Legoland Florida

[Coldflame]

Folks,

Anyone been to Legoland FL, say, in the last 6 months to give a quick report? I've heard from friends and online reviews that park quality and cleanliness and general experience has gone down hill big time. We visited when it first opened ~ 4 years ago and were thinking dropping by given affordable admission prices, but, as said above, we were warned that the park has been mismanaged and some parts of it could be said to be "in disrepair".

 

[blana]

We went last March, so more like 11 months rather than 6, but, we enjoyed it. However, it was not run like a Disney park, by any stretch. I don't think any parts were in disrepair at the time, but the things that were being worked on were more in plain sight. Some of the Legos in the miniland area showed signs of real wear from the elements. I know they were reworking the entire Duplo Farm/Valley section of the park then, and are in the process of opening areas for the Friends characters, as well as the hotel. They had also recently opened the Chima section at that time. All of that could have pulled standard maintenance funds from some of the other areas. We also did not make it to the old Cypress Gardens section. I've heard that area is really where lack of maintenance is obvious. But, really, we enjoyed it for what it is, a smaller, more localish, theme park.

 

[purple hippo]

I am thinking of planning a trip to Legoland Florida this year before the kids out grow it (10 and 12) but not sure if we would just need one day or two days if we want to hit the water park as well. I was thinking of staying one or two nights at the hotel but the prices (at least for the California one) are pretty high although you do get a lot for your money as far as a theme park hotel goes. Depending on crowd levels would you say we only need one day or two? Do you think the rides would appeal my kids age after being to Disney and Universal? I know they are not for the big thrill seekers but wondering if they are age appropriate thrills?

 

[CyndiLooWho]

We went in 2012 with an 11 and 13 yo boy. There were several small roller coasters that appealed to the boys, and they LOVED the driving school with real cars on a real road layout - no rails to follow (just be prepared to pay extra for the license with their picture on it instead of the paper one). They were still young enough to enjoy the boat and safari rides that did utilize rails, though they were too old for the themed play areas. There were a few rides they were definitely too old for (the jousting ride, for instance), but that was ok, there was plenty to keep them occupied. We did buy the 2 day ticket, and spent the second day re-doing all the things they liked best from the first day. The second day we left relatively early, partly b/c of the impending storm and partly b/c they had done what they wanted to do. We did not visit the water park area.

 

[MattM]

Folks,

Anyone been to Legoland FL, say, in the last 6 months to give a quick report? I've heard from friends and online reviews that park quality and cleanliness and general experience has gone down hill big time. We visited when it first opened ~ 4 years ago and were thinking dropping by given affordable admission prices, but, as said above, we were warned that the park has been mismanaged and some parts of it could be said to be "in disrepair".

I think you've been given bad information. The "disrepair" is in fact new construction that is going on. Legoland FL is building it's own, on-site hotel, and the park continues to add new attractions and "lands" regularly. We are locals, and go down to Legoland at least once a month. It's in as good shape today as it was the day it opened (looking past the construction, as it is temporary and largely hidden just as it would be at Disney, etc).

However, as others have said, IT IS NOT DISNEY, and you need to know that going in. But our son loves it and his friends love it. Let me know if you have any other questions! I definitely think you should go.

 

[MrInfinity]

I've heard from friends and online reviews that park quality and cleanliness and general experience has gone down hill big time. We visited when it first opened ~ 4 years ago and were thinking dropping by given affordable admission prices, but, as said above, we were warned that the park has been mismanaged and some parts of it could be said to be "in disrepair".

Definitely bad information. No worse than saying Disney World is in disrepair cuz the hub is being rebuilt... construction is a benefit. They just opened the Chima zone last year, and now a whole Friends zone this year. Plus new hotel right on property. LEGOLAND is one of the main draws to a Disney vacation for us. It's not Disney World of course, it'll leave you feeling like you just went to a little kid theme park, not a resort vacation, but it's worth the mini-trip if you have younger kids that are into LEGO.

I am thinking of planning a trip to Legoland Florida this year before the kids out grow it (10 and 12) but not sure if we would just need one day or two days if we want to hit the water park as well. I was thinking of staying one or two nights at the hotel but the prices (at least for the California one) are pretty high although you do get a lot for your money as far as a theme park hotel goes. Depending on crowd levels would you say we only need one day or two? Do you think the rides would appeal my kids age after being to Disney and Universal? I know they are not for the big thrill seekers but wondering if they are age appropriate thrills?

Honestly 10 and 12 is a bit on the older side. The roller coasters at LL are about like the smallest roller coaster you'll find at a Six Flags or Disney Park. Maybe... like the Barnstormer. It is really angled toward the little kids, and excellent for families w kids in that range. I'd say ages 3-9. Check out the video of Flying School. It's their neatest coaster, it's a mini-flyer. Not like the flight coasters at a big theme park, but it's still cool. And they have a wooden coaster, but it's considerably smaller than anything at a Six Flags.

One day or Two? Well if you had younger kids, I'd say two -- one for the water park and one for the theme park. But in your kids ages you'll be fine with one. Of course there's no harm in allowing for a 2nd day or morning, as it's pretty easy to get 2nd Day Free tickets.