LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort is launching a brand-new, out-of-this-world roller coaster for the first time since 2011, and it’s galactic!

Not only is the Galacticoaster indoors (yay!), but you can expect to be immersed in a LEGO® galaxy in a way that’s never been done before.

We got a FIRST RIDE before it officially launched for all guests, and it was a BLAST, ya'll! And there are so many nods to LEGO space-themed sets from the last 40+ years and Easter eggs everywhere.

Merlin Magic Making’s global team of designers and engineers, which has been working in close collaboration with the LEGO Group over the last four years, says this is the most technologically advanced attraction the Resort has ever created.

Um, let's just say it's totally worth the wait!

Galacticoaster is part of a $90 million investment Merlin Entertainment is making at LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND California, which will have its own Galacticoaster ride!

*Backstreet Boys member Howie Dorough's son, Holden, customizes their Galacticoaster ride vehicle. The family was among the first to experience the ride. Photo provided by LEGOLAND Florida Resort.*

Here's what to expect:

Kids must be 36 inches tall to ride with an adult and 48 inches tall to ride unaccompanied.
Rookie cadets will step into the Briefing Room, where they'll be greeted by Chief Engineer Biff Dipper.
Using an interactive touchscreen, you'll then scan your RFID wristband to create your own space vehicle and choose your own wing, nose, tail, and color.
You want to design the coolest ship possible so you attract the Brick Separators that will help you break apart the “Asteroid of Probable Destruction” that's headed for the theme park. We LOVE that they brought this LEGO tool to life in this unique way!
There are 625 different combinations when building your ship!
Your digital creation will be merged with the physical thrills of the ride through immersive storytelling.
You'll blast off at speeds of up to 40 mph through an intergalactic LEGO solar system filled with special effects, synchronized lighting, and surprise appearances from classic LEGO Space icons…and maybe even a space cow!
The entire experience takes about 10 minutes. It's a smooth ride with some thrilling dips and turns. The ride car does rotate a few times to put you up close to the action on the LED screens.

“Galacticoaster redefines what a family coaster can be,” said COO of Merlin Entertainments Rob Smith. “It’s not just about the thrills – it’s about giving every guest the power to create their own story. It’s LEGO play, elevated to a whole new orbit.”

Read: Here's What Kids Actually Think of Galacticoaster

Countdown to Launch Day: We chat with a Senior Project Manager who worked on the Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort

We recently had the chance to catch up with Blake Boyter, a senior project manager at Merlin Magic Making, who worked on this project with a team from around the world, to get all the exciting details.

LEGOLAND Florida's Ryan Wood and Blake Boyter with Alien Dancer and Space Creature. — *Pictured: LEGOLAND Florida Master Model Builder Ryan Wood, LEGO Alien Dancer, Blake Boyter, and LEGO Space Creature. Photo by Laura Byrne.*

TBPM: First, let's talk about how exciting this new experience will be for us in Florida, given our ties to the space program. How does it feel to be a part of such an out-of-this-world opportunity? 

BB: It honestly feels pretty surreal. Florida has such a deep connection to space exploration, so bringing a LEGO® space adventure to life here feels especially meaningful.

Seeing Galacticoaster go from early ideas to a real, finished attraction, knowing families will soon experience it together, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a rare opportunity to blend LEGO storytelling, innovation, and Florida’s space heritage into something truly special.

TBPM: What was it like for you to experience the ride for the first time? 

BB: The first ride was a mix of excitement, relief and pride. After spending years reviewing plans, testing systems and refining details, finally experiencing it the way guests will was unforgettable.

You notice the flow, the storytelling, the little moments that make people smile, and it really hits you that this is no longer a project on paper. It’s real, and it’s ready to launch.

TBPM: Rides have become more immersive over the years. Tell us about the evolution of rides at theme parks and what makes this experience so different from others at LEGOLAND Florida. 

BB: Guests today want more than just thrills; they want to feel part of a story. With Galacticoaster, we focused on creating a full journey, not just a ride. From the moment families enter the spaceport queue, they’re immersed in the LEGO Galaxy storyline.

The attraction combines interactive elements, media and physical movement in a way that’s new for LEGOLAND Florida Resort, making it one of our most immersive experiences to date.

TBPM: LEGO bricks are so great because kids can create anything their heart desires, and each creation is unique to them. The Galacticoaster brings this element of uniqueness in by giving kids the choice to create their own vehicle design. Why was it so important to put the power of creation in the kids’ hands? 

BB: Creativity is at the heart of LEGO, so it was essential that kids didn’t just ride, they create. Giving them the ability to design their own vehicle makes every ride personal. No two missions are exactly the same, and that sense of ownership and imagination is what makes LEGO experiences so special. Kids aren’t just passengers; they’re part of the adventure.

TBPM: There will be more than a ride — what else do you have in store for guests? 

