Apple Fries at Legoland Florida

I just returned from a family vacation to Florida. We spent a week in Disney World and then spent a few days with friends visiting the Gulf Coast. The last day, we stopped at Legoland Florida. Legoland Florida was a good match for my children. We like Lego - my wife is an AFOL.₁ Each child has an ample collection of the bricks. In the past, we have taken our children to two Lego Kidfests and Legoland Florida was on their list of things to do while visiting Florida.

We were not disappointed. The park geared toward younger and more timid children, which suited my children well. After Disney, the pace of the smaller park was welcome. We were able to take in most of the park in a day without being hurried. There were no long waits for rides and we were able to ride everything our children had requested. Rides tend to be smaller and slower than at bigger theme parks - there are no big fast roller coasters, but rides have just enough thrills for younger children.

My children particularly liked the driving school where they could earn a "driver's license" after operating electric cars on a closed track. They also enjoyed the hanging coaster "Flight Trainer".

The adults enjoyed looking at the Lego models throughout the park and talking with a "Master Builder" about how the models are maintained. We also enjoyed a quiet walk through Cypress Gardens which included looking for lizards native to central Florida.

We did not visit the water park which has a separate admission, but were told by friends in the area it is very popular with Florida residents who can purchase an annual pass. We also didn't have time to visit the World of Chima or watch any of the shows.

If you decide to go to Legoland Florida, make sure you try some apple fries. Apple fries are made from granny smith apples peeled, cored, cut into sticks, and deep fried. Fries are then coated in cinnamon sugar and served with whipped cream or caramel sauce. We bought an order when we arrived and picked up another two to go as the park was closing.

One downside to Legoland is an upper age limit of twelve on some rides. My oldest who turns 13 next week would not have been able to ride some of the rides had we gone two weeks later. I think he would have been very disappointed. Also, unless you are looking for a park specific item, you are better off shopping at home than purchasing Lego at the park.

With Legoland Florida building an onsite hotel, scheduled to be open sometime next year, it would make a good destination for a family trip if you have young children or Lego fans.

¹ Adult Fan of Lego