LEGOLAND Florida Hosting Girls' Event - LEGO Friends Weekend - 3/24-25

Central Florida’s Newest Theme Park Hosting LEGO® Friends Weekend – March 24-25, 2012

Winter Haven, Fla. (March 5, 2012) – The newly introduced LEGO® Friends - Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie, Emma and Mia –are coming to LEOGLAND® Florida to host a weekend of fabulous fun geared to girls March 24-25, 2012.  A first-ever event, LEGO Friends Weekend is a daytime party that includes a LEGO Friends building event, live entertainment, games and activities. This event celebrates girls and their personal individuality, just like the LEGO Group’s newest line of construction toys.

Event details include:

·         Olivia’s Girls Just Wanna Build

o   Girls can get empowered and inspired to build masterful LEGO creations with an opportunity to meet Master Model Builder, Adora.   Once the building bug has taken hold, girls (and boys!) can build a portion of a Heartlake City LEGO model.

·         Andrea’s Heartlake Café

o   The Market Restaurant will be transformed into the iconic Heartlake Café. In front of the restaurant guests will be able to sing their heart out with a karaoke performance.

·         Stephanie’s Lakeside Party

o   Guests will be able to dance till dusk at the end-of-day LEGO Friends dance party.

·         Emma’s That’s So You Fashion Show

o   Saks Fifth Avenue is putting on the glitz to show ways to transform girls into their favorite LEGO Friend.

·         Mia’s Mad About Animals Scavenger Hunt

o   Kids will hunt through the historic Cypress Gardens using clues to find Mia’s favorite animals. Once completed, guests will turn in their list at the LEGO Friends Shop to receive a prize.

Participation in LEGO Friends Weekend is included in park admission. The best way to experience the entire LEGOLAND Florida special event series and cool off at the LEGOLAND Water Park attraction is with the LEGOLAND Premium Pass, $179 for adults, $149 children.

LEGOLAND Florida Announces Water Park Details & New Premium Pass

LEGOLAND® Florida – Just Add Water!

Central Florida’s Newest Theme Park Announces Water Park Details and

Unveils All-New Premium Annual Pass

WINTER HAVEN, Fla.  – Just six weeks after its official grand opening, LEGOLAND® Florida today released details of its first expansion – LEGOLAND Water Park. Scheduled to open in time for summer 2012, the water park will feature a wave pool, Build-A-Raft lazy river, tube slides, body slides and an interactive water-play structure - DUPLO® Safari.

“We’re very excited to share plans for this amazing new attraction,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones.  “True to our mission, the water park attraction has been designed for families with children ages 2 to 12 and will add hours of water play to an already full day and move LEGOLAND Florida into a multi-day experience for vacationers.  The additional also adds another great value proposition for our Annual Pass members.”

Admission to the water park attraction is included with an all-new LEGOLAND Premium Pass, which offers 12 months admission to LEGOLAND Florida and seasonal access to the LEGOLAND Water Park.  Single-day LEGOLAND Florida guests may upgrade to a water park attraction ticket for an additional $12 per person (children under 3 are $3).  The Premium Pass is now available for purchase at www.LEGOLAND.com or select AAA Auto Club Group branches.

Key areas of LEGOLAND Water Park attraction include:

·         LEGO Wave Pool – Families can catch a gentle wave or simply cool off in this perfectly sized wave pool where the waves are just big enough for all ages to enjoy

·         Twin Chasers – Friends ride tubes 375 feet down an intertwining pair of enclosed water slides before plunging into a refreshing pool below

·         Splash Out – The thrill seekers of the family can ascend to the tallest point of the water park attraction and choose from one of three unique slides, then speed down a 60-foot drop  and “splash out” into the water below

·         Joker Soaker - A fun, interactive playground with various lengths, heights and types of slides that offer something different for every member of the family.  Guests can wade in the surrounding pool and be surprised with a torrential spill from a 300-gallon bucket

·         Build-A-Raft River - Families can imagine, design and build a unique LEGO vessel and set afloat on a maiden voyage around the 1000-foot-long lazy river, set amongst  playful LEGO Friends, flowering vegetation and palm trees

·         DUPLO® Splash Safari – Toddlers will rule at this  water play area with shorter slides and interactive, larger-than-life DUPLO creatures

