Parks Magic
LEGO Galaxy and Galacticoaster Blast Off at LEGOLAND Florida in $90 Million Expansion
News

LEGO Galaxy and Galacticoaster Blast Off at LEGOLAND Florida in $90 Million Expansion

Michael Travels
·
Published
·
Updated

LEGOLAND Florida Resort has officially launched into a new era with the grand opening of LEGO Galaxy, a fully immersive space-themed land anchored by Galacticoaster — the park's first indoor roller coaster since opening in 2011. The new land represents part of a massive $90 million investment by Merlin Entertainments across its North American LEGOLAND parks.

Galacticoaster grand opening ceremony at LEGOLAND Florida
The grand opening ceremony for Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND Florida. Image credit: Amusement Today

The Ride: Galacticoaster

Galacticoaster is unlike anything LEGOLAND has built before. The indoor family coaster reaches speeds of up to 40 mph and features a deeply interactive pre-show experience that puts kids in the pilot's seat.

Before boarding, guests use interactive touchscreens across four build phases — nose, tail, wings, and a special element — to customize their own digital spacecraft. With RFID wristband integration, there are an incredible 625 possible spacecraft combinations, making every ride feel unique.

Inside the Galacticoaster ride at LEGOLAND Florida
Inside the Galacticoaster experience. Image credit: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Perhaps the most groundbreaking feature is the first-ever animatronic LEGO Minifigure — a 3.5-foot talking and moving robot named Biff Dipper who briefs riders on their mission to save Earth from the "Asteroid of Probable Destruction." It's a charming, kid-friendly touch that sets the tone for the entire experience.

Beyond the Coaster: The Full LEGO Galaxy Land

LEGO Galaxy isn't just a single ride — it's a complete themed land with experiences for every age group:

  • Orbital Outpost — A themed retail shop packed with exclusive space-themed LEGO merchandise
  • Junior Astronaut Training Zone — A soft play area designed for the littlest explorers ages 1-4
  • Spaceport 885 — A celebration of 50 years of LEGO space themes, showcasing classic and new sets
  • Character Meet & Greets — Brand new LEGO Space Creature and LEGO Alien Dancer characters
LEGO Space Creature character meet and greet at LEGO Galaxy
The new LEGO Space Creature character greets guests in LEGO Galaxy. Image credit: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Limited-Time Food & Treats

The land also launched with space-themed food offerings including the Cookies & Cosmos Sundae and the Supernova Sandwich, available for a limited time at the land's dining locations.

Limited-time food and beverage items at LEGO Galaxy
Limited-time food offerings at LEGO Galaxy. Image credit: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

A STEM-Powered Grand Opening

In a fitting touch for a brand built on creativity, four young winners of a nationwide STEM contest were the first to ride Galacticoaster: Gabriel Hart (age 10, Orlando), Landon Bauer (age 11, Lakeland), Jovian Hinojosa (age 7, Hialeah), and Masha Novoa (age 9, Miami Beach).

LEGOLAND CEO Fiona Eastwood summed up the vision: "LEGO Galaxy is more than a new attraction. It's an immersive world where kids take the lead in building their own adventure."

What You Need to Know

LEGO Galaxy is now open daily at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven. The land and Galacticoaster are included with regular park admission. A California version of the land opens at LEGOLAND California on March 6, 2026.

With a $90 million investment behind it, this is the clearest signal yet that Merlin Entertainments is serious about competing in the Central Florida theme park landscape — and families with kids ages 6-12 have a major new reason to visit.

Mentioned in this story

Check out our guides for more on each place in this story:

Legoland Theme Park Galacticoaster

Related News

The Haunted Mansion Came Out From Behind the Scaffolding With a New Roof, Ashy Chimneys and Shrubs Still to Be Replanted

The Haunted Mansion Came Out From Behind the Scaffolding With a New Roof, Ashy Chimneys and Shrubs Still to Be Replanted

Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion is visible again. The scaffolding and most of the scrim were down by Friday morning, capping an exterior project that traces back to a December 2025 permit, and the building underneath has a new roof, ashy black detailing near the chimney tops and a dome finial that has gone from gold or bronze to a green patina. The shrubs and trees cleared to make room for the scaffolding have not been replanted yet.

July 31, 2026 News
SeaWorld Is Building an I Know What You Did Last Summer House for Howl-O-Scream, and the Fisherman Shows Up September 11

SeaWorld Is Building an I Know What You Did Last Summer House for Howl-O-Scream, and the Fisherman Shows Up September 11

SeaWorld announced Friday morning that Sony's slasher franchise is coming to Howl-O-Scream as a haunted house called I Know What You Did Last Summer: The Final Catch, opening September 11 in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio. SeaWorld says the house is based on the first film, the 1997 original, and walks guests through recreations of movie scenes and the events of the Southport massacre, with the vengeful Fisherman waiting around every corner.

July 31, 2026 News
New Stretch of Floridian Way Opens August 10 at Disney World, Shifting Traffic Near Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian

New Stretch of Floridian Way Opens August 10 at Disney World, Shifting Traffic Near Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian

On Monday, August 10, drivers at Walt Disney World move onto a newly built stretch of Floridian Way, putting all guest traffic into the southbound lanes between the Magic Kingdom parking lot and the Grand Floridian entrance. Two of the project's three roundabouts are already in, and temporary driveways will keep the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian's Island Tower and the wedding pavilion reachable.

July 31, 2026 News