The Orlando Sentinel shares with us some news about what could come to Central Florida after Legoland is open. There were already a lot of rumors regarding a water park and a Madame Tussaud's museum, and this very interesting article seem to almost confirm part of these rumors. From the Orlando Sentinel:
_____________________________________
First Legoland, then wax museum, big wheel?
WINTER HAVEN — The worldwide amusement company building Legoland Florida about 50 miles southwest of Orlando is already pondering expanding its offerings in Central Florida.
In an exclusive interview with the Orlando Sentinel this week, the top executive of Merlin Entertainments Group said the company has other attractions that could do well in Orlando, ranging from its popular Madame Tussauds wax museums to something along the lines of the London Eye, a 443-foot-tall observation wheel on the river Thames in England.
That could help generate even more options for the millions of tourists who flock to Central Florida, which has not seen the opening of many second-tier attractions in recent years.
"We do see Florida generally — and Orlando specifically — as a location where we would put some of these midway brands," said Nick Varney, the company's chief executive officer. "In particular, we're thinking of Madame Tussauds as an interesting proposition because, you know, it is a global brand that is the celebration of celebrity." Madame Tussauds, where stars such as Beyoncé come in person to sit for their models, takes the wax-museum experience to a new level. In addition to real-life figures, guests can view "4D" shows and behind-the-scenes videos.
When it comes to luring visitors, Merlin Entertainments is the second-busiest attractions company in the world, behind only the Walt Disney Co. But before it announced plans last year for a Legoland in Winter Haven on the site of the former Cypress Gardens, the British company was a stranger on the home turf of Mickey Mouse.
Varney, who was in Winter Haven this week to meet with Legoland general managers and marketing directors from around the world, says there are no concrete plans for an Orlando invasion as yet. But as the foundations for Legoland are being poured for its expected debut in October, it's almost certain the growth at Legoland Florida has just begun.
Merlin is known for developing its theme parks into mini-resorts, designed to keep tourists for two or three days. At Legoland California, the company has added a water park and a Sea Life aquarium center. At Legoland Windsor in the United Kingdom, it is building a Lego-themed hotel.
_____________________________________
Legoland Florida resort will be expanding soon!! What do you think?
Copyright 2011 Orlando Sentinel
