For fans of “The Lego Movie,” Legoland Florida just got a bit more awesome.
Wednesday marks the first glimpse for many guests at Lego Movie World, the park’s newest land. Taking over what used to be the World of Chima, Lego Movie World includes three attractions (two brand new and one rethemed Chima holdover), a spot to meet Lego Movie characters and a new dining location, Taco Tuesday Everyday.
“We’re really hoping this is a kickstart to a bigger and larger park,” Legoland spokesman Shawn Mikus told Orlando Rising. “Stronger IPs, stronger partnerships, and as you can see, this land is completely immersive and completely different from everything else you’ll see at Legoland Florida Resort. We hope this is the direction we go in.”
Orlando Rising was invited to see the land the day before its grand opening.
Lego Movie Masters of Flight
The biggest draw among the three attractions is the new Lego Movie Masters of Flight, which dominates the land. It’s also one of the first attractions you can see while driving into Legoland.
While the flying theater attraction isn’t a new concept for Central Florida with rides like Disney World’s Soarin’, Legoland put a new twist on it…or rather, a new turn.
After riders are seated in what looks like Emmet’s Triple Decker Couch from the recent “Lego Movie” sequel, they’ll turn 180 degrees towards the screen, enhancing the “big reveal” when you’re suddenly facing a 70-foot-tall dome screen.
“We know there’s a lot of flying theaters around the globe, but in our opinion, they’re not really built for kids,” Keith Carr, project director for Legoland’s parent company Merlin Entertainments, told Orlando Rising. “You walk in, you see the hardware, the apparatus, this giant screen and it kind of loses its magic.”
Once the screen is revealed, guests are swung and pitched through Lego Movie locales like Cloud Cuckoo Land, Middle Zealand, and Pirate’s Cove, enhanced with wind, mist and even smell effects, like a whiff of cotton candy.
Utilizing a ride system that has typically been reserved for the Disneys and Universals of the theme park world adds an extra bit of prestige to Legoland Florida.
“It kind of puts us on the map,” Carr said.
Unkitty’s Disco Drop
The other new attraction in the land. spins and bounces around on a small drop tower, topped a video screen showing off Unikitty’s ever-shifting mood.
Battle of Bricksburg
A rethemed version of the old Quest for Chi ride, guests take over where the “Lego Movie” ends, throwing them into a splash battle against invading Duplo aliens.
Boats are equipped with water cannons to fight off Duplo aliens from stealing Lego bricks. But guests can expect to get plenty wet themselves.
Taco Tuesday Everyday
The new dining location features — what else — tacos! The menu includes grilled chicken and brisket tacos along with small cinnamon-covered pastries called “Double Decker Sofa-Pilla Bites.”
The rest of the land includes The Awesome Shop, an indoor character meet-and-greet area and a play area themed like Benny’s spaceship from the first film.
