LEGOLAND Florida and Cypress Gardens, Florida - Things to see and do

Things to see and do in LEGOLAND Florida and Cypress Gardens Florida

Visited February 2018

Booking through these agencies from here will help support this site at no extra cost to you.

Save on tours & activities with Viator US Ghost Adventures and Haunted Pub Crawls

LEGOLAND Florida and Cypress Gardens: Where History Meets Family Fun

Tucked in the heart of Central Florida, LEGOLAND Florida Resort stands on more than just colorful bricks — it’s built on history. Before it was a theme park mecca for families with kids under 12, it was home to Cypress Gardens, one of Florida’s original tourist attractions. Today, the park blends the imaginative world of LEGO with the classic charm of Florida’s past.

LEGOLAND Florida: Built for Kids, Fun for All

Opened in 2011, LEGOLAND Florida is a 150-acre theme park designed with families in mind. It’s packed with over 50 rides, shows, and attractions, including LEGO-themed lands like MINILAND USA, LEGO NINJAGO World, Pirate’s Cove, and Brickbeard Watersport Stunt Show.

What makes LEGOLAND different from other Florida parks? Scale and focus. It’s smaller, easier to navigate, and geared toward kids ages 2–12. The rides are fun without being overwhelming, and parents can actually relax a bit — a rare thing in the theme park world. Plus, the LEGO models scattered throughout the park — from giant dragons to miniature cities — are works of art in themselves, built with millions of bricks and tons of creativity.

Water, Bricks, and Beyond

LEGOLAND Florida Resort also includes a water park, perfect for cooling off in the hot Florida sun. Kids can float down the Build-A-Raft River, race down slides, or just splash around in the interactive play areas.

For LEGO diehards, there’s also the LEGOLAND Hotel, Pirate Island Hotel, and Beach Retreat, where even the beds and elevators are LEGO-themed. Everything is designed to immerse families in the brand’s playful world, right down to the brick pit in the lobby.

A Legacy Beneath the Bricks: Cypress Gardens

Before the first LEGO brick was laid, this land was Cypress Gardens, a historic Florida attraction that opened in 1936. Famous for its beautiful botanical gardens and water ski shows, Cypress Gardens drew visitors from around the world long before Disney ever broke ground in Orlando.

The park featured Southern Belles in hoop skirts, glass-bottom boat tours, and stunning landscaped gardens. It was even used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows. For decades, it was the symbol of “Old Florida” charm. When Cypress Gardens closed in the mid-2000s, many feared its legacy would vanish. But LEGOLAND did something rare — it preserved the heart of the old park.

Where the Past Still Blooms

Today, visitors can still stroll through the original Cypress Gardens botanical area, carefully maintained within the modern LEGOLAND park. Towering banyan trees, native plants, and quiet walking paths provide a peaceful break from the excitement. It’s a respectful nod to the park’s roots — and a reminder that you don’t have to bulldoze the past to build something new.

Final Thoughts

LEGOLAND Florida is more than a theme park — it’s a multigenerational blend of playful innovation and classic Florida history. Whether you're watching your kids light up on a LEGO ride or taking a quiet walk through Cypress Gardens, the experience is a reminder of what makes Florida’s attractions unique: imagination, beauty, and a little bit of sunshine magic.

Thinking of visiting? Viator offers numerous tours in Florida. Click here for details. vi.me/0yyUX

For more information on wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries in the area visit https://flbwd.com