LEGOLAND® Resorts Unveil Galacticoaster: A New Era of LEGO® Space Adventure Launching in 2026

Courtesy of: Legoland Florida and Merlin Entertainments

Published and Written By: Christopher L. Antie, William Antie

Chris and Will met with Julie Estrada and Rob Smith to discuss new happenings.

December 2025 — Chris and Will had the pleasure of attending the official announcement of the Galacticoaster at IAAPA 2025. Their interview discussions brought excitement to fans from all over.

Merlin Entertainments is charting a bold new course for family thrills. At IAAPA Expo 2025, the global entertainment leader officially revealed Galacticoaster, a first-of-its-kind indoor roller coaster experience debuting at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and LEGOLAND® California Resort in early 2026. The announcement marks Merlin’s largest single-in-park investment in the history of both locations, totaling more than $90 million across the two resorts.

Blending storytelling, interactivity, and cutting-edge ride technology, Galacticoaster invites families to step into the LEGO® Space universe like never before. The adventure begins in the Briefing Room, where Chief Engineer Biff Dipper welcomes rookie cadets before sending them into the Customization Bay — the heart of the attraction’s innovation. Using interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands, guests design their own spacecraft across four build phases, unlocking 625 possible combinations. Their digital creation is then recognized as part of the ride experience, merging physical thrills with personalized storytelling.

“It’s not just about the thrills — it’s about giving every guest the power to create their own story,” said Rob Smith, COO of Merlin Entertainments. “Galacticoaster redefines what a family coaster can be. It’s LEGO play elevated to a whole new orbit.”

Smith emphasized that the attraction embodies the core LEGO DNA of creativity, imagination, and multigenerational connection. “Space is something kids love, parents love, grandparents love. You’ll design your spacecraft together, then ride together. That’s the magic.”

Rob Smith

The new coaster anchors LEGO Galaxy, a fully themed land opening at both LEGOLAND California and LEGOLAND Florida in 2026. The land features Neo Classic LEGO Space theming, character encounters, large-scale LEGO models, and additional attractions, including G‑Force Test Facility, DUPLO® Launch and Land, and a junior astronaut training zone. Across both resorts, Master Model Builders have crafted nine massive LEGO models using more than 583,000 bricks and over 2,200 hours of expert craftsmanship.

Ahead of the grand opening, Merlin has launched the Junior Galaxy Explorers Search, a nationwide initiative inviting kids ages 6–12 to design their own LEGO spacecraft for a chance to be among the first riders on Galacticoaster.

The excitement continued at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, where the park unveiled Galacticoaster’s official opening date — February 27, 2026 — during a spectacular holiday celebration. Acclaimed science communicator and TV host Emily Calandrelli (“The Space Gal”) lit the resort’s iconic 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree before signaling a custom-designed drone show featuring rockets, LEGO bricks, and the park’s new character, Space Creature.

The reveal blended real-world space exploration with LEGO imagination, setting the tone for the attraction’s mission: to inspire creativity, curiosity, and wonder in every guest.

In an interview with What About Our Life?, Julie Estrada, North America Communications Director for Merlin Entertainments, shared how the holidays at LEGOLAND amplify the spirit of creativity and connection.

Julie Estrada

“The entire resort turns into a bricktastic wonderland,” Estrada said. “From the giant LEGO wreath to the three-story LEGO Christmas tree, it’s all about creating memories. Seeing that joy through the eyes of my kids — and now my grandson — is what makes this season so special.”

Estrada also highlighted the emotional heart of LEGOLAND’s attractions. Whether it’s the classic Dragon Coaster or the upcoming Galacticoaster, the goal is always the same: to give families their first theme park experiences in a way that feels magical, safe, and unforgettable.

With Galacticoaster, Merlin Entertainments is not only expanding the LEGO Space universe — it’s redefining what family attractions can be. From customizable ride vehicles to immersive storytelling and multigenerational appeal, the new coaster represents a leap forward in interactive theme park design.

As Smith shared, “It’s about families. It’s about togetherness. And it’s about creating memories that last.”

Galacticoaster opens February 27, 2026, at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, with LEGO Galaxy debuting at both U.S. resorts later that year.

Source: ChrisWill Media Christopher L. Antie and William Antie are podcast journalists who cover a wide range of topics across multiple industries. To learn more about Chris and Will, tune in to their podcast What About Our Life? on iHeartRadio, and visit chrisandwill.com.