LEGOLAND Florida to open world’s first “Peppa Pig” park

LEGOLAND Florida has announced that it is currently building the world’s first standalone Peppa Pig theme park on a five-acre tract of what is now the LEGOLAND parking lot in Winter Haven, Florida.

For those of you (like myself) who don’t have little kids around the house, Peppa Pig is the star of a wildly popular British cartoon series (and the third most reviled amongst parents behind Barney & Friends and PBS’ Calico Caribu Caillou).

“As one of the world leaders in location-based entertainment,” Merlin Entertainments Chief Development Officer Mark Fisher said in a statement. “We are delighted to be creating this first-ever theme park dedicated to the wonderful world of Peppa Pig.”

He continues this project is an extension of the group’s “Peppa Pig World of Play” attractions (themed indoor playgrounds located at malls throughout the US and parts of Asia), which they will bring to life through rides (none of which have been announced yet), live shows, and lots of shopping (duh) and dining opportunities (they are pigs after all). Plus, the chance to meet the eponymous porker and her family, in other words:

“It’s guaranteed to be a truly memorable day out for families and something to really look forward to visiting.”

The new park is scheduled to open in 2022.

Photo: Merlin Entertainment

Photos: There be treasure (and beads) ahead

Here are a few things I’m planning to cover in the coming weekends (time and weather permitting):

Photo: LEGOLAND Florida

PIrate Weekends at LEGOLAND Florida: Feb 12-28th (originally Feb 5th, but postponed due to cold weather)

Photo: SeaWorld Parks

Seven Seas Food & Wine Festival: Weekends, Feb 12-May 9th

Photo: Universal Studios Orlando

Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval: Feb 6-March 28th

Not so happiest place on Earth

This week’s post was going to be a happy column about how this weekend’s reopenings of both Gatorland and LEGOLAND Florida (Winter Haven) and next week’s openings of Universal and the just announced reopenings of SeaWorld Orlando/Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Walt Disney World Resort (in phases) meant that live in Central Florida is slowly returning to normal.

Well, it’s not.

The virus remains as dangerous as ever, but so does being a person of color in the United States. Yes, I’ve been the victim of both racial and homophobic discrimination (including assault and property damage) both in Florida and Maryland, but the difference is I’m actually able to type this, George Floyd is not. Neither is Trayvon Martin or Tamir Rice or even Freddie Gray.

Sure, I could go into detail about being harassed for doing as little as they did, but having my camera ripped away from me and taunted as it’s broken in front of me is considerably different than being held against the ground with a knee to the throat and dying of asphyxiation as three other officers hold him down. To even compare the two experiences is an insult to the memories of all the victims of needless police violence.

So would equally vapid, ineffective forms of “solidarity” I’ve seen online like changing my profile photo for the day or posting some memes with a viral hashtag. It didn’t heal Paris, and it’s not rebuilding Minneapolis. Such lazy, feel good activism doesn’t do anyone any good.

However, with the massive crowds of people protesting in the street across the country – and around the world – there are now fears of spreading the virus that has kept these same people inside for the past two months, maybe lazy, ineffective means of protest aren’t all bad.

Yes, waving signs in a public place is a perfectly valid form of communication… but so is staying at home and typing from the safety of my sofa. The parks will open whether I’m there to cover them or not…

 

Happy Birthday, LEGOLAND Florida!

October 15, 2011 – It’s official, LEGOLAND Florida is now the same age as it’s target audience… and they’re celebrating by releasing all new details of their new LEGO Movie City (which replaces LEGO World of Chima which closed last year).

THE LEGO MOVIE Masters of Flight: Hop aboard Emmet’s Triple Decker Flying Couch! This flying theater attraction whisks guests away on an action-packed adventure on a suspended ride with a full-dome virtual screen, giving the sensational feeling of flying alongside some familiar faces. (Sounds like a combination of “Soarin’ Around the World” and “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem”)

Unikitty’s Disco Drop: Enter through the rainbow portal to join the fun with Unikitty and her many personalities. This ride swoops guests to the tiptop of Cloud Cuckoo Land, then drops, spins and bounces them back down to earth, creating a thrilling and fun experience. (Basically a wild mouse coaster)

Battle of Bricksburg: Calling all Master Builders! DUPLO® aliens have invaded Bricksburg to come and play! Riders are challenged to stop DUPLO® aliens from invading and stealing LEGO bricks by spraying water at targets. (Note: This appears to be a simple retheme of the area’s previous attraction, “LEGO Chima: The Quest of Chi”)

The area known as “downtown Bricksburg” will feature Emmet’s Super Suite, a character meet-and-greet area themed to Emmet’s apartment, the Taco Tuesday Everyday eatery, The Awesome Shop (which I thought was located near the main entrance across from LEGO Factory/Pick-A-Brick and the Marketplace Coffee Shop, but whatever), and a children’s playground inspired by Benny’s spaceship.

Memorial Day Weekend Update

Saturday is the official opening of Pandora: The World of Avatar at DAK. I was in the park when they were filming The View previewing it’s opening, but while it looks pretty when it isn’t crowded, this weekend isn’t going to be one of them. In fact, I will not set foot in the park until at least October or even December and, even then, it will probably still be packed.

Another place that will be packed is Universal’s Volcano Bay. It’s a brand-new water park and it’s walking distance to two of their main hotels (the others will offer a free shuttle service). Everything I’ve seen or heard about it makes it sound awesome…but I’m not sold on buying an expensive “3-park pass” to enter it (which is cool if you haven’t been to the other parks in a while, but for a park photog like me, it isn’t much of a deal).

Of course, LEGO Land Florida is opened it’s newest theme area (such as they are) “Ninjago” last month and their 2^nd hotel The LEGO Land Beach Resort back in January. However, this weekend, is the opening of their water park.

I’m sure SeaWorld Orlando is doing something special, but I’m not sure what. However, as it is the “Last Sunday of the month,” expect Animal Rights Florida to be outside their main gate for at least most of the day.

 

Photos: Brick or Treat 2015