One World Trade Center towers over newly remodeled Miniland New York

CARLSBAD, Calif., June 30, 2016 — (PRNewswire) — Red, white and blue confetti rocketed through the sky as LEGOLAND® California Resort kicked off Independence Day weekend by unveiling the tallest LEGO® building in the United States of America, the One World Trade Center! The skyscraping LEGO model is featured in the newly remodeled Miniland New York located in the Park's Miniland U.S.A.

Prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony, the national anthem was performed by a brass band and Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam walked on stilts greeting guests. Hometown heroes from the Carlsbad Police Department and Carlsbad Fire Department gathered around the miniature Big Apple as honorary guests Carlsbad Police Chief Neil Gallucci and Carlsbad Fire Chief Michael Calderwood, cut the ribbon officially reopening Miniland New York. Miniland New York features 25 new LEGO structures and new animation for guests to enjoy.

The One World Trade Center LEGO model is built with more than 250,000 LEGO bricks, and took eight Master Model Builders more than 1,200 hours to build.  This dynamic structure weighs more than 1,000 pounds and towers at a record breaking 26 feet, making it the tallest LEGO model in the U.S. For the first time ever, guests can use a special LEGO tower viewer giving them a skyscraper view of Miniland U.S.A. The area also features LEGO model replicas of the 9/11 Memorial's twin reflecting pools, the grove of memorial trees and the impressive World Trade Center Transportation Hub.

Miniland New York and the One World Trade Center LEGO model open in time for the Resort's Red White and Boom! 4^th of the July celebration.  The family fun event features activities such as water-balloon tosses, burlap sack races, patriotic stroller parade, building activities and a fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. The new LEGO models and Independence Day event are included with the price of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. For more information, log onto www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).

Link to Video: https://www.hightail.com/download/cUJYS3dpZ2dwcFhOTzhUQw
(Ribbon cutting ceremony, drone footage, model install)
Link to Images: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/PX1PH

LEGOLAND® California Resort includes LEGOLAND® California, SEA LIFE® Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Water Park and LEGOLAND® Hotel, all are geared for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. At LEGOLAND California, you'll find more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display, Pirate Reef and LEGO Legends of Chima Water Park presented by Cartoon Network. New this year is The LEGO® Movie 4D A New Adventure™! Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, MetalBeard and Benny band together to face an evil plot created by Risky Business, a new villain. Also, now open, is NINJAGO™ The Ride where guests experience 3D imagery, high-tech sensors and use hand movements in a striking motion to master their skills before battling the Great Devourer. SEA LIFE Aquarium is home to more than 5,000 living creatures and incorporates LEGO® models into a child's voyage to the depths of the ocean featuring play zones, fun facts and quiz trails. LEGOLAND Water Park features more than seven slides, sandy beaches and the unique Build-A-Raft River.  The nation's first LEGOLAND Hotel features 250 rooms, all themed either as pirate, adventure, kingdom or LEGO® Friends! For more information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment. Europe's number one and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 111 attractions, 12 hotels/4 holiday villages in 23 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its almost 63 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and approximately 26,000 employees (peak season). 

Media Contact: Jake Gonzales/760-918-5379
Julie Estrada/760-918-5377

 

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1X5hpnDcLM&feature=youtu.be
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385486 
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385487 

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SOURCE LEGOLAND California Resort

Contact:

LEGOLAND California Resort Web: http://www.LEGOLAND.com