Why is Winter Haven called the Water Ski Capital of the World?

Winter Haven earned the nickname because of its famous water ski shows, ideal lake conditions, and significant role in the development and promotion of water skiing throughout the 20th century.

What was the connection between Cypress Gardens and water skiing?

Cypress Gardens became internationally famous for its water ski shows on Lake Eloise. These performances attracted visitors from around the world and helped establish Winter Haven as a water skiing destination.

Can you still see water skiing in Winter Haven today?

While the original Cypress Gardens ski shows are no longer performed, Winter Haven remains closely connected to water sports and recreational activities on its Chain of Lakes.

What lakes are part of Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes?

Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes consists of numerous interconnected lakes throughout the city, including Lake Eloise, which was home to the famous Cypress Gardens ski shows.

Is LEGOLAND Florida located on the former Cypress Gardens property?

Yes. LEGOLAND Florida Resort is built on the historic Cypress Gardens property and preserves important pieces of the site's history, including the Botanical Gardens.

Is a hotel stay included with LEGOLAND Florida tickets?

Hotel stays are booked separately from park tickets. Vacation packages bundle both the park and hotel together. For most families, the package route offers the best overall value.

What are the best themed hotels for families in Florida?

There are three hotels at LEGOLAND Florida Resort to choose from. The LEGOLAND Hotel , Pirate Island Hotel, and Beach Retreat . All three feature fully immersive rooms with separate kids’ sleeping areas , daily LEGO gifts, and interactive entertainment.

What are the different programs and entertainment at the hotels at LEGOLAND Florida Resort?

Every hotel has its own themed entertainment program. Every stay at a LEGOLAND Florida hotel includes activities, character appearances, and evening events. You can see a full list of activities and events in the hotel entertainment guide .

Do LEGOLAND Florida hotels have entertainment for older kids?

Master Model Builder workshops are always a big hit with older kids. They build alongside professional model builders and take the finished model home. There’s also lobby build challenges, arcade rooms and pool.

Is the water park free with my hotel stay?

Yes, our current offer allows guests to enjoy FREE Water Park access with their hotel stay and save up to 20% on rooms for Florida & Georgia residents. Stays from $158 per person, per night. Book by August 24, 2026 for stays through November 1, 2026.

What can you do at LEGOLAND Florida when it rains?

You can enjoy indoor rides like LEGO® NINJAGO® The Ride, Galacticoaster, and Lost Kingdom Adventure, as well as build zones and indoor shows. Many restaurants and shops also remain fully open during rain.

Is LEGOLAND Florida still fun on a rainy day?

Yes, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is designed with many indoor attractions, making it highly enjoyable even during heavy rain. Guests often experience shorter wait times and more relaxed indoor exploration.

Is Ferrari Build & Race indoors at LEGOLAND Florida?

Yes, LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race is a fully indoor interactive attraction where guests build LEGO® race cars and test them on digital and physical tracks. It is one of the best rainy-day activities in the park.

What rides are indoors at LEGOLAND Florida?

Indoor rides include LEGO® NINJAGO® The Ride, Lost Kingdom Adventure, Galacticoaster, and The LEGO® Movie™ Masters of Flight. These attractions operate in climate-controlled environments ideal for rainy weather.

Does LEGOLAND Florida close during rain?

Most rain showers do not close the park, but certain outdoor rides may temporarily pause during lightning or severe weather. Indoor attractions remain open, allowing guests to continue enjoying their visit safely.

Is Brick or Treat included with LEGOLAND® Florida admission?

Yes. Brick or Treat is included with regular admission and select Annual Passes on event dates.

What is new at Brick or Treat in 2026?

New experiences include Brick or Treat Street, and the Potion Mischief Light Trail, along with expanded Halloween entertainment throughout the park.

Is Brick or Treat scary?

No. Brick or Treat is designed specifically for families with younger children and focuses on playful Halloween fun instead of frightening experiences.

When does Brick or Treat take place?

Brick or Treat runs on select dates from September 5 through October 31, 2026.

What age is Brick or Treat best for?

The event is designed primarily for families with children ages 2–12, although LEGO® fans of all ages can enjoy the seasonal entertainment and activities.

Is LEGO Festival one of the best festivals for kids?

Yes. LEGO Festival combines hands-on LEGO building, live entertainment, themed Play Zones and rides, making it one of the best festivals for kids looking for a full family day out.

Is LEGO Festival a good summer activity for kids?

Yes. LEGO Festival offers live shows, Play Zones, LEGO building and family entertainment, making it a popular summer activity for kids.