“This newest attraction is just one of many ways we will continue to evolve LEGOLAND Florida over the next several years,” said Jones.  “Creating a multi-visit proposition for families adds another dimension to the LEGOLAND Florida offering.  Adding the water park attraction will fulfill this criteria as well as offering a unique attraction in Central Florida. ”

**Important: Please check operating schedule at www.LEGOLAND.com for park days and hours.

Ford Explorer Now 100 Percent Reinvented in LEGO® Bricks Debuts at Chicago Assembly Plant, Becomes Centerpiece of New Ford Driving School at LEGOLAND® Florida Theme Park

·         Full-size LEGOLAND® Florida Explorer created from more than 380,000 LEGO makes its debut at Chicago Assembly Plant; model took more than 2,500 hours to create

·         New LEGOLAND Florida theme park is the second in the U.S. and the fifth and largest LEGOLAND park in the world; it’s comprised of more than 50 million LEGO bricks

·         Ford Driving School at LEGOLAND Florida allows children to experience the fun and responsibility of driving in their own vehicles (at a maximum speed of 3 mph)

Chicago, Sept. 26, 2011 – A unique Ford Explorer rolling off the line today at Chicago Assembly Plant will feature the model’s trademark eye-catching craftsmanship with one notable distinction. This Ford Explorer is created from more than 380,000 LEGO bricks and marks the beginning of a long-term alliance between Ford and LEGOLAND® Florida theme park.

The bright red LEGOLAND Florida edition Explorer, created by 22 designers, weighs 2,654 pounds and is supported by a 768-pound interior aluminum base.

The completely reinvented Ford Explorer is a head-turner on its own, of course, blending style, capability and technology with class-leading fuel efficiency. It delivers an EPA-certified 28 mpg on the highway with an all-new EcoBoost® engine.

After its debut at the historic Chicago plant, which produces the Explorer, the vehicle will be loaded onto a trailer with transparent sides so motorists can see the LEGO Explorer as it makes its way to the new 150-acre LEGOLAND Florida theme park just outside Orlando.

There it will be featured in front of one of the park’s attractions, the Ford Driving School for children.

“Ford is excited to support the alliance between LEGOLAND Florida and the Southeast Ford dealers. The LEGOLAND Florida Explorer and the Ford Driving School attraction are great opportunities to showcase our products and safety messages to families and visitors in a unique way,” said Tracy Magee, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.

LEGOLAND Florida, which opens Oct. 15, will cater to kids ages 2 to 12 with more than 50 family-focused rides, shows and attractions and a historical botanical garden.

The park, which features exhibits using more than 50 million LEGO bricks, is divided into 10 themed entertainment zones for kids. It allows them to experience different adventures, including the empowering thrill of getting behind the wheel and learning to drive their own vehicle.

“We’re less than a month from opening and the anticipation level is incredibly high,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones. “This is the only park of its kind in the world built exclusively for kids ages 2 to 12, and it will be a total departure from anything families with young children have seen before. It’s a completely immersive experience, engaging kids’ imaginations and their sense of adventure through interactive play.”

Driving through LEGOLAND Florida

The driving school is divided by age. There’s a Ford Junior Driving School for children ages 3 to 5 years old and a Ford Driving School for those ages 6 to 12. The children watch a video with driving instructions and safety tips – starting with the basics like safety belts and the difference between the accelerator and the brake – and move on to stoplights and stop signs. Children then have the opportunity to drive in their own electric vehicles on curbed roads with maximum speed limits of 3 mph.

With its detailed LEGO theme, the attraction is designed to give children the experience of driving in a real-world neighborhood.

While the children are behind the wheel, park employees known as “model citizens” are nearby to ensure the experience stays positive. After the drive is complete, the children are issued their own Ford Driving School license.

The school was the brainchild of Florida-area Ford dealers that worked with LEGOLAND Florida management, and is designed to introduce the fun and responsibility of driving skills to children.

Kids Take the 1st Ride (and Drive, and Flight) at LEGOLAND Florida

(Driving) School is In Session!

Rides at LEGOLAND® Florida Receive All A’s

WINTER HAVEN, FL - Even though students are just getting back to the classroom, Central Florida’s newest theme park LEGOLAND® Florida has gotten its marks by the toughest critics – Kids! Scheduled to open to the public on October 15, LEGOLAND has more than 50 rides, shows and attractions all geared toward families with children ages 2-12. This weekend, the still-under-construction park invited twenty- two children and parents to be the first to ride four of LEGOLAND Florida’s rides.  They soared in flight, drove their own LEGO® cars, trekked an African safari and battled through an Egyptian treasure hunt.

