LEGOLAND Theme Park Finally Opens Near NYC

NEW YORK CITY – LEGOLAND – the first new major theme park in the Northeast in more than 40 years – is officially open, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday.

The park features seven LEGO-themed lands, each with its own rides and attractions, as well as educational elements for children between the ages of 2 and 12. Year-round educational opportunities include science, technology, engineering, arts and math programs.

The sprawling park will cover 150 acres of the 500-acre site located just off Route 17 in the Hudson Valley town of Goshen - about 70 miles from New York City. Patch reporter Noah Manskar visited the site in 2018 and the trip took a little over an hour from Midtown Manhattan by road.

"The pandemic took a devastating toll on New York, and as we make our comeback, the new LEGOLAND New York Resort in Orange County is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity that this state has always been known for," Cuomo said.

"This magnificent destination for people of all ages will help spur the Mid-Hudson region's economic recovery, jumpstart the state's critical tourism industry, and provide a world-class, family-friendly experience for travelers from all over the world."

New York's park is the first to feature the Factory Adventure Ride, which transforms guests into mini figures and gives them a "brick's eye view" of how LEGOs are made.

Kids and adults will be able to gawk at more than 15,000 Lego sculptures, including scale models of big cities housed in the "Miniland" portion of the park. They'll even have interactive elements, such as a moving subway in the Lego version of New York City.

The park is accessible for individuals of all abilities, and includes a "Sensory Room," which will allow children and families to combat sensory overload.

Families interested in visiting the new park can make reservations at the new LEGOLAND Hotel, which is taking reservations for its 250 rooms starting Aug. 6. Each room is LEGO themed and includes daily children's entertainment and scavenger hunts.

"Orange County is proud to welcome LEGOLAND New York which joins other attractions that make the County a destination for tourists from around the world," said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus.

"We had a great opportunity to bring LEGOLAND to Orange County and it will be a major economic draw for the region. Not to mention it has made a lot of young children in the area very happy."

The theme park was supported by $15.1 million in grants through the Regional Economic Development Council and Upstate Revitalization Initiative. More than $40 million was also invested in new road and bridge infrastructure to support the park.

In accordance with New York State and CDC guidance, face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated guests, while guests who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear face coverings while at the park.