A brand new family friendly coaster is coming to both LEGOLAND Florida and California Resorts! Galacticoaster will open early in 2026. I was at the press conference at IAAPA Expo, and it looks like it’s going to be unlike any other ride! You’ll build your own ride vehicle, with choices such as hamburger wings and a dragon tail. There are hundreds of combinations. Then you’ll blast off to take care of “the asteroid of probable destruction”. Here is the official press release.
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The countdown is on! At IAAPA Expo 2025, Merlin Entertainments – a world leader in global entertainment destinations – lifted the lid on the future of family thrills with a behind-the-scenes preview of Galacticoaster, a first-of-its-kind indoor roller coaster experience opening at LEGOLAND® Resorts in Florida and California in early 2026.
The new space-themed experiences represent Merlin’s biggest ever single in-park investment in the history of these two locations, with $90 million being spent on these two new attractions. It demonstrates the business’s continued commitment to bringing the LEGO® brand to life, at scale, through innovative new formats across its estate.
Blending storytelling, interactivity, and cutting-edge ride technology, Galacticoaster will take families on a customizable LEGO® space adventure from Briefing Room to blast-off!
THE MISSION BEGINS
Guests begin their journey in the Briefing Room, where Chief Engineer Biff Dipper (voiced with all the bravado and banter of a true LEGO space legend) welcomes rookie cadets to Galaxy Command. After a few jokes, some motivational pep talks, and a whole lot of personality, cadets are cleared to customize their own spacecraft in the Customization Bay.
Using interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands, guests personalize their craft across four build phases – Nose, Tail, Wings, and Special Features – unlocking more than 625 possible spacecraft combinations. Once complete, their digital creation is recognized, merging physical thrills with immersive storytelling.
As the airlocks close and countdown begins, riders blast off through an intergalactic LEGO solar system filled with special effects, synchronized lighting, and surprise appearances from classic LEGO Space icons…who knows… a space cow may make an appearance!
A COLLABORATION YEARS IN THE MAKING
More than three years in development, Galacticoaster was brought to life by Merlin Magic Making (MMM), in collaboration with ART Engineering, 2Heads, AVSC, Imagineize, and the LEGO Brand Parks & Experience teams. The result is an experience that celebrates LEGO creativity, nostalgia, and next generation family fun in equal measure.
“Galacticoaster redefines what a family coaster can be,” said COO of Merlin Entertainments Rob Smith. “It’s not just about the thrills – it’s about giving every guest the power to create their own story. It’s LEGO play, elevated to a whole new orbit. These investments reaffirm our commitment to the ongoing transformation of LEGOLAND Parks in North America into world class destination resorts. I can’t wait to see these space-themed experiences come to life in Florida and California early next year.”
“This project has been pure LEGO awesomeness from start to finish,” added North America Director of
Communications for Merlin Entertainments Julie Estrada. “It’s playful, it’s clever, and it’s a testament to how far we can go when imagination leads the way.”
A LEGO GALAXY LIKE NEVER BEFORE
LEGO GALAXY AT LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA RESORT
Debuting in 2026, LEGOLAND California Resort will introduce LEGO Galaxy, a brand-new land that fully immerses families in the intergalactic LEGO Space universe. The land will feature bold neo-classic theming, interactive elements, character encounters, and large-scale LEGO models that bring the Galaxy Mission story to life beyond the coaster itself. LEGO Galaxy includes two more cosmic rides: G-Force Test Facility and DUPLO Launch and Land; a junior astronaut training zone, galactic grub such as U.F.O. (Ultimate Food Outlet), Stardust Treats and Satellite Bites where you can refuel with out-of-this-world food and beverages and Orbital Outpost retail shop for space-faring souvenirs to commemorate your mission. Guests will explore multiple zones, each designed to spark creativity, discovery, and imaginative play.
JUNIOR GALAXY EXPLORERS SEARCH
Ahead of the grand opening, LEGOLAND Resorts launched the Junior Galaxy Explorers Search, a nationwide call for young space-loving families. Selected Junior Galaxy Explorers will earn a first look at LEGO Galaxy experiences, take part in special celebrations, and be the first to ride the Galacticoaster on opening day. Full program details, participation guidelines, and reveal dates can be found here:
LEGOLAND.com/JuniorExplorers
Galacticoaster is anchored in the co-created new LEGO Galaxy theme – a celebration of the entire LEGO Space portfolio through past, present, and future eras. Guests will spot nods to fan-favorite sets including the Space Scooter (1979), Space Buggy, and M-Tron, plus a few cosmic Easter eggs for eagle eyed builders.
The attraction also features large-scale LEGO models built by Master Model Builders – from plants to playful space creatures – each crafted from thousands of LEGO bricks. In total, the land showcases nine models built from 583,252 bricks and representing more than 2,200 hours of expert craftmanship. LEGO Galaxy will open at both LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort in 2026, with opening dates to be announced soon.