Featured Rides Include:

· Flying School – a suspended steel coaster that lets kids experience the thrill of flight

· Driving School – a “real-life” driving experience for children ages 6 through 13, where kids receive their official LEGOLAND driver’s license

· Safari Trek – explores the wilds of Africa and features gorgeous, life-like LEGO animals

· Lost Kingdom Adventure – LEGOLAND Florida’s spectacular dark ride invites guests to fire laser blasters at targets and brave the rugged Egyptian landscape in all-terrain roadsters, while attempting to unearth the vast treasures of a forgotten empire

Laying the Foundation for Education at LEGOLAND® Florida

Central Florida’s Newest Theme Park Takes Teaching out of the Classroom

Winter Haven, FL (August 17, 2011) – What does 50 million LEGO® bricks plus an exciting educational curriculum equal? An educational field trip to LEGOLAND® Florida!

When LEGOLAND Florida opens its gates on October 15, the fun is just beginning with 50 rides, shows and attractions. From learning about how structures are made and what makes them strong in Tall Towers to Amazing Machines where students build their own amazing machine equipped with gears, levers, pulleys and motors, teachers can find just the right program to match what they’re learning about in the classroom.

“By showcasing math and science in a fun and interactive way at LEGOLAND Florida, we are aiming to change the way our students view these sometimes difficult subjects,” said Kim Isemann, Director of Sales and Marketing. “LEGOLAND Florida is a hands-on, interactive theme park and we think education should be no different.”

With seven educational programs incorporating STEM and the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, LEGOLAND Florida is dedicated to affordable extracurricular education.  Each of the seven programs is seasonally priced and starts at $5 per student and includes a 45-minute educational session and a full-day at the park. Field trips start in November. Programs can be booked now by appropriate school officials by calling 1.877.350.LEGO.

Earlier this year, LEGOLAND announced a one-of-a-kind partnership with University of South Florida Polytechnic that offers every 2nd grade public school student in Polk County the chance to participate in one of the seven programs free of charge.

Also just announced is a complimentary Standard Annual Pass for all active Florida teachers. This Annual Pass allows Florida teachers to experience first-hand the benefit of adding a LEGOLAND field trip into their curriculum. Teachers must visit http://florida.legoland.com/freeteacherpass to register for the Pass and for redemption instructions. Teachers can receive their pass on specially designated Annual Pass Processing Days at LEGOLAND Florida, September 16, 17, 23 & 24 from 10a.m. – 5 p.m. and September 18 & 25 from noon – 5 p.m.

Field trip programs include:

v  Tall Towers (Grades K-3): Students learn about how structures are made and what makes them strong and then test their creation on an earthquake table.

v  Funtastic Gears (Grades K-2): Students build a theme park ride using gears to alter the speed and direction.

v  Get Moving (Grades 2-5): Students build a car and predict which car will win the race and why – all while learning about friction, inertia and wind resistance.

v  Energy Lab (Grades 2-6): Students build a solar-powered car where they collect, store and transfer the solar energy to power their vehicle.

v  Amazing Machines (Grades 3-6): Students build their own amazing machine equipped with gears, levers, pulleys and motors.

v  Dr. Heartbeat (Grades 3-6): With students at the helm, “Dr. Heartbeat” and other NXT-bots complete in a variety of life-saving operations and medical procedures using a computer, light & sound sensors and motors.

v  Adventure Bot (Grades 3-6): Students can go on a mission using Adventure-bots to retrieve golden marble treasures and hide them from the treasure hunters using a computer, light and sound sensors and motors.

Actor Atticus Shaffer at LEGOLAND Florida

POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA -- Actor Atticus Shaffer who plays adorably quirky “Brick” on ABC’s “The Middle,” worked his first-ever summer job at LEGOLAND® Florida, an all-new family theme park under construction just outside Orlando.  Calling it his “best day ever,” Shaffer tested rides, built LEGO® models and whipped up kid-inspired snacks with the park’s executive chef.  Opening October 15, 2011, LEGOLAND Florida will provide interactive entertainment for families with children ages 2-12.

(PHOTO/LEGOLAND Florida, Merlin Entertainments Group, Chip Litherland).

