Merlin Entertainments is hotly set to open a major theme park based on their flagship IP soon.
The third LEGOLAND will open in New York this year and with a site of more than 500 acres, promises to be the world’s biggest LEGOLAND resort with plenty of opportunities for future expansions.
Costing £265 million ($350 million) the fun-filled amusement park will brim with 50 next-generation rides, shows and attractions, with more than hundreds of iconic LEGO characters made from millions of LEGO bricks.
The chance to join the legendary Professor Brick in the LEGO Factory is set to be a focal point for visitors. Here guests will join the awesome professor for an adventurous journey – which will see their ride vehicles and themselves transform into classic LEGO elements using Holovis’ cutting-edge Holtotrac program.
Video reveals all the offerings at LEGOLAND New York
The complex is also set to house a 250-bedroom LEGO inspired hotel and incredible transport infrastructure to connect an abundance of residents and tourists to the theme park.
When deciding a location, Merlin Entertainments was keen for LEGOLAND New York to be in a two-hour catchment of 23 million people making it the perfect destination for family days out and mini breaks.
The chosen site in Hudson Valley is just 90 minutes from Manhattan. Along with less than three hours by train from neighbouring States Boston and Philadelphia.
The ambitious project has created 800 construction jobs through the three-year development process and is set to generate more than 1000 jobs to the people of New York when open.
Commenting when proposals were first revealed, Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments said: “LEGOLAND New York is the first new major theme park in the North East of the US for several decades, and is perfectly located for visitors from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia and beyond.
“At $350m it is our largest investment in a single park to date, and our third LEGOLAND Park in North America, the world’s largest market for theme parks and the LEGO brand.
Adding: “This investment reaffirms our commitment to further diversifying Merlin’s portfolio of attractions internationally and is an important milestone in our global LEGOLAND rollout programme.”
Artistic impression of LEGOLAND New York entrance
An open date for LEGOLAND New York was originally revealed as May 4 2020 to coincide with the legendary Star Wars Day. However, due to the continued impacts of COVID 19 in North America launching the major theme park has been delayed until 2021.
Though an exact open date is yet to be set, there are clues Merlin Entertainments are gearing up for the theme park’s grand launch and has recently installed its iconic LEGO entrance.
Elsewhere, designing the world’s fastest coaster is well underway at Six Flags Qiddiya.
