Fries, which serves fried apple pieces with cinnamon, sugar, and whipped cream. A version with ice cream is also available.

Journey into DUPLO Valley

If you are coming to the park with little ones, many of the rides and attractions may be a bit too advanced for them to partake, but Legoland Florida has you covered. DUPLO Valley is specifically designed for younger visitors.

For toddlers, there is a train and driveable tractor rides, while for children under age two, the Tot Spot area has slides, a playhouse, and blocks. New parents will especially appreciate the Baby Care Center with a changing and nursing area, plus the option for warming baby bottles.

Explore More of the Park

There are plenty of other things to do at the park that may not hit the top of your list but are still worth a look. The Imagination Zone, which is located indoors, has lots of hands-on activities with Legos. The park also has some great interactive, passenger-operated attractions, including the Kid Power Towers, the Technicycle, and the Rescue Academy. And don’t miss Coastersaurus, Legoland Florida’s wooden roller coaster.