Enjoy the beauty of the Botanical Gardens at LEGOLAND® Florida with a Senior Garden Pass

Park launches weekday annual pass for the senior set

Winter Haven, FL (August 5, 2011) – In true tribute to the generation that adored Cypress Gardens, LEGOLAND® Florida has announced an annual pass for any guests 60 years of age and older. The Senior Garden Pass allows our mature guests access to all of LEGOLAND Florida for less than the cost of a single-day admission ticket.  When LEGOLAND Florida opens on October 15, the interactive family theme park will be 150-acres of more than 50 rides shows and attractions geared towards families with children ages 2-12 – and grandparents too!

For just $60 plus tax, seniors can enjoy the beauty of the botanical gardens at LEGOLAND Florida year-round.  This weekday annual pass includes parking and access to the park Monday-Friday for an entire year.

“We are thrilled to offer our distinguished guests an annual pass tailored just for them,” said Kim Isemann, Director of Sales & Marketing.  “At LEGOLAND Florida, we are incredibly proud of our heritage and especially the beautiful gardens.  This specialty pass was designed to allow seniors the experience they’ve told us they wanted – access to the botanical gardens.”

The Senior Garden Pass is now available online at www.LEGOLAND.com.  When the park opens on October 15, guests will also be able to purchase at the park’s front gate.

LEGOLAND® FLORIDA HIRING ACCELERATES AS GRAND OPENING APPROACHES

Central Florida’s Newest Theme Park To Hire 800 Remaining Employees Before October 15 Opening

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (June 1, 2011) – Imagine being one of LEGOLAND Florida’s Model Citizens (the Park’s affectionate term for its employees) poised at the front gate on October 15 welcoming the very first guest through the turnstiles at the 150-acre family-fun theme park. That person could be one of the remaining 800 Model Citizens selected in the massive hiring spree starting at LEGOLAND Florida, Central Florida’s newest theme park.  Those interested in positions in operations, food service and retail may apply online at www.LEGOLAND.com/jobs starting now.

LEGOLAND Florida will have more than 50 rides, shows and attractions when the family theme park opens on October 15.  From ride operators who safely launch the iconic Dragon Coaster to line cooks who create delicious Granny’s Apple Fries, the Park will be filled with a total of 1,000 employees at opening.  With the Park being focused on entertaining families with children ages 2-12, hiring responsible and friendly employees is a top priority.

“Customer service and a kid-focused approach are two key attributes we’re looking for in a LEGOLAND Florida ‘Model Citizen,’” remarked Teresa Vaughn, director of Human Resources. “We call our employees ‘Model Citizens’ because that’s what we expect.”

“With the unemployment level in Polk County at 10.8% as of April 2011, we are thrilled that LEGOLAND Florida has decided to call Winter Haven home,” Paula Bohnstedt assistant director for Polk Works. “I truly believe LEGOLAND Florida will be the catalyst we need to launch continuous growth and success in Polk County.”

Due to the high number of jobs being offered, all applications must be submitted on-line through the jobs portal. For applicants without computers, Polk Works or local libraries are great options for publicly accessed computers. Once selected, candidates will participate in assessments to evaluate how well they work in a team. For more information: www.LEGOLAND.com; Facebook.com/LEGOLANDFlorida and Twitter @LEGOLANDFlorida.

LEGOLAND Florida offers sneak peek of new park construction

LEGOLAND® Florida today provided area media a behind-the-scenes look at construction taking place at Central Florida’s newest theme park.  LEGOLAND officials released aerial footage that shows the size and scope of the 150-acre park, unveiled a conceptual map outlining the 10 themed zones and reiterated that construction is on target for an October debut.

Currently LEGOLAND Florida annual passes during the park’s inaugural year are available for $99, but pricing for the 15-month ticket will increase May 1.

LEGOLAND Florida is a 150-acre, full-day family theme park designed specifically for families with children ages 2 to 12.  The largest LEGOLAND Park in the world, it features more than 50 family rides, shows and interactive attractions, restaurants, shopping and beautiful botanical gardens.

Senior Leadership Team In Place at LEGOLAND® Florida

Theme Park on Track for 1,000 New Hires

WINTER HAVEN, FL (Feb. 15, 2011) – With the appointment of the last five directors at LEGOLAND® Florida, the 150-acre theme park is positioned to hire the remaining employees – anticipated to reach 1,000 by the park’s October opening. Geared to families with children ages 2 through 12, the full-day theme park will employee Model Citizens (the Parks affectionate term for employees) to staff the 50 rides, shows and attractions.

