LEGOLAND Florida Resort and LEGOLAND California Resort are gearing up for their biggest expansion yet with the arrival of Galacticoaster, a first-of-its-kind indoor roller coaster that lets guests design their own ride vehicle. Merlin Entertainments revealed the new attraction during IAAPA Expo 2025, offering fans an early look at what is set to become one of the most interactive family coasters ever built.
The project marks the largest single park investment in the history of both U.S. LEGOLAND locations, with a combined budget of 90 million dollars dedicated to the new space-themed experiences. It represents a significant step in Merlin’s ongoing effort to bring LEGO storytelling and creativity to life through innovative new formats and next-generation ride technology.
Choose Your Ship. Choose Your Mission.
Every journey on Galacticoaster begins inside the Briefing Room, where Chief Engineer Biff Dipper welcomes rookie space cadets to Galaxy Command. After a humorous pep talk, guests enter the Customization Bay where the real fun begins.
Using interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands, riders assemble their own digital spacecraft in four stages: Nose, Tail, Wings, and Special Features. More than 625 possible combinations are available, allowing families to personalize the look and style of their craft before blast off.
Once the selections are saved, the custom design is integrated into the attraction’s storyline as riders launch through a LEGO solar system filled with synchronized lighting, special effects, and surprise cameos from classic LEGO Space sets. Longtime builders may even catch a glimpse of a Space Scooter, an M Tron nod, or a mischievous space cow.
Years in the Making
Galacticoaster has been in development for more than three years, led by Merlin Magic Making in collaboration with ART Engineering, AVSC, Imagineize, 2Heads, and LEGO Brand Parks and Experience. The result is an attraction that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge ride systems in a way that feels distinctly LEGO.
Rob Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Merlin Entertainments, noted that Galacticoaster redefines the family coaster category by giving guests the power to create their own adventure. He emphasized the company’s commitment to elevating LEGOLAND parks in North America into full-scale destination resorts.
Julie Estrada, North America Director of Communications for Merlin Entertainments, described the project as pure LEGO creativity from start to finish, bringing imagination and playful storytelling to life in an entirely new way.
A New LEGO Galaxy at LEGOLAND California Resort
LEGOLAND California will introduce an entirely new land called LEGO Galaxy in 2026. This fully themed area expands the story far beyond the coaster, immersing families in a retro futuristic LEGO Space universe complete with bold theming, interactive elements, and large-scale models.
Guests will find:
• G Force Test Facility, a dynamic family attraction
• DUPLO Launch and Land, perfect for younger explorers
• A junior astronaut training zone
• New food offerings including Ultimate Food Outlet, Stardust Treats, and Satellite Bites
• The Orbital Outpost retail shop featuring space themed souvenirs
The land includes nine large scale LEGO models built from more than 583,000 bricks and representing more than 2,200 hours of Master Model Builder craft.
Junior Galaxy Explorers Search
Ahead of the new land’s debut, LEGOLAND Resorts are hosting the Junior Galaxy Explorers Search, a nationwide program inviting families to apply for the chance to become honorary space explorers. Selected participants will receive early access to LEGO Galaxy, take part in celebratory events, and be among the first to ride Galacticoaster on opening day.
Coming to Both U.S. Resorts in 2026
LEGO Galaxy and Galacticoaster will open at both LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort in 2026. Official opening dates will be announced soon.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.