Winter Haven | Legoland Florida Theme Park

[SkyDiveJunkee]

I thought this development deserved it's own thread, as it is likely to be the largest development under construction in the state of Florida when it breaks ground this year.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trave...,1659229.story



With Florida's pathetic unemployment rate, this is certainly welcome news for the construction, and tourism industries. I imagine this will also spark development and redevelopment opportunities in the immediate area surrounding the park.

[HeartofFlorida]

[SkyDiveJunkee]

Anyone else a bit concerned by the location?

[jzquince69]

yeah. in fact, I had to google Cypress Gardens b/c I didn't even know where it was all this time.

straying too far off of the I-4 corridor is a recipe for failure. Just like the Hard Rock Park people who decided to open up that theme park in Myrtle Beach to be the "big dog" b/c they thought the Orlando market was too competative. They filed. At least in Orlando, they could've taken overflow patrons. Holy Land Experience is still open and they're right off of I-4. What does that tell you?

I read the article and understand why, but, at the end of the day, it comes down to marketing.

[FLAWDA-FELLA]

Wow, a whole theme park full of legos to play with, man I'm gonna be in heaven!!!

[I-275westcoastfl]

If they made US 27 into a toll highway getting to the new Legoland would be quick and easy. The road has plenty of room to upgrade to a freeway so why not take the opportunity if funds can be allocated.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie...29404&t=h&z=11

[Lakelander]

Being located on I-4 doesn't mean success. If it did Circus World, Splendid China and Boardwalk & Baseball would still be around. If a park is going to succeed, its going to have to bring something unique to the table, establish its own niche and be good at delivering and promoting that product. I think these guys know what they are doing. They have a proven success record and a butt load of cash. They had some solid reasons for picking Cypress Gardens as a site. My guess is they've done their research and they'll be fine.

[jzquince69]

Splendid China wasn't near I-4; it was secluded and they did little marketing. It was owned by The Peoples Republic, if I'm not mistaken. As locals, we would go to Chinatown and eat, but we wouldn't go inside and pay just to see miniatures.

I understand why they went there. I hope they succeed. Its all about location. Opening in 2 years versus 4: the economy will suck less in 4 years than in 2, right? Lego has a big name. Legoland doesn't as far as most people know. I really liked Circus World; went there twice as a kid. Unless they place billboards along 528, I-Drive, or 192, none of the bulk of the tourist traffic in O-Town will know its even there.

I want to know what Lego will bring to the table to get someone off their butt to go there from, say, 10-15 miles away. Do we know?

[kevinkagy]

The location is pretty BFE though. It's really out of the way for the tourists going to Orlando. They couldn't have found a place in Orlando or Tampa? ...or Miami? lol

[TampaMike]

If it wasn't for I-4, Dinosaur World would had closed 2 years after opening. It's been open for almost 12 years. Only marketing I have seen from them is their sign and the T-rex replica next to the highway.

[Lakelander]

I think you guys are underestimating Merlin. Aren't they like the world's second largest theme park operator behind Disney? These guys know what they are doing. I think they are going to pull in their own crowd moreso then playing second fiddle to the existing parks. A 20 minute drive down US 27 isn't going to stop people from visiting. Seriously, its probably a quicker drive to Cypress Gardens from Disney than going from Disney to the other side of Orlando.

[HeartofFlorida]

Originally Posted by I-275westcoastfl

If they made US 27 into a toll highway getting to the new Legoland would be quick and easy. The road has plenty of room to upgrade to a freeway so why not take the opportunity if funds can be allocated.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie...29404&t=h&z=11

LOL!!! NIMBY's. I'd be shocked if the C.P.P. or 429 extension makes it.

[FlaNatv]

I think upgrades to the road network was part of the deal.....I hope

[I-275westcoastfl]

Originally Posted by HeartofFlorida

LOL!!! NIMBY's. I'd be shocked if the C.P.P. or 429 extension makes it.

Yea I know lol, one could hope I guess.

[SkyDiveJunkee]

Originally Posted by FlaNatv

I think upgrades to the road network was part of the deal.....I hope

You sure about that? The County didn't know about the purchase until the week it was announced.

[jzquince69]

Originally Posted by HeartofFlorida

LOL!!! NIMBY's. I'd be shocked if the C.P.P. or 429 extension makes it.

there's a proposed 429 extension?

[Lakelander]

^There is a feasibility study being done that connects that I-4 area with the Polk Parkway and Central Polk County with an expressway. Will it ever happen? Who knows?

[jzquince69]

no kidding. right now, 429 dead ends into Reunion Resort;

its getting too congested in East Polk. I think the best thing would be to build some overpasses on US-27 and make it into a hybrid expressway like US-19 and parts of SR 414 Maitland Blvd.

[Lakelander]

Here is a link:

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One is conducting a project development and environment (PD&E) study of the proposed Central Polk Parkway in Polk County, Florida. The Central Polk Parkway would serve as a vital link in Polk County's future transportation system by connecting Bartow and southern Polk County via SR 60 to northern Polk County via the Polk County Parkway and Interstate 4.

http://www.centralpolkparkway.com/

Here is a link to graphics of proposed routes up for discussion: http://www.centralpolkparkway.com/map.pdf

[kiretoce]

Originally Posted by jzquince69

Splendid China wasn't near I-4; it was secluded and they did little marketing. It was owned by The Peoples Republic, if I'm not mistaken.

Splendid China was located on Hwy 192 just off I-4. The park stayed open for 10 years; after a number of artisans, dancers and members of the cast escaped and sought political asylum, Splendid China reduced the number of cast members from overseas and hired local performers.