Latest news with #FionaEastwood
Fox News
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Legoland announces 'first-of-its-kind' indoor roller coasters with $90M price tag
Theme park operator Merlin Entertainments recently announced visitors will be able to ride new, "first-of-its-kind" indoor roller coasters at its Legoland Florida and Legoland California resorts. The rides will set a record as the largest single in-park investment at the resorts. The company is investing about $90 million in the two attractions geared toward families with children, ages 2 to 12. "As we prepare to unveil this exciting new attraction designed, co-created and imagined by the amazing creative team at the Lego Group and the unmatched talent of our Merlin Magic Makers, we hope the mystery and anticipation adds to awesome thrills to come," Merlin Entertainments CEO Fiona Eastwood wrote in a statement. Eastwood added the new coasters are "unparalleled" for Legoland resorts, "promising to elevate two of our premier Legoland Resorts to new heights, utilizing the latest technology and embracing the Lego DNA, as only we can do." The rides will launch at both resorts in 2026, and 70 workers have already started on the projects. Stephanie Bechara, Legoland Florida Resort spokesperson, told Fox News Digital 2,000 anchor bolts have been installed, 220 tons of rebar have been used and about 300 truckloads of concrete have been poured at the Florida resort. Photos of the construction show a massive area filled with rebar below giant machinery appearing to pour the concrete. Legoland Florida will also soon be opening its latest attraction, Sea Life Florida, featuring an aquarium with interactive exhibits. Sea Life, which opens May 23, will showcase thousands of sea creatures and contain 25 interactive exhibits that will allow children to touch the animals. Legoland California Resort President Kurt Stocks said the indoor roller coaster will be the first built in 20 years at the park. "This isn't just a ride. It'll be an exploration unlike any other," Stocks said. "We're sparing no expense to deliver the most innovative, interactive and captivating experience possible." Exclusive hints and sneak peeks about the new attraction will be shared on both Legoland Florida and California's social media channels and websites leading up to the opening of the attractions.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legoland California building park's first indoor roller coaster
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Construction has begun on Legoland California's newest ride: the theme park's first-ever indoor roller coaster. The roller coaster is one part of a $90 million expansion project Legoland's parent company, Merlin Entertainment, is undertaking at its Southern California and Florida resorts to bring its attractions 'to new heights,' according to its announcement of the groundbreaking on Tuesday. For Legoland California, the new roller coaster will be the first to be built at the theme park in nearly two decades. The last roller coaster added to the Carlsbad park was the Coastersaurus, which opened in 2004 in Dino Island — now called Dino Valley. Dollywood parent company expands into Southern California, acquires Raging Waters, Castle Park The new attractions at both the California and Florida theme parks are expected to launch sometime in 2026, although an exact date has not been released. 'As we prepare to unveil this exciting new attraction designed, co-created and imagined by the amazing creative team at the LEGO Group and the unmatched talent of our Merlin Magic Makers, we hope the mystery and anticipation adds to the awesome thrills to come,' Merlin Entertainment's CEO Fiona Eastwood said in a statement. While Merlin Entertainment did not disclose details about the new roller coaster in its announcement, the company last year presented plans to the Carlsbad Planning Commission for the introduction of a new 2.38-acre land inside the park, called 'LEGO Galaxy.' The cornerstone of the proposed land, which would feature an intergalactic theme similar to that of Disneyland's 'Tomorrowland,' was an indoor rollercoaster housed inside a 44-foot-tall, 32,000-square-foot Lego-themed 'space port.' 'This isn't just a ride, it'll be an exploration unlike any other,' Legoland California Resort President Kurt Stocks said of the roller coaster. 'We're sparing no expense to deliver the most innovative, interactive and captivating experience possible.' For the project, Merlin Entertainment needed permission from the planning commission to raise the building height up to 45 feet from its existing maximum of 35 feet. Legoland California, Madame Tussauds Hollywood offer free tickets for first responders According to the proposal submitted to the commission, the new 'LEGO Galaxy' land would also have a smaller, space-themed lift and spin-style ride akin to SeaWorld San Diego's Riptide Rescue, as well as retail options, a children's play area and other interactive attractions. To make way for the new land, Legoland California informed the commission it would move its longstanding 'Driving School' and 'Junior Driving School' to the area currently occupied by the 'Fun Town Police' and 'Fire Academy' attractions. The driving school attractions were temporarily shut down at the end of last year in preparation of the move. At the time, the theme park said the two would reopen in the new location sometime in 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven plans to launch indoor roller coast next year
Legoland Florida Resort plans to open an indoor roller coaster in 2026. Merlin Entertainments, the corporate owner of the Winter Haven theme park, announced plans to build roller coasters at both its Legoland Florida and Legoland California Resorts. Merlin expects to spend about $90 million on the two attractions, the largest in-park investments ever at the two parks, the company said in a news release. "As we prepare to unveil this exciting new attraction designed, co-created and imagined by the amazing creative team at the Lego Group and the unmatched talent of our Merlin Magic Makers, we hope the mystery and anticipation adds to awesome thrills to come," Merlin Entertainments CEO Fiona Eastwood said in the release. "These new coasters are unparalleled for Legoland Resorts, promising to elevate two of our premier Legoland Resorts to new heights, utilizing the latest technology and embracing the Lego DNA, as only we can do." The roller coaster is under construction at the former site of Lego Flying School, which closed in 2023. That ride contained some of the final remaining elements from its predecessor, the decades-old Cypress Gardens. Legoland Florida will open its Sea Life Aquarium on May 23. "While the details remain under wraps, one thing is clear," Legoland Florida Resort President Franceen Gonzales said in the release. 'This new ride will take our guests on an unprecedented adventure, setting a new standard for fun and imagination.' Legoland California Resort President Kurt Stocks said that the coasters will be 'the most innovative, interactive and captivating experience possible.' This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Legoland Florida plans to launch indoor roller coast next year
