We went on
AAA preview day and had a great time - even with the rain! We'd go again if I got a good deal. For preview day it was $35/each. I think, since we don't have kids, $75 each for DH and I is a bit steep.
It was $12 to park. We got there super early (park opened that day at 9:00 am and were were there at 8:30 am) and got a spot just steps from the "preferred" parking, which is $20. They didn't do a bag check, but I don't know if that was just because it was preview day? I didn't see any signs about not being allowed to bring in food. I did have snacks in my bag. The food, IMO, was no more expensive than Disney food and tasted about the same. My DMIL and I split a chicken fingers which came with fries and it was plenty for lunch. I think it was $12 with 2 drinks. DH said the brats they were grilling by the Pirates Ski Show were really good and around $6-8 with a drink.
Sorry, I don't know what normal prices for
Lego toys are these days, but aside from the big toys, like the Star Wars Death Star, the prices seemed reasonable (the big Star Wars ones cost hundreds).
We thought the ski show was beyond corny, but all the kids there really liked it and if you get there early, and don't mind getting wet, the kids can get down in front and get to participate by firing the water cannons.
I think my favorite ride was the Lost Kingdom Adventure. Think Buzz Lightyear. It was really fun and unexpected. DH and DFIL went on Flying School and said it was short, but fun. The Royal Joust is just for kids, but it looked so cute! The kids we saw on it were smiling from ear to ear! There is a princess area and the dresses start at $50 and then all the accessories are additional. Not quite the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique, but still cute for little girls. There is face painting and we saw lots of kids all painted up! There was also air brush tattoos (but that looked portable and might have only been for preview day?). We got a sneak peak at the Factory thanks to a very nice trainer and that will be a fun attraction (it wasn't fully open when we were there). Miniland was AWESOME! Even though it was raining, hundreds of people were walking around staring at "Las Vegas" and "NYC" and all the other great cities done up in Lego! Even some Florida landmarks, which was cool to see.
And, they kept the original Cypress Gardens walk-through garden (that sounds quite redundant - LOL!). DFIL was so happy to walk through there. It's a shame not every tree and flower is labeled, and the water has a lot of algae, but maybe they're still working on that. I think it's worth it to walk through the Gardens.
You'll have a great time!
