Visitors to the house the mouse built will almost certainly understand that one of the main draws for park guests is character interaction. Following the release of Frozen in 2013, thousands would wait in line for hours on end just for the chance to have their picture taken with actors portraying Elsa and Anna from the film.
Eager to get a piece of the meet and greet pie, LEGOLAND Florida Resort just introduced a new unique and interactive way for guests to interact and mingle with some of their favorite LEGO characters, titled Buddy’s Character Corner! Based in the historic Magnolia Mansion inside the Fun Town section of LEGOLAND Florida Resort, families visiting now have the opportunity to interact and take pictures with fan-favorites Buddy, Max, the LEGO Friends and even Emmet from The LEGO Movie, all inside the comfort of air conditioning.
“We are excited to finally unveil this unique experience to our fans,” said LEGOLAND Florida Resort Product Excellence Manager Phil Royle. “This gives us another way for our guests to interact with the characters here at the Park, adding to our already exciting 50 rides, shows and attractions and LEGOLAND Water Park.”
The experience starts as visitors enter the Magnolia Mansion, being welcomed by various characters and LEGO theming. Children and parents will then have the opportunity to take their own photos or purchase an exclusive photo with their favorite character, with unique backgrounds to choose from. The backgrounds scenes include parts from The LEGO Movie, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, LEGO Friends and various LEGO Backgrounds. Other character meet and greet opportunities still take place throughout the park.
The Magnolia Mansion, originally opened in 1941 and part of Cypress Gardens in various forms throughout the later 1900s, was restored in preparation of the new experience. Previously used for LEGOLAND meetings, the addition of Buddy’s Character Corner adds to attractions found under cover, and in air conditioning.
The announcement comes after the Resort released information on bookings for the LEGOLAND Hotel. Opening Summer 2015, the five story LEGO themed hotel will feature 152 brightly colored and highly themed rooms and suites, thousands of LEGO models and interactive play areas! The addition of the Hotel gives guests the opportunity to extend their stay and explore LEGOLAND Florida Resort for more than one day giving them the ultimate family experience.
In preparation for their opening next year, LEGOLAND Florida Resort has hired Operations Director Kevin Carr for the new LEGOLAND Hotel. Carr will serve as the hotel’s operation director, bringing a wealth of experience from his time at both Alton Towers Resort and LEGOLAND Malaysia Hotel.
“Kevin brings knowledge not only from his time with Merlin Entertainments, but also as a manager of various high-level hotel projects,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones. “His hiring brings us one step closer to the opening of LEGOLAND Hotel, which is a unique LEGO experience never before available to our Park guests.”
Carr, 36, joins LEGOLAND Florida Resort after serving in a similar role at Alton Towers Resort as hotel operations manager. While at the famous attraction, he oversaw all hotel operations, including front office employees, guest relations and more. Carr was also involved in the successful opening of LEGOLAND Malaysia Hotel where he successfully oversaw the management of contractors, training programs and booking systems. Carr has been with Merlin Entertainments for more than nine years.
Located at the main entrance of LEGOLAND Florida Resort, the Hotel includes interactive LEGO features unique to the destination, inspiring imaginations and creating memories for all visitors. With the addition of the Hotel, guests will have early access to the Park and enjoy both LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND Water Park across multiple days.
“I am extremely excited to be a part of the team that is bringing LEGOLAND Florida Hotel to Central Florida,” said Carr. “LEGOLAND Florida Resort is constantly growing, and after overseeing the opening of LEGOLAND Malaysia Hotel in 2012, I can’t wait to apply that knowledge and even make some exciting additions to our new Hotel in 2015.”
In addition to the hotel, Merlin Entertainments, the parent company of LEGOLAND, will also be opening several other attractions in the Orlando area. The new area will be anchored by the Orlando Eye; one of the largest ferris wheels in the world. It will also feature a new SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds celebrity wax attraction, and more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.