Trip Introduction
In October of 2011, we flew to Florida to attend the grand opening of the LEGOLAND Florida theme park. James grew up with LEGO and while he claims it is a hobby, Julie considers it a problem.
Friday, 10/14/2011 – Flying South
We flew to Florida and made our way to James' parents' home in Lakeland where we were staying.
Saturday, 10/15/2011 – A Grand Opening
We rose early in order to make our way to the park for the opening ceremonies. James' parents (Jim and Gayle) and his sister's youngest (Kellie) joined us for the day. The park was built on the land previously occupied by Cypress Gardens. Some of the land was kept as a nature preserve. LEGOLAND also kept the ski show tradition; but updated it with LEGO themed characters. We enjoyed the day and James, of course, took lots of pictures of the life size models as well as the scale streetscapes.
A sign welcoming guests to LEGOLAND Florida
A LEGO statue near one of the rides
Car shopping
Part of the original Cypress Gardens Park and homage to its history
Part of the pirate themed ski show
Some of the LEGO animals in the park
Part of the Vegas strip in LEGO
Part of the National Mall in the Washington DC diorama
St. Augustine, Florida’s historic district
A LEGO model of Hemingway’s house on Key West complete with cats
Sunday, 10/16/2011 – A Day of Rest
Sunday was spent resting and enjoying time with family. We were surprised to see ourselves in the newspaper in a photo about Saturday's opening.
James takes a picture just to the right of the switch base; from the Lakeland Ledger
Monday, 10/17/2011 – Food and Fun
We couldn't make a trip to Florida in October without taking a day to go to the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Jim, Gayle, and James' sister Cheri joined us.
We decided this wasn’t James’ style
Jim supporting Julie’s brother
A duck looking for handouts
Tuesday, 10/18/2011 – Returning Home
After a whirlwind weekend, we returned home with more great memories.