LEGOLAND came to Winter Haven, Florida yesterday for their very  first Open House.   Especially arranged to show the people of Winter Haven and the surrounding areas what the future Legoland Florida will look like, the event was overwhelmingly popular with adults and kids alike.  So much so, that they had to bring in Traffic control officers to direct traffic due to the number of vehicles entering the car park at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven.

The Open House was designed to show how the former Cypress Gardens park will be transformed into LEGOLAND Florida, which will be the largest Legoland park to date.  The Florida park consists of 145 acres and will retain the original botanical gardens and water ski show.  Some of the existing rides that are age-appropriate will be kept and re-themed and the Mansion will be used for special events.

Winter Haven residents turned out in force and were welcomed by LEGOLAND staff who were on hand to answer any questions that arose from the displays.

I arrived at 3.45 p.m. for what was to be a 4.00p.m.  till 7.00p.m. Open House.  Thinking I would be early and be able to snap up an easy parking spot at the Orange Dome, which is one of Winter Haven’s landmarks, I was surprised  to find that the car park was already full and vehicles were being directed to park on the grass areas around the Dome.

Walking up to the main entrance were many people, adults and children, senior citizens and professionals , all of whom were queueing at the main entrance.  Television camera crews were wandering around with their cameras at the ready, and exactly at 4.00 p.m the doors were opened and we filed through.

Staff were on hand, giving out leaflets, and then everyone moved into the main hall of the Dome, to be greeted by the new LEGOLAND Florida logo.

Immediately the children, who are of course , the most knowledgeable about LEGO rushed across the hall to the Playland area, where tables were set up with the LEGO boards and bins of the building bricks.

I watched as one little girl spotted Thomas the Tank Engine and went across to hug  the model engine. 

A couple of boys looked in awe at the LEGO built  Darth Vader display standing towards the rear of the hall. And the copy in LEGO bricks of Rodin’s The Thinker drew some admiring glances and touches too.

One of the most interesting facets of the event, to me, anyway, was the fascination shown by the adults.  Around the outskirts  of the hall were TV screens showing what visitors to LEGOLAND could expect to see (obviously taken from othe LEGOLAND parks elsewhere in the world), and adults and children were standing spellbound, watching these demonstrations.

Many of the local visitors were able to see what changes or modifications will be made to the existing Cypress Gardens buildings, and Legoland staff were there to answer questions.  Such questions included when is the park due to open, what attractions will there be at the new park, how big will it be, what impact will it have on surrounding residential areas and roads.   Ons such question concerned the Lego store in Downtown Disney, and the answer was that while both give a great experience for children, the LEGO store is a Brand retail outlet, while LEGOLAND Florida will be a full- day theme park, with over 50 rides, shows  and attractions. There was huge applause when it was announced that the  Botanical Gardens would be retained.  Many of the older residents of the area have fond memories of the Gardens and were delighted to hear that they will remain a part of the Park.

John Jacobsen, managing director for Legoland Parks, was in fine form, wandering around the hall, talking to curious and concerned visitors  and then gave his introductory speech from the platform, answering questions from the floor afterwards.    I met with him and his Sales and Marketing Director, Kim Isemann, but it was really too busy to do anything but have a quick chat.  I also spoke  with Tom Patton, executive director of the Central Florida Development Council and Rodney Carson, Director of Economic development about the crowds  that they were seeing.  Tom was pleased that Legoland is getting the community involved so early.   He said, “It gives you an idea of what to expect when they get here officially” .  Certainly for close to three thousand people who turned up on a sweltering July afternoon to see what the future holds for Winter Haven and the area, this LEGOLAND Florida Open House provided some fine answers.   The new LEGOLAND Florida park is due to open in the fall of 2011.

Daniel Radcliffe and friends meeting and greeting at the Grand Opening of Harry Potter’s Wizarding World at Universal Studios. Thousands of people went to Universal Studios this morning to experience the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter.

Harry Potter fans

The books are so popular and the fact the J K Rowling wrote the last book three years ago ( Deathly Hallows) means that the followers of the stories have been tremendously interested in the progress of the building of the Wizarding World  here at Universal Studios, Orlando.

The parking garage was opened at 5.30 a.m. this morning to cater for the expected influx of vehicles.   The gates to Universal opened at the normal time, and had to shut at 11.00 a.m. due to the capacity crowds waiting in line for the visit to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts School. There were some unhappy people who were turned away.   Those who were lucky enough to get in before the gates were closed needed all their patience and stamina.

It was reported that there was a four to six hour wait from Toon Lagoon, and certainly aerial photos of the crowds would bear that out;  the crowds were stretching all the way from City Walk waiting to get on the ride Forbidden Journey.   At one point it was reported that the Forbidden Journey ride had broken down, but that rumour was later denied, and at this time the rides are working.

Executives at Universal were somewhat surprised by the numbers, and some guests were unhappy with the long lines, especially with the heat today.   Many of the other rides and restaurants within Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios benefited from the large numbers of guests, with some longer than normal wait times as well.    Despite the lines and the temperatures, many fans came dressed as their favourite characters, and a general feeling of goodwill prevailed – although one or two guests grumbled at the delays.

If your child is a fan of Disney characters or a Lego construction dreamer,  Downtown Disney is the place to take them on a perfect sunny afternoon.    The  Marketplace has all sorts of wonderful things to see and do,  and not just for kids.  Downtown Disney Marketplace provides an appealing place to take a break from Disney Theme Parks and Water Parks—especially if you’re in search of Disney merchandise. . Or, for more of a respite, relax and dine at a lakeside restaurant.  From Fulton’s Crab House, to the Cuban cafe, or Raglan Road Pub there are styles and menus to suit every taste and age group.

On October 3, 1996, World of Disney Store, the largest merchandise location of its kind at 50,000 square feet, opened in Downtown Disney Marketplace.   From the Bibbity Bobbity Spa for dressing up for girls to Toy Story Ranger uniforms, there’s everything for your child’s pleasure.   Sunglasses to sweatshirts, with soft cuddly toys from all their favourite stories;  from Mickey and Minnie in various costumes to Princess Tiana, no one will go away empty handed.

The Lego Imagination Store in Downtown Disney is another wonderful and amazing place for kids to let their dreams run riot.  From the Lego family outside the store to the Tyrannosaurus Rex guarding the entrance , this is one fantasy land for children.  The whole range of Lego themes is here, from the Prince of Persia to Toy Story,  to bricks for making cities, planes, ships and almost anything else you can think of.  There’s a huge wall of all sorts of Lego bricks where a child can pick and choose their selection of blocks to buy.  There is even a circular seated section where children and there parents can design and build together.

The bustle of all these kids having fun, the laughter and the smiling faces, and the amazing designs that are available make this  a wonderful store to visit.  If you can’t find your Lego pieces here, then you can speak to a customer service representative, give your details and they will contact you online.   One of the most interesting facets of this particular store is that it’s all about the kids. And they make the most of it!!

If you go there, make sure you leave plenty of time to browse; and be aware that your children , like me, won’t want to leave.