Legoland is set to unveil its first new rollercoaster in two decades, introducing the innovative ‘Galacticoaster’ to eager visitors. This indoor, launch-style ride, featuring a host of technological surprises, is scheduled to debut at the Winter Haven, Florida park on February 27 and at the Carlsbad, California location on March 6. I had the opportunity to experience this cutting-edge attraction at the West Coast park’s new space-themed Galaxy Land, and here’s what visitors can anticipate.
An Experiment in Collaborative Design
The Galacticoaster stands out for its unique approach to ride customization, requiring visitors to design their own spaceship. While it might seem improbable that each group could have a unique cart, Merlin Entertainments, the park owner, assures that their virtual system supports over 625 spacecraft combinations. This means a visitor would need to ride the Galacticoaster daily for nearly two years to experience all possible designs.
Upon entering the expansive 30,000-square-foot Galacticoaster building, guests are introduced to the experience by Biff Dipper, an animatronic Lego figure. Groups of four are then formed, with solo riders paired with others to ensure a complete team. The ride mandates collaboration, as each group must work together at a touch-screen terminal to construct a virtual Lego ship, which they will then “ride” to save the galaxy.
The Design Process
The design process begins with a basic ship outline on the screen, offering five options for the ship’s nose, followed by choices for wings and other customization points. While some selections are practical, like jet engines, others are whimsical, such as hamburger wings or floating balloons. This element of the ride is designed to foster teamwork, as groups must agree on the ship’s appearance within a 20-second limit for each section.
“The Galacticoaster is meant to be a collaborative experience,” said a park representative during the media tour. “People will need to figure out how to work together.”
Encouraging Repeat Visits with New Customizations
The ride’s customization options are currently fixed, but they may evolve over time. Seasonal selections or special Lego universe character tributes could be introduced, adding layers of novelty to each visit. Notably, there are at least two secret choices accessible only under specific conditions, such as when no user input is provided.
All creations on the Galacticoaster touch screens utilize publicly accessible Lego parts, allowing enthusiasts to recreate their designs in real life, even if no formal set exists. Once a ship is designed, one group member scans an RFID wristband at the terminal. In each group, two members receive these wristbands to prevent frequency interference and ensure redundancy in case of technical issues.
Beyond the Ride: Biff Dipper and Galaxy Land
While the Galacticoaster was still under construction during my visit, the virtual spaceship customization remains a highlight. The ride’s design process is complemented by the introduction of Biff Dipper, Legoland’s first fully animatronic robot, who greets guests in the 80-person command center.
Outside the ride, Galaxy Land offers additional attractions, including the U.F.O. (Ultimate Food Outlet), a cashless eatery where guests order via terminals. This area enhances the park’s futuristic theme, providing a seamless experience for visitors.
“The Galacticoaster is an interesting blend of digital and physical creativity,” noted a park designer. “It allows people to build and achieve what isn’t possible in the real world.”
The Future of Theme Park Rides
The Galacticoaster represents a significant shift in theme park attractions, blending digital innovation with physical experiences. By turning the ride into a collaborative playroom, Legoland hopes to create a unifying experience that appeals to visitors of all ages. As the park continues to innovate, the Galacticoaster could set a new standard for interactive attractions, encouraging repeat visits and fostering creativity.
With its official opening just around the corner, the Galacticoaster is poised to become a central attraction at Legoland, offering a unique blend of thrills and teamwork that promises to captivate audiences for years to come.
