Ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in a LEGO house? Wonder no more! My family and I were hosted by LEGOLAND® Beach Retreat, along with the LEGOLAND theme park and water park, while on vacation in Florida for two amazing days. So how does it all stack up?
If your family consists of children, more than likely, you’ve played with LEGO sets. Even if you don’t have children of your own, you may have played with LEGOs while you were younger yourself. However, staying in a LEGO-inspired bungalow is something that dreams are made of. The new LEGOLAND Beach Retreat is just that and so much more. During our two-week vacation in Orlando, it rained consistently, but that didn’t put a damper on our fun. So what can you expect when you visit the brand new LEGOLAND Beach Retreat?
Drive Through Check-In
Checking in at the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat was one of the most effortless check-ins I have ever done. Usually, you would park your vehicle, or if you came in a taxi, grab all your gear and go to the front desk. At the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your car. You check-in right there at the window where you give your info and your credit card for incidentals, receive your key and a map of the resort, and voila, you’re all checked in. No need to drag your tired kids to the hotel lobby and wait in line. Best check-in EVER!!!
LEGO Bungalows
This was the highlight of the trip. There are currently 83 beach-themed bungalows, with each bungalow being able to accommodate a family of 5. The bungalows are grouped together in a horseshoe shape, with a playground in the middle and views of Lake Dexter. Each bungalow also comes with its very own patio area, where you can sit back and relax while watching your children play on the playground or reading your LEGOLAND TIMES newspaper, which is delivered early in the morning. There is also free wi-fi access throughout the Beach Retreat.
Inside Your Bungalow
Each bungalow consists of a king-size bed and a cozy area for kids, which includes a bunk bed, trundle bed, and privacy curtain. The rooms are also LEGO-themed, as you can see from the mural on the wall. The kids’ room also contained a mural, and I’m not sure why I didn’t think to take a photo; I guess I was just blindsided by the awesomeness. There is also a full-size bathroom, once again, LEGO-decorated for all your LEGO needs. You can also find the usual amenities, such as a mini-refrigerator, Keurig, and a safe. The kids were also treated to complimentary water and Honest Kids drinks. There is also a LEGO container filled with LEGO bricks to keep your little ones entertained.
Fun For the Kids
If you think the LEGO Bungalows were awesome, the pool and play area will leave you awestruck! Madison did not want to get out of the pool, and I don’t blame her. The pool was filled with life-size LEGO pieces that you could put together. You get to swim among the LEGOs. There is also a play structure and a sandy area where you can build sandcastles. The pool is open from 7 a.m. in the morning until 9 p.m. at night and is always staffed by lifeguards. However, there are lifejackets available for the kids, giving parents that extra feeling of security. Parents can relax on the lounge chairs while watching their children play.
Fun for the Entire Family
The fun isn’t only for the kids; there are also family activities. At 7 p.m., around the pool area, the fun continues. There are dance parties and hula hoop contests, and you can even make your own S’ mores at the S’ mores Pit. The highlight is the lighting of the lighthouse, which shines a real working beacon all around the resort.
Fun for the Adults
While you may think this is all about family and kids, you may be right, but LEGOLAND Beach Retreat didn’t forget about the grownups. I know that after a few hours of being alone with the kids, I need a bit of alone time, and sometimes a drink. Spend some time at the Bricks Beach Bar and order yourself a specialized cocktail. You can have your drinks served either at the bar or at the pool.
Dining
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s complimentary at the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat at Sandy’s Castle Restaurant. A buffet breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and the selection is impressive. The dining menu truly impressed me as well, as there was quite a variety for both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. My oldest daughter, who is a vegetarian, indeed approved.
Play While You Dine or Shop
There is fun for everyone, everywhere you turn at the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat. At the lighthouse where you’ll find Sandy’s Castle Restaurant, Bricks Beach Bar, and Palm Tree Traders, you’ll also find a LEGO building station in the shape of a giant sandcastle, along with thousands of LEGO bricks. There, both kids and adults alike can get creative and make their own LEGO creations.
Shopping
You don’t have to leave the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat to get your shopping on. The Palm Tree Traders retail shop, located in the lighthouse, is stocked with LEGO building sets and Minifigures, apparel, toys, swimwear, snacks, and much more.
Complimentary Shuttle or Free Parking
While the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat is not quite far away from the Theme and Water Park, you will have to cross a busy street to get there. However, there is a complimentary shuttle that takes guests to the theme park entrance. Guests of LEGOLAND Beach Retreat also receive free parking in the main parking lot for those who do choose to drive to the park. Guests also receive early access to the parks.
Rates and Reservations
Nightly room rates start at $135 (plus tax and resort fee) and vary by season, date, and availability. Packages, including theme park tickets, are also available, and Awesomer and Awesomest Annual Pass Members receive a 10 percent discount year-round. For more information about visiting the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, including savings on advance purchase of admission tickets, multi-tier annual passes, special events, educational programs, services for guests with disabilities, VIP experiences, military discounts, and much more, visit www.LEGOLAND.com/florida, or call 877-350-5346 daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!!
