Legoland Orlando: Secrets To Beat Lines, Save Money and Have Fun (2024)

After several visits to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, sometimes referred to as LEGOLAND Orlando, we have some awesome tips to ensure your vacation is the best it can be — even tips on how to score LEGOLAND discount tickets.

All those years of visiting Florida theme parks, even our kids know you have to go in with a plan or you’ll just spend your day (and your money) wandering.

Here’s our best secrets to beating the lines, saving money, and having fun at LEGOLAND near Orlando, Florida.

WHERE THE HECK IS LEGOLAND FLORIDA?

Many people wonder where LEGOLAND Florida is because it’s not really in Orlando proper; it’s in Winter Haven (still Central Florida), just 45 minutes from Orlando and Tampa. It’s a vacation destination built for kids 2-12, and even older ones in my opinion.

You might also know it as the location of the old Cypress Gardens botanical garden, which was famous for their southern belles and water ski shows. And yes, LEGOLAND Orlando does a fantastic water stunt show, carrying on the Cypress Gardens tradition.

It’s an easy drive from Atlanta to LEGOLAND Orlando. We always drive, but if you are interested in flying, our friends at Go To Travel Gal can tell you how to fly free with the Southwest Companion Pass.

SHOULD YOU STAY AT A LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT?

For me, staying on property at one of the Florida theme parks is the only way to go.  If you feel the same, check out our post on which of the three Legoland hotel properties are best for your family.

There are many advantages to staying on property, and being only 130 kid steps from the park entrance is the best! 

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO IN THE PARK?

TAKE A RIDE ON THE NEW PIRATE RIVER QUEST

NEW IN 2023: A new ride has opened at LEGOLAND Florida in January 2023 called Pirate River Quest, and it guarantees fun for the whole family.

Pirate River Quest is a boat ride for all ages (there’s no height requirement) where you and your crew can go on a quest for lost treasure. Along the way, you’ll encounter a sunken pirate ship, a Kraken, and other crazy LEGO creations.

SOAR ON THE NEW LEGO MOVIE™ MASTERS OF FLIGHT RIDE

LEGO MOVIE WORLD is now open, and the crowning gem is the new Masters of Flight ride. The first of its kind, and the first-ever in the world to embed a 180-degree turn in the ride experience, you’ll fly on a suspended journey aboard Emmet’s Triple Decker Couch. As you soar along, you’ll see what it’s like to soar through a world made entirely of LEGO bricks via full-dome virtual screen.

Experience three new rides in this Bricksburg expansion, including the Masters of Flight flying theater, Unikitty’s Disco Drop family-friendly drop tower, and Battle of Bricksburg water ride. Then, grab a bite to eat at Taco Everyday or meet Emmet, Wyldstyle and Unikitty!

Masters of Flight was our kids’ favorite ride during our last visit — even beating out their previous favorite, LEGO Ninjago and Flying School!

TRAVEL THE COUNTRY IN MINILAND USA

See all the iconic cities and landmarks in the USA built out of thousands of LEGO bricks in Miniland USA. Our favorites include Las Vegas, with the coolest replicas of the Paris Las Vegas hotel and Eiffel Tower…and Kennedy Space Center, with a shuttle and launch pad. 

DON’T START AT THE BEGINNING

This is more of a tip than a ride or attraction, but nonetheless important.

Want to avoid crowds? Start at the back of the park and work your way forward to the park entrance. You’re side-stepping the crowds, and closer to your hotel at the end of the day!

BUILD YOUR OWN RAFT

Don’t skip the LEGOLAND® Water Park; you’re going to love taking a ride around the lazy river! If the kids are looking for something a little more active, have them splash, play, and take on the multiple water tube slides.

BRING YOUR MINIFIGURES

LEGOLAND calls their employees Model Citizens, and they are all equipped with Minifigures! Your kids will love trading popular Lego figurines. It’s the perfect souvenir.

CONQUER THE DRAGON ON THE DRAGON COASTER

We love The Dragon coaster because it is a great first roller coaster (40 inches to ride), but still incredible for older kids and adults.

It starts inside the castle, then heads outdoors for 2000 ft of rail and a 30-ft drop! Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for the steam-breathing LEGO dragon!

FIND YOUR LICENSE TO RIDE

Kids 6-13 can get their very own LEGO driver’s license at Ford Driving School! They’ll learn the rules of the road and have fun doing it.

HOW CAN YOU SAVE BIG MONEY ON LEGOLAND TICKETS

There are lots of theme parks in Florida, but a trip to LEGOLAND is a must for any LEGO lover, especially those with children who are tweens and younger. But theme park visits can be expensive, and LEGOLAND tickets are no exception (though they are substantially better than most). 

Below are six money saving tips — including where to get LEGOLAND discount tickets–  that will stretch your wallet, plus some additional resources to plan your day at LEGOLAND and ensure you get the most value bang for your buck.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE & EARLY

You’ll always save when you buy tickets early. Even if you literally drive up to LEGOLAND as a last-minute decision, don’t buy tickets at the counter…pull out your iPhone and buy them on the LEGOLAND site to save.

TRY DISCOUNT TICKETS

You’ll find military discounts available on the LEGOLAND website or coupons in the magazines at Florida hotels, but the deal sites typically offer better offers. See below for our list.

