The LEGOLAND Florida Resort park spans 150 acres, which includes the theme park, water park, and botanical gardens. This is larger than Magic Kingdom (107 acres), so you'll definitely want to be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes (and strollers). The advantage LEGOLAND has over Magic Kingdom here is that the entrance gate is just a short walk from the parking lot (no monorail needed).

One of the many cool rides in the Lego Movie World area is Unikitty's Disco Drop.

LEGOLAND Florida: Rides

One of the many great things about LEGOLAND Florida is that most kids, even the little ones, are able to experience many of its two dozen rides. Plus, with LEGO play areas in the ride lines, kids can play while parents save their spot.

Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted by a towering two-story merry-go-round known as The Grand Carousel. Right next door, tykes can enjoy DUPLO Valley, an area of the park dedicated to toddler and preschooler rides, such as the DUPLO Tractor and DUPLO Train. 

Venturing past DUPLO Valley is the popular LEGO MOVIE World, home to several thrilling rides. Battle of Bricksburg offers an exhilarating experience as riders spray down alien invaders (prepare to get wet!). LEGO MOVIE Masters of Flight takes guests on an indoor flying theater ride through The LEGO MOVIE universe aboard Emmet's Triple Decker Couch. Lastly, Unikitty's Disco Drop provides a whimsical adventure as riders bounce and spin above Cloud Cuckoo Land before dropping back down.

Continuing the journey, LEGO Kingdoms awaits with three fun rides. The highlight is The Dragon, a towering steel roller coaster situated within the LEGOLAND castle. Merlin's Challenge offers a wooden track ride similar to a kid-friendly Himalaya carnival ride, while Royal Joust invites kids to embark on a journey through a Medieval forest aboard a LEGO horse.

We loved the air-conditioned ride at LEGO NINJAGO World.

In the Land of Adventure, thrill-seekers can experience the park's only wooden roller coaster, Coastersaurus. The whole family can join the fun with the Lost Kingdom Adventure ride, competing to achieve the highest score by targeting various objects. For more thrills, there's Beetle Bounce, elevating kids 15 feet into the air before gently bouncing them back down, and Safari Trek, where guests can spot their favorite LEGO animals.

LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, the solo ride in LEGO NINJAGO World, promises excitement for all age groups. Here, guests can challenge their ninja abilities and compare scores with family and friends. Plus, it's an indoor ride with air conditioning, offering a refreshing break from the Florida heat.

Kids' imaginations are ignited on rides designed as learning experiences. In Lego City, youngsters can take the helm of their own LEGO boat at Coast Guard Academy, drive their own LEGO vehicle at Driving School (available for ages 3-5 and 6-13), and hone their fire-fighting skills at NFPA Rescue Academy.

In the LEGO Technic section of the park, thrill-seekers can engage in an adrenaline-fueled road rally aboard The Great LEGO Race roller coaster. Experience the excitement of dodging water blasts on the Aquazone Wave Racers and pedal to new heights above the park on Technicycle, all within the LEGO Technic zone.

In Heartlake City, guests can saddle up on their favorite LEGO horse at Mia's Riding Adventure, an exciting disc coaster. Meanwhile, in the Pirate's Cove area, guests can join a lively LEGO pirate crew on the all-new Pirate River Quest, navigating the canals of Cypress Gardens.

With so many great rides to choose from, we always find plenty to do for both very young kids to tweens. 

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Benny’s Play Ship playground in the LEGO MOVIE World gives kids a chance to burn some energy.

LEGOLAND Florida: Playgrounds and Play Areas

Throughout the park, various playgrounds offer classic running and jumping opportunities. For the littlest ones, DUPLO Tot Spot in DUPLO Valley caters specifically to ages 2 and under. Parents can relax on benches while kids explore Benny’s Play Ship in the LEGO MOVIE World, Pharoah’s Revenge in the Land of Adventure, or interactive ninja challenges at the entrance of LEGO NINJAGO World.

Several indoor play areas provide shelter from the rain or relief from the Florida heat. DUPLO Valley Schoolhouse in Duplo Valley is perfect for toddlers, while older kids can immerse themselves in the Imagination Zone, featuring LEGO City Space, Creation Zone, and Wheels Zone. Toward the front of the park, LEGO DREAMZzz invites visitors to build creatures from the Dream World and Nightmare Realm, while PLANET LEGOLAND offers the chance to leave a LEGO mark on a giant globe. In the LEGO Technic area, admire a life-size Ferrari made from over 400,000 LEGO bricks and construct your own miniature LEGO Ferrari race car at the all-new LEGO Ferrari Build & Race zone.

On a hot day chill out in the LEGOLAND Water Park.

LEGOLAND Florida: Water Park & More Water Fun!

The Legoland Water Park, which is situated inside the main park directly past the Lego City area, is open seasonally and has nine attractions to keep you busy for at least 5-6 hours. Attractions include a wave pool with floating Lego bricks and "islands" for building, Build-a-Boat Creative Cove area, three unique water slides, Twin Chasers tube slide, a lazy river with “Build-a-raft” tubes, a large interactive water playground, and a Duplo Splash Safari for toddlers. Two food service areas at the water park—Beach Street Tacos and Beach-n-Brick Grill—many families stay the day here, especially on hot days. 

