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Interview with Suzie from LEGOLAND

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Please take a seat and get comfortable for this weeks Tuesday Talk! This week we chatted with Suzie who works for Merlin Entertainments and found out some more about both her and LEGOLAND Florida!


Name: Suzie Gildon

Company: Merlin Entertainments (LEGOLAND Florida)

Position: Senior Account Manager


Getting to know you..

How would you describe your job to a child?

I help arrange amazing and fun visits to LEGOLAND Florida

What was the last thing you watched on TV and why did you watch it?

I’m a Celebrity, Get me out of here and I watched it as I love all the different personalities working together as one.

If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?

Wonder Woman – I would play wonder woman as she is the epitome of Girl Power

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?

The Greatest Showman – A million Dreams

 

Work..

Describe your theme park / attraction using only 3 words.

Awesome / LEGO / Fun

Favourite theme park / attraction of 2018?

Coastersaurus – an amazing wooden coaster

What is going to be BIG for your company in 2019?

A brand new area “The LEGO Movie World”

Tell us a fact about your theme park / attraction that most people don’t know.

It is on the site of Cypress Gardens, Florida’s first theme park. Today, the gardens are preserved and can be visited as part of your day at LEGOLAND.

What is a must do for first time visitors to Orlando?

Include a stay at Beach Retreat when you visit LEGOLAND Florida

We can’t wait for LEGO Movie World to open either!

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions Suzie! You can see other instalments from Tuesday Talk here:
Paul – Boggy Creek
Renee – Fun Spot
Philip – Kennedy Space Center

Smiles Included,

Abby

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LEGOLAND Florida reveal THREE new rides

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So back in May 2018 LEGOLAND announced that their biggest ever investment to date – LEGO Movie World will launch in spring 2019 and yesterday they also revealed three new marquee attractions, all going to be part of LEGO Movie World and inspired by the characters and themes from the blockbuster movies THE LEGO MOVE & THE LEGO MOVIE 2: The Second Part.

LEGOLAND are working closely with Warner Bros and LEGO System A/S to create LEGO MOVIE WORLD and put guests in the middle of the city in which Emmett lives – Bricksburg.

THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is the only place in the world that you can experience the pure wonder and imagination inspired by THE LEGO MOVIE universe. We’ve been hard at work, building brick-by-brick, to create state-of-the-art experiences that bring THE LEGO MOVIE to life.

The three attractions are; THE LEGO MOVIE Masters of Flight, Unikitty’s Disco Drop and Battle of Bricksburg. Guests will get the chance to fly on a triple decker couch, see Cloud Cuckoo Land from above the clouds and fight DUPLO aliens.

THE LEGO MOVIE Masters of Flight: Hop aboard Emmet’s Triple Decker Flying Couch! This flying theater attraction whisks guests away on an action-packed adventure on a suspended ride with a full-dome virtual screen, giving the sensational feeling of flying alongside some familiar (like Emmet and Wyldstyle) and some new faces like Sweet Mayhem, a character set to debut in the upcoming feature THE LEGO MOVIE 2: The Second Part.

Unikitty’s Disco Drop: Enter through the rainbow portal to join the fun with Unikitty and her many personalities. This ride swoops guests to the tiptop of Cloud Cuckoo Land, then drops, spins and bounces them back down to earth, creating a thrilling and fun experience.

Battle of Bricksburg: Calling all Master Builders! DUPLO® aliens have invaded Bricksburg to come and play! Riders are challenged to stop DUPLO® aliens from invading and stealing LEGO bricks by spraying water at targets.

Back in May we explained that The interactive boat ride, The Quest for Chi, was going to be transformed into a new attraction for LEGO MOVIE WORLD and judging by the image and explanation we think this one is it!

In ‘Downtown Bricksburg’ you will get the chance to meet Emmett and all of his friends in his apartment, Taco Tuesday Everyday Eatery and The Awesome Shop. There will also be a space-themes playground in Downtown Bricksburg which will be inspired by Benny’s spaceship.

LEGOLAND state that this new world will ‘represent the theme park’s continuing commitment to providing state-of-the-art experiences specifically designed to create awesome memories for kids ages 2 – 12.

