POLK COUNTY, Fla. – LEGOLAND Florida Resort has grown with the grand opening of SEA LIFE Florida, the resort’s newest attraction that combines marine education with interactive experiences for all ages.
The aquarium, which celebrated its opening with a “Grand Kelp Cutting Ceremony,” features multiple exhibits designed to bring visitors face-to-face with marine life ranging from sharks and stingrays to jellyfish and octopuses.
“This is an opportunity for us to expand what we do,” said Franceen Gonzalez, president of LEGOLAND Florida. “We have LEGOLAND theme park, LEGOLAND water park, our three hotels, Peppa Pig, and now finally our SEA LIFE Florida.”
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Dubbed “The Theme Park Under the Sea,” the attraction includes unique-to-Florida zones such as Stingray Bay, the Seahorse Nursery, and an Ocean Tunnel offering visitors 180-degree views of marine life.
Marie Collins, head of Conservation, Welfare, and Education for SEA LIFE North America, emphasized the facility’s commitment to marine education.
“Our mission is to inspire our guests, whether they’re children or adults, to be really engaged and learn about these creatures,” Collins said. “Conservation education is a priority for us, as is animal welfare and wellbeing.”
The aquarium features low-to-the-ground tunnels and interactive elements specifically designed for children.
“When you see them walking through this space and their eyes light up and their hands go on the glass, you can just see that they are absolutely mesmerized by the brand new experience,” Gonzalez said.
SEA LIFE Florida joins a global network of more than 50 aquariums that collectively welcome over 20 million visitors annually and care for more than 180,000 creatures. The organization partners with the SEA LIFE Trust to focus on ocean protection and marine conservation efforts.
Gonzalez says LEGOLAND will continue to expand, with a first-of-its-kind indoor roller coaster opening early next year.