Thousands Attend Open House on Legoland Florida
Last Modified: Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 10:28 p.m.
WINTER HAVEN | if Thursday’s open house in Winter Haven to unveil plans for Legoland Florida was a concert, then Legoland officials were the rock stars.
Director of Sales and Marketing Kim Isemann for LEGOLAND Group fields questions from curious visitors and media during the LEGOLAND Florida open house at the Orange Dome Thursday July 8, 2010 in Winter Haven, Florida. Thousands turned out for the event that uneiled to the public the intentions of the fifth such theme park for the organization that is slated to open fall of 2011. CINDY SKOP | THE LEDGER
Contractors, job seekers, children and the curious clamored for information about the theme park scheduled to open in late fall 2011.
The interest was so high that Winter Haven police officers had to direct traffic to and from the Orange Dome at the Chain of Lakes Complex, where Legoland officials offered glimpses of what is to come. City officials estimated more than 3,000 people came to the open house.
Ashley Holmes, a 12-year-old from Auburndale, was among those who found the plans creative and entertaining.
“Children see them (LEGO building bricks) as fun and a way to express themselves,” said Holmes, a Lena Vista Elementary student. “I think all the designs are fun.”
The open house was intended to show how the former Cypress Gardens will be transformed into an interactive theme park. It included artist renderings of what some of the attractions will look like.
LEGO models, such as the White House with the Obamas standing on the steps, were on display, and stations were set up where attendees could build their own models. People responded with designs including dinosaurs and flowers.
John Jakobsen, managing director for Legoland Parks, said park officials have been looking for a Florida location for 10 years and Cypress Gardens, between the Orlando and Tampa markets, is the perfect location.
Managing director of LEGOLAND Group John Jakobsen meets thousands of curious visitors one on one answering questions during the LEGOLAND Florida open house at the Orange Dome Thursday July 8, 2010 in Winter Haven, Florida. Thousands turned out for the event that uneiled to the public the intentions of the fifth such theme park for the organization that is slated to open fall of 2011. CINDY SKOP | THE LEDGER 2010
“We’re offering a brand that’s known already and has the ability to draw people from other locations,” he said.
Jakobsen said 1,000 employees will be hired by opening day. So far, 25 people have been hired. Employment is being handled through the company’s website, he said.
More than 50 rides, shows and attractions will be featured at the park, Jakobsen said. Attractions like the Factory Tour, which shows how LEGO bricks are molded and shaped. It will replace the Cypress Gardens Radio Museum.
Admission prices for the park are still being decided, said Kim Isemann, director of sales and marketing. There will be special incentives for locals.
John Ussher, Legoland’s general manager of development, received thunderous applause when he said company officials plan to keep the botanical gardens that were an essential element of the old Cypress Gardens.
Merlin Entertainments Group acquired the defunct Cypress Gardens theme park in January. Merlin, the world’s second-largest owner of tourist attractions, currently operates four Legoland parks – three in Europe and one in California. Legoland Malaysia is scheduled to open a year after the Winter Haven location.
In addition to the curious, contractors looking for business were hoping to rub shoulders with Legoland officials. Ryan Whitehead, vice president of Everett Whitehead & Son Inc, said his construction business is three miles from the theme park.
“I just think everybody is anxious and hoping to get a glimpse of the site plan,” Whitehead said. “It would be good to keep the money local. I think it’s important especially with today’s financial environment.”
Then there were those who were looking for jobs, like Lance Miller, who moved to Winter Haven from Iowa and has been here 8 weeks.
“I’ve filled out three applications a day and I haven’t received a phone call,” Miller said. “I’m hoping this will offer some great jobs.”
City Commissioner Jamie Beckett was enthused about Thursday’s turnout.
“This is way beyond my expectations,” he said. “This is what everyone hoped for.”
Winter Haven City Manager Dale Smith said he loved seeing the huge turnout.
“It just shows what kind of energy Legoland can inspire for the community,” he said.
Tom Patton, executive director of the Central Florida Development Council, was pleased that Legoland is getting the community involved early.
“I think it’s outstanding,” he said. “It gives you an idea of what to expect when they officially get here.”
[ Merissa Green can be reached at merissa.green@theledger.com or 863-401-6968. ]