(This article was revised to include video.)
Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven unveiled a new area, Lego Galaxy, anchored by Galacticoaster, its first indoor, space-themed family coaster, during a grand opening the morning of Feb. 27.
“Today marks a major milestone for Legoland Florida Resort as we introduce Lego Galaxy and debut Galacticoaster,” Fiona Eastwood, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, said in a news release. “LEGO Galaxy is more than a new attraction. It’s an immersive world where kids take the lead in building their own adventure. By combining the power of imagination with the excitement of space exploration, we’ve created an experience designed to inspire the next generation of creators, explorers, and dreamers.”
The first riders of Galacticoaster included Landon Bauer, age 11, of Lakeland. He is a member of the Junior Galaxy Explorers. Landon and three other “future engineers” were selected from more than 350 participants and stood out for their “imaginative designs, compelling storytelling and bold problem-solving skills,” Legoland said in a news release.
Galacticoaster places riders in command of their own spacecraft from the moment they enter the queue, the release said. Guests begin in the Briefing Room, where Chief Engineer Biff Dipper welcomes rookie cadets with signature Lego humor and high-energy storytelling.
The ride includes a Customization Bay, where guests design a digital spacecraft using interactive touchscreens across four build phases — nose, tail, wings and a special element, the release said.
There are up to 625 possible ride combinations. Galacticoaster reaches speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, as riders travel through galaxies featuring different Lego elements from all eras, brought to life with immersive lighting and sound, the release said.
The immersive Galacticoaster is designed specifically for families with children ages 6 to 12.
“I’m incredibly proud to introduce our guests to Lego Galaxy, and I can’t wait for them to experience Galacticoaster, which is a first of its kind for any Legoland park,” Legoland Florida President Brian Bacica said in the news release. “Our dedicated team has put so much passion and creativity into this project that has been three years of planning, building, testing and dreaming. It’s my honor to share this stellar experience with our guests today!”
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Legoland Florida unveils Galacticoaster, a space-themed ride
Reporting by Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
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