LEGOLAND Florida Resort

LEGOLAND Florida is the antidote to Orlando's mega-parks. Where Disney and Universal cater to all ages (with much of the thrill content aimed at older kids and adults), LEGOLAND was purpose-built for children ages 2-12. This means every ride has manageable height requirements, every show is kid-paced, and the overall atmosphere is calmer and less overwhelming than the big parks.

The park spans over 150 acres in Winter Haven, about 45 minutes southwest of Orlando. While the drive deters some tourists, it also means significantly lower crowds than the International Drive corridor parks. On a typical weekday during the school year, you can ride most attractions with waits under 15 minutes — a luxury unheard of at Disney.

Miniland USA is the park's artistic centerpiece. Teams of master builders used over 32 million LEGO bricks to recreate detailed scenes from New York City, Las Vegas, Washington D. C.

, San Francisco, and the Kennedy Space Center. The models are interactive — kids can press buttons to trigger animations, sounds, and movements. Parents typically spend more time here than kids, marveling at the engineering.

For rides, LEGOLAND offers over 50 attractions across themed areas. The Dragon coaster starts with a gentle dark ride through a LEGO medieval castle before launching into an outdoor coaster — it is a brilliant first-coaster experience for nervous 5-7 year olds. Coastersaurus, a wooden coaster winding through a LEGO dinosaur garden, is another family-friendly thrill.

The Driving School (ages 6-13) and Junior Driving School (ages 3-5) where kids drive electric LEGO cars on a course and earn a LEGOLAND driver's license are perennial favorites.

The LEGO building experiences set this park apart. The Imagination Zone has free-build stations, earthquake tables where kids test their structural designs, and MINDSTORMS robotics workshops. Staff members throughout the park wear LEGO minifigures on their lanyards and will trade with kids — bring a handful of minifigs from home to participate in this beloved tradition.

DUPLO Valley caters specifically to toddlers with gentle rides, splash pads, and a DUPLO farm. If you have a child aged 1-4, the adjacent Peppa Pig Theme Park (requires a separate or combo ticket) is outstanding. It is one of the only theme parks in the U.S. specifically designed for preschoolers.

The water park add-on is worthwhile in summer months. It includes a wave pool, lazy river, and several water slides appropriate for young children. It is a perfect way to cool off and break up the day.

One practical note: LEGOLAND Florida's operating schedule is irregular. The park frequently closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and hours vary seasonally. Always check the calendar on their website before planning your visit.