Latest news with #Lego-themed
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Europe's first Lego-themed waterpark reopens for summer and you can fly there for £17
One Sun Writer described their visit as being "one of the best family breaks" SPLASH ABOUT Europe's first Lego-themed waterpark reopens for summer and you can fly there for £17 THE first LEGO-themed waterpark in Europe has officially re-opened for the summer season. Gardaland itself is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe, with the only themed aquarium in Italy and a Peppa Pig land. 5 Gardaland in Italy has re-opened its water park 5 There are huge Lego figures around the park And in 2019, Gardaland opened the first, and only, LEGOLAND-themed water park in the world. The waterpark has been closed through the winter months, but from May 31, 2025, has started to welcome visitors back to the pools and flumes. It's a great place to cool down during the summer months, especially for any fans of Lego. The water park has taken a lot from the parks, including its own Italian Miniland. The recognisable Miniland is the heart of every Legoland Park where visitors can see the most iconic landmarks from across the world. Gardaland water park also has its own lazy river called the River Adventure, a slow-moving river. Visitors can bob down the slow-moving water attraction on a dinghy customised with Lego bricks. From there, you can actually see Miniland depicting Italy and spot a Lego-brick built Colosseum, Tower of Pisa, Basilica and Bell Tower of St. Mark's Square. Also in the water park is a Beach Party - with its seven slides and a huge tipping bucket of water. Also in the park is the Pirate Bay swimming pool, as well as a pirate fortress, as well as Jungle Adventure waterslides and Beach Party cannons. Huge indoor-outdoor waterpark in Europe has 12 slides, lazy river and bars 5 Jungle Adventure has lots of waterslides 5 There's a lazy river with Lego-inspired dinghies For younger kids, there's the Duplo splash park, which has smaller water rides and attractions. Creation Island is the spot to go to for any kids who want to make their own Lego designs. Souvenir shops and restaurants will also be opening in the park. The water park is a real hit with visitors, one wrote on Tripadvisor: "The park is phenomenal and the water park is absolutely amazing." One even said it gives "I loved the jumanji ride, and the kids loved legoland water park." Another said that the water park is the perfect place to "cool down" in the summer. With Ryanair, one-way flights from the UK to Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona start at £17. From there, Gardaland is a 25-minute drive towards the coast. One Sun Travel writer lives in the water park capital of the UK - and you can visit five of the country's best for £8. Plus, the tropical indoor UK water park that families say 'feels like a holiday abroad' with 30 attractions. One Sun Travel Writer Had The "Best Family Holiday Maria Realf visited Garaland with her family - and it's safe to say she had an incredible holiday... As the ride began to climb, the two views before me were dramatically different. To my right, the serene turquoise waters of Italy's Lake Garda. On my left? A steep drop and a double loop-the-loop. I'd stumbled across Gardaland in spring while trying to book a last-minute trip to Disneyland Paris. Don't get me wrong, I love a Disney park — but this time, faced with high prices and the possibility of French strike disruption, I decided to take a chance on somewhere new. The result? One of the best family breaks we've ever had. On arrival, the next pleasant surprise was the lack of long queues. Most waits were 10-20 minutes. But while the resort might have been short on queues, it's certainly not short of fun. There's plenty for all ages here, from Fantasy Kingdom and a small Peppa Pig Land for little ones, to adventure attractions including the latest Jumanji ride and white-knuckle thrills galore. My personal picks were epic log flume Fuga da Atlantide and the Mammut coaster, which reminded us of Disney's popular Big Thunder Mountain. During the warm summer months until mid-September, guests can also cool off at Legoland Water Park — a 15,000-square-metre area within Gardaland. Explore the Lego River Adventure with its floating rafts, the Beach Party packed with slides, or the Duplo Splash zone for younger visitors. If all that has worked up your appetite, there are lots of places to eat dotted around, from sit-down restaurants to takeaway kiosks - Maria Realf
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Brave lad, 8, who suffers with underdeveloped arm tries out new prosthetic arm made with Lego design & real blocks
Tobi's prosthetic arm features pictures of Lego blocks and two real ones he can stick other pieces to ARM AND A LEGO Brave lad, 8, who suffers with underdeveloped arm tries out new prosthetic arm made with Lego design & real blocks A YOUNG lad tries out his new prosthetic arm — made with a Lego design and some real blocks. Tobi, eight, had the limb created specially for him at the Portsmouth Enablement Centre. Advertisement 3 Tobi tries out his new prosthetic arm — made with a Lego design and some real blocks Credit: Solent 3 Tobi, eight, had the limb created specially for him at the Portsmouth Enablement Centre Credit: SWNS He has been a visitor to the unit since he was just six months old to help with his underdeveloped arm. The team works with patients to personalise designs using lamination techniques. Tobi's features pictures of Lego blocks and two real ones he can stick other pieces to. Mum Debra said: 