Who’s excited?!

Smiles included,

Abby

 

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Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida

Hey Thrill Seekers,

With more days, more events and MORE CANDY added to this years Brick or Treat event at LEGOLAND it’s the best time to visit LEGOLAND Florida!

Brick or Treat is a friendly, non frightening event which features trick-or-treating, seasonal Halloween shows, giant LEGO models, special meet-and greets with LEGO Halloween characters and more!

The dates it is running are: October 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th and 31st.

Event activities include:

  • New Brick or Treat Trail interactive experiences and more candy
  • More entertainment including a Tale of Pirates’ Cove fireworks spectacular, Groovin’ Graveyard, Jammin’ Jack O Lanterns, Mummy comedy duo, and other streetainment
  • Meet LEGO Witch, Frankenstein, Mad Scientist, Lord Vampyre, Mummy and LEGO Spider lady
  • Participate in LEGO activities such as the spider build, candy corn scavenger hunt, mosaic build and cobra super brick build
  • LEGOLAND Hotel and Beach Retreat entertainment
  • Monster Bash dance party, sweet treats, festive shopping and more!

Check out the full guide below:

Don’t forget this event is included with your LEGOLAND admission tickets so what’s your excuse???

Who’s going?

Smiles Included,

Abby

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LEGOLAND Florida announces THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Now I don’t think that LEGOLAND Florida gets enough props, it’s an awesome park to visit with over 50 rides, thousands of amazing LEGO® models, shows and activities designed especially for families with children aged 2-12 years, there is enough entertainment to last a lifetime.

Recently, LEGOLAND have announced their biggest ever theme park investment to date. THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD! will launch in the spring of 2019. Due to the popularity of the blockbuster film THE LEGO® MOVIE™ (with sequel to come) and the popularity of the films characters within the park they have decided to work closely with Warner Bros. Entertainment and LEGO System A/S to create THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD which will out guests right in the middle of ‘Bricksburg’ which is the city where Emmet lives in the film.

 

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LEGOLAND state that this new world will ‘represent the theme park’s continuing commitment to providing state-of-the-art experiences specifically designed to create awesome memories for kids ages 2 – 12.’

“The sights and sounds will be fully immersive bringing THE LEGO MOVIE franchise to life in a way that only a LEGOLAND Park could,”

said Rex Jackson, general manager of LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

“We know kids come from all over the world to meet the stars of THE LEGO MOVIE and we can’t wait to see their faces light up as they interact within the imaginative world of Bricksburg.”

THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD is going to feature not one, not two but THREE new rides. The interactive boat ride, The Quest for Chi, is going to be completely transformed and will offer guests an exciting new experience when it reopens as a key attraction in THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD. The current attraction is due to stop operations on May 29th. There will also be character meet and greets and a ‘giant themed playscape’

Who’s excited for this?!

Smiles Included

Abby

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The Great LEGO Race is opening March 23rd

Hey Thrill Seekers,

 

The highly anticipated new VR attraction at LEGOLAND Florida now has an opening date! On the 23rd March 2018 you will be able to experience the thrills of a coaster with virtual reality technology as you race against all your favourite minifigures.

The Great LEGO Race is the first VR coaster aimed solely at kids and is also the first time LEGO brand and minifugures have been integrated with VR technology (in a theme park attraction)

The ‘wild and wacky’ race pits guests against a pirate, wizard, surfer and pharaoh as they steer LEGO-built vehicles like a rocket-powered windsurfing rig, a stylish scooter fuelled by espresso and an ornately canopied bed (called a “litter”) carried by mummy servants.

Wearing optional VR headsets, riders will experience the action from every direction while riding the roller coaster — up, down, forward, backward and all points in between — in a dazzling environment where everything is made of LEGO bricks.

And there’s more….

After crossing the finish line on The Great LEGO Race, guests can then switch gears and enjoy an all-new treat at Funnel Cake Factory, which will open this spring just steps away from the roller coaster in the LEGO Technic area. The highly themed pit stop will offer freshly made-to-order funnel cakes with toppings including fresh fruit, powdered sugar and soft-serve ice cream. YUMMMMM

Also check out all the other awesomeness coming to LEGOLAND in 2018.

