9 replies to this topic

[KevinMatz]

Hey everyone, just thought I would let you guys in on a little secret! On Friday(10/14/2011) I will be heading over to LEGOLAND in Winter Haven Florida(It will be Media Day) I will be meeting up with Zach from "The Inversion" podcast to film some reviews and take some pictures for the site. (Both COASTER-net and CoasterForum)

Now I will need your help, I need some ideas for questions to ask whatever executives we interview. Please post any questions you would like us/me to ask below!

[Ryan Shrout]

I think the primary question this community is concerned about would be why Legoland decided not to keep the Starliner wood coaster that Cypress Gardens acquired during its last year of operation.

Other interesting questions I can think of would be:

• Will Legoland Florida (LLF) ever include a larger, more thrilling coaster?
• Will LLF consider bringing back the small waterpark section of the old Cypress Gardens?
• Given the Florida heat does LLF plan on bringing some sort of "wet" water ride to the park? (eg. flume, raft ride, etc.)
• Is there a planned Phase 2 of this project or is pretty much everything already built?
• How do they plan to attract people from the nearby Orlando tourist market to venture out to Winter Haven?
• Are there plans for an on-site Lego themed hotel?
• What, in their opinion, is the star -- "You don't wanna miss this! -- attraction at LLF?

[KevinMatz]

Thanks Ryan, I will print them out and give them to Zach, or I'll ask them myself.

[Daniel Westfall]

Zach has a Twitter account, and you can still send him questions tonight and tomorrow. Send your questions to @SETGOzach

[KevinMatz]

Hello everyone, I am finally back and sorted through my pictures!
Zachary and I had a great time at the park and have many great things to say. I feel the only down side to the park was the rides seemed like they were a bit slow loading and unloading passengers. Although this might be a bad thing, it turned out to be somewhat good because the ride operators would make sure everyone(the kids) were fully strapped in and comfortable before dispatching.

The main entrance was pretty cool, not entirely made of LEGO, but well themed.


The Stratosphere Hotel made of Lego blocks.


The Statue of Liberty looked pretty nice.


NASA recreated with Legos, it was much larger then how it looks in the pictures.





The Luxor Hotel looked amazing!








We found this Lego.. monster.. thing, so Zach took picture with it!


Who better then Banks Lee, don't we just look jolly?!


Banks and Amanda filming Orlando Attractions Magazine.. The Show!


Here was the opening, I passed by Robb Alvey on his way in.


They didn't really have a sign but I think this wild mouse was named "Test Track"








Here is there little inverted coaster, from a distance.


CoasterSaurus was a great little coaster.





This coaster has some airtime if you sit in the back.





The entertainment just before the water ski show.


Life size Lego men skiing?!





Here was a pretty cool dark ride where you shoot things with lasers!


I believe this was part of Cypress Gardens.


Here is a nice overview of the park and its attractions.
Well, that about wraps it up for my photo trip report! There was a ton more to see then what I captured on camera! Please feel free to leave any questions or feedback below, I will be posting an interview with Michael McNally soon!

You can see more photos of LEGOLAND Florida here(Pictures taken by Zachary):
http://coaster-net.c...rida-media-day/

Edited by Kevin Matz, 17 October 2011 - 05:58 PM.

[Reapers Ashes]

Looks like a a beautiful park there.

[Daniel Westfall]

Nice report, Kevin!

Thanks so much for going for us, and welcome to the site and to our staff! Really happy to have as a part of our team, and I look forward to more Trip Reports and photos from you in the future. Looks like there is a need for a return visit in the future though for you and Zach to be able to explore all the other areas of the park.

Expect to see some of your pictures in the LEGOLAND Florida Park Gallery article and the Ride Gallery articles soon.

[Coasterholic14]

Awesome PTR for the Media Day there Kevin. I'm so glad we have a Legoland on the east coast now...definitely need to try and get down there (I still love legos even at age 23 lol). I wish they would have kept Starliner in their plans, that was rather disappointing when they changed those and opted not to keep it there, but they did at least keep Triple Hurricane (now Coastersaurus?)

[Vater]

I'm pushing 39 and I think I enjoy playing with Legos more than my 5 year old son.

[KevinMatz]

Here is our full interview with Michael McNally(LEGO brand manager) at LEGOLAND Florida on Media/Preview day.

Edited by Kevin Matz, 20 October 2011 - 01:42 PM.