Latest news with #LegolandFlorida
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shark, stingrays, fish arrive as Sea Life Florida at Legoland plans June 6 opening
The first marine animals have arrived at Sea Life Florida at Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven as the aquarium prepares for its grand opening June 6. The resort posted images of a reef shark imported from Germany, now residing in its main oceanarium, called a Theme Park Under the Sea. The new residents include clownfish, cownose stingrays and unicorn tangs, Legoland Florida said in a news release. 'This moment marks the shift from construction site to conservation site,' Sarah McMahon, curator at Sea Life Florida, said in the release. 'From building walls to building connections between people and the ocean. Every fish, ray, and shark that arrives is a chance to spark curiosity and inspire care for our planet.' Sea Life Florida will have more than 25 interactive exhibits, including a stingray bay, hands-on rockpools, and 10 underwater-themed galleries. The aquarium will be fully ADA accessible, and Sea Life Florida aspires to earn a designation as a Certified Autism Center, a resort-wide initiative, the release said. Annual passholders will be given exclusive early access on May 23, ahead of the official grand opening. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Marine animals arrive as Sea Life Florida plans June 6 opening
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Animals get into swim of things at new Sea Life Florida aquarium
The first animals have joined the tanks at the upcoming Sea Life Florida Aquarium in Winter Haven. Among the initial inhabitants are a black-tip reef shark named Pretzel, who was born and raised in a Sea Life attraction in Oberhausen, Germany. 'It's a whole team effort, from transport logistics to habitat checks. A lot goes on behind the scenes to make sure animal arrival is smooth and safe,' Marie Collins, regional head of conservation welfare and education, said in a video released by the attraction. Epic Universe: Exec mixes arts, engineering in theme park roles The aquarium will operate adjacent to Legoland Florida theme park in Polk County. Both are owned by Britain-based Merlin Entertainments Group, which also runs Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and Orlando Eye in Icon Park. The Winter Haven aquarium will feature more than 3,000 marine animals, including stingrays and big-belly seahorses. It will feature 25 interactive exhibits plus a 180-degree ocean tunnel that travels beneath sea life. The new attraction won't have a Lego theme but will include a 'Theme Park Under the Sea' display 'We'll continue to welcomes species in the weeks ahead as we build towards opening day,' Collins said. The grand opening is now scheduled for June 6; its website says a 'soft opening' will launch May 23. No rest for Mess Fest: Foam flies again at Orlando Science Center For more information, go to Email me at dbevil@ BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at
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 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
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Father, son meet for first time after 48 years thanks to genealogy
The Brief Terry Moore and his son, Mike Martinez, met for the first time after 48 years. Moore said he only recently found out he had a son and was anxious to meet him. Martinez said he's grateful to find his father after decades of searching. TAMPA, Fla. - There are all kinds of reunions at airports for short trips and longer journeys. Then there's Terry Moore of Inverness, who waited at Tampa International Airport on Thursday for a reunion 48 years in the making. What they're saying "My heart is beating out of my chest right now," said Terry, anxious for the arrival of his first child. "I'm a father. At 75 years old, I find out I'm a father," said Terry. Terry and his wife, Mary, never had children of their own, but just five days ago, they found out that a brief relationship Terry had before they got married led to a son he never knew he had. "I just never expected any of it," he said. As any father in Terry's position would be, he hasn't been able to contain his excitement. READ: Legoland Florida's SEA LIFE Aquarium will introduce kids to the wonders of the sea "I go to the bank, I tell them. I go to the hardware store, I tell them. I go to the post office, I tell them," he said. Mike Martinez has been on one of those longer journeys, trying to find Terry. "He's 48. He's been looking for me since he was 9 years old," said Terry. Mike used and worked with a genealogist to eventually find a relative, who shared the news with Terry. "I called him up and said, 'I hear you're looking for a dad,'" said Terry. The connection was undeniable. READ: Pinellas County deputy rescues 8 orphaned baby opossums "His fiancé asked what she could call me, Mr. Terry? And I said 'No, I've always wanted someone to call me Dad. So this is what we are doing," said Terry. Five days later, Mike was on his way from Houston to Tampa to meet his dad for the first time. "My whole life," Mike said when talking about his long wait. The two spoke on the phone every night since they first connected. "We just clicked. You know, we've just been really, really close since then. So I'm glad to have this moment," said Mike. Mike said he and his fiancé plan to start a family of their own soon, so it was important for him to finally find his father. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "I want to know everything. You know, I got a lot of a lot of catching up to do. I got a whole backpack full of pictures," said Mike. During the years when Mike was looking for them, Terry and Mary ran their own treasure hunting business. For Terry, this is the find of a lifetime. "I've never even dreamed of it. I mean, this is way out of the ordinary. To find out that somebody really wanted to be with me, they hunted for me for 40 some years. That gets you in the heart," said Terry. As Terry and Mike talked over the phone, they found out they have many similarities: a shared sense of humor, riding motorcycles, a love of hot rods, and they are both entrepreneurs. They're sure to discover more similarities during their first face-to-face visit. The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
