My daughter and I had a blast during opening weekend at Legoland Florida. The new theme park totally lived up to our expectations and we already can't wait to return! We spent two full days exploring every nook and cranny, and now I want to share some tips so you can get the most out of your visit to Legoland Florida.
The number one question I've been asked is, "Is Legoland Florida worth the visit?" and my answer is a resounding YES!
Tips for Visiting Legoland Florida
1. To make the most out of your visit to Legoland Florida, buy the 2-day ticket-- it's only $15 extra to add on the second day. While I've seen some reports that Legoland Florida is only a one day park, I disagree. Legoland is unlike any other theme park if you have children ages 2-12. Families in this demographic can ride nearly every ride together and enjoy all entertainment. To really see it all, you'll need that second day. If you're local, annual passes start at just $129/adult and $99/child.
2. Consider booking a Bed & Brick package. Legoland Florida is located in Winter Haven, FL-- that's about a 45 minute drive from Tampa or Orlando. My daughter and I stayed at Nickelodeon Suites --one of Legoland Florida's Bed & Brick partner hotels-- and had a fabulous weekend. Nick Hotel happens to be the farthest of the 13 Bed & Brick hotels from Legoland FL, but the drive was easier than I expected. One of the closest Bed & Brick's is the Hampton Inn in Winter Haven; it's only a 5-minute drive from Legoland Florida and offers a free hot breakfast. Staying nearby will allow you to get the most out of your Legoland visit, plus Bed & Brick rates start at just $47.99/night!
3. If you're staying in Orlando, you can reserve round-trip shuttle transportation to Legoland Florida from Orlando Premium Outlets-- 8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando FL 32821. The shuttle departs daily at 9:00am, and tickets must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance at Legoland.com or by calling 1-877-350-LEGO. The shuttle price is $10 p/p.
4. Look at Legoland Florida's Opening Days and Hours before planning your visit. Unlike other area theme parks, Legoland Florida is not open every day and typical closing time is 5pm. At least until mid-February, Legoland Florida is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
3. Given the limited hours of operation, you'll want to make the most out of your day by arriving early. Legoland Florida opens at 10am, so you'll want to be there when the gates open. Take in account parking ($12/day) and purchasing your tickets so you don't waste valuable park time.
4. Purchase Legoland Florida tickets in advance to save time and money. Currently, you can buy tickets online directly from Legoland, and as gift cards (redeemable for tickets) at Publix Super Markets in Florida. For a limited time, you can save $10 off regular park admission when you buy one-day cards at Publix ($64.20/adult & $53.50/child with discount). Conveniently, I noticed a Publix right across the street from Legoland Florida! There's also a Pepsi deal going on now where you get a FREE child ticket when you purchase an adult ticket at Legoland.com/Pepsi. You'll need a code from a can of Pepsi (11090601) -- this offer ends 12/24/11 with tickets expiring 5/31/12.
5. Legoland Florida is broken up into 10 zones, plus a preserved area of Cypress Gardens. Take a look at the Legoland Florida Park Map prior to your visit to get a feel for the park and where the attractions are, and make a note of which you don't want to miss. The most popular rides are the four coasters: The Dragon (Lego Kingdoms), Coastersaurus (Land of Adventure), Flying School (Lego City) and Project X (Lego Technic); as well as the Ford Driving School.
6. Eat breakfast before arriving at Legoland Florida. Going back to the limited park hours, it's senseless to waste valuable time eating. There's a Perkins and Denny's right across from Legoland if you're looking for a sit down meal before entering the park.
7. Bring a Lego Minigifure with you--or buy one at the park for $2.99-- to trade. Part of the fun of Legoland is getting to trade Lego Minifigs with Model Citizens (Legoland employees). You can trade your Minifigure at Legoland Florida with any Model Citizen who is wearing one on their name badge. It's a fun and cheap activity for children of all ages...and adults, too!
8. Try Granny's Apple Fries. Trust me on this one.
9. The most affordable dining option for lunch is at Market Restaurant. Here you can get a ¼ roasted chicken with 2 sides for $6.99! Upgrade to ½ chicken for $8.99 and there is plenty to share. Over the coarse of two days, I had an all-you-can-eat lunch at Fun Town Pizza Pasta Buffet, a cheeseburger at Cap’n Brickbeard’s Burger, and the roasted chicken at the Market Restaurant-- the chicken was by far the healthiest and best tasting of my meals. The burger was a close second, but it was more expensive at $9.29 (included drink).
