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LegoLand Officially Opens in Goshen, NY

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo officially announced the opening of the  LEGOLAND New York Resort in Goshen, Orange County – the first new major theme park in the Northeast in more than four decades. The park was originally supposed to open in 2020 but delayed until this year due to the pandemic.

Developed by Merlin Entertainments, the 150-acre project is about 40 miles north of New York City and the first LEGOLAND theme park in the Northeast, the third in the United States and the ninth in the world. It features seven LEGO themed lands, each with its own rides and attractions, and strong educational elements for children ages two to 12 and their families.

Tickets are priced at $79.99 for adults and kids over 12. $69.99 for kids age 3 to 12. Reservations for tickets are required. Annual passes are $229.99.

“The pandemic took a devastating toll on New York, and as we make our comeback, the new LEGOLAND New York Resort in Orange County is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity that this state has always been known for,” Governor Cuomo said. “This magnificent destination for people of all ages will help spur the Mid-Hudson region’s economic recovery, jumpstart the state’s critical tourism industry, and provide a world-class, family-friendly experience for travelers from all over the world.”

The theme park is the first to feature the world-premiere LEGO Factory Adventure Ride, which transforms guests into Minifigures and gives them a whimsical “brick’s eye view” of how LEGO is made. The ride also incorporates a specialized ADA vehicle capable of carrying a guest who uses a wheelchair. It is one of several amenities that allows LEGOLAND New York to be enjoyed by visitors of all abilities, including a “Sensory Room” where children and families can combat sensory overload.

A 250-room LEGOLAND Hotel is now taking bookings starting August 6. Built for kids, each of the Hotel’s fully LEGO themed rooms will feature a separate children’s sleeping area, with daily children’s entertainment and scavenger hunts for LEGO® prizes. Located just steps away from the theme park, the Hotel will also feature a heated resort-style swimming pool.

Stephanie Johnson, Divisional Director of LEGOLAND New York Resort, said, “We appreciate the support of New York State and Empire State Development as LEGOLAND New York Resort prepares to welcome guests from far and wide to build unforgettable memories this summer. We aim to be a child’s first theme park experience, and we’ve always seen the Hudson Valley as the perfect fit for LEGOLAND New York Resort, not only for its picturesque setting, but its proximity to the largest tourist market in the world. After the challenges of the past year, we are pleased to see signs that people are ready to travel again, and we’re proud to play a part in the rebirth of New York’s crucial tourism economy.”

LEGOLAND New York was supported by $15.1 million in grants through the Regional Economic Development Council and Upstate Revitalization Initiative. Additionally, LEGOLAND New York and New York State invested more than $40 million in new road and bridge infrastructure to enhance capacity and improve reliability, including the reconfiguration of the Route 17 Exit 125 interchange; construction of a new bridge over Route 17; widening the South Street and Route 17M intersection; and the reconstruction of Harriman Drive.