new indoor roller coaster at Legoland Space themed

INSIDE LOOK: New Space-Themed Ride to Launch at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

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LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is getting ready for an epic launch of a brand-new, groundbreaking roller coaster for the first time since 2011, and it’s going to be galactic!

Not only will it be indoors (yay!), but when it opens in early 2026, you can expect to be immersed in a LEGO® galaxy in a way that’s never been done before.

Merlin Magic Making’s global team of designers and engineers, which has been working in close collaboration with the LEGO Group, says it’s going to be the most technologically advanced attraction the Resort has ever created.

Um, we can’t wait!

Now that the countdown to launch is on, we’re catching up with Blake Boyter, a senior project manager at Merlin Magic Making working on this project, to get all the exciting details.

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?

Blake Boyter: It’s an absolute privilege and honestly a little surreal to bring a space-themed LEGO® attraction to life here at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Growing up playing with LEGO® bricks, I never dreamed I’d get to work with such an iconic brand professionally and create something this ambitious.

Being able to pair my childhood love of LEGO with Florida’s deep connection to space exploration makes this a truly special experience.

Plus, I get to work alongside the brilliant minds at Merlin Magic Making (from creatives to engineers), and it really is a team effort to deliver something this, well … astronomical!

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.

Blake Boyter: Nowadays, guests expect more than just a ride. They’re looking for a complete story and an experience they can step into. What sets this roller coaster apart is that it’s designed as a full guest journey from the moment you walk in. The interactive queue actually shapes your experience once you’re on the ride.

We’ve packed in more media, more screens and more advanced technology than we’ve ever done in a LEGOLAND attraction here in North America. Guests will work together as a team and ride as a team, a true LEGO experience from start to finish.

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

Blake Boyter: This isn’t just a coaster; it’s an entire spaceport-themed area — a story-driven experience with LEGO characters you’ll meet along the way, and even a tot-friendly play area for our youngest astronauts-in-training.

Every space is designed with the LEGO DNA of building and teamwork baked in; there are surprises around every corner!

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

Blake Boyter: One of the coolest parts of this project has been collaborating directly with LEGO, closer than we’ve ever worked together before.

The spaceport at LEGOLAND Florida draws inspiration from decades of LEGO Space sets, from the classic designs many of us grew up with to today’s City, Friends and DUPLO® themes.

You’ll spot clever nods to iconic sets tucked throughout the experience. It’s a fun tribute to LEGO Space sets, blending the past, present and future in a way only LEGO can.

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?

Blake Boyter: Keeping things fresh is a big part of who we are. Our guests come to build memories with their families, and we want every visit to feel like there’s something new to discover.

Right now, our pipeline is full of exciting projects (though it’s a bit early to share details on most of them). I can say we’ve got a big renovation and expansion planned for our Big Shop, and beyond 2026, let’s just say … the creativity doesn’t stop here!

Anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Blake Boyter: 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.

Here’s what LEGOLAND Florida Resort says we can expect:

  • The Ultimate Indoor Coaster Experience: Buckle up for an all-new, indoor roller coaster that propels guests into an interactive LEGO space adventure blasting off from the LEGOLAND SPACEPORT 885 launchpad, named in homage to one of the original LEGO® Space Scooter sets, #885.
  • 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.

Originally published in the August 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

 

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