The Complete Guide to The Legoland Florida Resort


Although one of the smaller theme parks in Florida, The Legoland Florida Resort has a distinguished history.  Originally opened in October 2011, Legoland Florida encompasses 145 acres making it the second largest Legoland park in the world.  The resort consists of the Legoland Florida Theme Park, the Legoland Water Park and three Legoland theme resort hotels.

The Legoland Florida Resort sits on the site of the former Cypress Gardens which ceased operations in 2009.  Cypress Gardens originally opened in 1936 as a botanical gardens and water ski show attraction but transitioned to an amusement park in 2004 called Cypress Gardens Adventure Park.  Today the original botanical gardens remains as part of the Legoland Florida Resort.

Legoland Florida is owned by Merlin Entertainments which is the second largest theme park and attraction operator in the world.  The Florida resort comprises the Legoland Theme Park, the Legoland Waterpark, the Legoland hotels and an all new Peppa Pig Theme Park which recently opened on February 24, 2022

Located in Winter Haven, Florida, Legoland is situated midway between Orlando and Tampa.  While the immediate area is not developed as that near the Orlando theme parks or near Busch Gardens Tampa, there are a number of off-site hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues along Cypress Gardens Boulevard which is the areas main thoroughfare.

Legoland Florida – Frequent Asked Questions

What is the admission cost for Legoland Florida?

As of December 2022, the cost of a one day Legoland theme park ticket starts $84.00  There is additional savings when purchasing multi-day or annual passes (see Plan Your Visit to Legoland Florida below).

At times Legoland offers deals through GROUPON so it makes sense to check if you are planning a visit anytime soon.

How much does parking cost at Legoland Florida?

Parking at Legoland Florida costs $25 per car, $32 for campers/RVs and $10 for motorcycles.  Preferred parking costs $40.

How old should my kids be to enjoy Legoland Florida?

Legoland is perfect for younger children between the ages of 3 and 12.  Practically all the rides and attractions are considered to be “family friendly” and suitable for kids that are to young for “thrill rides”.

How many days are needed to fully see Legoland Florida?

The Legoland Florida Theme Park is much bigger than we originally anticipated and with more than 50 rides, attractions and experiences, it will take at minimum a full day to fully explore the park if crowd levels are not excessively high.  If you want to enjoy both the Legoland theme park AND the water park, we highly recommend a two-day pass while will allow for ample time

How far is Legoland from Orlando or Tampa?

Legoland Florida is about 90 minutes from the Orlando International Airport and less than an hour from The Walt Disney World Resort. The Tampa International Airport is approximately 75 minutes  from Legoland.

Where is the best place to stay when visiting Legoland?

There are three on-site hotels at Legoland Florida including the Legoland Hotel, the Beach Retreat and the Pirate Island Hotel. Additional options include the Courtyard by Marriott and the EconoLodge Winter Haven.

What are the hours for Legoland Florida?

Legoland theme park hours vary based on the time of the year but the park typically opens at 10:00 AM and closes from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  The hours of the Legoland water park typically range from around 10:30 AM to either 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.

Are there on-site hotels at Legoland Florida?

There are three on-site hotel options at the Legoland Florida Resort which include the Legoland Florida Hotel, the Legoland Pirate Island Hotel and the Legoland Beach Resort.

How much does it cost to stay at the on-site Legoland Florida hotels?

Depending on the time of year and which hotel is selected (Legoland Florida Hotel, Pirate Island Hotel or the Legoland Beach Resort), room rates typically range from less than $200 per night to more than $400 per night.

The Location of the Legoland Florida Resort

The Legoland Florida Resort is located in the Town of Winter Haven, Florida, approximately midway between Orlando and Tampa on the shores of Lake Eloise.  Access to the area is obtain via Interstate 4 which is approximately 20 minutes north of Legoland.  The route is fairly direct when coming from either Orlando or Tampa.

