Legoland Florida is expanding its Halloween event with an interactive destination called Brick or Treat Street.
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The event’s theming turns the Winter Haven theme park into Mischief Town, home to six life-sized Lego Monster homes inspired by the brand’s famed Minifigures. Participants encounter Plant Monster, Spider Lady, Mummy, Scarecrow and more.
“We’ve turned a classic Halloween tradition into a playful neighborhood with candy, surprises and magical moments families will remember long after the season ends,” Brian Bacica, the park’s president, said in a news release.
The annual Brick or Treat event, designed especially for families with younger children, is included with regular admission to Legoland. Brick or Treat activities are available Sept. 5-6, 12, 19 and 26 as well as Oct. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 and 30-31.
“Brick or Treat has always been about creating a Halloween experience families can enjoy together, and this year we’re taking it to a whole new level with the addition of Brick or Treat Street,” Bacica said.
Additional Halloween activities at Legoland include group activities such as the Zombie Cheer Crew and the V.I.M. Dance Party hosted by Lord Vampyre; big Scarecrow and pumpkin group builds; a Candy Corn Scavenger Hunt; trick-or-treating across the park; and “The Great Monster Chase” 4D movie.
After-dark activities include the Potion Mischief Light Trail and the “Monster Skytacular” drone show.
For tickets or more information, go to legoland.com/florida.
Lion time
Lion & Hyena Ridge, an immersive animal habitat, officially opens at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on July 25. Among its selling points is its status as the largest lion coalition in the U.S. living in a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. There are five lion brothers (Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo and Herman, all born in 2024) and two hyenas (Cazi and Dazi). More info: buschgardens.com/tampa
Cold-stressed turtle update
SeaWorld Orlando reports that its rescue team has returned nine rehabilitated green sea turtles to the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the animals had suffered from cold stress and severe malnutrition during the winter’s cold snap.
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More lasers
Orlando Science Center is doubling up on its laser light shows during its Stellar Nights event, which extends regular operating hours to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 1. Shows, presented in the recently renovated Dome, will begin at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The museum is repeating the opening weekend shows on July 24 (Taylor Swift) and July 31 (Queen) in addition to the previously scheduled shows. Details: osc.org
D23: Where to be
Walt Disney World fans are circling Aug. 15 on their calendars for potential news out of D23: The Ultimate Fan Event held in California. That’s the day of the Disney Experience Showcase with host Neil Patrick Harris. The showcase “will take fans deeper into the creative vision behind what’s to come, hearing directly from the Imagineers, storytellers, artists and innovators bringing these experiences to life,” a news release says. Details: d23.com
Feeling Blue
Blue Man Group has a ticket deal through the end of the year. Folks who buy a full-price adult ticket can get a children’s ticket for $25. The offer applies to performances Monday through Thursday, plus the 5 p.m. show on Fridays. Blue Man opened its new 578-seat theater at Icon Park in May. More info: blueman.com
Reading, writing and Ripley
“Wired Into Weird,” a new book from Orlando-based Ripley’s Believe It or Not World Entertainment, is now available for pre-order. The publication features bite-sized articles of human oddities and achievements. The book is available Sept. 8. Pre-ordering peeps get a couple of bonuses: a free ticket to a Ripley attraction in the U.S. or Canada and a shout-out by name in next year’s Ripley book. Details: ripleys.com
Striking out
Kings Orlando marks National Bowling Day on Aug. 8, when the first 50 guests receive a free bowling voucher, and anyone who rolls a strike on Lucky Train lane wins a free hour of bowling on a future visit. The International Drive venue also is drawing the Nostalgia Con (think ‘90s and early ‘00s) crowd for Aug. 7-9, when it will serve a cocktail called SunnyD After Dark (spicy tequila is involved).
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Upcoming big dates
Aug. 2: Last day to ride Kumba roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Aug. 7 to Oct. 31: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom (select dates)
Aug. 10: Closing Day for “Spielberg Summer Blockbusters” exhibit and “Jaws” photo ops at Universal Studios Florida
Aug. 16: Last day to ride Fast & Furious Supercharged attraction at Universal Studios Florida
Aug. 16: Final day of Lego Festival at Legoland Florida
Aug. 27-Nov. 21: Event dates for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, including Eat to the Beat concert series
Aug. 28- Nov. 1: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida (select nights)
Aug 28-Nov. 1: SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular (select days)
Sept. 5-Oct. 31: Brick or Treat Halloween event at Legoland Florida (select days)
Sept. 11- Nov. 1: Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando (select nights)
Sept. 14: Magic of Disney Animation attractions debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Nov. 7- Jan. 5: Disney Jollywood Nights, holiday event at Hollywood Studios (select nights)
Nov. 8- Dec. 22: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom (select nights)
Nov 13-Jan. 3: Gaylord Palms “ice” exhibit and holiday activities
Nov. 27-Dec. 30: Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, including Candellight Processional
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