A sneak preview of Legoland Florida Resort’s Great LEGO Race virtual reality (VR) roller coaster experience is now available. And parks fans don’t even have to leave home to enjoy it!

Using a mobile app, with or without a VR headset, would-be Legoland guests can experience the 360° media content that will enrich the park’s Project X coaster this spring. The Great Lego Race will transform the Mack Wild Mouse ride into a high-octane adventure that puts guests in the driver’s seat for a rollicking race against a lineup of colourful Lego minifigures. Such an experience already exists at Legoland Malaysia Resort, having launched on November 22. In spring 2018 it will also be introduced at Legoland Deutschland Resort, as well as the Florida resort.

Developed under the supervision of Merlin Magic Making, the creative arm of Merlin Entertainments, the app is available for free via MackMedia’s Coastiality app and can be used with iOS, Android and Oculus VR devices. Those using the latter can enjoy the action from every direction. The visuals, which echo the coaster’s twists, turns, drops and climbs, were created by Figment Productions, which has previously collaborated with Merlin on VR attractions at Thorpe Park and Alton Towers Resort in the UK.

Legoland guests must be at least six years-old and 42 inches tall (1.2m) to participate in The Great LEGO Race, or be accompanied by a responsible adult at least 48 inches tall. Guests can choose to ride without the VR headset if they wish.

Meanwhile the park in Winter Haven, Florida, has a new vice-president of marketing and sales. Gillian Smith brings more than two decades’ experience promoting brands including Burger King, Coca-Cola, Teach for America and City Year.