Top Five Features of LEGOLAND Florida Beach Retreat

Discover beach-style bungalows at the new LEGOLAND Beach Retreat! It recently opened in Winter Haven, Florida.

Here’s our Top Five favorite features:

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Drive-Thru Check-in

Gone are the days of waiting in the hotel lobby, at LEGOLAND Beach Retreat – at least. Pull your vehicle up to the gate and expect to receive your key cards and a detailed map, in just minutes! The greeter was so friendly, and helpful in guiding us to our room. There is someone at the gate 24 hours-a-day.

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Carefree Coves

There are 83 bungalows separated into 13 sections, named after LEGO Minifigures, such as Mermaid’s Cove and Sea Captain’s Cove. Two private rooms to each bungalow. There’s a table with four chairs on the front porch of each room, and every Cove has its own play area for kids! The early bird gets to catch a gorgeous sunrise – and a copy of The LEGOLAND Times by the front door.

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Surf’s Up Suites

LEGOLAND Beach Retreat features whimsical beach-themed rooms with a King-size bed for the adults, and a nook which includes a bunk bed/trundle combo that can sleep three children. There are USB ports in the electrical outlets, a Keurig machine with coffee and tea, along with a LEGO set (which stays in the room) for each young guest to enjoy.

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Dine and Play

Your little one(s) can play with LEGO bricks (plural for LEGO) while you wait to dine at Sandy’s Castle Restaurant. A full buffet breakfast is included with your stay. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner buffets. Cocktails, mock tails, and pool-side bites are also available at Bricks Beach Bar. We highly recommend the “Fish in a Bag” for guests 21 and over.

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Drink Menu at Bricks Beach Bar

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Ahoy, Fun

There are so many activities to do at Brick Beach! LEGOLAND is the only place where you can swim with LEGO bricks. Kids can build a masterpiece in the pool or play a friendly game of tag on the sandy playground. Guests can also play a game of corn hole – or roast marshmallows on a chilly Florida night. The centerpiece of the resort is The Lighthouse, which lights up at sunset each night.

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And there you have it! Next stop, LEGOLAND. It’s less than a half-mile drive to the parks. Just remember after a long day, you can relax afterwards at #BrickBeach.

We were invited to the Grand Opening of LEGOLAND Florida’s Beach Retreat. My family received a complimentary night’s stay, and admission to LEGOLAND. We were not asked to write about our experiences at the special event. All opinions are my own. This post contains an affiliate link.

Christmas in July – Countdown to ICE!

‘Twas five months before Christmas… in preparation for ICE! Two million pounds of the cold stuff for a display that’s colorful and nice.

ICE! Photo Op
Picture Perfect – 2014

An announcement today regarding one of our favorite holiday events, ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Orlando. This year’s theme is “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”. If you’ve never been to Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, trust me… you should. A visit to the resort, is a trip to Florida’s Everglades, St. Augustine and Key West. It’s really spectacular.

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Enchanting Christmas Tree in Gaylord Palms’ Atrium, along with a performance during ICE! Preview in 2014

ICE! is an annual experience at the resort, which changes themes each year. You don’t have to be a guest at the resort to buy tickets! In 2014, we were awed by scenes from The Nutcracker.

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ICE! 2014

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There are six rooms which display hand-carved ice sculptures and ice slides. Visitors are given shiny, blue coats to stay warm in the 9-degree temperatures. There is a gorgeous Nativity scene as you head towards the exit (see below). And plenty of photo opportunities, snow tubing and an ICE! bar — all for additional cold, hard cash.

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2014 Nativity Scene

Icy Cold Facts

  • Park near the ICE! entrance. You can push the stroller around the massive resort, then pack it away when it comes time to experience ICE!
  • ICE! is made up of 2-million pounds of ice; The Frostbite Factory is a live carving zone
  • Dress warm from head-to-toe. Wear a hat, gloves, a scarf and thick socks. The display will really take your breath away
  • Beware! Your camera/smart phone lens will fog and temporarily freeze if exposed too long to the cold temperatures
  • Stay the day, because you have to pay to park! There are restaurants, shopping and fun photo spots throughout the resort

Event: November 24, 2015-January 3, 2016

For ticket prices, Florida resident discount code and other offers, see their website.

Until next time, keep on ‘strollin!