Last minute trip to Legoland-help!

[Melmel2849]

Hi! I was directed to this board by a friend who thought you could help. I need to plan a special but short and last minute trip for my son. We just received word that he will receive a bone marrow transplant in mid April, and we really want to take one last trip before then. Unfortunately, with all the doctor's appointments, planning the logistics of our needing to relocate for the transplant, and my needing to work before I take a leave of absence, we only have a short window. We can fly out on the evening of 4/3, and we'll return late night on 4/6.

Originally, we'd thought of doing both Legoland and he beach or Disney, but when the scheduling of pre-transplant tests left us with only three days, we decided to just do Legoland, as that's what my son really wants to see. I've actually never been to Florida, though, so I'm struggling to figure out planning.

1. Where should we stay? I'd like it to be within an hour of Legoland. Should we stay in Orlanda. I'd like it to be a nice-Ish place with a great pool, and ideally, it wouldn't cost more than $300/night. It would be nice if the place offered room service, as my son adores room service, and I'd like for him to be able to have at least one breakfast in bed (his favorite!). Where should we stay?

2. Our plan is to all day Saturday at Legoland, Sunday at the water park at Legoland, and Monday hanging out at the pool. Is this a good plan? Does that give us enough time to really do the park?

3. Any restaurant suggestions for dinners/lunch? My son is an adventurous eater/foodie, and he loves fish. A splurge is fine!

Thank you! We want to make this brief trip as fun as possible!

 

[Woodview]

NO need to go as far as , or anywhere near , Orlando.

You have a very short vacation time so make the most of it.

Legoland is in Winter Haven .

So Drive from Orlando International & Head WEST onto Hwy 417 which joins Hwy I 4 towards TAMPA

Stay on Hwy I 4 for 5 + miles & then take Junction ( 55 ? ) towards Hwy 27 .... GO Hwy 27 SOUTH

##### At this junction there are 4 or 5 good Hotels / Motels #####

Go onto Hwy 27 South heading for Haines City & beyond .

Stay on Hwy 27 ...... And Take turn off RIGHT at Junction ( Old Cypress Gardens Rd ) Hwy 540

If you miss this turnoff take next turn Right .. Thompson Nursery Road

###### ON your Left there is a Shopping Mall with a Motel ( Holiday Inn ? )#######

Drive time from Airport 1 & 1/2 hours approx .

Hope this helps .

There are other Hotels / Motels around the area .

 

[mrsmick4]

Agreed for such a short time I would stay near Winter Haven. I think your plan is very doable. We did the park in one day (a long one) but it was an easy park to do in one day with my then DS 5 and DD 2.
There is a new Legoland hotel opening soon...It was advertised in my DS's lego magazine. Not sure of the exact date. Enjoy the trip!

 

[Woodview]

In Haines City .... on Hwy 27 , right hand side , is Manny's ChopHouse.

35496 Hwy 27N Phone 863 422 3910

They have branches in Winter Haven , Lake Wales & Lakeland

www.mannyschophouse.com

There are many other good places to eat all around that area

 

[kokomos]

If you have any lego magazines look to see if there are any coupons for entry. Some have had buy one get one free.

 

[Melmel2849]

Thanks, every one! I am so grateful for the insights! Does any one have a specific hotel recommendation? I'd like something that has a great pool. Everything I find in the immediate area seems to be of the Holiday Inn variety, and ideally, I'd like a step above that.

I checked and the Legoland hotel doesn't open until May

I know I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself to make these three days amazing, but I really want them to be great!

 

[Woodview]

Try this ...... The Omni Hotel at Champions Gate

As in my post above travel on Hwy I 4 heading towards Tampa

## At Junction Before Turn off onto Hwy 27 Turn Right onto Championsgate Resort . ###


Go under Arch .. Fountain on Left ..... Past Shopping Mall And Turn Right at Traffic Lights.

Turn into Hotel Complex ...... ( 13 stories High )....... It also has a Lazy River water feature.


OR Stay on Hwy I 4 till junction onto Hwy 27 .... Then take Hwy 27 NORTH

for 2 miles + At Traffic Lights Dean Still Road / Ronald Reagan junction Turn Right

Go on for 1 mile And TURN LEFT at traffic Lights .... you will see Hotel on Left.



On Leaving Hotel for LegoLand use my other instructions ( Hwy 27 South )

 

[Melmel2849]

Thank you!!!!

 

[Woodview]

Hope this works for you.

P.S. I am not from USA ..... Born & live in Ireland .... But we do own a villa on Hwy 27 nearby

I like driving both in Europe & USA & we use , as well as Sat. Nav, Old Fashioned Road Maps.

you see far more using these.

 

[Gillyrose779]

Legoland is great- go to the Legoland FL website- they have partner hotels - all price ranges. I know when I looked for our November trip I saw one gave kids a Lego toy when you arrive to the hotel- I thought that was cute.

Another option is finding a timeshare to rent- there are so many nice ones with great water areas- think lazy rivers and a splash area/pirate ship. Sorry- I can't think of the name of any off the top of my head.

 

[Armytiger]

We're doing a three day trip this summer and decided to rent a house on VRBO.com. I think we rented a house in the sand dunes golf community seemed to have several houses available with a private pool.

Supposedly this community is 20 minutes from both Magic Kingdom and Legoland.

 

[Woodview]

I think your villa is in Southern Dunes .

Follow my instructions from Airport & join Hwy 27 South

As you enter Haines City ..... At Traffic lights .. Turn Left ( WalMart & Dollar General )..... By Pass both and

proceed to Southern Dunes ..

>>>>>>>> LegoLand ......... Out of Southern Dunes & Turn Left onto Hwy 27 South ... Watch for LegoLand Sign Post

>.... Manny's Chophouse again turn Left onto Hwy 27 & within a mile on RIGHT is Manny's

 

[kendil]

Legoland is great, i like

 

[DCbride]

I second Omni!! I just bought Legoland annual passes an hour ago. The deal is $99 for both parks. Out included parking. Hopefully you will be able to visit again within the year for free next time. My DD7 LOVED Legoland last year. We live in NJ and still bought passes. Figured each Disney trip we will go at least 1-2 times.

 

[glassslippergirl]

I don't have any suggestions. I just want to wish success with the transplant. I hope you have the vacation you're hoping for.

 

[mrphoenix]

costco had discount tix as of last month.