The Legoland Florida Resort

1 Legoland Way

Winter Haven, Florida 33884

888.690.5346

(use 6000 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven for GPS)

There are a number of restaurants, retail shopping venues and hotels in the immediate area along Cypress Gardens Boulevard as well as US Highway 17.  Hotels in the immediate area include the Courtyard by Marriott, the EconoLodge Winter Haven, the Hampton Inn and the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Winter Haven.

Following are travel times from the Legoland Resort based on information taken from GoogleMaps.

  • Orlando International Airport: Approximately 80 minutes
  • Tampa International Airport: Approximately 70 minutes
  • Miami International Airport: Approximately three and one-half hours
  • Walt Disney World: Approximately 50 minutes
  • Universal Orlando: Approximately one hour and 20 minutes
  • Clearwater Beach: Approximately two hours

Click here to make reservations at the Legoland Hotels

Legoland Florida Theme Park

There are a number of rides, attractions and shows separated into different sections which comprise Legoland Florida.  

LEGO TECHNIC

In LEGO Technic there are a number of different rides and attractions which are perfect for children (and adults) of all ages.

AQUAZONE Wave Racers

Prepare to get a little wet on the AQUAZONE Wave Racers where riders boat a two person airboat and dodge water blasts.  The minimum height is 40 inches but any rider 40 to 52 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.

Technic Tot Spot

Technic Tot Spot is a LEGO themed, shaded play area which is a perfect place for kids (and adults too) to take a break from the theme park crowds.

Technicycle

On Technicycle riders use their pedaling power to fly higher and higher.  The minimum height is 36 inches but any rider 36 to 48 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.

The Great LEGO Race

One of our favorite rides at Legoland Florida is The Great LEGO Race.  Part roller coaster / part virtual realty.  The minimum height is 36 inches but any rider 36 to 48 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.

THE BEGINNING

The Beginning features Rebuild the World and The LEGOLAND Story which is an immersive LEGO themed building experience using LEGO bricks.  

FUN TOWN

The two-story Grand Carousel is located in Legoland’s Fun Town at well as the 4Build-Your-Art Gallery by LEGO DOTS

 

The 4D Theater is Legoland’s larger indoor theater which offers a number of 4D films including:

  • LEGO City 4D
  • THE LEGO MOVIE 4D
  • LEGO NINJAGO

THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD

Be part of the action with a number of fun and exciting attractions including:

  • Battle of Bricksburg
  • Benny’s Play Ship
  • Emmet’s Super Suite
  • THE LEGO MOVIE Masters of Flight
  • Unikitty’s Disco Drop 

MINILAND USA

Miniland USA is a collection of LEGO scenes inspired by places all across the USA including New York City, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

This amazing area was made from more than 32 million LEGO bricks and recently completed an undercover structure.

DUPLO VALLEY

A perfect spot for toddlers and pre-school children featuring:

  • DUPLO Splash & Play
  • DUPLO Tot Spot
  • DUPLO Tractor
  • DUPLO Train
  • Florida Prepaid Schoolhouse

LEGO KINGDOMS

Merlin’s Challenge

Merlin’s Challenge is a Wooden train ride where guests must be 36 inches or more to ride.  Any rider less than 48 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.

Royal Joust

On Royal Joust guests will ride on a LEGO horse during medieval times during a royal tournaments.  Riders must be at least 36 inches in height.

The Dragon  

The Dragon is an indoor / outdoor dragon themed, family-friendly, steel roller coaster that is perfect for first-timers and thrill riders alike. The minimum height is 40 inches but any rider less than 48 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.

The Forestmen’s Hideout

Children can play, climb, slide on this massive play area which includes rope bridges, ladders and tunnels.

LAND OF ADVENTURE

Beetle Bounce

Guests will bounce 15 feet up and down on Beetle Bounce.  The minimum height required to ride Beetle Bounce is 36 inches.

