Legoland Florida construction update

March 23, 2011 at 6:17 PM · That looks cool. I can't wait for it to open in October!

March 23, 2011 at 6:41 PM · I just see dirt; I thought that by now construction would be more advanced if they are opening the park in October.

That photo brings me memories of Cypress Gardens.

March 24, 2011 at 5:55 PM · That's a tight schedule. I expect delays. If they do pull it off, good on them.

It looks like a nice small park, something easier on the nerves than the existing high-octane central Florida parks. Have we heard any updates on how they plan to deal with potential crowds?

March 24, 2011 at 7:51 PM · Well, they are opening in October, not May. And they're located well off the interstate in Winter Haven. That should help keep the crowds down a bit.

If you've not been to a Legoland before, let me explain that these parks have very limited appeal to anyone who doesn't have a child between toilet training and puberty. While that's still a huge market, it does exclude a large percentage of the folks who visit the Central Florida theme parks.

Put all these factors together, though, and they suggest that Legoland will end up with the smallest annual attendance of all the major Central Florida theme parks. I'll estimate it draws around 2 million visitors in 2012, about half of what Busch Gardens attracts.

Yes, the park will be crowded at times, especially on weekends soon after opening, and the first few school breaks. But I don't anticipate anything like Wizarding World of Harry Potter crowds when Legoland opens. Or even new-ride-at-Disney crowds.

March 25, 2011 at 8:12 PM · I wonder if the fact that Lego has a presence at DTD will encourage folks to see a bigger version. The new Legoland would be well advised to invite would-be DTD visitors to park their car in their lot, and for the price of admission, get a free ride to DTD. As I'm thinking of it, WDW would be wise to pick up part of the tab for the shuttles, since it benefits both facilities. I also disagree with Robert, in that October is a bad time to open. Every new venture opens with kinks, and opening to smaller crowds gives the business time to iron out wrinkles. By Christmas time, this place should be all a glitter, in both the tabloids and in their operations. Whadda present!

March 27, 2011 at 3:42 AM · Lego Land can only add to the present parks. As Robert says it is catering to a particular age group, mainly young families. But it is not Disney. Lot's of folk make the trip from the Orlando area to Busch Gardens. If you are staying up the West end of the 192 you are close to Disney, and you'll not be far from Lego Land. This new park will add variety to the present mix of parks.
They will do well.