Smiles Included

Abby

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What to Look Forward to at LEGOLAND Florida in 2018

Hey Thrill Seekers,

It looks as though there is a big year ahead of us at LEGOLAND Florida as they have just announced what we can expect within the next 12 months.. Take a look!

“LEGO NINJAGO: Master of the 4th Dimension”: Opening Jan. 20

This exciting new theatrical experience combines dazzling 3D computer animation with “4D” real-world effects as ninjas Lloyd, Kai, Jay, Cole, Zane and Nya must find their way out of a mind-bending dimension filled with eye-popping visuals. See it daily in the Wells Fargo Fun Town Theater!

LEGO NINJAGO Days: Jan. 20-21, 27-28, and Feb. 3-4

Celebrate your favourite ninja heroes with exclusive in-park activities and meet-and-greets with Kai, Nya and for the first time ever – Master Wu!

The Great LEGO Race: Opening March 23rd!

The wildest LEGO race ever imagined combines cutting-edge virtual reality technology with roller coaster thrills in an exhilarating new attraction that will transform the theme park’s existing Project X ride into an all-new adventure starring a wacky cast of LEGO minifigures.

Brick Dash 5K*: Saturday, April 14

The popular, long-running 5K family event returns under the new sponsorship of Visit Central Florida, benefitting Merlin’s Magic Wand. Additional information and registration details will be announced soon.

KIDZ BOP Weekend

The KIDZ BOP Kids return to rock the park with three days of high-energy concerts, including the debut of their official theme song for LEGOLAND Florida Resort, “Awesome Awaits.” Plus, fans will enjoy exclusive meet-and-greets with the coolest kids around – Ahnya, Cooper, Freddy, Isaiah, Julianna and Sierra! Stand by for an announcement about 2018 dates!

LEGO® Star Wars™: The Force Awakens MINILAND Model Display: Opening May 4

Visit LEGOLAND as they unveil the newest addition to our LEGO® Star Wars™ MINILAND Model Display. Created with thousands of LEGO bricks, the display features memorable moments from Episode VII of the popular Star Wars™ saga enhanced with lights, sound effects and animation.

LEGO® Star Wars™ Days: May 5-6, 12-13, 19-20

Enjoy the huge new LEGO® Star Wars™ display in MINILAND USA as  you celebrate a record three weekends of fun from “a galaxy, far, far away”! Activities include meet-and-greets with LEGO Darth Vader and – new! – a LEGO character from “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi,” hands-on LEGO® Star Wars™ building activities and much more.

Fourth of July

Celebrate America’s independence on Wednesday, July 4 as we light the skies above Lake Eloise with one of our biggest fireworks shows of the year! Before the sun goes down, help create a giant U.S. flag out of thousands of LEGO bricks.

Firefighter Friday: Friday, Oct. 5

Held in association with the National Fire Protection Association, this entertaining and informative event teaches kids about fire safety with a variety of fun activities in the theme park, including information from NFPA’s annual Fire Prevention Week theme.

Brick or Treat: Select dates in October

The very popular Halloween event returns full of spooky, kooky LEGO fun for kids. The friendly-not-frightening event features trick-or-treating inside the theme park, giant LEGO models and photo ops, LEGO build activities, meet-and-greets with LEGO Halloween characters and an exclusive, themed fireworks spectacular in Pirates’ Cove.

Christmas Bricktacular: Select dates in December

The annual holiday celebration returns to deck the halls with a 30-foot-tall LEGO Christmas tree lit several times each evening in a brilliant combination of twinkling lights and classic yuletide music, festive decorations and photo ops, including a giant LEGO wreath and a life-size LEGO Santa, reindeer and sleigh, plus holiday-themed scavenger hunts with cool LEGO prizes and hands-on LEGO building activities for kids. Meet LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier during daily park appearances.

Kids’ New Year’s Party: Select dates in late December

A multi-day party invites kids to move and groove at a high-energy dance party, set fun goals for the year ahead and go on a special scavenger hunt in MINILAND USA before ending the night with an amazing fireworks show over Lake Eloise. Then on Monday, Dec. 31 only, ring in the new year with the traditional before-midnight “brick drop” and an even bigger fireworks spectacular.