BB: Galacticoaster is part of a larger spaceport experience. Families will encounter LEGO characters, themed environments and interactive moments throughout the area. We’ve also included a DUPLO® Junior Astronaut Training Zone for our youngest astronauts, so even the littlest guests can join in the fun.

It’s designed so everyone in the family has something to enjoy, whether they’re riding the coaster or exploring the world around it.

TBPM: The LEGO Space sets are so popular among kids — is there a special tie-in with these iconic sets? 

BB: Absolutely. The attraction draws inspiration from decades of LEGO Space sets, from the classic designs many adults remember to the modern themes kids love today. You’ll spot subtle nods throughout the experience that celebrate LEGO Space across generations.

It’s a fun way to connect what kids build at home with what they experience here in the park.

LEGO space-themed aliens in front of Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. — *You'll see nods to LEGO space-themed sets from the 40+ years throughout LEGO Galaxy and the Galacticoaster experience! Photo by Laura Byrne*

TBPM: What was it like to work with teams across the world to bring Galacticoaster to reality? How many years did you all put into this? 

BB: This was truly a global collaboration. Teams from the U.S., the U.K., Denmark and Germany worked together closely for more than three years to bring Galacticoaster to life. Collaborating with Merlin Magic Making and the LEGO Group allowed us to push creativity and technology further than ever before.

Our partners in Germany, including ART and Actemium, played a critical role in delivering the ride system and control system that power the experience. One example of that innovation is Biff Dipper, the first animatronic Minifigure, which is 25x the scale of a standard Minifigure and features an LED screen displaying 45 facial animations.

Seeing all that teamwork come together in one attraction has been incredibly rewarding.

TBPM: What are your top tips as we prepare to ride for the first time? 

BB: Take your time in the queue, there’s a lot to see and interact with before you even board. Encourage kids to get creative with their vehicle design and work together as a team.

After all, there are more than 625 possible combinations! And most importantly, just enjoy the experience. Galacticoaster is designed to be fun, immersive and memorable for the whole family.

TBPM: LEGOLAND Florida is always adding something new, like the new SEA LIFE Florida. Why is that so important to you all, and can you tease any other fun projects beyond 2026?

BB: Our guests return year after year, and we want every visit to feel fresh and exciting. Adding new attractions like Galacticoaster and SEA LIFE Florida helps us continue to grow while giving families new reasons to visit. While I can’t share details just yet, I can say we’re always looking ahead — creativity and innovation are very much part of our future plans.

TBPM: If kids want to grow up to do what you do, what’s your advice? 

BB: Stay curious and keep building. Whether it’s LEGO creations, drawings or ideas, creativity is a powerful skill. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things and learn from mistakes. Many of us working on Galacticoaster started out as kids who loved to build; that passion can take you further than you might imagine.

TBPM: It has to be pretty surreal to be standing here on opening week?

BB: I just want to say how much of a team effort this has been. We’ve been working on this project for over three years. This roller coaster is truly a labor of love from so many talented people here in Florida, California the U.K. and beyond.

Getting to visit LEGO headquarters in Billund and see unreleased products for inspiration was incredible. Knowing that this attraction will tie into LEGO sets kids can actually play with at home, and sets that their parents and even grandparents played with during their childhood, is so rewarding. It’s like building a bridge across generations, all through the spirit of LEGO.

And personally? Being a kid from Kentucky who loved LEGO and now building real-life LEGO experiences … well, it doesn’t get much cooler than that.

TBPM: Anything else you’d like our readers to know? 

BB: Galacticoaster is truly a labor of love. So many talented people poured their creativity into this attraction, and we can’t wait for families to experience it together. Seeing kids and parents share that sense of wonder, and knowing it connects generations through LEGO, is what makes this project so special.

A few more fun facts about Galacticoaster:

It's BIG: Galacticoaster’s indoor building footprint is equal to 10 basketball courts.
There's Lots of Track: Nearly 1,500 feet of track reaching heights of 50 feet.
A Nod to the Past: The LEGOLAND SPACEPORT 885 launchpad is named in homage to one of the original LEGO® Space Scooter sets, #885. You'll see a life-size version of the set in front of the building.
Queue Experience: The journey begins before takeoff with a covered, story-driven queue area inside LEGOLAND SPACEPORT 885 that invites families to engage, imagine and prepare for launch, whether there’s rain or shine!
Orbital Outpost: Touch down in a themed retail shop packed with stellar souvenirs, space gear and LEGO sets to commemorate your mission.
DUPLO® TOT Spot for Tiny Astronauts: Little explorers ages 1-4 can jump, crawl and play in this shaded, soft-surfaced area featuring DUPLO bricks, vehicles, characters and a photo op, with nearby seating for grown-ups.

Outside look at Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. — *The LEGO Galaxy area is filled with so many awesome photo ops! Photo by Laura Byrne.*

Interview originally published in the August 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. Article updated on February 26, 2026.

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INSIDE LOOK: Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is ready for launch