WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — LEGOLAND Florida Resort is welcoming a new neighbor.
SEA LIFE Florida opened Wednesday morning, ditching the usual ribbon cutting with a greener option: Kelp.
The new aquarium attraction is home to about 3,000 creatures and 150 different species.
The aquarium offers touch tanks and an immersive experience for families across 10 galleries.
“We’re gonna get a chance to have children connect, to learn to explore,” said Legoland Florida Resort President Franceen Gonzales. “That educational component is so different from any of the other experiences at LEGOLAND Florida.”
Also, look for the 180-degree tunnel at the “Under The Sea” exhibit, which contains 150,000 gallons of water.
SEA LIFE Florida Curator Sarah McMahon said this can be a transformative experience for children.
"When they see a stingray glide right past their face, or lock eyes with a curious octopus, something amazing happens,” said McMahon. “That spark of curiosity turns into respect. And respect is the first step to protecting our ocean."
This June, a portion of LEGOLAND Florida ticket purchases can be rounded up at checkout to support SEA LIFE TRUST.
They are a global charity that works to protect marine life and animals' habitats.
SEA LIFE TRUST is a separate ticketed attraction next to LEGOLAND Florida Resort and PEPPA PIG Theme Park.
All three attractions have the same owner, Merlin Entertainment.
Next up for LEGOLAND Florida: A new indoor roller coaster expected to debut in 2026.