LEGOLAND: Built for Fun

When I heard that Cypress Gardens closed in September 2009 just  months after I finally had the opportunity to visit this longtime Florida attraction, I was sad and a bit disappointed. However, when the property reopened in 2011 as LEGOLAND, I was quite excited to learn that this new attraction held on to the beautiful grounds of Cypress Gardens. And now that I have finally visited Florida’s latest theme park, I’m delighted to discover just how much fun these little bricks have to offer for visitors of all ages.

From the moment we arrived at the front gate, my kids couldn’t keep away from all of the Lego figures scattered throughout the park. From the large dinosaur just inside the turnstiles to the small archeologist near the Land of Adventure to the antebellum-dressed lady at the entrance to Cypress Gardens – and everywhere in between – they wanted to see and touch every single one (and, of course, have their pictures made with  each one, too!). Sometimes it was all my husband and I could do to get the kids to move on from the figures to the actual park shows and adventures.

Those shows included the Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty, which pays homage to Cypress Gardens’ time-honored water ski show. A bit cheesy for us adults, the show definitely caters to a child’s interest, and my kids did love it. If nothing else, it’s a nice opportunity for us grownups to enjoy a respite in the shade.

According to its website, LEGOLAND is geared to children ages 2 to 12, and that was perfectly reflected in the many adventures throughout the park. My kids, ages 8 and 4, were able to do everything they wanted to do. On occasion, my son (the 4-year-old) did require an adult companion for certain rides, but otherwise enjoyed no restrictions on his play in the park.

One of the kids’ favorite adventures was the Ford Driving School (ages 6-13) and Ford Jr. Driving School (ages 3-5) in Lego City. At Ford Driving School, my daughter learned basic driving lessons such as coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, and how to read and respond to a traffic light. At the Ford Jr. Driving School, my son basically drove his “car” around a circle track. At the end of each “ride,” both kids received their own “driver’s license,” for which they were quite proud.

Another favorite, the Quest for Chi in the World of Chima is a water- based adventure ride. Guests load into a boat that is armed with hand- cranked water cannons on each side. The goal, as we soon discovered, was to aim your water cannon at passengers on other boats as well as bystanders alongside the water route and see just how wet you can get everyone within reach. There are signs at the entrance stating, “You could get soaked.”