“After interviewing internal and external candidates from around the globe, I know that we’ve hired the absolutely best leadership team possible,” said Adrian Jones, LEGOLAND Florida’s General Manager.  “With this excellent team now in place, we can begin filling the park with Model Citizens.”

Jan Mahoney has been tapped as the Director of Operations. Joining the Florida team from LEGOLAND California, Jan is a native Floridian who moved to California in 1998 to open the LEGOLAND park in Carlsbad.  Previously, Jan spent 14 years in a variety of escalating operational roles at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Kim Jensen has been chosen to be the Director of Food and Beverage. Moving to Central Florida from LEGOLAND Deutschland, Kim has been with the LEGOLAND Parks for 23 years after starting his career in a popcorn stand at LEGOLAND Billund.

Teresa Vaughn joins the team as Director of Human Resources and carriers 20 years of theme park experience from Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando. Her most recent position was working in Polk County at Bunch & Associates.

Erik Hendrickson is the new Director of Retail and joins the opening team with 15 years experience in the retail business including stints at Universal Studios and LEGO®.   While on the LEGO team, Erik was responsible for overseeing operational support for 25 retail store locations and warehouse facilities.

David Johnson is moving to Central Florida from one of Merlin Entertainments Group UK resort theme parks, Warwick Castle, to become LEGOLAND Florida’s Director of Finance.  David’s brings 15 years of experience in the leisure and attractions sector.

The five directors join Kim Isemann, Director of Sales & Marketing and Jim Miller, Director of Ride Maintenance on the leadership team reporting directly to Adrian Jones. Both Kim and Jim have been in their roles since last year. All current and future job postings can be found at www.LEGOLAND.com/jobs.

LEgoland® Florida Chooses orlando Public Relations Agency

Thompson Wesley Wolfe Named Agency of Record

WINTER HAVEN, FL (Feb. 4, 2011) – After an extensive search, LEGOLAND® Florida has selected Thompson Wesley Wolfe (TW2) as its public relations agency of record.  The firm will work closely with the park’s internal team to manage proactive and reactive publicity efforts for the 150-acre interactive theme park currently under construction in Central Florida.

“The team at TW2 impressed us with their deep knowledge of the theme park industry and their creative approach to promoting our park in particular,” said LEGOLAND Florida Director of Sales and Marketing Kim Isemann.  “But it was their energy and passion that ultimately made the difference.  We’re confident we’ve chosen the best agency for the job ahead.”

Orlando-based TW2 has been charged with creating a high level of awareness about LEGOLAND Florida among families with children between the ages of 2 and 12.  The team will work directly with travel and family media to share news and updates, and will help create events both at LEGOLAND Florida and in key U.S. cities to promote the park’s opening in October.

“When the park debuts in nine months, it will become the first major U.S. theme park to open in the past 10 years,” said Isemann.  “We anticipate a great deal of interest in that story, and we will be working overtime to ensure a strong, successful opening.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to be working on such an amazing project and with such a great team of people,” said TW2 CEO Lorri Shaban.  “The park has so many assets, the most powerful of which is its universally known and beloved brand.  Our challenge will be to leverage that brand to generate awareness, anticipation and ultimately ticket sales for the park.” 

LEGOLAND® FLORIDA EXTENDS SPECIAL PRICING

Discounts on General Admission and Blackout-free Annual Passes Extended Through April

Polk County, FL (January 5, 2011) -- Due to popular demand, LEGOLAND® Florida has extended its discount on general admission tickets and Standard Annual Passes through April 2011.  Central Florida’s newest full-day, family theme park, scheduled to open in October 2011, announced the extension after a hugely successful December sales period.  Formerly expected to end on December 31, 2010 – guests will now be able to get the special rate through April 30, 2011.

“Our strong sales numbers have proved to us that people are excited about the opening of LEGOLAND Florida,” Director of Sales and Marketing, Kim Isemann stated.  “By extending these special rates through the early spring, we want to allow our future guests the opportunity to lock in their tickets and annual passes before the Park opens.”

Available only at www.LEGOLAND.com, general admission tickets are $65 for adults and $55 for children and seniors.  Standard Annual Passes are offered at the children’s prices of $99 with no Blackout Dates!  Plus Annual Passes and Ambassador lifetime passes are also available at the non-discounted rates of $159/$129 and $2,500 respectively.  These passes includes unlimited admission, discounts on preferred parking, special events, plus discounts on food and merchandise. (Prices do not include sales tax.)

