Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
WINTER HAVEN
Legoland is sleepy Winter Haven's main draw, but you'll also find a handful of good res-
taurants in the small historic downtown. Lovely
Bok Tower Gardens
sits 15 miles to the
southwest. Winter Haven is 30-mile drive south of Walt Disney World.
Legoland
AMUSEMENT PARK
2-day tickets adult $84/99, child 9-12yr $75/92; 10am-5pm; ; Legoland Shuttle)
With manageable crowds and lines, and no bells and whistles, lakeside Legoland main-
tains an old-school vibe - you don't have to plan like a general to enjoy a day here, and
though it feels a bit dated, it is strikingly stress free and relaxed. Rides and attractions, in-
cluding the attached water park, are geared toward children ages two to 12. Booking on-
line for a specific date can save you up to $15. Opening hours vary seasonally.
Highlights include
Coastercaurus
, a classic wooden roller coaster;
Flight School
, a
coaster that zips you around with your feet dangling free; and
Miniland
, a Lego re-cre-
ation of iconic American landmarks and cities. There are a few remnants from the park's
history as the site of Cypress Gardens (circa 1936), including lovely botanical gardens
with the giant banyan tree and waterski shows, but the charm of that grande dame of
Florida theme parks is largely absent. The southern belles are Lego rather than real, the
water-ski show centers on a bizarre and rather silly pirate theme, and the cartoon net-
work's Legends of Chimainspires an entire section.
The best option for eating is the Lakeside Sandwich Co, just behind Pirates Cove, and
the best snack is the park's signature Granny Apple Fries (french-fry-styled cinnamon-
sugar-dusted fried apples).
A shuttle (round-trip $5) runs daily from
Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland
, near
Walt Disney World, with multiple return times, but you must reserve a spot before
11:30am the day prior. You can rent strollers/wheelchairs/ECVs ($10/12/37) and lockers
(from $5 to $12). Parking costs $14.
Donut Man
BREAKFAST
863-293-4031; 1290 6th St, Winter Haven; donuts $2-4;
5am-10pm;
)