Looking for summer holiday activities for kids near me?

LEGO Festival at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a popular choice for families looking for summer holiday activities for kids near London and the South East.

Is LEGO Festival a family-friendly music festival?

The Music Zone features Battle of the Bands, DJ GoodVibes and interactive entertainment, giving families plenty of music-filled fun throughout the day.

What music activities can children enjoy?

Children can sing, dance, enjoy live performances, meet LEGO characters and join interactive entertainment in the Music Zone.

Are there activities for children that combine music and dance?

Yes. The Music Zone combines music, dancing and creative play through interactive performances and family activities.

Can we experience LEGO Festival and the rides in one day?

Many families enjoy both LEGO Festival and the Resort's rides in a single day, depending on queue times and the experiences they choose.

Is LEGO Festival running at all LEGOLAND theme parks?

No, the LEGO Festival is a limited event available only at select parks. You can experience the festival—including the headline LEGO F1 zone, live entertainment, and exclusive build activities—at the following locations: United States: LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND California, and LEGOLAND New York UK: LEGOLAND Windsor and LEGOLAND Deutschland Asia: LEGOLAND Shanghai Please check your specific park's official events page for exact dates, operating hours, and ticket information, as schedules vary by resort.

Is Florida good for last-minute summer vacations?

Yes, Florida is one of the best destinations for last-minute travel due to its high availability of hotels, attractions, and flexible ticketing options across the state.

What makes LEGOLAND Florida Resort ideal for spontaneous trips?

LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers on-site hotels, easy ticket access, and a compact layout, making it simple to plan even a same-week vacation.

What is the LEGO Festival at LEGOLAND Florida Resort?

The LEGO Festival is a seasonal event featuring creative build zones, live entertainment, and interactive experiences. More details are available here: LEGO Festival at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

What is Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort?

Galacticoaster is an indoor, space-themed roller coaster experience that combines storytelling and thrills in a climate-controlled environment.

What attractions are near LEGOLAND Florida Resort?

Nearby Merlin Entertainments attractions include SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, The Orlando Eye, PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida, and ICON Park’s Carousel on the Promenade.

What was the Florida Pool at Cypress Gardens?

The Florida Pool was a famous swimming pool built in the shape of the State of Florida at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven. It became one of the attraction's most photographed and recognizable landmarks.

Why was the Florida Pool famous?

The Florida Pool became famous because of its unique design, which mirrored the shape of Florida. It appeared in postcards, travel guides, advertisements, and family vacation photographs for decades.

Can you still see the Florida Pool today?

The Florida Pool remains an important part of Cypress Gardens history and is remembered through photographs, stories, and historical records connected to the property that is now LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

What made Cypress Gardens unique?

Cypress Gardens combined beautiful botanical gardens, world-famous water ski shows, iconic attractions like the Florida Pool, and family-friendly experiences that helped establish Florida as a tourism destination.

Is LEGOLAND Florida built on the former Cypress Gardens property?

Yes. LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened on the historic Cypress Gardens property in Winter Haven and continues to preserve elements of its rich history, including the Botanical Gardens.

Did Elvis Presley visit Cypress Gardens?

Yes. Elvis Presley visited Cypress Gardens during its golden era, joining the many celebrities who helped make the attraction one of Florida's most famous tourist destinations.

What movie was filmed at Cypress Gardens?

The most famous movie filmed at Cypress Gardens was MGM's Easy to Love (1953), starring Esther Williams. The production led to the construction of the iconic Florida-shaped swimming pool that still exists today.

Did Johnny Carson visit Cypress Gardens?

Yes. Johnny Carson visited Cypress Gardens and hosted the 1968 NBC television special Johnny Carson Discovers Cypress Gardens, which introduced the attraction to millions of viewers across America.

Can you still see Cypress Gardens today?

Yes. Much of the original Cypress Gardens remains preserved within LEGOLAND Florida Resort, including the Historic Botanical Gardens, Giant Banyan Tree, Wedding Gazebo, Lake Eloise shoreline, and the famous Florida Pool.

Why is Cypress Gardens important to Florida history?

Cypress Gardens helped put Florida tourism on the map decades before the modern theme park era. Through movies, television specials, celebrity visits, and national publicity campaigns, it introduced millions of people to the Sunshine State.

Does LEGOLAND® Florida Resort offer free military tickets?

No. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort does not offer free military admission as part of its standard Military Offer. Instead, eligible U.S. military members, veterans, military spouses, dependents, and military families can receive 20% off select tickets and select LEGOLAND® Florida Resort hotel stays. Military guests can purchase discounted admission through the official LEGOLAND® Florida Military Offer or through participating military Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) offices. Be sure to check the current offer before purchasing, as promotions and eligibility requirements may change.

