2013 - New Land / Expansion - (1/1/13) A couple of new items for Legoland Florida this week. For starters, I’m told that a new sizable Fried Chicken restaurant opened back in November across from the Driving School attraction, adding a needed new indoor food option for the park. I’m also being told that construction on the park’s new land is under way and anyone who takes a spin on The Dragon coaster can see it quite well it seems. There has been a switch it seems with the theme of the new land and rides… as the park is rumored to have dumped the Pirate Shores theme in favor of something new that will be unique to Legoland Florida when it opens in Summer 2013.
I feel that an Outer Space theme would be the coolest and most unique. Lego had Space Police and Alien Conquest lines, but they are discontinued. However, I see that Lego has introduced a new space line called Galaxy Squad! The idea of this line is destroying the space bug menace! That could be it folks!
This would look cool taking the place of the pirate ship water battle! Shooting bugs along the way!
Or... Maybe they'll go with another highly popular line: Ninjago? Not sure how water battle boats will work with that theme though. The other idea could be Monster Fighters. I don't think it's as popular, but it's certainly unique.
Here's the other interesting news:
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In other news, I’m told there is another area of the park fenced off directly behind the Coastersaurus ride for another possible new addition for late 2013 or 2014. Anyone know more about what may be going on here?
I dunno... Maybe they'll go with my idea of a Dino Jungle?!
The other idea I thought of for behind the coaster would be a Mini-Golf course. They have one at Legoland California...
Glad to see them continuing to add new stuff! Can't wait to see how it pans out!
You know, Greg, when I read Screamscape's rumor I was thinking about your idea for the expansion behind Coastersaurus! You knew about this months ago, didn't you?
That being said, I have to say that I would be happy if we received something original. We already have a small Pirates-themed area in the park anyway, so a completely new theme would be great for the park (even though I am not really fond of the space theme... I would rather have something different like an Arctic land or something like that).
-------------------- LEGOLAND Florida - a playful World of LEGO® adventures.
You know, Greg, when I read Screamscape's rumor I was thinking about your idea for the expansion behind Coastersaurus! You knew about this months ago, didn't you?
Yeah, I wish I knew something for sure! Just a fanboi's speculation. There used to be rides back there (and a good bit of the Starliner) so I know there's plenty of room for something... Considering it's behind the Dino coaster, I'd think it would have to be Dino themed. And I know of a few attractions at the CA park (Dino Dig) that haven't arrived at LLF yet.
Also, something going on behind the dino coaster, but not much. Doesn't look like it would be a new ride or anything. More like a coaster expansion or something?
Hm... I'm starting to think the new area might be based on the "Legends of Chima" sets Lego is pushing so heavily right now. LEGOLANDFan noticed they are adding a new 4D movie, there are supposedly three Lego video games coming out and they do have boat sets...
Wow, Greg, I didn't know they already started working in the area next to the Dragon Coaster!! This mystery project is not slowing down, that's sure! Also, the working area behind Coastersaurus seems quite small... we'll see.
-------------------- LEGOLAND Florida - a playful World of LEGO® adventures.
As you may have read on our official Twitter page, LEGOLAND Florida has revealed that the park will officially unveil some of the details regarding the park's 2013 expansion (which is rumored to involve characters from the new "Legends of Chima" LEGO series) on March 19, 2013. Unfortunately, a recent Screamscape update is reporting something quite negative. It looks like the new area may consist of only one single ride. No restaurants, merchandise locations, or other minor attractions could be included. Here's Screamscape post:
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2013 - New Land / Legends of Chima - (3/14/13) Legoland Florida has sent word that they will make their announcement regarding the park’s new expansion on March 19th. With that said… I’m hearing that the plans for the new land have been shrunk back quite a bit since the early plans with the pirate theme were first leaked months ago. While the park will get the same Legends of Chima 4D film as the other Legoland parks, the new “land” is now rumored to really be just one new attraction… a themed splash battle style ride. If true, the themed Rocking Tug ride, splash-ground area and new merchandise shop were either cut or pushed back into a Phase 2 expansion instead.
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If that is true, we are sorry but we would not be able to defend the park. LEGOLAND needs to add as much as possible to continue to attract visitors, especially since one of their most important target demographics is locals. Instead of trying to ameliorate their plans they try to "shrink them back?" No, that doesn't sound like a good strategy. Unless they have something more in store for us before the year ends, who knows...
Judging by past experience, Legoland is very good about adding new features and updating existing ones. If they are pushing those other updates back (as I expect they are) then it's a pretty GOOD strategy. Because then they can announce another new attraction every few months to keep themselves in the press.
So, yeah... Let's start with the biggest part of the expansion first and let's go from there!
You know, Greg, I too am sure that LEGOLAND will surprise us, but I'm just sad to hear that they may start taking Disney's approach of opening expansion areas little-by-little. They should complete the entire area and then add minor things in other lands after a few months.
Anyway, Last year LEGOLAND opened a Water Park (they had to work quite a bit to clean up the place), a Star Wars Miniland, two restaurants, added a food truck, changed a show... They are certainly mot losing any time.
-------------------- LEGOLAND Florida - a playful World of LEGO® adventures.
Ok, so the World of Chima attraction looks pretty spectacular! And in his interview Adrian said there was room available for further expansion. So I'd expect to see another ride or something added after this opens.
Now, my thoughts on why this was "scaled back" from the original Pirates theme... By the lush look of the renderings and the fact that it's partly a dark ride probably bumped up the cost of building it. If it's as great looking as the renderings, I can cut them a break on scaling it back by an attraction or two (I don't see anything about the "Stepping Tones" attraction in Duplo, or the Capt Cranky's Tug.) Now the Speedorz attraction, while dry, appears to have taken the place as the Swabbies Deck attraction. Here are some renderings (oh, and I have a new World of Chima Gallery already!)
Ok, go some new photos, sorry I haven't added anything lately.
But I've found out some news: Next to the Speedorz Arena is a circular area that's being developed. Remember it was originally supposed to be the "Swabbies Deck" water area but was NOT on the World of Chima rendering map? Now is being built. Wondering what that is? (I'll post photos soon.)
EDIT: Ok, I've read that is going to be Cragger's Swamp Play Area (I'm guessing it's a water play zone.)
My guess is they figured they might as well add that now so they don't have to call back the construction crews again later.
So apparently there's a big event today for the employees kids. Fireworks, first rides, media... Thought the opening was tomorrow, but I guess that's for the public. So, you should be seeing some stories on TV and the newspapers later today on the opening.
That's generally what parks do for new rides/areas. They'll have a media day for TV, Radio, Newspapers, social media/websites, and enthusiast groups the day before it opens to the public and then the official opening the next day. SeaWorld Orlando did that for Antarctica and Manta, UOR did it for Transformers and Harry Potter, and so on. I'm hoping to get my AP especially now that the price was dropped to $100 and I'll be armed with my camcorder as well.
-------------------- Life's a roller coaster, so enjoy it while you can with your hands high in the air.