'The care he receives is phenomenal. Advertisement "They really listen to what Tobi wants and do everything they can to make it happen. "His new Lego-themed arm has been amazing - not only is it helping with everyday tasks, but he loves showing it off. "Most importantly, the team always makes sure Tobi feels included every step of the way. "We couldn't ask for better care, and we're so thankful for everything they do." Advertisement Lucy Riddle, Prosthetics Clinical Manager at PEC, added: "Every device we make is bespoke. "We work closely with each individual to ensure not only a comfortable fit, but also a design that reflects their personality. Astonishing footage shows world's first prosthetic hand controlled by magnets help amputee move 'simply by thinking' "Both are equally important to a person's confidence and wellbeing. "Our technicians enjoy being creative, whether it's crafting limbs with superhero designs or incorporating family photos, and the biggest reward is seeing the difference it makes to someone's life." Advertisement
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The evolution of Florida's iconic theme parks: a journey through time
As we approach the opening of Epic Universe, WFTV has put together a list of Central Florida's theme parks. Don't miss out on the chance to watch archive Channel 9 coverage of these beloved parks, showcasing their history and highlights. Also stay tuned for all the latest updates as we get closer to this thrilling new addition to the world of theme park. Founded by Owen Godwin near Orlando, Gatorland is a wildlife preserve known for hundreds of alligators and crocodiles. Visitors enjoy live shows, gator wrestling, and zip lines throughout the park. This classic Florida attraction is focused on native wildlife conservation. Cypress Gardens, opened by Dick Pope Sr. in Winter Haven, was Florida's first commercial theme park, famous for botanical gardens and water ski shows. Legoland Florida replaced it in 2011, offering Lego-themed rides and family attractions for kids 2-12. Located in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista, created by Walt Disney's company, Magic Kingdom is the first park at Walt Disney World Resort. The park was inspired by Disneyland's design, with themed lands like Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, and Fantasyland. Magic Kingdom is known for Cinderella Castle, iconic rides like Space Mountain, and a spectacular fireworks show. George Millay and partners founded SeaWorld as a rehabilitation program to help injured or orphaned animals. The park features marine life exhibits, animal shows, and thrill rides. It also aims to educate guests about ocean conservation through interactive experiences. Circus World in Haines City opened in February 1974. The park was sold several times and finally closed in May of 1986. It was remodeled and reopened as Boardwalk and Baseball in 1987, but closed due to low attendance in 1990. EPCOT opened in October 1982, celebrating technology and culture. The park features Future World's innovations and World Showcase's 11 country pavilions, which offer authentic food and entertainment. EPCOT is dedicated to celebrating human achievement, technological innovation, and international culture. One of Disney's water parks, Typhoon Lagoon, opened in 1989 and features a giant wave pool and themed slides. The theme park story involves a storm wrecking a tropical paradise. Originally Disney-MGM Studios, it spotlighted movie-making magic. It was the third of four parks built at Walt Disney World. The park hosts lands like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land. Themed as a ski resort melting in Florida heat, Blizzard Beach opened in April 1995 as the third water park. Its theme is the 'Disney legend' of a freak snowstorm in the area, and it becomes Florida's first ski resort. Universal Studios opened on June 7, 1990. It was the first of three theme parks to open at Universal Orlando Resort. The park was created to bring Hollywood movies to life. Universal Studios Florida offers rides based on films like Jaws, Transformers, and The Mummy, plus live shows and immersive experiences. The park operates annual events such as Halloween Horror Nights, where the park transitions to a Halloween theme featuring haunted houses and scare zones on select nights. Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, and was the fourth theme park built at the Walt Disney Resort. The park is dedicated and themed around the environment and animal conservation. The theme park features Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, and Pandora – The World of Avatar with groundbreaking attractions. Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, along with CityWalk, opened on May 28, 1999, as part of a significant expansion that turned Universal Studios Florida into Universal Orlando Resort. Islands of Adventure is designed around the concept of exploration, with each section of the park representing a different themed island, such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. SeaWorld Aquatica opened on March 1, 2008, and is themed to the southern Pacific and features Australian and New Zealand-based animal mascots. Some rides feature passing through animal attractions. Universal Volcano Bay Water Theme Park is a tropical-themed water park. It replaced Wet' n Wild as Universal Orlando's only water park and the third theme park overall. The water park introduced TapuTapu wristbands for virtual queueing and cashless payments. Centered around a volcano, it offers thrilling slides and immersive tropical theming. Universal's