The Secret Garden at LEGOLAND Florida

Photo: Stroller Full of Fun

Hidden amongst the LEGO bricks and rides at LEGOLAND Florida, lies a magical place where the air is filled with the sound of bamboo stalks colliding in the breeze. It’s where you can get lost in the maze of a banyan tree, which decades ago was planted out of a bucket.

Photo: Stroller Full of Fun

This hidden gem hold lots of childhood memories for me and maintains the charm of Old Florida. I’m talking about Cypress Gardens. Winter Haven’s botanical gardens and theme park closed in 2009, but has been preserved and remains open to visitors at LEGOLAND Florida.

Photo: Stroller Full of Fun

The winding sidewalk allows visitors to take a peaceful stroll through vivid flowers and algae-covered statues. The sound of swimmers, enjoying a warm day at the adjoining water park, can be heard in the distance. The gardens provide unlimited photo opportunities for nature lovers.

Photo: Stroller Full of Fun

Recently, we found something that we had never seen before… a swimming pool in the shape of Florida. It’s called Esther Williams’ Pool. It was built for the 1953 MGM technicolor film, “Easy to Love,” starring it’s namesake.

Florida Photographic Collection

Photo: State Archives of Florida

After the film, the original owner of Cypress Gardens, Dick Pope Sr., used the Florida-shaped pool in Marketing campaigns to attract visitors to Winter Haven. Now, you can see this piece of history on Lake Eloise, nestled amongst the gorgeous cypress trees. It’s tucked away at the northernmost corner of the gardens. Such a great place to relax during a busy day at the theme park!

Photo: Stroller Full of Fun

The oriental gardens nearby are home to a giant golden buddha and respite from the bright sun; a pavilion allows visitors to rest their soles and reflect in the gardens, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Photo: State Archives of Florida

The only thing missing are the lovely southern belles known for strolling through the gardens in years past. Well, there is one left sitting at the entrance, but she’s made of LEGO bricks. Always expect the unexpected on your adventures. You never know what you might find!

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Drink Menu at Bricks Beach Bar

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.

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.

That Time… We Acted Like Kids at LEGOLAND Florida

There’s nothing more satisfying than acting like a kid, again. One of my favorite places to do that is LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven. I have fond memories of the park as a child, which back then was known as Cypress Gardens.

In May, I joined Joey Panek and some new friends to document the Grand Opening of the Hotel. My toddler sidekick even got some face time in their video. Enjoy.

One of my favorite places in the hotel is the elevator. It’s a disco-themed ride you don’t have to wait in line for.

Just steps away from the theme park, LEGOLAND Hotel Florida is an adventure all its own.

Until next time, Keep on Strollin’…