LEGOLAND Florida with Young Kids: 5 Quick Tips from Local Parents
It may be over an hour’s drive from Orlando, but LEGOLAND Florida is worth it! Witnessing my young son go from being a teeny toddler to a preschooler to now school age while visiting this theme park has been something special. So what makes it worth the drive from Orlando? And what do you need to know before you go?
Come with me as I share five quick tips to make the most of your time (and money) at LEGOLAND. I’ll be sharing tips specifically geared toward families with young kids. And thankfully I have backup, members of our team have also visited a few times so we’re bringing some tried and true wisdom to you!
In Case You’re Interested:
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>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
Tips for Visiting LEGOLAND Florida
- Pick your top 3
- Check your child’s height
- Bring a refillable water bottle
- Start in the back and work your way up
- Use DUPLO Valley’s baby care room and indoor playground
1. Pick your top 3 must-do rides or experiences
There is no way you will do every single thing in the park in just one visit. It’s not worth the stress.
Decide on 3-5 attractions, shows, and experiences that are must-do attractions for your family. Some of my family’s favorite attractions are Battle of Bricksburg water ride, Coast Guard Academy, DUPLO® Valley Schoolhouse, Driving School, and Pirate River Adventure.
A few attractions offer a break from the elements. The new LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race is a fun indoor place to escape the heat and have some hands-on fun. There’s even a small section just for toddlers.
Make your must-do experiences a priority, anything else is just icing on the cake. But, you’ll need to be aware of the height requirements before you make any commitments. More on that in a moment.
There are multiple playgrounds and play areas throughout the park so plan on a few stops to let your kids have some free time.
Also, the food and beverage service at LEGOLAND is usually pretty slow. So pack a few snacks and try to eat lunch around 11:30 a.m. before it gets really busy and can take a long time to order and get your food.
2. Check your child’s height
You can view the attractions – and even filter them by your child’s height! So before you get your hopes up about what rides and experiences your child can experience, double check their height and filter the rides by the height requirement.
On my first visit to LEGOLAND Florida with my son when he was a tiny toddler the amount of rides with a height requirement that he hadn’t yet met surprised me. In fact, on that first visit the only attractions he could ride reside in the DUPLO Valley area and the front part of the park.
Don’t get me wrong, we still love the DUPLO Valley section, it’s just good to be aware that the majority of the experiences for toddlers are in this one section.
3. Bring a refillable water bottle
No matter the season, whether you brave the summer heat for the SUMMER BRICK PARTY and all its fun, or you dress up to Trick or Treat, you’re going to need to hydrate.
Thankfully there are multiple water bottle refill stations, usually near each restroom. Plus, there are Freestyle Coke machines throughout the park that dispense water for free.
Parenting pro-tip: There are family companion restrooms throughout the park and most restrooms have menstruation products available for free. Plus, the restrooms in DUPLO Valley have kid-sized sinks!
4. Start in the back and work your way up
This tip also applies to most theme parks too. When everyone arrives they tend to go to the attractions that are near the front because they are the first ones they encounter.
You can usually beat the crowds by heading all the way to the back and then working your way back to the front as you go about your day. On your way, you will most likely pass MINILAND USA. This amazing display of famous landmarks around the country has a few interactive elements, so keep an eye out for buttons to push. It’s shaded and makes for a nice pause for a bit.
Pay close attention to details in MINILAND USA during special events including Halloween decorations or festive holiday decorations.
One of our favorite attractions as a family is Pirate River Quest, which is at the back of the park. This slow moving, but adventurous boat ride uses the original canals from the park’s Cypress Gardens days.
The capacity is a bit low compared to other attractions in the park, and sets sail daily from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The queue may close earlier should the attraction reach capacity.
I recommend riding this attraction at 11:00 a.m. before it gets super hot and before the queue gets clogged up with a long wait.
Parenting pro-tip: Don’t make your kids wait in line! Most attractions have a section in the line where kids can play with LEGOs or DUPLO bricks while parents wait in line. Then when you get to the front of the line the kids’ play area is right there at the front where you can retrieve your kid(s).
Eat Early
Try to have lunch around 11:30 a.m. before the food and beverage locations get crowded. Many food and beverage locations close early, some as early as 4:00 p.m. when the park closes at 6:00 p.m.
5. Use DUPLO Valley’s baby care room and indoor playground
If you have a toddler or preschooler, you’ll find yourself in DUPLO Valley most of the day. This area is perfect for little ones and is toward the front of the park.
Try to start at the back of the park and then work your way here to the front where DUPLO Valley resides. Your young kid(s) are going to love the tractor ride and the train ride, plus there is a small splash pad and small outdoor play area here.
But the true gem of this section is the DUPLO® Valley Schoolhouse. Here you have an indoor play area plus a Baby Care Center with nursing rooms, and more. And during special seasons you can enjoy a tailor-made show for preschoolers.
It’s the perfect place for parents to rest a little and kids to have an indoor play place. Food, drinks, and strollers are not allowed inside DUPLO® Valley Schoolhouse.
Final thoughts…
In a nutshell, LEGOLAND Florida is fantastic for families, especially those with little ones. To make the most of your trip, plan ahead by picking a few key attractions, checking height requirements, and bringing a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Starting at the back of the park can help you avoid the crowds. DUPLO Valley is a must-visit spot for toddlers and preschoolers with its fun rides and helpful amenities for parents. You may also want to consider Peppa Pig Theme Park, which is built entirely for preschoolers!
Enjoy watching your kids explore, play, and create unforgettable memories in this colorful, LEGO-themed world. Happy building and adventuring!
