Merlin Entertainments announced at the IAAPA Expo 2025 that a new indoor roller coaster, Galacticoaster, will open at LEGOLAND Resorts in Florida and California in early 2026. The project represents Merlin’s largest single investment for these two parks, with $90 million dedicated to developing the new attractions.
The ride is described as a space-themed experience combining storytelling, interactivity, and advanced ride technology. Guests begin their journey in a Briefing Room where they are welcomed by Chief Engineer Biff Dipper, then proceed to customize their own spacecraft using interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands. Riders can choose features such as Nose, Tail, Wings, and Special Features for their craft, resulting in over 625 possible combinations. Once customization is complete, guests embark on an intergalactic adventure through a LEGO solar system featuring special effects and appearances from classic LEGO Space characters.
Development of Galacticoaster took more than three years and involved collaboration between Merlin Magic Making (MMM), ART Engineering, 2Heads, AVSC, Imagineize, and the LEGO Brand Parks & Experience teams.
“Galacticoaster redefines what a family coaster can be,” said COO of Merlin Entertainments Rob Smith. “It’s not just about the thrills – it’s about giving every guest the power to create their own story. 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.”
“This project has been pure LEGO awesomeness from start to finish,” added North America Director of Communications for Merlin Entertainments Julie Estrada. “It’s playful, it’s clever, and it’s a testament to how far we can go when imagination leads the way.”
Ahead of its opening, LEGOLAND Resorts have started the Junior Galaxy Explorers Search—a nationwide program inviting young families interested in space exploration to participate for a chance at being among the first riders on opening day. More information on this initiative is available at LEGOLAND.com/JuniorExplorers.
The Galacticoaster attraction will feature references to past LEGO Space sets such as Space Scooter (1979), Space Buggy, M-Tron sets as well as large-scale models built by Master Model Builders using over half a million bricks across nine displays.
Further details about LEGOLAND Florida Resort—including rides and accommodations—can be found at www.LEGOLAND.com/Florida.
