STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After Legoland New York Resort’s plans to open last July were delayed by the coronavirus (COVID-19), the epic 150-acre theme park could open as soon as next month, as long as it follows state guidelines.
The park, located in Goshen, N.Y. — about 60 miles away from New York City — hasn’t yet announced an opening date. But it could open as early as April 9, the date that Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave for outdoor amusement parks to open with 33% capacity.
After the governor’s announcement in February, Legoland New York called it a monumental win for theme parks in the state.
“We are thrilled with Gov. Cuomo’s announcement for the reopening of family attractions, including outdoor theme parks,” said Stephanie Johnson, divisional director of Legoland New York Resort, in a statement last month. “This means Legoland New York Resort will be able to celebrate its grand opening this season as planned, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.”
When it opens, it will be the largest Legoland Park ever developed by Merlin Entertainment. It will be home to seven themed lands and more than 50 rides, shows and attractions for families with children ages 2 through 12, as well as a 250-room Legoland Hotel.
Johnson added that Legoland’s first priority is the health, safety and security of guests and its team. The theme park will follow specific safety and operating procedures under the state’s guidelines for reopening outdoor amusement parks, in addition to all federal and local health and safety guidelines, she said.
Additionally, all retail, food services and recreational activities must abide by all state-issued guidance.
Here’s what Legoland New York could look like when it opens this year, per state guidelines.
Face coverings, health screenings
All facilities must submit their reopening plans with health protocols to the local health department.
Face coverings and social distancing will be required for all customers and staff. And customers will be required to have a health screening with temperature checks prior to entry. Contact information must be collected from each party to inform contact tracing, if needed.
An elephant and a monkey carrying bananas are made out of Legos at Legoland New York, which is slated to open in 2021 in Goshen, N.Y. (Courtesy/Legoland New York)
Cleaning and disinfecting
High-touch areas, attractions, and rides must be cleaned and disinfected frequently throughout the day. Indoor areas must meet enhanced air filtration, ventilation, and purification standards.
Attractions must close if they can’t ensure distancing and be frequently cleaned and disinfected, the state rules say.
The parks must deploy sufficient staff in order to enforce compliance with rules, including capacity, distancing, and face coverings, the parks must deploy sufficient staff.
Buy tickets in advance
You’ll likely need to purchase tickets before your visit to Legoland New York.
Entry and exits, and waiting times, will be staggered to avoid congestion, according to the state’s guidance.
LEGOLAND CURRENT SAFETY PLANS
There will be safety and health precautions when the park opens amid the coronavirus pandemic.
That includes temperature checks upon entrance, required face masks or coverings, social distancing, constant sanitization and cleaning by park staff, as well as hand sanitizer locations scattered around the park.
The exterior of The Big Shop at Legoland New York looks like it was made out of Legos. (Courtesy/Legoland New York)
GET TICKETS
Legoland New York launched its annual pass and single-day tickets that are now available to purchase. A single-day admission to the theme park will retail for $71.99 for adults online (13 years old and up), and $79.99 at the gate. For kids ages 3-12, tickets will retail for $62.99 online and $69.99 at the gate. Your single-day ticket is valid for one year from the date of park opening.
Parking is $20 online, or $25 at the gate.
The annual pass is $229.99 for each individual 3 years old and older. It is valid for 12 months from your first visit to Legoland New York, and includes admission to all Merlin North America attractions for 12 months. Parking is included, and you can also get discounts on dining, shopping and more.
The resort will be open seasonally — from late spring to early fall, and some educational areas will be open year-round. Once completed, the Legoland Hotel will also be open.
And if you want to make it a fun weekend, you can stay at the new Legoland Hotel, also slated to open in 2021. The 250-room hotel is specially designed for families, with imaginative Lego features and themed play areas everywhere you turn — and it’s located just steps away from the theme park.
Hotel guests will be able to enjoy free breakfast daily, kid-friendly entertainment, a heated resort-style pool, and in-room scavenger hunts with Lego prizes every day. Each room will include a separate kid sleeping area, and guests can choose from one of four themes — pirate, kingdom, Lego Friends, or Lego Ninjago.
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