So mark your calendars, it’s set to be an exciting year at LEGOLAND Florida Resort! All of the events (excluding Brick Dash) are included with general park admission which you can get for just £29.00!!

Smiles Included

Jess

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The Great LEGO Race opening Spring 2018

Hey Thrill Seekers!

There are many things to look forward to in the coming year at the parks in Orlando, one park in particular which is sometimes overlooked has a preeeeeetty cool new coaster coming in Spring 2018.

At LEGOLAND Florida, under the supervision of their parent company – Merlin Magic Making – Project X roller coaster is being transformed in to ‘The Great LEGO Race’ which is going to be a supercharged virtual reality adventure that puts you in the drivers seat. “Prepare to take on the wildest LEGO race ever imagined when cutting-edge VR technology combines with roller coaster thrills in an exhilarating new attraction!” 

The experience is the first VR roller coaster designed for kids and will feature a line up from the popular LEGO minifigure mystery assortments and will pit riders in a ‘rollicking race’ against wild, brick built contraptions driven by Trendsetter, Pharaoh, Surfer Girl, Wizard and Pirate Captain. Guests will steer LEGO-built vehicles like a rocket-powered windsurfing rig, a stylish scooter fuelled by espresso and an ornately canopied bed (called a “litter”) carried by mummy servants.

 “Are you brave enough to face, race and beat the best of the best in all of LEGO world?”

Guests will wear (optional) VR headsets to be able to fully immerse themselves in a world built entirely from LEGO bricks that has been inspired by the way kids play with LEGO toys at home.

The adventure begins as guests approach the ride’s bold new entry portal as the sounds of roaring engines fill the air. Nearby, the coaster’s queue will resemble a pre-race space where pit crews for each of the five LEGO racers are preparing for the competition, plus interactive, hands-on elements to entertain waiting riders.

Check out the first look at The Great LEGO Race:

Guests must be at least 42 inches tall (1.2m) to ride, or be accompanied by a responsible adult at least 48 inches tall. The VR headsets are designed to fit both adults and children, and can be adjusted for comfort. The VR experience is intended for children 6 and up, and guests can choose to ride without wearing the headset.

What do you think of a VR coaster combined with LEGO characters? LEGOLAND are the third park to feature a VR coaster (after Fun Spot and SeaWorld) so could it be a way forward for coasters?

Smiles Included,

Abby

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Merlin confirm they would be interested in purchasing Busch Gardens Tampa

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We discussed recently the rumour that SeaWorld were looking to bring in outside financial advisors to help with either a sale or a reorganisation of its assets.

Well one such asset which might be available is Busch Gardens. Busch Gardens Tampa situated approx. an hour away from the thrills of Orlando is extremely popular with UK visitors and blends a mixture of animal attractions plus massive thrill rides. Its also one of our personal favourite parks.

If the park was to be made available for purchase one of the first companies to be interest would be Merlin, owners of LEGOLAND Florida.

First reported on the excellent Skift  travel news website and speaking after the company’s first-half results, Merlin chief financial officer Anne-Francoise Nesmes said;

It takes two parties to do a deal so we do not know what SeaWorld’s intentions are but we do believe that those assets [Busch Gardens] are interesting and we could certainly do a lot with them particularly around accommodation, so to us it’s about having the right discussion with a willing partner and making sure we have the right financial return

Obviously this is purely speculation and of course Merlin would be interested in picking up Busch Gardens, I’m sure they wont be the only ones. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are due to release their second quarter results next week and they could perhaps hold the key to what the future holds for Busch Gardens. At the moment we hear they’re interested in opening an on-site hotel and altering an existing ride into an indoors dark ride.

We’ll keep you updated.

Smiles included…

Jamie

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LEGOLAND Ninjago World – Officially open today

Hey Thrill Seekers,

LEGOLAND Florida has been busy adding new attractions for the last few years and is slowly becoming bigger and bigger.

I have been practising my ninja moves, have you? I hope so as today is the day that LEGOLAND have officially opened their all new Ninjago World. I’m guessing this is going to be a big hit.