The Legoland Water Park isn't the only place to cool off here. DUPLO Valley offers a Splash & Play area for toddlers and preschoolers and Miniland USA has some interactive water features that the kids are sure to enjoy. Kids and grown-ups alike might want to plan to sit in the first few rows of the Battle for Brickbeard's Bounty water ski show for a refreshing spray! 

Favorite Lego characters happily greet customers at Bricks restaurant. 

Legoland Restaurants & Food

A must-have food when visiting the theme park is Granny’s Apple Fries, located next to the Grand Carousel, which is a great treat to end your visit before leaving the park. You can also enjoy ice cream at Kingdom Cones while the kids play on the wooden playground. Mealtime dining options include a Panini Grill (my personal favorite!), pizza and pasta buffet, burger kitchen and an all-new taco shop in the new Lego Movie World. There are also great restaurants at the adjacent hotels, such as a family-friendly buffet at Bricks Restaurant within the Legoland Hotel.

RELATED: 50 Things to Do In Orlando Other Than Theme Parks

Miniland USA is dedicated to Lego recreations of cities and landmarks from across the country. Photo by the author

Other Must-Do Activities

Plan ample time to walk through the impressive Miniland USA, an area of the park dedicated entirely to Lego recreations of cities and landmarks from all over the country.  If visiting during the holidays, keep your eyes open for Lego elves throughout Miniland.

Be sure to take through Cypress Gardens for a little downtime. Photo the author

Did you know that Legoland Florida was built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens theme park?  The botanical gardens are still preserved and maintained in the current park and are beautiful to take a stroll through if time permits. Be sure to visit the massive Banyan tree; it’s an impressive sight.

The amazing Lego-themed rooms at the Legoland Hotel are sure to thrill kids.
 

Legoland Florida Hotel Options

With so many activities, I really recommend at least a full weekend to experience all of what Legoland Florida Resort has to offer.  If you are able to stay at a hotel onsite, I highly recommend it. There are several options, including the Legoland Hotel with themed Lego rooms, the lakefront Legoland Beach Retreat with themed freestanding bungalows, and the Legoland Pirate Island Hotel. All have family-friendly layouts with bunk beds and additional onsite play areas. Check for seasonal sales and deals, including on Black Friday.

How cool are these Lego floaties at the pool?

Top Tips and Info for Visiting Legoland Florida

• Download the Legoland Florida Resort mobile app to make the most out of your time at the park. It includes live ride wait times, a GPS park map, and showtime reminders.
   
• Minifigure trading is a popular activity at the park. Have your kids go through their Lego minifigures ahead of time and plan to pack a few to trade. There are trading boards at all stores (just ask at the register), or they can trade with any employee (each have minifigures on their name tags).
   
• There is a wonderful indoor baby care center in Duplo Valley with private nursing areas, changing areas and even a bottle warming station for those traveling with babies and toddlers.
   
• Guests with mobility challenges are able to get a no-wait “Hero Pass” at no cost for themselves and a helper. There is also a “Blue Hero Pass” available (also at no cost) for guests on the autism spectrum that will allow the guest and their group access through the Hero Pass entrance of attractions. Both passes are available at Guest Services.
   
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer. If rain is in the forecast, I suggest visiting the outdoor rides and attractions early in the day (including the water park), as they will close certain rides and all water areas if lightning is in the area.
   
• If staying in the area for multiple days, take a trip to nearby Bok Tower Gardens to stroll the gardens and check out their Hammock Hollow Children’s area. 

Where Is Legoland?

You might also wonder if you can hit both Legoland and Disney World into a Florida vacation with the kids. The short answer is YES, but you should know that Legoland Florida is not in Orlando where Disney World Resort is located. Legoland Florida in Winter Haven, about an hour into Central Florida from Orlando. So it depends on the length of your stay and a few other factors. Read our related article here for tips on how to hit both the Orlando theme parks and Legoland in one trip. Another idea, is to head the other way toward Tampa to visit Busch Gardens or the beaches, which are also about an hour away.

Legoland Tickets and Hours

Buy tickets for Legoland Florida online ahead of your trip for significant savings. Be on the lookout for annual pass deals, which are often offered on Black Friday and other times throughout the year. 

If you have plans to visit a bunch of Orlando attractions in a short amount of time (both theme park and non-theme park alike), look into a Go City - Orlando card, which includes entry into amazing, kid-friendly spots like Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Wonderworks, and much more! I highly recommend the “Awesomer” Pass, which includes 12 months of admission to not only Legoland Florida and Legoland Water Park, but also Sea Life Aquarium and Madame Tussauds in Orlando, as well as the Legoland Discovery Center in Atlanta.

A stay at one of the Legoland hotels often comes with park passes, so that's something to consider, too.

Legoland hours fluctuate but generally it is open from 10am to 5pm or later during busy times. During slow months, the park may not be open every day so be sure to check the calendar in advance to plan your trip. The water park is closed November through January and part of February. Its hours are very weather dependent, of course.

Want to visit a different Legoland? We've reviewed the California Legoland and are excited for the opening of Legoland New York, too!

Photos courtesy of Legoland Florida Resort except where noted

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