10. Don't miss out on Legoland Florida freebies! Who says you can't get anything for free anymore? Children receive a free Legoland Florida brick when they tour the Lego Factory in Fun Town, and get a free paper drivers license when they complete the Ford Driving School. Combine these freebies with a $2.99 Lego Minifigure that can be traded throughout the day, and you've gotten out of a theme park without spending five bucks! If you do want to shop for Lego-themed souvenirs, here's a list of Legoland Florida souvenirs for under $10!
Special thanks to Legoland Florida for inviting my family to the Legoland Florida opening celebration. All opinions are my own.
Shasta says
You can stop making me jealous now 😉
lissette says
Hello, you mentioned bed&brick rates start at $47.99, any suggestions? I checked the Hampton Inn in Winter Heaven but rates start @ $139.00. Also do you know if these hotels offer shuttle to LegoLand?
Mish says
Having just been to Legoland, FL....thought you might like an update. Special blocks are no longer available....they ran out and, 3 months later, have none. The minifigures are now $4.99. Still fun, but more pricey. The burgers were dried out and sad at Captain Blackbeards....I recommend a pass. The apples were great, as you said. Pepsi offer has expired, but McDonald's is still valid, you just have to go through a special site to get it. Hope this helps!
admin says
Thanks for the update, Mish. I can't believe the minifigs are now $4.99! I recently saw the same ones at Target and I wonder if there are cheaper there...if this is the case, I will pick up a few pack before going to the park.
Shari Graham says
Planning a visit to Legoland over Spring Break in March. Thanks for the info about going for 2 days. AAA offers a great deal and a discounted rate. We can get a 2 day pass for $75.00 for a 2 day pass for Adults and $65.00 for kids. We plan on getting the 2 day pass and taking our time to enjoy the parts that our 8 year old loves. We are planning on staying at the Best Western across from the park and walking over or taking the hotel shuttle over. We cannot wait. Thanks again for the info.
Keila says
Hello has anyone used the McDoald promotion? We are planning on going n Spring Break and in the term Nd condition section it doesn't say if they have blak out dates but it does say other reStrictions may apply. Does anyone know if it has black out dates?
Jane says
Keila, I Just bought tickets with the Mcdonalds promo. We're going during the week of the spring break. No mention of any black out date. Expires a year from date of purchase.
Keila says
Thank you Jane!
Cathy says
When is spring break? Wondering which week would be less crowded in March.
Jeff says
How do you receive the "Mcdonalds tickets" purchased online? Do you have the option of printing at home?
Laura says
Thanks for all of the great info. We are headed to Legoland next month. Does anyone know if there are any Ninjago attractions?
Bev says
I appreciate all of the great tips. I am going to Legoland next week and hoped you knew if Publix still offered the discounted tickets/cards?
Marc says
In two days I will be heading to Legoland, my concern my son is 11, can someone tell me if at his age 1 day is enough or should we think 2 days ?
thank you from Montreal
admin says
Hi Marc -- I think 1 day should be enough for an 11-year-old.
Jimmy says
Thanks for the tips. My wife and I are going to add a day of LegoLand to the end of our Disney trip mid December for our 5 and 9 yr old boys. Thinking the crowds should be very minimul.
Any other tips from anyone would be greatly appreciated. Hoping to see some Monster Fighters and Ninjago activities!
jane says
Can anyone give suggestions of the best place for us to stay. We will be coming in January and visiting legoland but also seaworld and possibly a day at disney- will fly into orlando. I was looking for somewhere in between but can't tell where looks the best- posibly kissimmee or celebration- any ideas
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Nicole says
Join Florida PTA for $35.00 tickets! Yes I got my hotel for 2 nights for only $80! For my family. Thanks!
Tiffany says
Hey everyone, if you look on eBay or on the packages of mini figures in Walmart they have coupons for buy an adult ticket get a kids ticket free. You can also sign up online for the LEGO magazine for free and they have the coupons in there. Also if you plan on visiting seaworld check out discovery cove. For 99.00 a person it is an all inclusive one day resort. Pretty much water park. You can add in swimming with dolphins. With this price it includes breakfast, lunch, all snacks, drinks and alcohol. Plus 14 free days to sea world and aquatica. Also you can purchase a parking pass from them for 25.00 for the whole 14 days at the places