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Ninjago World will hold various childrens games including Ninjago the Ride 4D, Zane’s Temple Build, Kai’s Spinners, Cole’s Rock Climb and Jay’s Lightning Drill. Ninjago the Ride 4D is an interactive ride allowing riders to become ninjas themselves. The screens in front of you will interact with your body movements making it feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action being a ninja! Every kid’s dream right?! Most interactive rides with have devices that you’ll use but Ninjago the Ride 4D just lets you use your hands!

Ninjago

Don’t miss out, you can purchase your LEGOLAND tickets from Orlando Attraction Tickets within some of our fantastic bundles, or simply on their own.

So whilst you’re in Orlando be sure to visit LEGOLAND Ninjago World to show off your Ninja moves, I will definitely be going to show off mine 😉

Smiles Included…

Kelly banner-oat-new (00000002)

 

 

 

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Do You Really Mean All The Parks?

Hey Thrill Seekers,

A lot of our customers ask for a ticket that includes ‘all of the parks’ without realising how many parks there actually are. Ticket purchasing can become quite complicated when you aren’t aware of all the parks and attractions, especially if you’re a first timer. We have ‘The Big Three’, Disney, Universal and SeaWorld but there is so much more!

Let’s take a look at the big three first.

Walt Disney World actually consists of 6 parks in total, 4 theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and 2 water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. All of our Disney tickets include all 6 of these parks, we do not offer single day or single park tickets.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is the park to explore lands of endless enchantment, where your fantasy becomes a reality. 

Disney’s Epcot allows you to travel around the globe, under the sea, into outer space…and beyond!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will amaze you, behold the magic of nature with rare animals and world-class entertainment.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios puts you smack bang in the middle of the action, take center stage in the world of movies, television, music and theater.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is a storm ravaged tropical bay while Disney’s Blizzard Beach is a melting ski resort.

Disney

Moving onto Universal now with their 2 theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. These 2 parks are joint together using The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Express. You must have a hopper ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express, which is of course, what we offer! 🙂

Tip: Ride the Hogwarts Express both ways to encounter two completely different experiences. 😉

Universal Studios is where you can jump into the action of your favourite movies and TV shows’. At the back of the park you will find yourself in Diagon Alley.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure is where you can live the adventure. Towards the back of this park you will be in Hogsmeade.

Universal’s Volcano Bay is the newest park which is due to open on the 1st June 2017. Water is life. Life is joy. 

universal

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment have a total of 4 parks including SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Discovery Cove.

SeaWorld Orlando has a mixture of thrill rides, family rides and animal interactions. SeaWorld rescue a lot of animals from the wild to treat them and then release them back into the wild.

Aquatica is SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s water park which is themed to the Southern Pacific and features Australian and New Zealand mascots that you can spot relating to each attraction.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is about an hour out of Orlando but so worth the journey! The 19th century African themed park is also, like SeaWorld, a mixture of the thrill and family rides as well as the animal encounters. All of the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is suitable for all the family.

Tip: We offer these parks at an amazing 3 parks for the price of 2 offer which entails free parking!

Discovery Cove is an amusement park where guests can completely relax with an all inclusive day and have the choice to ‘talk, touch, play and swim with bottlenose dolphins’.

There are 2 Discovery Cove packages available, 1 including 14 days into SeaWorld and Aquatica and our Ultimate package including 14 days into SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens.

Tip: You can make the most of the free parking with our Ultimate Package as well. 😉

SW

LEGOLAND Florida & Merlin Attractions is next up. LEGOLAND Florida has their theme park and their water park – great fun for all the family. As well as Legoland, Merlin also have I-Drive 360 which is made up of The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SEALIFE Orlando.

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We offer a number of different ticket options for these attractions, so if you don’t necessarily want to visit all of them, you can take your pick!

If you’re looking to visit some of Florida’s more alternative attractions, you won’t be at a loose end as there are so many options!

Kennedy Space Center

Fun Spot

Gatorland

Boggy Creek – 30 minute

Boggy Creek – 1 hour

WonderWorks

Orlando Magic

So if you were stuck for ideas, I hope you’re not anymore! All of these attractions are available on our website and any questions you have, you can contact us to find out more!

Smiles Included…

Louise

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