The countdown has begun for Galactic Coaster, a roller coaster set to debut at Legoland Florida in early 2026. Winter Haven Theme Park revealed details about its indoor family thrill ride during the IAAPA Expo held at the Orange County Convention Center.
Rob Smith, chief operating officer of Merlin Entertainments Group, which owns Legoland, said a key element would be the ability to personalize the rides.
Smith said riders will be able to select key elements of the spacecraft, including its nose, tail, wings and color. This is made possible by the wristband’s RFID technology.
“When you board the spacecraft and prepare to take off, the technology screen will show you the spacecraft you’re sitting in before it blasts off into space,” Smith said. There are said to be over 620 vehicle combinations.
Some of the options have the expected galactic look. Some are more fanciful, Smith said, such as hamburger wings, front crab claws and dragon tails. “This is more than just playing with Lego. It’s about imagination with Lego. Merlin is always finding new ways to make every visit unique.”
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Legoland also introduced the attraction’s characters, Space Creatures, at the IAAPA press conference. The story of the vehicle is that passengers help evade a “potentially destructive asteroid.”
The coaster has a top speed of 40 miles per hour and uses vehicles that can seat four passengers in a row. The entire experience, including pre-show and customization, takes 10 to 15 minutes, Smith said. Height requirement is 48 inches (40 inches if accompanied by an adult).
Space themes resonate with people in Central Florida, but before landing on the Galactic Coaster, Merlin was looking for a theme that would appeal to a wide range of people. Smith said the research team was looking for themes that would appeal to all age groups. The same ride is being built at Legoland California, as part of the company’s $90 million investment.
“The idea was to create something that everyone would be interested in and that everyone could participate in,” Smith said. “Space has been one of the key multi-generational themes for all ages. This is a really important part of a day or visit to Legoland Resort. … It’s something that everyone does together.”
Attendees smile and wobble around the “The Vortex Tunnel” booth at the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
The convention floor will be filled with colorful displays at the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A girl enjoys a car attraction at the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A crowd fills the floor of the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Children and adults pose for photos at attractions at the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Children watch as other children ride the “Zero Gravity” ride at the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Cars used at SeaWorld are pictured at the VEKOMA booth at the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Attendees battle Godzilla at a gaming booth at the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A crowd fills the floor of the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Photo of the Chance Ride booth was taken on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
This photo of the colorful entrance to the convention floor was taken on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A crowd fills the floor of the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A photo of a holiday-themed booth at the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Children ride attractions at the RMC booth at the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A participant shoots a target at a gaming booth at the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A young boy is suspended from a crane on top of a toy at the “Human Crane Experience” booth at the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Convention attendees ride an attraction at the Zamperla booth at the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A large crowd watches a presentation at the PROSLIDE booth at the IAAPA Expo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
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Attendees smile and wobble around the “The Vortex Tunnel” booth at the IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
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Smith said the coaster inside the building is fully assembled.
“We’re currently testing all of our shows, experiences and ride execution, as well as the technology that brings it all together, because that’s the most important part of this ride,” he said.
The LEGOLAND Florida Coaster opening date will be announced at the park’s tree lighting ceremony on December 6th. The IAAPA Expo continues through Friday.
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