Major Florida Theme Park Terminates 75% of Staff, Operations Set to Permanently End

In a move that has shocked employees and theme park enthusiasts, Legoland Florida is slashing its entertainment division, laying off 234 employees—most of whom are performers. The layoffs, scheduled between March 25 and April 7, will impact approximately 75% of the entertainment staff at the Winter Haven park, marking a dramatic shift in the park’s operations.

The decision comes as part of a broader strategy by Legoland Florida Resort to adapt to what it calls “a competitive market.” Julie Estrada, spokesperson for Legoland, explained the rationale in a statement:

“At Legoland Florida Resort, we are making operational changes to help us elevate the guest experience in 2025 and beyond. The decision to reduce the size of some of our teams was undoubtedly difficult, but these changes will allow the resort to operate more flexibly and responsively in a competitive market.”

Among the performers being let go are singers, dancers, and stilt walkers who brought seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas celebrations to life. The park’s beloved water skiing show on Lake Eloise, a holdover from the site’s Cypress Gardens days, was quietly retired at the end of 2024, foreshadowing the cuts.

Legoland emphasized that entertainment would not disappear entirely. Instead, the company plans to collaborate with a global leader in entertainment to scale offerings during special events, such as seasonal celebrations. However, for many fans, the layoffs represent the loss of a unique charm.

On social media, annual passholders expressed disappointment. “What a huge loss,” one wrote, reflecting the broader sentiment of those who treasure live performances as part of the theme park experience.

Changes Across Florida Theme Parks

The layoffs at Legoland are the latest example of a trend affecting live entertainment at Florida’s theme parks. At Walt Disney World, live entertainment has yet to return to its pre-pandemic glory, despite the park experiencing record crowds in recent years. Beloved acts and shows remain absent, leaving longtime fans wondering if they will ever return.

Notable casualties include:

• The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra: This renowned group entertained guests at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for decades before being let go in 2020. Despite their iconic status, the orchestra has not returned.
• The Polynesian Resort Performers: These cultural performers created an authentic South Pacific atmosphere at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Their absence has left a noticeable void, with no replacements announced.
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid: Once a fan-favorite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this show has been closed since the pandemic. Disney has announced plans to retheme it to “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”.
• Citizens of Hollywood: These interactive street performers were a staple of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, adding humor and spontaneity to guests’ days. Their departure has left the park feeling less lively.

Balancing Budgets and Guest Expectations

The entertainment reductions reflect a larger tension in the theme park industry. As companies focus on operational efficiencies and expanding attractions, live entertainment—which is costly to maintain—often becomes the first casualty.

At Legoland, the layoffs come alongside new investments. The park is set to open a SEA LIFE Aquarium and recently debuted a car-building Lego attraction. Over the years, Merlin Entertainments, the park’s parent company, has added hotels, a water park, and the Peppa Pig Theme Park, as well as acquired major attractions at ICON Park in Orlando.

However, the cuts raise questions about the long-term impact on guest satisfaction. For many families, live entertainment is a key part of the theme park experience, offering an immersive and interactive element that rides alone cannot replicate.

The Legacy of Live Entertainment

Live entertainment has always been central to theme parks, creating memories that rides and attractions alone can’t match. Disney World set the standard with its character meet-and-greets, street performers, and live shows. For decades, this element distinguished the parks from standard amusement parks.

As Florida’s theme park industry continues to evolve, the question remains: Will the magic of live performances endure, or will it become a nostalgic memory for guests who long for the “golden days” of theme park entertainment?

For now, the voices of entertainers at Legoland and Walt Disney World are growing quieter—replaced by the hum of automated attractions and the clicks of digital turnstiles.