Luxury Among LEGOS: a Central Florida vacation destination built for a kid but pleasing for adults
Jun 26, 2017 05:44PM ● By Kevin
LEGOLAND Motel is just outside LEGOLAND Florida, about an hour east of Tampa. The nexus is built for kids with parents in mind. Photo by Mandy Carter.
A LEGO-obsessed kid or adult will find a dream destination located in Winter Haven, Fla.
LEGOLAND Florida now offers two unique hotels, a theme park divided into themed worlds and a waterpark, creating an amazing kid-friendly vacation. There is no longer a need to cram a LEGOLAND trip into one day. Book one of the unique on-site hotels to enjoy some adult relaxation and luxury amidst a world of Legos.
By staying at one of the on-site hotels you will enjoy some extra benefits, including early access to the amusement park and a complimentary breakfast buffet. Each resort is designed with a theme that will excite any kid while creating an atmosphere of fun, sun and safety to relax the parents.
Where to rest your head?
A beach or a castle – you decide!
LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, a village-style hotel, opened in April at LEGOLAND's Florida Resort. First of its kind among the seven LEGOLAND resorts worldwide, the Beach Retreat is a different experience from the first LEGOLAND Florida hotel. The brightly colored bungalows are located on the shores of Lake Dexter, a fresh water lake in Central Florida.
The extraordinary family vacation experience begins with a drive-through check-in; you receive your room key without even getting out of the car. When you do step out of the car, you will first notice the beautiful breeze blowing off the lake. The hotel is divided into coves with 83 bungalows offering private patios perfect for enjoying a family game or morning coffee while the kids play on the cove's playground. The beach-like zero-entry pool is the spot to be with a large playground and adjacent fenced-in sandy area, providing a great spot for family fun. Volleyball, sand castles and swimming can all be enjoyed while parents relax on colorful beach chairs. This pool is a great place to enjoy their tropical drinks from Bricks Beach Bar while being extremely toddler-friendly. The expansive pool full of floating LEGO blocks is shallow, with three lifeguards on duty and life vests available.
If you get enough of the beach atmosphere already but are looking to bring imagination to life, then the five-story LEGO Castle is sure to impress. While the more expensive option, the fun starts the moment you step into the original LEGOLAND Hotel. The lobby is a massive play space for kids! From the giant LEGO pit where they can build away and place their creations on a trophy shelf to the enormous LEGO castle with the LEGO ogre, drawbridge and play area. The castle and LEGO pit can be seen from the Skyline Lounge, so parents can relax over dinner and a drink while children play in view. This hotel is the first to have its own Master Model Builder Workshop where guests can build exclusively with Model Builders daily. The interactive elevator to your room, creates a ride to your room complete with flashing colored lights, sounds effects, and music. Each floor has a dedicated Pirate, Adventure, Kingdom or LEGO Friends theme, which is evident everywhere, from the carpeting to the more than 2,000 LEGO models on display, including at least eight in every room.
An overnight stay makes it easier and more relaxing to enjoy everything that the LEGOLAND theme park and water park has to offer. Despite which of the two hotels you choose, many benefits remain the same like early admission to the LEGOLAND theme park, enabling you to be the first to enjoy many of the popular rides, including the new NINJAGO World. There are a number of rides designed for preschoolers up to adults, a variety of shows, Miniature LEGO Land and imagination station where imagination is unlimited. Cypress Gardens is also hidden in the back but an excellent way to take a break from the theme park with a peaceful stroll in the shade. Throughout the year, a number of special events take place from holiday specials like Brick or Treat to the popular Star Wars days. In the warmer months, the water park is the perfect way to cool off in a safe and fun setting offering rides and play space for even the youngest visitor.
LEGOLAND theme parks are recommended for children ages 2 to 12. Although a lot of the rides and attractions are too mature for a 2-year-old, some things are absolutely perfect for toddlers. With all the special kid-focused features and décor at the two LEGOLAND hotels, there is no doubt that this Florida destination was built for kids with parents in mind.
Written by Mandy Carter, a local mom with a passion for family travel, a popular travel blogger including her own family blog at Acupful.com and the Digital Content & Engagement Editor for TOTI Media.