15 Months of LEGOLAND® Florida – a Theme Park Fan's Perfect Gift

Last Minute Gift Ideas From
Central Florida’s Newest Theme Park

POLK COUNTY, FL (Dec. 14, 2010) – Santa and his elves are driving into Central Florida this year on their LEGO®  sleigh as LEGOLAND®  Florida prepares for a joyous holiday season.  The full-day family theme park will continue to offer a pre-opening discount on its one-day tickets and Annual Passes through the end of 2010.  This is a limited-time offer that will allow families who plan on visiting the interactive theme park to save approximately $50 per pass, while providing something exciting for the family to open Christmas morning.

“We’re giving families who want to visit the theme park extra incentive to plan early with this incredible pre-opening offer,” Director of Marketing and Sales Kim Isemann comments.

LEGOLAND Florida’s Standard Annual Pass is being offered at a discounted rate of $99.00 + tax. The purchase of an Annual Pass during this promotional offer will allow pass holders entrance to LEGOLAND Florida the first three months the theme park is open in 2011, and will also include unlimited admission the entire 2012 year.

LEGOLAND Florida will be unlike any other theme park in Florida offering more than 50 rides, shows and attractions within ten lands.  The ten different lands of LEGOLAND Florida are The Beginning, Fun Town, Miniland USA, Castle Hill, Land of Adventure, XTreme, LEGO City, Imagination Zone, Pirate Cove and DUPLO®  Village. Activities abound in each of the ten lands where kids can get their own driver’s license or become the captain of a ship, take charge on a LEGO-themed dragon coaster or even become part of the action in a pirate live-action water stunt show

The limited-time pre-opening discount on all ticket and pass products for LEGOLAND Florida will be available for a limited time and may be purchased online now at www.LEGOLAND.com.

LEGOLAND® Florida Announces First Park Partner

Pepsi Beverages Company Named
Official Beverage Provider for Theme Park

POLK COUNTY, FL (December 8, 2010) – LEGOLAND® Florida and Pepsi Beverages Company (“PBC”) have reached a multi-year agreement that will make PBC the official beverage provider of Central Florida’s newest full-day theme park.  The family Park, opening October 2011, is proud to partner with PBC on this hallmark union.

“This partnership is the beginning of a tremendous relationship between LEGOLAND Florida and Pepsi,” said LEGOLAND General Manager, Adrian Jones.  “We are excited to welcome PBC into the LEGOLAND family, and know that the partnership between these two quality brands will be a great success for both companies.”

“LEGOLAND Florida will be an important addition to the tourism landscape, and at Pepsi, we’re thrilled to be in on the ground-level of such an enormous endeavor,” said Tom Shull, vice president of foodservice in PBC’s Southeast Business Unit.  “When the doors open, LEGOLAND Florida guests will be able to enjoy the Park experience with a cold Pepsi beverage in hand.”

As part of the overall agreement, Pepsi brands will be exclusively available in the 150-acre theme park and PBC will provide significant marketing funds to help promote LEGOLAND in several region-wide promotional campaigns.  In addition to PBC’s hallmark brand, Pepsi, LEGOLAND will prominently feature the company’s healthy choices with Tropicana & Dole juices and Aquafina bottled water.   PBC’s exclusive pouring rights will offer guests a wide range of products from their broad beverage portfolio, including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Max, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, Tropicana Lemonade and Aquafina bottled water.

LEGOLAND® Florida opens in October 2011 and will be a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12.  With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun! There are currently four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world.  For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.

LEGOLAND® Florida Construction Recycling

From Concrete to Palm Trees - Park Reuses Assets

POLK COUNTY, FL (November 18, 2010) – LEGOLAND® Florida is preventing 18,000 tons of concrete slab from entering Florida’s landfills by crushing the existing sidewalks and foundation into stones and powder.  The Park has contracted with an outside company to operate a 15 ton machine to “chew up” concrete and sort it into several different sized bits.  Once crushed, the gravel will be re-used in the Park as a base layer for the new sidewalks thorough Central Florida’s newest full-day family theme park.

“It’s important to us at LEGOLAND Florida to make as little environmental impact as we build Central Florida’s newest full-day family theme park,” said General Manager of LEGOLAND Development, John Ussher.  “By recycling and reusing the concrete already on the property, we’re not only saving 18,000 tons of slab from area landfills, but doing what’s right for our business.”

