LEGOLAND California and Florida Win 2026 Awards as Galacticoaster Leads Theme Park Innovation

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LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort have had an exceptional year, and both have racked awards for their new attractions and amenities. LEGOLAND was recognized in Amusement Today’s 2026 Golden Ticket Awards. The acknowledgment for LEGOLAND Resorts shows how the company’s vision has sparked growth and creative ideas in North America.

The new Galacticoaster attraction, the centrepiece of the newly launched LEGO® Galaxy land, claimed the No. 1 position for Best Theme Concept at the prestigious awards. The recognition marks a significant achievement for the new themed area, which represents Merlin Entertainments’ largest single in-park investment in the history of its US attractions.

Galacticoaster also secured additional honours, ranking No. 4 among the Best New Attraction Installations of 2026 and No. 5 among the Best New Coasters of 2026. Both LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort were recognised through the attraction’s award placements, reflecting the success of the project across the LEGOLAND network.

Adding to the achievements, LEGOLAND Florida Resort was named the No. 3 Best Family Park of 2026, reinforcing its reputation as one of the leading family-focused theme parks in the United States. The latest awards further strengthen LEGOLAND’s position as a major destination for innovative attractions, immersive experiences and family entertainment.

“Receiving this recognition from Amusement Today is an incredible honor and a testament to the creativity, passion and hard work of our entire team at Merlin Entertainments,” said Tom Storer, North America Project Director of Merlin Magic Making. “Galacticoaster and LEGO Galaxy were created to give families a completely new way to experience the magic of LEGOLAND and space exploration by combining the imagination and storytelling of LEGO® with the excitement of a thrilling attraction. Seeing the response from our guests on both coasts since opening has been incredibly rewarding. The acknowledgement from Amusement Today reinforces we’re delivering on experiences that resonate with families and help push the amusement park industry forward in thoughtful and innovative ways.”

Launched in early 2026, LEGO® Galaxy marked a significant new chapter for LEGOLAND® California Resort and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, creating an immersive space-themed world where LEGO imagination combines with the excitement of intergalactic exploration. The new land invites families to discover a futuristic universe filled with creativity, adventure and interactive experiences.

The centrepiece of LEGO Galaxy is Galacticoaster, a family-friendly roller coaster that places guests in the role of space explorers travelling on a unique mission beyond Earth. The attraction allows riders to personalise their journey before the experience begins, making each adventure different.

Before entering the coaster, guests visit the Customization Bay, where they can create their own digital LEGO spacecraft using more than 625 possible combinations. Visitors can select different spacecraft designs, including noses, tails, wings, colours and special features, allowing them to build a personalised space vehicle.

Once completed, each custom spacecraft is stored on an RFID-enabled wristband and appears digitally throughout the ride, creating an interactive experience where guests can see their own creations become part of the adventure. The addition of LEGO Galaxy and Galacticoaster has expanded the resort’s attraction portfolio while providing families with a fresh reason to visit and return to LEGOLAND destinations across the United States.

The annual Golden Ticket Awards, organised by Amusement Today, recognise outstanding achievements across the global amusement and theme park industry. The awards are determined through votes from industry professionals and enthusiasts, celebrating excellence in attractions, entertainment, parks and overall guest experiences.

2026 Golden Ticket Awards Recognitions for LEGOLAND Parks in the United States

• No. 1 Best Theme Concept: Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort
• No. 4 Best New Attraction Installation of 2026: Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort
• No. 5 Best New Coaster of 2026: Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort
• No. 3 Best Family Park of 2026: LEGOLAND Florida Resort