LEGOLAND® Florida Resort blasted off the holiday season with an intergalactic celebration that not only illuminated the Park’s iconic 30-foot-tall LEGO® Christmas Tree but also revealed the official opening for the Resort’s all-new indoor family space-themed rollercoaster, Galacticoaster, launching on February 27, 2026.
Emily Calandrelli, acclaimed science communicator, beloved TV host, aerospace engineer, and the 100th woman in space, took center stage to lead the countdown. Her passion for space and STEM inspired the crowd as she lit the massive brick-built tree for the first time this season, signaling the start of the Resort’s festive period. The partnership brought a powerful blend of real-world space exploration and imaginative LEGO creativity, inviting families to dream bigger and look upward as they celebrated the holidays.
As the ceremony unfolded, the sky erupted into a fully choreographed space spectacle, with hundreds of synchronized drones forming glowing shapes including rockets, LEGO bricks, and the Resort’s brand-new character, Space Creature. The custom-designed show was created exclusively for LEGOLAND Florida, blending cutting-edge drone technology with the unmistakable playful personality of LEGO storytelling. Galacticoaster invites guests to design their own spacecraft using interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands capable of recognizing 625 possible design combinations. As guests board, their personalized spacecraft becomes part of a dynamic interstellar journey powered by synchronized lighting, projection, an immersive LEGO solar system, projection sequences, and character-driven story moments – all culminating in a fully customized ride experience unlike anything the Park has offered before. The new area will also feature a DUPLO® space-themed play experience and a dedicated LEGO Galaxy retail shop.
To further add excitement to the opening, Merlin Entertainments is also launching a nationwide Junior Galaxy Explorers initiative, inviting children ages 6 to 12 to design and build their own LEGO spacecraft for a chance to become one of the first riders on Galacticoaster. The program aims to spark creativity, curiosity, and confidence in young innovators while celebrating hands-on exploration inspired by the universe. Learn more at https://www.legoland.com/juniorexplorers/.
Holidays at LEGOLAND continues on select dates through December, offering families a festive atmosphere filled with twinkling lights, holiday-themed shows, interactive experiences, exclusive LEGO build opportunities, and the beloved LEGO Christmas Tree. Guests can enjoy character meet-and-greets, limited-edition holiday merchandise, and dazzling seasonal décor, along with a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration featuring an early countdown and spectacular fireworks.
For full event details, tickets, and special overnight packages, visit LEGOLAND.com/Florida.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83