LEGOLAND® Florida Resort blasted off the holiday season with an intergalactic celebration that not only illuminated the Park’s iconic 30-foot-tall LEGO® Christmas Tree but also revealed the official opening for the Resort’s all-new indoor family space-themed rollercoaster, Galacticoaster, launching on February 27, 2026.
Emily Calandrelli, acclaimed science communicator, beloved TV host, aerospace engineer, and the 100th woman in space, took center stage to lead the countdown. Her passion for space and STEM inspired the crowd as she lit the massive brick-built tree for the first time this season, signaling the start of the Resort’s festive period. The partnership brought a powerful blend of real-world space exploration and imaginative LEGO creativity, inviting families to dream bigger and look upward as they celebrated the holidays.
As the ceremony unfolded, the sky erupted into a fully choreographed space spectacle, with hundreds of synchronized drones forming glowing shapes including rockets, LEGO bricks, and the Resort’s brand-new character, Space Creature. The custom-designed show was created exclusively for LEGOLAND Florida, blending cutting-edge drone technology with the unmistakable playful personality of LEGO storytelling. Galacticoaster invites guests to design their own spacecraft using interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands capable of recognizing 625 possible design combinations. As guests board, their personalized spacecraft becomes part of a dynamic interstellar journey powered by synchronized lighting, projection, an immersive LEGO solar system, projection sequences, and character-driven story moments – all culminating in a fully customized ride experience unlike anything the Park has offered before. The new area will also feature a DUPLO® space-themed play experience and a dedicated LEGO Galaxy retail shop.
To further add excitement to the opening, Merlin Entertainments is also launching a nationwide Junior Galaxy Explorers initiative, inviting children ages 6 to 12 to design and build their own LEGO spacecraft for a chance to become one of the first riders on Galacticoaster. The program aims to spark creativity, curiosity, and confidence in young innovators while celebrating hands-on exploration inspired by the universe. Learn more at https://www.legoland.com/juniorexplorers/.
Holidays at LEGOLAND continues on select dates through December, offering families a festive atmosphere filled with twinkling lights, holiday-themed shows, interactive experiences, exclusive LEGO build opportunities, and the beloved LEGO Christmas Tree. Guests can enjoy character meet-and-greets, limited-edition holiday merchandise, and dazzling seasonal décor, along with a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration featuring an early countdown and spectacular fireworks.
For full event details, tickets, and special overnight packages, visit LEGOLAND.com/Florida.
Check out our full coverage of Galactic Coaster from the IAAPA Expo press conference, including our exclusive interview with Merlin Entertainment COO Rob Smith.
About LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is the ultimate vacation destination for families with kids, combining the creativity of LEGO® with Florida sunshine. Located 45 minutes from Orlando and Tampa, the Resort spans 150 acres and features more than 50 rides, live shows, and themed attractions inspired by beloved LEGO® brands and characters. As part of the Resort’s biggest investment to date, LEGO Galaxy, guests will soon experience Galacticoaster — an all-new indoor, family space-themed coaster opening in 2026. The Resort also includes the year-round LEGOLAND® Water Park, with more than a dozen family water slides, a lazy river, and interactive play areas, plus three on-site themed accommodations: the LEGOLAND® Hotel, LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel, and LEGOLAND® Beach Retreat, each offering kid-friendly rooms, nightly entertainment, and resort-style amenities. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is a Certified Autism Center (CAC), ensuring trained staff, sensory guides, and inclusive features to support guests of all abilities.
See www.LEGOLAND.com/Florida for more information and follow @LEGOLANDFlorida on social media.
About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-center gateway attractions and LEGOLAND® Resorts which span across the UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its diverse global estate in over 20 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO® Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, DreamWorks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides and uplifting learning experiences.
See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.