Initially scheduled to open this Fourth of July, just in time for the fireworks, the opening of Legoland New York Resort has now been postponed to 2021 in light of the pandemic.
Legoland and its parent company, Merlin Entertainments, announced the news on 31 March, citing the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and restrictions from state and local governments in their decision. “Nothing is more important to us than the health, safety and security of our team, the partners we work with, and the communities we serve,” Legoland New York Resort divisional director Stephanie Johnson said in a press release. “We are grateful for the support and understanding from our guests and neighbors as we navigate the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.”
Annual passes and single-day tickets have been available for months now, and those purchases will be honored when the resort opens; anyone who has booked a vacation package will be giving priority booking when 2021 reservations become available in the next few months.
With seven themed lands spanning 150 acres and boasting 15,000-plus models and more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions, this will be the largest Legoland in the world, officials said in a press release in October. Park workers in the Hudson Valley town of Goshen, some 65 miles north of New York City, had been busy ramping up for opening day. “Buildings are going up, concrete is being poured, and construction is buzzing across our site,” Legoland New York senior divisional director John Ussher said at the time.
When the park finally opens, the first thing you’ll hit when you enter is Brick Street, with a big arch and the big shop to match. Look for a huge array of Lego toy sets here, including items unique to this location; there will also be a Lego-brick carousel with mounts featuring motorcycles, tigers, and even chicken-giraffe hybrids. Lego-set completists can buy a minifigure or bring their own, and trade it with any Model Citizen (i.e., a park worker) throughout the day.
Visitors will be able to learn to be a firefighter or take a driver’s ed class in Lego City; visit Ninjago World to hit ninja training camp or go for a spin on Ninjago The Ride; and spend time in Bricktopia, a world making its debut here at Legoland New York, where guests magically shrink down to miniatures to let them see how those bricks are actually made, from the inside out. It also features a Duplo train ride, a robotic play center, and a Mad Tea Party–like disco spin, with a DJ providing the soundtrack.
Annual passes retail from $120 (€134), and single-day tickets start from $63 (€70). For more information or to buy tickets, visit legoland.com/New-York.
This article was originally published on 4 October, 2019 and updated on 2 April, 2020.
