Do you have a Legoland Park bucket list?

[Legogal]

Well, I finally made it to LL Florida after canceling the trip three times due to a bad neck. The weather was gorgeous last Monday, and my AFOL Dan offered a free pass and toured the Park with me mentioning recent changes. That was a huge help because it is a very large Park. I focused on Miniland and the shops during four hours there. If you go as an adult, a day or two should do it. With kids, two days would be better. Beware that Duplo part is still closed if you are taking toddlers.

Other notes:

-The vegetation is lush and mature as much of the Park was planted when it was Cypress Gardens over 70 years ago. There is a lot of shade under the tall trees, and the flowers are just lovely. If you have a choice, spring and fall are the recommended times to visit because it can be cold in the winter and summers are almost tropical.

-Leftover from CG are the waterskiing arena and shows and the huge greenhouse. These take extra time.

-There are 14 shops within the Park. They will take your purchases to the front to pick up on departure, but allow at least two hours or your goods will not be at the gate. We learned the hard way!

-Take a hat, long sleeve shirt and sunscreen. Bad cases of sunburn were evident all over, especially among the British visitors. This skin damage can be permanent and deadly.

-Allow at least three hours for your return to the Orlando airport if you are flying out. 2:40 was was not enough, and I missed my flight home by ten minutes due to horrendous lines at the rental car check in, Southwest counter because boarding pass computers were not working, security lines, etc. This required another overnight stay, a real bummer. If that happens, go online and try to reserve a room at the Marriott Renaissance just two miles away with a 24/7 shuttle which allowed me to leave at 5.30 AM and make my 7.20AM flight the next day. I found a rate of $100. which was amazing for the peak FL season.

-Do spend time in the Extreme Shop where they discount many of the items and sets 30-50 per cent. My friend found some Haunted House sets on discount there; I bought a few small items on sale, too. It is hit or miss in this store. Last time he found nothing to buy. He lucked out our Monday visit because they had just restocked.

-Avoid weekends and holidays if possible as it is easier to see without crowds. The Monday visit was wonderful because the Park was not crowded. There were a lot of 5 to 7 years old school groups, but not many families.

-And have fun by all means because it is an expensive trip but worth it. My total included $230. airfare from Raleigh, $60. for a one day rental car from Thrifty, $325. for two nights of hotel, and $100. on small items in the Park. We did not have time to eat in the Park.

I am posting three sets of Miniland photos. The first is of the Florida builds, which were excellent in general. Two areas were very weak. Miami's South Beach draws millions of visitors every year and deserves a display about ten times the size of what is shown. Same with Key West.

Here is the first flickr link to the Florida builds: http://www.flickr.co...57642369175505/

The second flickr link is to the Washington DD and Las Vegas builds: http://www.flickr.co...157642428780334

The third flickr link is to the Pirates builds: http://www.flickr.com/photos/120386613@N04/13185379805/in/set-72157642421676354

Enjoy!

Edited March 16, 2014 by Legogal

[KringlesBricks]

I'd really love to go to Legoland Billund - hopefully I can save up for that trip one day. Mainly because it is the original park and that's where Lego was "born".

I've been to the California and Florida parks a few times already. Now that Legoland Florida has the gardens open...I'd like to see the animal models in the gardens

[rodiziorobs]

Taking my first trip to LL CA in about a month, I am pretty excited. Probably as much (if not more) than my 5-year old. Best thing is that they have a deal now where if you pre-book one day, you get a 2nd free. As if I needed an excuse for another day...

[WhiteFang]

Nice topic, Legogal.

For myself, I am far from completing all of them, but as of now, I have only been to Legoland Malaysia as it is the only nearest Legoland from where I reside. I hope to visit some of them in the near future.