Does LEGOLAND® Florida offer a military discount?

Yes. Eligible U.S. military members, veterans, and military families can receive 20% off select tickets and hotel stays through the official LEGOLAND® Florida Military Offer.

Who qualifies for the military discount?

The offer is available to eligible: Active Duty Military Veterans National Guard Reserve Members Military Spouses Eligible Dependents Military Families Eligibility requirements may vary, so be sure to review the current offer details before purchasing.

What's included with a Multi-Park Ticket?

A Multi-Park Ticket includes admission to: LEGOLAND® Florida Theme Park LEGOLAND® Water Park SEA LIFE Florida It's the best option for families who want to experience everything the resort has to offer in one visit.

Can military members save on LEGOLAND® Florida Resort hotels?

Yes. Eligible military guests can receive 20% off select hotel stays at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, making it easier to turn a day trip into a multi-day family vacation.

Where should I purchase military tickets?

For the latest pricing and eligible offers, purchase through the official LEGOLAND® Florida Military Offer or check with your local military Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) office.

What are the best summer activities for kids at LEGOLAND Florida?

Popular summer activities include LEGO Festival, LEGOLAND Water Park, LEGO building experiences, family rides, live shows, character meet-and-greets, MINILAND USA, and the new Galacticoaster attraction.

How many days should families spend at LEGOLAND Florida in the summer?

Many families choose a two-day or weekend visit to experience the Theme Park, Water Park, LEGO Festival, SEA LIFE Florida, and Resort hotels without rushing. This allows more time for rides, water attractions, and seasonal entertainment.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort Blog: Events, Tips & Family Fun

Saturday July 25^th 2026

Discover how Winter Haven earned its title as the Water Ski Capital of the World through legendary Cypress Gardens ski shows and how that thrilling legacy lives on today at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.

Friday July 24^th 2026

Looking for the best photo spots at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort? From the iconic entrance and historic banyan tree to MINILAND USA, LEGO® Ferrari 296 GTS, GALACTICOASTER, and colorful themed lands, discover the most Instagrammable places to capture unforgettable family memories. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, these picture-perfect locations are guaranteed to fill your camera roll with bricktastic moments.

Thursday July 23^rd 2026

Discover why a multi-night LEGOLAND Florida stay is the perfect theme park hotel vacation experience, with the best themed hotels for families.

Wednesday July 22^nd 2026

Don't let a Florida downpour dampen your vacation! From high-energy indoor roller coasters like Galacticoaster to hands-on creativity at LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race and weather-proof 4D movies, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is packed with indoor attractions that keep the family dry and entertained. Read on to discover the ultimate rainy-day strategy, top indoor rides, and hidden play zones that make a stormy day the perfect time to visit!

Tuesday July 21^st 2026

Halloween fun is getting even bigger at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort! Brick or Treat returns on select dates from September 5 through October 31, 2026, with the all-new Brick or Treat Street, featuring interactive LEGO® Monster homes, candy, live entertainment, the Monster Skytacular drone show, and family-friendly Halloween adventures included with admission. Discover everything that's new for this year's brick-tastic celebration.

Monday July 20^th 2026

Learn more about LEGO® Festival with this visitor guide, including FAQs, Play Zones, live entertainment, LEGO® building activities and useful information for families.

Monday July 20^th 2026

Plan the perfect last-minute summer trip in Florida with LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, themed hotels, LEGO® Festival, Galacticoaster, and top Orlando attractions including SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and ICON Park.

Saturday July 18^th 2026

Discover the fascinating history of the Florida Pool at Cypress Gardens, one of Florida's most iconic attractions and a beloved part of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort history.

Friday July 17^th 2026

Long before Florida became synonymous with massive theme parks, Cypress Gardens attracted Hollywood stars, musicians, television hosts, athletes, and even royalty. Celebrities including Elvis Presley, Esther Williams, Johnny Carson, and Betty Grable helped make the Winter Haven attraction one of America's most famous tourist destinations. Today, visitors to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort can still explore many of the same historic gardens and landmarks that welcomed movie productions and famous guests for decades.

Thursday July 16^th 2026

Planning a family vacation to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort? If you're an active-duty service member, veteran, reservist, or military family, you may qualify for exclusive savings on tickets and hotel stays. This guide explains everything you need to know about the official LEGOLAND Florida Military Discount, including eligibility, how to purchase discounted admission, and tips for making the most of your visit.