Bionic Buzz® covered IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL! IAAPA Expo is the largest annual trade show and conference for the global attractions industry, bringing together professionals from theme parks, water parks, museums, family entertainment centers, and more to explore the latest innovations and trends.
Our interview with Merlin Entertainment COO Rob Smith about their brand-new Galacticoaster at their press conference along with full press conference above.
At IAAPA Expo 2025, Merlin Entertainments – a world leader in global entertainment destinations – lifted the lid on the future of family thrills with a behind-the-scenes preview of Galacticoaster, a first-of-its-kind indoor roller coaster experience opening at LEGOLAND® Resorts in Florida and California in early 2026.
The new space-themed experiences represent Merlin’s biggest ever single in-park investment in the history of these two locations, with $90 million being spent on these two new attractions. It demonstrates the business’s continued commitment to bringing the LEGO® brand to life, at scale, through innovative new formats across its estate.
Blending storytelling, interactivity, and cutting-edge ride technology, Galacticoaster will take families on a customizable LEGO® space adventure from Briefing Room to blast-off!
THE MISSION BEGINS
Guests begin their journey in the Briefing Room, where Chief Engineer Biff Dipper (voiced with all the bravado and banter of a true LEGO space legend) welcomes rookie cadets to Galaxy Command. After a few jokes, some motivational pep talks, and a whole lot of personality, cadets are cleared to customize their own spacecraft in the Customization Bay.
Using interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands, guests personalize their craft across four build phases – Nose, Tail, Wings, and Special Features – unlocking more than 625 possible spacecraft combinations. Once complete, their digital creation is recognized, merging physical thrills with immersive storytelling.
As the airlocks close and countdown begins, riders blast off through an intergalactic LEGO solar system filled with special effects, synchronized lighting, and surprise appearances from classic LEGO Space icons…who knows… a space cow may make an appearance!
A COLLABORATION YEARS IN THE MAKING
More than three years in development, Galacticoaster was brought to life by Merlin Magic Making (MMM), in collaboration with ART Engineering, 2Heads, AVSC, Imagineize, and the LEGO Brand Parks & Experience teams. The result is an experience that celebrates LEGO creativity, nostalgia, and next-generation family fun in equal measure.
“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. These investments reaffirm our commitment to the ongoing transformation of LEGOLAND Parks in North America into world class destination resorts. I can’t wait to see these space-themed experiences come to life in Florida and California early next year.”
“This project has been pure LEGO awesomeness from start to finish,” added North America Director of Communications for Merlin Entertainments Julie Estrada. “It’s playful, it’s clever, and it’s a testament to how far we can go when imagination leads the way.”
A LEGO GALAXY LIKE NEVER BEFORE
LEGO GALAXY AT LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA RESORT
Debuting in 2026, LEGOLAND California Resort will introduce LEGO Galaxy, a brand-new land that fully immerses families in the intergalactic LEGO Space universe. The land will feature bold neo-classic theming, interactive elements, character encounters, and large-scale LEGO models that bring the Galaxy Mission story to life beyond the coaster itself. LEGO Galaxy includes two more cosmic rides: G-Force Test Facility and DUPLO Launch and Land; a junior astronaut training zone, galactic grub such as U.F.O. (Ultimate Food Outlet), Stardust Treats and Satellite Bites where you can refuel with out-of-this-world food and beverages and Orbital Outpost retail shop for space-faring souvenirs to commemorate your mission. Guests will explore multiple zones, each designed to spark creativity, discovery, and imaginative play.
JUNIOR GALAXY EXPLORERS SEARCH
Ahead of the grand opening, LEGOLAND Resorts launched the Junior Galaxy Explorers Search, a nationwide call for young space-loving families. Selected Junior Galaxy Explorers will earn a first look at LEGO Galaxy experiences, take part in special celebrations, and be the first to ride the Galacticoaster on opening day. Full program details, participation guidelines, and reveal dates can be found here: LEGOLAND.com/JuniorExplorers
Galacticoaster is anchored in the co-created new LEGO Galaxy theme – a celebration of the entire LEGO Space portfolio through past, present, and future eras. Guests will spot nods to fan-favorite sets including the Space Scooter (1979), Space Buggy, and M-Tron, plus a few cosmic Easter eggs for eagle-eyed builders.
The attraction also features large-scale LEGO models built by Master Model Builders – from plants to playful space creatures – each crafted from thousands of LEGO bricks. In total, the land showcases nine models built from 583,252 bricks and representing more than 2,200 hours of expert craftmanship.
LEGO Galaxy will open at both LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort in 2026, with opening dates to be announced soon.
About LEGOLAND® California Resort
LEGOLAND® California Resort includes LEGOLAND® California Theme Park, SEA LIFE® Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Water Park, and LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel — all designed for families with children ages 2 to 12. The Resort features more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, including the all-new Dino Valley, with three rides, an interactive play area, and new costume characters. Families can also experience LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race, THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD, and the upcoming LEGO Galaxy, a new space-themed land featuring the GalactiCoaster — an all-new indoor family coaster — along with hands-on STEM-based experiences designed to inspire young explorers. Guests can also discover the world’s first LEGO® version of San Diego in Miniland USA, featuring a 30-foot LEGO® model of the city, more than 120 palm trees, and 55 landmarks including The Rady Shell, Petco Park, and Coronado Bridge. LEGOLAND® Water Park includes seven slides, sandy beaches, and the Build-A-Raft River, plus Pirate Reef and LEGO® Legends of CHIMA™ Water Park. The Resort also features North America’s first LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel, with 250 rooms themed to Pirates, Knights, Royals, and Wizards. LEGOLAND® California Resort is a Certified Autism Center (CAC), accredited by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com/California or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).
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 the 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.
Bionic Buzz® own Steve Sievers with LEGO® New Charcter CREATURE FEATURE at IAAPA Expo