A 365AtlantaTraveler reader suggested looking on the back of packages of LEGOs for tickets. She found them on the mini-figure packs at Target. If you homeschool, Kat recommends going on homeschool days. They saved BIG on their tickets that way.

But our favorite way? Deal sites.

Our favorite deal site? Undercover Tourist.

• Theme Park and/or Water Park Tickets
• LEGOLAND Resort Hotel
• LEGOLAND Beach Retreat

PURCHASE PARKING ONLINE

Save $2 by purchasing your parking online at the LEGOLAND Florida site before you arrive.

BROWN BAG IT

LEGOLAND has some great dining options and works hard to offer choices for those with allergies or gluten free needs, but to save money, you may want to pack your own lunch. There are lockers at the park entrance to store your picnic until lunchtime.

If you don’t want to do that, consider leaving the park for less pricey dining options. You may re-enter the parking with a valid parking stub during the same day of your visit.

HOLD ON THE SOUVENIRS

The LEGO sets are so tempting, but resist the urge to give in to your child’s pleas. You’ll find the merchandise at cheaper prices outside the park. Remember the Minifigure trades? Those are our favorite souvenirs.

Just don’t bring your character figures; most figures that the staff have are generic, and you wouldn’t want to trade your prized Star Wars LEGO figure or LEGO Nexo Knight for them.

HOW CAN I SKIP THE LINES?

We mention above working the park from back to front, but here are a few additional tips to avoid the lines and maximize the time you have at the park.

GET THERE EARLY

As with most Florida theme parks, to avoid lines you want to get there early — even a half hour before the park opens. This gives you time to park, go to the bathroom, put on sunscreen and whatever last minute preparations you need, so you are completely ready to enter the park when it opens.

GO TO THE BACK AND WORK YOUR WAY FORWARD

It’s worth repeating. Assuming you get to the theme park early as we suggested above, head to the back and work your way forward. Most people go to the right when they enter a theme park, not back. This shift will allow you to do the popular LEGOLAND rides at the back of the park before the crowds hit.

STAY AT LEGOLAND HOTEL

We said it before, but it’s worth mentioning again, guests leveraging accommodations receive early admission to the park. This is a perfect time to get in some of those rides that form long lines during the day (especially the coasters) while also enjoying unique themed rooms that kids (and adults!) love.

YOUNGER KIDS? HEAD TO THE FORD DRIVING SCHOOL

If this is something your kids want to do, head here immediately. Loading for this ride is painfully slow, which means the line is continuous and gets longer as the day progresses.

And don’t miss Duplo Valley – the perfect space for youngsters, with play areas they will love and plenty of shade!

OLDER KIDS? HEAD TO THE GREAT LEGO RACE

Our older kids loved the coaster The Great LEGO Race. It’s the perfect mix of roller coaster thrills and virtual reality.

You’re thrown into the center of an action-packed road rally where they are the star of a rollicking race against several LEGO Minifigure competitors – all while taking an exciting roller coaster ride.

DON’T MISS FLYING SCHOOL

Right behind the Ford Driving School is Flying School, a roller coaster where your feet dangle.

This ride entrance is easy to miss. Perhaps it’s because we went on a slower day, or because we got there in the morning, but we rode this coaster twice without a wait, and loved it.

COASTERS HAVE LONG LINES? COME BACK NEAR CLOSING

My friend Jennifer Hutchinson @mami2mommy recommended that if there was a long line at the Coasterasaurus, to wait until closer to park close and try again.

We did this and the line went from 60 minutes to about five.  Perfect!

ANY OTHER LEGOLAND ORLANDO TIPS? 

GET THE APPLE FRIES

Everyone I know raves about the apple fries. These are baked apple slices with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top and a side of whipped cream, what’s not to like?

Granny’s Apple Fries is located at the front of the park, so pick them up on the way in or out. If you miss these (or just love them so much) reader Jean-Francois Roman sent this recipe for Apple Fries. If you make them, let me know what you think.

EAT HEALTHY(IER)

I will say, LEGOLAND Orlando gets an A+ for theme park food. You’ll find something for everyone in your crew. The Ninja Kitchen Food Truck is a great spot to get food that you may not usually think of when you think of theme park snacks. At this spot inside LEGO NINJAGO World, you’ll find spring rolls, bao buns, and more.

If you’d rather save some money, LEGOLAND allows guest to bring in food and drinks. There are lockers at the front of the park, so you don’t have to carry your picnic all day.

LEVERAGE PACKAGE PICK UP

If you purchase something at any of the gift shops, LEGOLAND has package pick up, which means you can send your purchases to the front of the park and pick them up on the way out instead of  hauling it around the park with you.

LEGOLAND FLORIDA FAQ

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO FLORIDA

• YOUR FLORIDA VACATION
• DISNEY COASTERS: 9 Thrilling & Fun Disney World Roller Coasters
• DISNEY TIPS: 80 Best Disney World Tips For A Magical Vacation
• HARRY POTTER: Harry Potter World Florida: Secrets For The True Fan
• SEAWORLD ORLANDO: 40+ Secrets For An Amazing Visit