Ride Profile
www.parkworld-online.com Arrr aboard!
Susan Storey sets sail on Legoland Florida Resort’s brand- new Pirate River Quest
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torytelling, Florida’s natural landscape and treasure come together to make Legoland Florida Resort’s newest attraction fully float. The new Pirate River Quest has been a labour of love for the park, beautifully blending its
origin and history with Lego’s signature characters and colourful bricks. Before Legoland Florida Resort opened in 2011, the property was home to
Cypress Gardens, Florida’s first theme park. Originally opening in 1936, the park was known for its stunning botanical gardens, water ski shows and boat rides through the garden’s canals. Prior to the Magic Kingdom opening in Lake Buena Vista, Cypress Gardens was once the most popular destination in the state, even tying with the Grand Canyon in number of visitors in 1963. When Merlin Entertainments Group took over the location, the company
focused on bringing the beloved toy brand, and the success of existing Legoland parks, to Florida. Even with the installation of larger-than-life models, the intricate Miniland, creative rides and quirky characters inspired by Lego, the park still maintained the original garden. Rex Jackson, managing director, North America Legoland Resorts, shared:
“We’ve been operating the pedestrian view from the garden’s pathways since we opened. Guests have been able to walk through the gardens to see foliage
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from all over the world including the incredible giant Banyan tree that was planted in 1939.” And while the gardens have always been open to guests, investment has
been nominal, with the focus on growth through adding rides and attractions to the park and water park, building hotels and more. However, the seed to do more with the gardens was planted, waiting for the right season to bloom. “The idea to bring back boats to the canals on the waterways of Cypress
Gardens has been a passion project of mine for several years,” Jackson continued. “And it began with investing in the waterways themselves. 90% of the original seawalls had to be replaced in preparation for creating and opening Pirate River Quest.” While officially in development for three years, the ride experience had
been in the planning and approval stages for almost five years. “Legoland Florida Resort has always understood the strong love generations
of guests have for Cypress Gardens, especially the local Winter Haven community. As we developed this attraction, we wanted something that honoured the traditions and nostalgia associated with the park, but was entirely new, and very much a Legoland experience.”
JANUARY 2023
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