Coastersaurus

Coastersaurs is Legoland’s family friendly wooden roller coaster themed after a prehistoric LEGO themed jungle. The minimum height required to ride the Coastersaurus is 42 inches.

Lost Kingdom Adventure

In the Lost Kingdom Adventure riders will board a off-road vehicle and head out into the desert to blast LEGO mummies and skeletons with their laser gun to try and find the hidden treasure. The minimum height is 30 inches but any riders between 30 and 48 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.  

Pharaoh’s Revenge Land of Adventure

Fire foam (soft) balls at your enemies and fully explore the maze with the Pharaoh’s kingdom.

Safari Trek

Take a tour through a LEGO themed animal safari.  The minimum height required to ride Safari Trek is 34 inches.

LEGO CITY

Flying School

One of the most exciting rides in Legoland Florida is Flying School where guests board a suspended roller coaster (your legs are dangling) and fly through the skies.  The minimum height is 44 inches but any riders between 44 and 52 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.  

Boating School

Riders get to captain their own vessel on Boating School.  The minimum height is 34 inches but any riders between 34 and 48 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.  

Ford Driving School

Guests drive around and pretend to be police/fire fighters, taxi drivers and other drivers as they drive around LEGO City in the Ford Driving School.  Riders need to be between ages six and 13 years of age.

Ford Jr. Driving School

Just like the Ford Driving School, the Ford Jr. Driving School is perfect for kids ages 3 to 5.

NFPA Rescue Academy

Guests get to experience what it is like to be a fire fighter in the NFPA Rescue Academy. The minimum height is 34 inches but any riders between 34 and 48 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.  

Tot Spot

The Tot Spot is an indoor (can you say air conditioning) children’s play area themed are airplanes.

IMAGINATION ZONE

Imagination Zone

Guests can cool off at the indoor Imagination Zone which features two  themed “zones” (Building Zone and the Creation Zone) as well as tons of LEGO bricks ready to be constructed into the next LEGO masterpiece. 

Kid Power Towers

Guests use their own muscles to put themselves up to the top of the Kid Power Towers.  The minimum height is 30 inches but guests less than 42 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.  

CYPRESS GARDENS

When Legoland was conceived the designers kept the original Cypress Gardens botanical gardens which opened back in 1936.

Cypress Gardens is home to a giant Bayan Tree that was planted in 1939, 30 types of palm trees, 10 different types of banana trees, azaleas, camellias and much more.

A short stop from the rides and attractions to fully see Cypress Gardens is an absolute must when visiting Legoland Florida.

HEARTLAKE CITY

Heartlake Steeping Tones Fountain

Heartlake Stepping Tones Fountain is a heart shaped musical instrument where guests can create their own music.

Mia’s Riding Adventure

Another exciting ride at Legoland Florida is Mia’s Riding Adventure.  Guests hope on this disc coaster for an exciting riding adventure.  The minimum height is 48 inches.

LEGO NINJAGO WORLD

LEGO NINJAGO The Ride

Guests are transformed into a njnja in LEGO NINJAGO The Ride where they blast fireballs and lightning to defeat the Great Devourer.  The minimum height is 30 inches but guests less than 48 inches must be accompanied by a traveling companion 14 years or older.  

LEGO NINJAGO WORLD

There are a number of places to explore in LEGO NINJAGO WORLD including Cole’s Rock Climb, Jay’s Lightning Drill, Kai’s Spinners and Zane’s Temple Build.  And in addition to the rides & attractions at LEGO Ninjago World, guests can meet some of their favorite characters including Kai and Nya.

Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show at Legoland Florida

One of the best things to take in when visiting Legoland Florida is Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show.  This 20-minute show is new for 2021 and is held on Lake Elosie which has been home to a number of waterski shows going back to the 1930’s.

This high-flying water stunt spectacular features traditional water ski pyramids, barefoot water skiing, wakeboarding and even fly boarding where the pirates literally fly into to air at heights of more than 50 feet.   As water sports fans, this shown is definitely recommended when visiting Legoland.