newest theme park, Epic Universe, is the first major new park in Central Florida in over 25 years. Featuring lands like Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon, it promises groundbreaking rides and immersive storytelling. WFTV will cover the grand opening week with exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes access. It's one of the most anticipated theme park expansions in Central Florida, which will open this week, and WFTV Channel 9 is your home for everything Epic Universe. This week, our team is bringing you in-depth coverage of Universal Orlando Resort's new theme park: Epic Universe. Channel 9 will show you sneak peeks inside its five immersive worlds. Journey to a Celestial Park between worlds at Universal's Epic Universe LIVE BLOG: Get your first look at Epic Universe Universal opens preview center for Epic Universe this summer Epic Universe district to get hundreds more acres Universal Orlando shares new details about 'Super Nintendo World' at Epic Universe Universal Orlando shares first look at Epic Universe, new theme park opening in 2025 Epic Universe hotel demand expected to mirror '4 or 5′ Harry Potter Wizarding Worlds Universal releases official first look inside Epic Universe Universal Orlando Resort will showcase 'portals' to Epic Universe in these major US cities Universal Orlando Resort announces Epic Universe add-ons for guests Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Buzz Feed
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
23 Awesome "The Lego Movie" Facts I Bet You Didn't Know
Remember The Lego Movie? The so-good-you-almost-can't-believe-it, Academy Award-nominated film that spawned a whole franchise turns 11 years old this year. Here are some cool behind-the-scenes facts about it: Mark Mothersbaugh, who was the main composer on Rugrats, wrote the score for The Lego Movie. The film racked in a whopping $468 million worldwide. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller planned to include R2-D2 in the film, but had to scrap him after a battle over ownership rights. However, they were able to work out a deal to have Anthony Daniels reprise his famous role as C-3PO for the film. The film's success will spawned three separate Lego-themed films: The Lego Movie Sequel, a direct sequel to the original film; The Lego Ninjago Movie, which will be based off the Lego Ninjago product line; and The Lego Batman Movie, in which Will Arnett reprised his role as the Caped Crusader. After the film dominated box offices, Lego profits skyrocketed by 15%. In 2014, approximately 62 billion Lego pieces were sold, which equates to about 102 Lego pieces for every single person in the world. Whoa. All Lego pieces in the film were digitally rendered, resulting in a total of 3,863,484 pieces. However, if the producers had chosen to make the film stop-motion animation, it would have taken 15,080,330 pieces. The "Where Are My Pants?" running gag parodied How I Met Your Mother. Phil Lord and Chris Miller were writers and executive producers for the show's first season. When the idea was initially pitched, Lego executives weren't interested. Their company was already doing very well, and they didn't want to risk it. They eventually changed their minds after reading the treatment by Kevin and Dan Hageman. The corporation Lord Business runs is called "Octan," which is a fictional brand of gasoline Lego created back in 1992. Morgan Freeman, who voiced Vitruvius, assumed he'd be doing scenes with the other actors, because he thought that's how animated movies worked. Nope. He ended up doing his part alone in a room. Posters in Emmet's apartment clearly reference 21 Jump Street, which Phil Lord and Chris Miller directed in 2012. Macho and the Nerd is actually the Russian title of that film. Consequently, both Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill from 21 Jump Street have cameos in the film as Superman and Green Lantern, respectively. This ended up making Phil Lord and Chris Miller battle with Warner Bros. about letting Superman and Green Lantern have a certain storyline in the film. Both Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Stone were considered for the main roles, but Chris Pratt and Elizabeth Banks ended up playing the parts. In an older draft of the script, Unikitty ends up with Batman. However, in another version, she ends up with Metal Beard. The directors wanted the Lego pieces to look used and played with, so they worked with their effects team to add fingerprints, fading, and scratches. No one ever says the word "Lego" during the entire movie. Chris Miller drew some of the artwork the characters use in the film. Liam Neeson insisted on doing his Good Cop and Bad Cop characters at the same time, instead of during separate sessions like the directors wanted. According to Will Arnett, Batman was chosen as Wyldstyle's boyfriend to make Emmet feel completely out of her league. No one can compete with Batman. Will Forte, who voiced Abraham Lincoln, actually played the president years earlier in the short-lived TV series Clone High. This show was created by The Lego Movie directors, Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Benny the spaceman's helmet is cracked in a certain spot because Lego's space-line products from the 1980s would tend to break in that exact location. Vitruvius' line, "Ah, we gotta write all that down 'cause I'm not gonna remember any of it, but here we go," wasn't originally in the script. It was only added when Morgan Freeman said it during filming because he was frustrated with all the line changes.
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.
