Merlin Entertainments unveiled a sneak peek at the future of family amusement with a behind-the-scenes look at Galacticoaster at IAAPA Expo 2025 in Orlando, Florida.
This first-of-its-kind indoor roller coaster is set to open at Legoland Resorts in Florida and California in early 2026.
The new space-themed experiences represent Merlin’s largest ever single in-park investment across these two locations, with $90 million allocated to the new attractions. It showcases the business’s ongoing dedication to bringing the Lego brand to life at scale through innovative new formats throughout its estate.
Blending storytelling, interactivity, and state-of-the-art ride technology, Galacticoaster will take families on a customisable Lego space adventure from the Briefing Room to blast off.
Guests start in the Briefing Room, where chief engineer Biff Dipper welcomes rookie cadets to Galaxy Command before inviting them to customise their spacecraft in the Customisation Bay.
Using touchscreens and RFID wristbands, guests personalise their craft across four build phases – Nose, Tail, Wings, and Special Features – unlocking over 625 combinations. Once finished, their digital creation comes to life, blending physical thrills with storytelling.
As the airlocks close, riders blast off through a Lego solar system with special effects, synchronised lighting, and surprise appearances from Lego Space icons.
Creativity, nostalgia, and family fun
After more than three years in development, Galacticoaster was brought to life by Merlin Magic Making (MMM), in collaboration with ART Engineering, 2Heads, AVSC, Imagineize, and the Lego Brand Parks & Experience teams. The result is an experience that celebrates Lego creativity, nostalgia, and next-generation family fun.
“Galacticoaster redefines what a family coaster can be. It’s not just about the thrills – it’s about giving every guest the power to create their own story," says Rob Smith, chief operating officer, Merlin Entertainments.
"It’s Lego play, elevated to a whole new orbit. These investments reaffirm our commitment to the ongoing transformation of Legoland Parks in North America into world class destination resorts.
"I can’t wait to see these space-themed experiences come to life in Florida and California early next year.”
Julie Estrada, North America director of communications for Merlin Entertainments, adds:
“This project has been pure Lego awesomeness from start to finish. It’s playful, it’s clever, and it’s a testament to how far we can go when imagination leads the way.”
Lego Galaxy land
Debuting in 2026, Legoland California Resort will introduce Lego Galaxy, a new land immersing families in the intergalactic Lego Space universe.
It will feature Neo-classic theming, interactive elements, character encounters, and large Lego models that bring the Galaxy Mission story to life.
Lego Galaxy includes two cosmic rides: G-Force Test Facility and Duplo Launch and Land, a junior astronaut training zone, galaxy-themed food outlets, and Orbital Outpost retail shop for space-themed souvenirs. Guests can explore zones designed to inspire creativity and discovery.
Before the grand opening, Legoland Resorts launched the Junior Galaxy Explorers Search, inviting young space enthusiasts nationwide. Selected explorers will get early access to Lego Galaxy experiences, join special celebrations, and be the first to ride the Galacticoaster on opening day.
Galacticoaster is part of the newly co-created Lego Galaxy theme – a celebration of the entire Lego Space collection across past, present, and future eras. Visitors will notice references to fan-favourite sets such as the Space Scooter (1979), Space Buggy, and M-Tron, alongside a few cosmic Easter eggs.
The attraction also features large-scale Lego models built by Master Model Builders – from plants to playful space creatures – each crafted from thousands of Lego bricks.
Overall, the site displays nine models constructed from 583,252 bricks, representing over 2,200 hours of expert craftsmanship.
Last month, Merlin Entertainments' CEO Fiona Eastwood said the theme park company's "biggest competition" is screen time at home.