There are multiple showtimes offered throughout the day and typically are around noon, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.  In addition to the seating in the Pirates Cove Stadium itself, there is ample lawn space for guests to sit and enjoy the show.   

Endless Summer Tip:  If you are sitting in the first few rows, prepare to get wet.

If you love the water and are interested in taking a boat ride along Lake Eloise, Legoland offers pontoon boat rides from the Legoland Hotel which cost $15 per person and last 30 minutes.  The boat ride leaves from the Hotel boardwalk and reservation can be make by calling “Captain Rue” at 863.877.0907.

The Legoland Florida Water Park

Right next to the Legoland Theme Park is the Legoland Water Park which features a wave pool, lazy river, 14 slides and several interactive LEGO play areas. 

The attractions at the Legoland Water Park include:

  • Build-A-Boat
  • Build-a-Raft Lazy River
  • DUPLO Splash Safari: Toddler themed water play area
  • Joker Soaker: Multi-story water play area
  • The LEGO Wave Pool
  • Splash Out: Drop style water slides
  • Twin Chasers: Tube style water slides

In addition to the attractions, the Legoland Florida Water Park has two dining options (Beach Street Tacos and Beach-n-Brick Grill) as well as the Surf Shop (gift shop and sundries).

Plan Your Visit to Legoland Florida

Admission Ticket Costs to Legoland Florida Resort

There are a number of different ticket options for the Legoland which range from single day, one park tickets to annual passes.  Following are some of the current ticket options:

  • Single Day Super Saver – $84.99:  Includes entry into the Legoland theme park for one day only.
  • One Day Park & Water Park – $109.99:  Includes entry into the Legoland theme park as well as the Legoland Water park for one day only.
  • Awesome Pass – $149.99 or $8.33 per month with a down payment of $49.99:  This pass is exclusive to Florida residents and includes 12 months of admission to both the theme park and water park as well as free parking and discounts on Legoland hotels.
  • Book Early & Save Package – from $74.33 per person / per night:  This three night package is currently offering one free night when booking 90+ days in advance and includes 3 days of admission to the Legoland theme park and water park, on-site Legoland hotel accommodations and free daily breakfast.

Parking at Legoland Florida costs $23 per car, $24 for campers/RVs and $10 for motorcycles. Preferred parking costs $33.  Parking re-entry is allowable with a current day paid parking receipt.

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE CURRENT LEGOLAND TICKET OFFERS ON GROUPON

Legoland Hours of Operation

As typical for most theme parks in Florida, Legoland’s hours vary based on the time of the year.  Typically the Legoland Theme Park opens at 10:00 AM and closes between 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  The later hours are normally on weekends and we have found the park is open until 9:00 PM on select holidays including the 4th of July weekend.

The hours of the Legoland water park also vary but typically this park opens from 10:30 AM to Noon and closes at either 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.  Like the theme park, we have seen the water park hours extend until 7:00 PM on select holidays like the 4th of July weekend.

Shopping and Dining at Legoland Florida

Legoland is a complete theme park so guests will be able to enjoy snacks or a full meal at a number of different food & beverage locations as well as find plenty of places to find souvenirs and gifts.

Dining Options at Legoland Florida

  • Burger Kitchen
  • Dragon’s Den
  • Fun Town Pizza & Pasta Buffet
  • Firehouse Ice Cream
  • Fun Town Slushies
  • Funnel Cake Factory
  • Granny’s Apple Fries
  • Kick ‘n Chicken Co.
  • Kingdom Cones
  • Ninja Kitchen Food Truck
  • Pepper & Roni’s Pizza Stop

Shoping at Legoland Florida

  • The Big Shop
  • Driving School Store
  • Heartlake Mall
  • LEGO Factory Experience

The Legoland Florida Hotels

For guests looking to stay on-site at Legoland Florida, there are three different hotel options, each with individual theming and style.

