LEGOLAND New York: LEGO fans start spreading the news

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LEGO brick building fans just jumped for joy. LEGOLAND New York will be a reality and it’s time to start spreading the news.

LEGO is an iconic brand. Who hasn’t spent hours building and creating with LEGO bricks? Even the mini-figures have been featured in movies and video games. Now, the Northeast has the opportunity to enjoy even more LEGO fun with LEGOLAND New York.

Merlin Entertainments has announced that LEGOLAND New York is going to be a reality. Set to open in 2020, the New York theme park will operate seasonally from April through November. Although some community groups voiced concern over the theme park’s construction, Merlin Entertainments Group responded to those concerns and looks to build a working relationship with the surrounding community.

The theme park announcement was met with excitement from local school children and LEGO enthusiasts. The New York theme park location joins the other worldwide LEGOLAND locations, including Florida, California, Malaysia, United Kingdom and Dubai.

For those people who haven’t been to a LEGOLAND, the theme park is more than just LEGO bricks. The New York theme park is projected to feature over 50 rides, shows and attractions. Using themed lands, guests feel like they are stepping into their favorite LEGO sets and characters.

Always a popular feature is the LEGO Miniland. These displays feature iconic landmarks built completely from LEGO bricks. From buildings like the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, the New York Miniland should feature some of the state’s favorite and most well-known locations.

LEGOLAND New York to open in 2020, photo provided by Merlin Entertainments, LEGOLAND

While the LEGO bricks are a huge draw for LEGO fans, ride enthusiasts have found that LEGOLAND is an industry leader. At last year’s IAAPA conference, the LEGOLAND 4D rides received many accolades. These theme park rides incorporated gaming technology into a thrilling, family friendly experience. Who doesn’t want to gain the high score for bragging rights? Plus, the gaming aspect encourages riders to come back time and again to improve their score.

Although the complete list of LEGOLAND New York theme park rides weren’t announced, families should expect a selection of family friendly attractions. Smaller roller coasters, a LEGO racetrack and a 4D movie theater are likely attractions. The theme park should have experiences for the target age range of 2 to 12.

In addition to the theme park, Merlin Entertainments announced that a LEGOLAND Hotel will be built near the theme park. Unlike the theme park, the LEGOLAND Hotel will be open year-round. The hotel is designed to spark children’s imagination with LEGO. With LEGO models throughout the hotel and other little surprises, the LEGOLAND Hotel can make a trip to LEGOLAND New York totally immersive experience.

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Let the countdown to LEGOLAND New York begin. Until the doors open, get out your LEGO sets and build what you think a portion of the theme park might look like. LEGOs are about creativity, right? Maybe you could be the next theme park creator.