USA Today
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
A global festival for children: LEGOLAND is celebrating the power of playtime
A global festival for children: LEGOLAND is celebrating the power of playtime Show Caption Hide Caption Legoland New York uses almost 100,000 bricks to build massive creation It took more than 95,000 Lego bricks to build this taste of Legoland New York. USA TODAY LEGOLAND is launching a new festival in May celebrating play, creativity, and imagination. The festival will feature five interactive zones, 49 new LEGO models, and a "Play Pact" initiative. The festival begins on May 3rd and runs for six weekends, culminating on International Day of Play on June 11th. Playtime at home is usually limited to just a few hours, but this May, LEGOLAND is launching a brand-new global festival celebrating all things play, creativity and imagination. The LEGO Festival event is "one huge rally cry to the power of play" for families and is meant to be a child's first festival, according to a news release. It is being held in partnership with LEGO Group and Merlin Entertainments' LEGOLAND Resorts at seven LEGOLAND Resorts across five countries. Playtime is about more than just having fun; it has been found to be critical for a child's development of social-emotional wellbeing along with cognitive and self-regulation skills, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. "As a first festival for Merlin Entertainments, we wanted to be sure LEGO Festival is a place for fun and memorable experiences for the entire family, where imaginations can run wild and creativity knows no limits," said Fiona Eastwood, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, in the release. "LEGO Festival will embody what LEGOLAND is all about - play as a way of life." For the festival, the resorts will transform into five interactive zones that encourage play and imagination in different ways – music, creativity, dance, gaming and chilling out. LEGOLAND will also introduce 49 new big build LEGO models designed to inspire play. Inclusivity at LEGOLAND: LEGOLAND parks are becoming more autism-friendly. Here's how and what guests can expect. "At the LEGO Group, we believe that play is essential for every child's development and happiness," said David Buxbaum, Senior Vice President, LEGO Brand Parks & Experiences at the LEGO Group. "This is an invitation to families around the world to come together and experience the transformative power of play in a fun and engaging environment. We can't wait to see children and families create lasting memories at LEGOLAND Resorts around the world.' What is LEGO Festival? It's supposed to be "the most epic reminder to keep playtime a priority," according to the release. Guests will start their journey with a unique photo opportunity, and children will be given a special festival lanyard to explore all five immersive zones. At the end of the day, they'll make a "Play Pact" to "always keep playing." For every pact, Merlin Entertainments and the LEGO Group promise to help underserved children and their families enjoy playtime at LEGOLAND Resorts as well. When is LEGO Festival? The festival begins on May 3 and runs for six weekends until culminating at International Day of Play – a day adopted by the United Nations in 2024 to recognize the benefits of play – on June 11. Where is LEGO Festival? The festival will take place at: LEGOLAND Billund LEGOLAND California LEGOLAND Deutschland LEGOLAND Florida LEGOLAND Korea LEGOLAND New York LEGOLAND Windsor How much is LEGO Festival? The cost to attend LEGO Festival is included with regular admission into the resorts.
The Independent
17-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Alton Towers and Legoland owner confirms Fiona Eastwood as chief executive
The theme park giant behind Legoland and Alton Towers has appointed interim chief executive Fiona Eastwood to the top job on a permanent basis. Merlin Entertainments – which also counts Madame Tussauds and Thorpe Park among its attractions – said Ms Eastwood will lead the firm's 'transformational strategy' in the role. She became interim chief executive in November last year, replacing former boss Scott O'Neil, who left after two years at the helm to take on an undisclosed position elsewhere. Ms Eastwood has worked at Merlin for nearly a decade in a variety of senior roles, most recently as chief operating officer. Merlin said her appointment follows a 'robust' search including internal and external candidates. Ms Eastwood takes on the job ahead of a number of key launches later this year, including the first standalone Peppa Pig Theme Park next month, in America's Dallas Fort Worth. It is also preparing to open the first Legoland resort in Shanghai, China, in the summer. My task, as chief executive, is to lead Merlin to new heights, with a focus on performance, creativity, operational excellence and guest experience Fiona Eastwood Merlin Entertainments chairman Roland Hernandez said: 'Fiona has a deep understanding of the business, the strategies required for sustainable growth, and the vision to spearhead our ongoing transformation. 'As Merlin's former chief operating officer, she recognises the significant role each location plays in our ongoing success, and she will be instrumental in bringing our global attractions together into one united business.' Ms Eastwood said it is 'an honour' to take on the job. 'My task, as chief executive, is to lead Merlin to new heights, with a focus on performance, creativity, operational excellence and guest experience,' she said.