LEGOLAND Hotel

The LEGOLAND Hotel is the featured hotel at the Legoland Florida Resort and is located right on the shores of the picturesque Lake Eloise next to the theme park.  This 152-room hotel originally opened in May 2015 and has a kid’s sleeping area in every room.  All rooms are fully themed and guests can choose from: Kingdom, Adventure, Pirate, LEGO Friends or the LEGO Movie. 

The LEGOLAND Hotel amenities include:

  • A large LEGO theme resort style heated pool
  • In-Room Scavenger Hunt with daily LEGO prizes
  • Free buffet breakfast
  • Free self-parking
  • Nightly kid’s entertainment
  • Free LEGO builder workshops
  • A disco themed elevator
  • On-site mini golf course

Dining options at the LEGOLAND HOTEL include Bricks Family Restaurant (buffet-style dining) and the Skyline Lounge.  Bricks is open daily for breakfast and dinner and the Skyline Lounge is open for lunch, dinner and for drinks.  

Pirate Island Hotel

The Pirate Island Hotel recently opened in the spring of 2020 and is located next to the LEGOLAND Hotel (which is share some of amenities).  Just like it’s name, this hotel is fully pirate themed right down to the décor of the rooms.

All the rooms include a king bed in the adult sleeping area along with a separate sleeping area for the kids which feature bunks beds or a pull out trundle bed.  Additional room features include two flat panel televisions and a mini-fridge.

Legoland Beach Retreat

The Legoland Beach Retreat opened in 2017 and is located right across the street from the Legoland Florida Resort along the shores of Lake Dexter.  This beach themed hotel has 83 LEGO themed bungalows featuring 166 individual hotel rooms.  The Legoland Beach Resort operates seasonally for stays beginning May 28th, 2021.  

Amenities include a resort style pool with lake views, nightly kids entertainment and multiple playground areas.  All the hotel rooms have a separate kids sleeping area and include free self parking, free daily breakfast and transportation to the LEGOLAND Theme Park and Water Park.

Legoland Beach Retreat

Hotel Rates at the Legoland Hotels

The hotel rates at the three on-site Legoland Florida hotels vary based on the time of the year as well as the individual hotel election.  Generally speaking, room rates typically range from less than $200 per night to more than $400 per night.

There are a number of discounts offered including annual passholder, AAA membership and Florida resident so be sure to check for all offers before booking.

Legoland Florida Special Events

During the year Legoland Florida hosts a number of special events which are traditionally included with the cost of admission (daily tickets or annual passes).

LEGO NINJAGO Days

From April 30 to May 1st, May 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th and 21st & 22nd, guests can become a “ninja” and fight along side with Kai, Nya and Master Wu.

Click here to learn more.

Awe-Summer Events

From June 4th to August 7, 2022, Legoland features the Awe-Summer Events.  Special events include music and a fireworks show on July 2nd to 4th.

Click here to learn more.

Heros Weekend

Presented by the National Fire Protection Association on September 3rs to 5th, 2022, Legoland teaches children about safety.

Brick or Treat

Get your Halloween on at Brick or Treat during weekends in October.  There will be spooky fun as well as trick-or-treating.

Click here to learn more.

Holidays at LEGOLAND

The holidays at Legoland are special and feature a giant LEGO Christmas tree, holiday characters and themed shows, festive decorations and specials treats.  In 2022 this special event will be held on November 25th to 27th, December 3rd / 4th, 10th / 11th, 17th / 18th and 22th to the 31st.

Click here to learn more.

Jerry Joyce

Jerry Joyce has been a Florida resident since 1988 and has lived in a variety of places in the South Florida area. Jerry is an avid boater & water sports enthusiast, beach aficionado, a lover of great food, muscle car fan and a theme park annual passholder for many years. Some of his favorite places in Florida include the Florida Keys, Walt Disney World, Cedar Key, the Loxahatchee River, St. Augustine and Ten Thousand islands.

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