Other ways the Park is reusing assets is with tree restoration and relocation.  660 oaks and palm trees from the property’s former adventure park area have been moved to an alternate location for the duration of construction.  Once the diggers and back-hoes have completed their job, the trees will be relocated to their new home in LEGOLAND.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grWGx9tMR8I

LEGOLAND® Florida Selects PCL as Design-Builder

POLK COUNTY, FL (Aug. 5, 2010) – Following a rigorous search, LEGOLAND Florida has chosen PCL Construction Services, Inc. (PCL) as the builders for Florida’s newest family theme park.  LEGOLAND® Florida opens in fall 2011 and will be a 145-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12.  With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun.

“Merlin Entertainments Group is confident that PCL is the right company for this enormous job,” said John Ussher, LEGOLAND General Manager of Development.  “PCL’s quality standards, along with their attention to detail and incredible safety record make them our company of choice.”

“We are committed to the success of LEGOLAND Florida, and appreciate the confidence Merlin Entertainments Group has placed in our firm,” said Deron Brown, Vice President and District Manager.  Once finished, LEGOLAND Florida will be transformed into Florida’s newest family theme park with a mix of rides, shows, attractions, restaurants and shops – the perfect full-day experience for families with children. “PCL is thrilled to be awarded such a unique project,” said Bob Hopfenberg, PCL’s Director of Business Development.

PCL is one of the top entertainment builders in the country according to Engineering News Record Magazine.  With over 200 entertainment projects completed by the Orlando district, PCL has a diverse and extensive design build and fast track entertainment background that includes rides, roller coasters, simulators, aquariums, restaurants, retail and support facilities for numerous major Orlando theme parks.  PCL is a 104-year-old firm with 27 office locations throughout North America and an annual construction volume exceeding $6 billion.

PCL’s design-build partner for LEGOLAND Florida is Morris Architects, a leader in entertainment design. PCL and Morris have a long and successful history of working together on entertainment projects throughout Central Florida. Founded in 1938, Morris Architects has established itself as an award-winning, planning, and full-service architectural design practice with offices in Orlando, Houston, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Hong Kong.

Due to the high-volume of interested sub-contractors, PCL has created a specific email address to collect proposals.  All sub-contracting queries should be sent to PCL via legolandinfo@pcl.com

General Manager Announced for LEGOLAND Florida

Adrian Jones Steps Into Lead Role
at Florida’s Newest Family Theme Park

POLK COUNTY, FL (Aug. 2, 2010) – LEGOLAND® Florida continues to build its team at a rapid pace in order to open in fall 2011 and today announced Adrian Jones has been appointed as General Manager with his duties beginning immediately.

Jones has had a fantastic career within Merlin Entertainments.  Most recently, Jones served as Divisional Director of Midway Attractions in the Western United States, responsible for LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas and Madame Tussauds Hollywood -- which was the first Madame Tussauds attraction ever to be built from the ground up in 200 years. Jones has worked in leisure attractions for more than 20 years and has done everything from selling ice cream to being a General Manager that has driven attendance and visitor satisfaction in his attractions. His experience will prove to be a tremendous force in guiding LEGOLAND Florida into being one of the best theme parks in the world.

During the construction phase of LEGOLAND Florida, Jones will work closely with John Ussher, Merlin Entertainments’ General Manager of Development for LEGOLAND.  “Adrian is a talented manager and we are thrilled that he has accepted the opportunity to run Florida’s newest full-day theme park,” said Ussher.
                       
“Having worked for Merlin all over the world, I know the quality expected and I’m excited to bring a LEGOLAND park to Florida.  I can’t wait to see the expressions on visitors’ faces when they see what we have in store for them,” said Jones.  “Merlin is a major global attraction operator with proven expertise at running theme parks. It is a compelling brand with a huge emphasis on guest satisfaction that is unparallel in this day and age.” 

Opening in fall 2011, LEGOLAND Florida will be a 145-acre family theme park geared specifically for children ages 2 to 12. There will be more than 50 interactive rides, shows and attractions including amazing LEGO® models making it unlike any other attraction in Florida.

Jones is a graduate of Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom and is moving to Polk County with his wife Sarah who is a certified nurse and midwife.

LEGOLAND Florida opens in fall 2011 and will be a 145-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12.  With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun! There are currently four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world.  For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLANDFloridaResort.com