Ready for liftoff? Howie Dorough and family celebrate at Galacticoaster Legoland Florida ahead of the Feb 27 opening. Learn about the 625 ride combinations.
The stars aligned this week in Winter Haven as pop icon Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys took a giant leap for “fan-kind.” Dorough became the very first celebrity to blast off on Galacticoaster Legoland Florida, the resort’s highly anticipated indoor family coaster, ahead of its official grand opening on February 27, 2026.
The visit was more than just a press event; it was a milestone for the Dorough family. Howie, alongside his wife Leigh and sons James and Holden, visited the park to celebrate Holden’s 13th birthday. What better way to ring in the teenage years than by being the first to conquer a new galaxy?
A Deep Dive into Lego Galaxy
The coaster serves as the crown jewel of the all-new Lego Galaxy land. This immersive area is Merlin Entertainments’ largest single investment in Legoland Parks to date, and the effort shows. From interactive “Junior Astronaut Training Zones” to a space-themed retail hub called Orbit Outpost, the land is designed to be a “Spaceport 885” for the next generation of explorers.
“It took me by surprise, that’s for sure,” said Dorough after his maiden voyage. “We love Legoland! It’s good for families.”
Galacticoaster Legoland Florida: 625 Ways to Ride
What sets Galacticoaster Legoland Florida apart from your average coaster is the level of personalization. Using innovative RFID wristband technology, guests enter a “Customization Bay” where they design their own digital LEGO spacecraft across four phases:
- Nose
- Tail
- Wings
- Special Features
With 625 possible combinations, the park claims you would need to ride every single day for nearly two years to see every version. During the ride, your specific creation is integrated into the visuals as you hit speeds of up to 40 miles per hour through deep-space storytelling.
Ready for Liftoff?
If you want to follow in Howie’s footsteps, you don’t have long to wait. Galacticoaster Legoland Florida officially opens to the public on February 27. Admission to the new Lego Galaxy area is included with standard park admission and all annual passes.
Whether you’re a “Space Cowboy” or a die-hard Lego builder, this new addition promises to be a stellar hit for the 2026 season.
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
Expertise. Ease. Value.
Ready for your bucket list trip? Our trusted partner, MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations.
Contact for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
