Give Me 5; LEGOLAND Florida Favorites
Past meets Present with a genteel nod to both. The only LEGOs found here are in the Belle, a throw back to the Cypress Gardens days, while the Cypress Gardens are seen throughout this lovely series of pathways. Photo Rori Paul
With the opening of LEGOLAND Florida I’ve been asked to give my thoughts about it, how people might enjoy it, if its worth the money and so on. As a family without kids we don’t really see it – personally – from that side, but that doesn’t mean this aunt doesn’t know fun when she sees it. Sharing 5 things we enjoyed and I think you will as well is a pleasure.
Cypress Gardens: I love the fact that LEGOLAND Florida has kept in tact a portion of the original Cypress Gardens in place. This subtle, gentle nod to a Florida classic is classy, tasteful, and a nice walk down memory lane. Perhaps those who never were won’t find it interesting now, but why not introduce a new lineup of generations to this treasure and create more memories for future walks down these paths.
Safari Trek: Older kids are not going to find much beyond the cool animals built of LEGOs here, but an adult can certainly appreciate the LEGO creatures, the simple joys of this sweet ride, and the smiles of little ones as they discover what lies around the next bend on this Safari Trek.
Coastersauras: This is just plan fun. It could be longer – heck, it is a short run – but this wooden coaster is a pink knuckle joy that brings laughter and smiles. No matter your size, it’ll be a fun ride, leaving you wishing for more. Nope, not a lot of dinos long the way, but the ups and downs are a delight.
Miniland: Lets face it, LEGOs are at the heart of LEGOLAND Florida and seeing them used to such lengths is fun and amazing. You’re at once jealous of whomever got to work on this part of the park, while being amazed and in awe of some of the things they’ve created. Certainly some parts could be done by anyone with the right LEGOs on hand, but some of the creativity… I highly recommend starting here by standing back and looking at the long view, then step in for a medium view – just one area – then get in close and start picking out the details. There you’ll find the whimsy and delight of the individual moments: a lady waiting with her many cats to be rescued in San Fransisco, tourists watching the sunset show in Key West, and the action of a Space Shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center.
Pirate Water Show: Watch the fight for “Brickbeard’s Bounty”at this re-defined water show. Originally used during Cypress Gardens days, the LEGOLAND Florida folks have brought new fun to the lake shore with pirates trying to pillage the bounty. A fun and lively show – they’ll work out opening jitters – its a nice combination of time on the water and lakeside, onstage fun. And who can’t be blown away by LEGO soldiers riding water skis!
