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During yesterday’s on-land and by-air construction tour of LEGOLAND Florida, I spoke with General Manager Adrian Jones about what can be expected when the park opens in October.
While LEGOLAND Florida is far from complete, just now beginning above-ground construction, Jones still “walked” us through the park by way of a map posted on the construction site, describing each of the areas and attractions that will make up the theme park.
Watch the interview here:
Jones offered insight into the audience LEGOLAND Florida will be attracting, making it clear that the park is targetted completely at kids and families, not adults attending alone. It’s a departure from the philosophy that founded Disneyland as a place where parents and children could equally enjoy the experience, and even adults without children would still have fun.
LEGOLAND Florida has released the full park map, though without specific attraction names. Click on the image below to enlarge and view a high-resolution version:
LEGOLAND’s attractions instead are aimed squarely at children ages 2 to 12, though it seems some of the more elaborate brick building experiences, the 4-D movie, and interactive dark ride will appeal to all ages.
Beyond the rides, Jones mentioned many interactive experiences that will take place throughout the park, including the trading of minifigs (LEGO people) with employees. It’s the equivalent of Disney’s pin trading, but with a fun twist.
The 45-60 minute drive from the Orlando area out to LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven is currently no easy task. Multiple highways are required (I took 429 to I-4 to 27) and the journey features long stretches of road with little to see. But Jones is confident that once the park opens and new LEGOLAND signs are in place throughout the path, tourists coming to Central Florida will find their way without a problem.
You can get a bird’s eye view of the entire construction site and surrounding area with our new aerial video, shot from a helicopter (and with the photos below).
LEGOLAND Florida is scheduled to open in October 2011.
Construction and aerial photos from LEGOLAND Florida:
(Photos by Katherine McElroy)