Merlin Entertainments is rolling out LEGO Galaxy at LEGOLAND Florida Resort and LEGOLAND California Resort as part of a landmark £70 million ($94 million) investment that accelerates its USA growth strategy. LEGO Galaxy sits at the heart of Merlin’s plan to evolve its American LEGOLAND Resorts into world‑class short break destinations, with Galacticoaster positioned as the centerpiece in both parks. The LEGO Galaxy concept will play a key role in driving longer stays and higher per‑capita spend at the two coastal properties.
Galacticoaster, the hero attraction within LEGO Galaxy, is Merlin’s most technologically advanced coaster to date and the largest indoor coaster ever built at a LEGOLAND Resort. Housed in a fully climate‑controlled show building roughly the size of 10 basketball courts, the family coaster combines an enclosed layout with space‑themed show scenes inspired by classic LEGO sets. At LEGOLAND Florida, Galacticoaster becomes the park’s first new coaster in 15 years and the only new roller coaster scheduled to open in Florida in 2026. In California, it marks the first coaster addition to that resort in 20 years, signalling renewed capital focus on the West Coast.
The ride system and guest interface are designed around personalisation. Before boarding, guests use on‑screen controls and RFID wristbands to design a bespoke spacecraft, choosing from more than 625 possible combinations. Their chosen vehicle is then recognised throughout the experience, with on‑board and in‑show media reflecting that configuration and turning each dispatch into a unique “mission”. Designers note that a guest would need to ride Galacticoaster every day for almost two years to experience every possible combination.
The wider LEGO Galaxy lands at both resorts extend the narrative beyond the coaster hall. Offerings include a Junior Astronaut Training Zone and dedicated galactic dining and retail, while LEGO Galaxy at LEGOLAND California also features G‑Force Test Facility, DUPLO Launch & Land and a Rocket Assembly Bay where visitors can build a LEGO spaceship and digitally launch it into cyberspace. Across Florida, California and the broader portfolio of 11 LEGOLAND Resorts in nine countries, Merlin continues to lean on branded experiences such as LEGO Galaxy to strengthen its position in the family short break market. In parallel, LEGOLAND New York will add LEGO Ferrari Build & Race on 27 March, further reinforcing the company’s IP‑driven strategy in the United States.
Images: Merlin Entertainments
