Another Legoland on Orlando's Int'l Drive?

Legoland California: Wouldn't this be the perfect place for another Legoland?

From Arthur Cashin
Posted March 4, 2005 at 12:15 AM
I know Lego has their parks up for sale, but isn't there a large parcel that Universal had and just sold that would have been the perfect place to put a second Legoland?

If there wasn't a place on the Drive for it, my other thought would be to work something out with Cypress Gardens. It would still be a family friendly enviroment. Parents would love the landscaping and shows while the Lego would keep the kids interest.

What are your thoughts?

From Erik Yates
Posted March 4, 2005 at 3:02 PM
Never been to a legoland park, but i do remember thinking that when they first opened...god what kind of theme park can be made revolving around legos?? I have heard that there are some pretty decent rides, and looks like they've had a somewhat successful run, but now that its over I cant help to think that maybe my first thought on it was right. I dont know so much about a legoland park in Orlando, but dang wouldnt that be a great addition to a park like IOA? And what is more technologically advanced than legos?? think about, cross pollinate Cartoon Lagoon With Legoland....come up with something cornball like "LegoToon Lagoon" or along the lines and take some of the more popular aspects of legoland and boost the (what I feel is) sagging Toon lagoon area in IOA. I think its been way too long since IOA has opened anything new and who knows? this could show promise...or heck take to another park like Busch Gardens, Sea World or any of those parks that while they are great educational parks Niles, they are like many have said are parks you like to do every couple of years....Wouldnt you love to have more than just Universal and Disney as a guilty pleasure?

From Jason Jackson
Posted March 4, 2005 at 10:10 PM
But I thought Lego was going to sell all the Legoland Parks?

From Erik Yates
Posted March 5, 2005 at 7:15 AM
Another example of talking out of my butt. No idea, but if they are talking about closing wouldnt it be a cool idea about Universal anyway?

From Robert Niles
Posted March 5, 2005 at 12:25 PM
Let's back up.

Legoland parks are for sale, but look like they'll end up in the hands of people traditionally associated with the company. It's an accounting move, more than anything else. They will not close and will not be re-themed. Paramount may do the same with its parks, NBC Universal's talked about spinning its off -- even Disney's raised the idea before. The sale does not have to be a big deal.

Second, there's zippo evidence Legoland's talking about any new parks, much less one in Orlando. But as I've mentioned before, Legoland could have picked a more lucrative location for its first U.S. park than Carlsbad, Calif. Garden Grove, Calif. or I-Drive in Orlando would have given the company far more exposure and allowed it to pick up tourists drawn by the other theme parks within a few minutes of those areas. But Legoland didn't do that, opting for the cozier seaside town instead.

Still, a second, east coast park could represent a good investment for the company. And if encouraging words from fans and potential customers help convince the parks' new owners, so much the better.

From Jason Lester
Posted March 5, 2005 at 2:28 PM
Regardless, Orlando is much more popular then Carlsbad.

From Erik Yates
Posted March 5, 2005 at 9:21 PM
And selling out to a bigger park in Orlando would also be a smart move.

From Carrie Hood
Posted March 14, 2005 at 11:04 PM
Not really, if you look at the income and expansion of the tourism area of Central Florida (Disney, Kissimmee, I-Drive) and then smaller attractions such as Fun Spot and Magical Midway- they make a killing picking up the nighttime crowd fresh from the parts or dinner shows looking for a little bit of fun. Now if you had this type of enviroment with good prices you'd pick up the bored locals also, which would be another smart move. There is a lot of land out on I-Drive and even behind it thats growing at a mind-numbbing (or as I say "get the heck of my backroad to work! I'm Late!") pace. My opinion would be to set one down right there and rake in the additional tourism crop.

Granted thats only my idea if they where even looking to build in the area, which I highly doubt. Then again for years I've wanted to get my hands on land back that way and just wait for someone to offer me millions for one single acre. Oh the dreams ;)

From David Graham
Posted June 18, 2009 at 11:34 AM
And here 4 years later this was posted on www.screamscape.com

http://screamscape.com/html/legoland_2.htm

A survey was talked about that Legoland was asking people how likely would they visit a Legoland Florida. Then it even mentions in the survey they might build it on the Cypress Gardens property??? Personally not sure if that is a good place to build it, but in Orlando, sure I'd go to it...

From Don Neal
Posted June 18, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Well if California is the only option it might be something I only ever get to do 1-2 times in my lifetime. If there was a Floriday version, then there is a good chance it could get factored into the rotation of parks we visit. But there is definitely some fierce competition there obviously. A Tampa location might be a more viable spot along with Busch Gardens giving the gulf side a second gate to visit but still within driving distance of Orlando. I just don't see Legoland being the draw. They will always be a third fiddle to Disney and Universal in Orlando. But I would love to see one closer to the midwest or east coast.

From David Graham
Posted June 18, 2009 at 11:45 AM
I don't see them going head to head with Disney, Universal (even though do they still own into, well Blackstone) or Sea World. But it would be something completely different in this area once again. And Tampa sure, but the Cypress Gardens spot??? Just access to getting to this park from I4 might be the down fall as it was pointed out in the article. Yet if it's a matter of taking a risk and putting it there or not at all, I would still visit it. But how would that work for CG just after selling off rides? IF it came to past to put it there.

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