COVER STORY: LEGOLAND Florida debuts its piratical new ride, Pirate River Quest

by Laura Byrne

Shiver me timbers! Pirates aren’t just taking over Tampa this month; your beloved LEGO® Pirates are heading to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven to launch their very own ride! Officially opening Jan. 12, Pirate River Quest is a swashbuckling adventure through the historic Cypress Gardens that promises to delight landlubbers and old salts of all ages.

State Archives of Florida

While Pirate River Quest is new, the boat rides in Cypress Gardens are actually a nod to the past. Many decades ago, an electric boat tour of Cypress Gardens was a mustdo at what was one of Florida’s very first theme parks. And the reimagination of this historic ride is one that has been a long time coming. Time has taken a toll on the canals throughout the gardens, but it was always a part of LEGOLAND’s vision to restore and revive the waterways and bring back the boat rides that entertained generations of families—but with a LEGO twist, of course.

After a few years of hard work, and even a hurricane or two that resulted in a few delays (would it even be a pirate adventure without a hurricane?), the boat rides are back for a new generation to experience.

Pirate River Quest is not a thrill ride, but it is one with a big adventure in store for you. As you board the boat, you will embark on a quest to help find Captain Redbeard’s lost treasure. And since all good treasure hunts are met with adventure and mishaps, you’ll encounter a mischievous troupe of monkeys and even a fearsome kraken as the story unfolds.

We love that this is a ride built with all ages in mind. It’s not scary and you won’t get wet. It’s also a trackless ride and driven by an experienced boat captain—in fact one of them is an original Cypress Gardens boat captain! Storylines may have changed, but when you embark on this voyage, you will retrace the journey generations of kids have taken upon these very same canals.

• The ride’s entrance is next to Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show in Pirates’ Cove and the Cypress Gardens entrance. The queue is shaded with fans.

• All ages are welcome to ride, and there is no height requirement. • Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and all children under the age of six must wear a life vest. Life jackets will be provided. • Each boat has a weight limit and can accommodate up to 12 passengers. • The ride is just over 20 minutes long. • If you’re planning to stay at the Pirate Island Hotel on property, be on the lookout for small nods to the hotel and even to the Brickbeard’s

Watersports Stunt Show.

The LEGO Pirates Theme was introduced in 1989.

Party with the pirates on Saturdays and Sundays! LEGO® Pirates invade the theme park on weekends to fill it with exclusive LEGO character meet-and-greets, pirate themed shows, LEGO build activities, specialty food and more.