Legoland Florida theme park turns 10

Anniversary celebration marked by new attraction, plenty of festivities

Legoland Florida theme park is marking its 10th anniversary with a new attraction, the debut of the shade structures for its Miniland U.S.A. area and other festivities.

The Winter Haven attraction, which opened on the former site of Cypress Gardens in 2011, debuts The Legoland Story on Oct. 15.

The walk-through experience includes bits of Lego history, an interactive Minifigure trading wall and photo-ready displays, including one with an original ride vehicle from the Triple Hurricane, a roller coaster from the Cypress Gardens era. The top three Lego models from the second season of “Lego Masters” also are there.

Visitors will be able to build alongside the Master Builders’ Workshop after finishing the Legoland Story, which is near the entrance of the park, across from the Big Shop retail area.

Oct. 15 also marks the reopening of Miniland, now featuring shade structures that will keep visitors and models cooler. This is the centerpiece area of the park, featuring miniature representations of landmarks from across the nation, including familiar Florida sights.

Birthday Bash Party pop-ups on Oct. 15 will enable guests to dance with Lego characters, and a cupcake based on the park’s popular Granny’s apple fries will be available that day. There will be a birthday cake latte on the menu at the new Legoland Coffee Co. in the park.

A birthday surprise squad will distribute treat cards throughout the day. They’ll give visitors options such as ice cream, a keychain or skipping a ride line.

Earlier this summer, the park built a 20-foot-tall birthday cake made of Lego bricks. Other recent additions to Legoland Florida include “Brickbeard’s Watersports Stunt Show,” a 4-D movie called “Lego Mythica — Journey to Mythica,” new models in Lego City and new building activities.

The attraction’s Brick or Treat Halloween event will be held Saturdays and Sundays throughout October.

For more information, go to legoland.com/florida.

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JOE BURBANK/ORLANDO SENTINEL Adrian Jones, Legoland Florida general manager, is assisted by mascot “Buddy” as he throws the switch for confetti over the entrance to the park as thousands attend the grand-opening ceremony on Oct. 15, 2011.

LEGOLAND FLORIDA / COURTESY Brick or Treat returns to Legoland Florida next month.