Merlin Entertainments, the second biggest visitor attraction operator in the world, announced plans to expand in North America yet again. Making the largest investment in the history of LEGOLAND(R) California, Merlin is investing over 20 million dollars into a new adventure area at the family theme park and a 36,000 square foot SEA LIFE aquarium as a separate entrance.
At yesterday's press conference, Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, revealed a 17-foot-long mural displaying just some of the marine animals who will inhabit the 2-story SEA LIFE aquarium. Located adjacent to LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE is the 29th in the world and the first to open in North America. More than a standard aquarium, SEA LIFE provides an educational and interactive dynamic unlike any other. Featuring play zones, fun facts and quiz trails, SEA LIFE is designed to be a child's guide to the life of the sea and opens its doors as a separate admission summer 2008.
"Not only are we offering the SEA LIFE experience to guests next year, but we are also opening our eighth new area, Land of Adventure, bringing the first-ever dark ride to LEGOLAND California -- Lost Kingdom Adventure," said John Jakobsen, president and general manager of LEGOLAND California. Lost Kingdom Adventure is just one of four attractions to be unearthed in Land of Adventure opening March 2008.
Cargo Ace helps imaginations soar as children become airplane pilots, Beetle Bounce boosts children to new heights while at Pharaoh's Revenge they fire thousands of foam balls at each other. Finally, Lost Kingdom Adventure challenges families to set off on a journey within ancient temple ruins blasting targets with laser guns along the way.
Fifteen new attractions have been added to LEGOLAND California in the last three and a half years including the biggest Miniland expansion in the theme park's eight-year history, Miniland Las Vegas and the popular pirate-themed water area, Pirate Shores. Voted Best Children's Theme Park for the fourth year in a row by Amusement Today, LEGOLAND continues to position itself as the preferred attraction choice for families with children ages two to twelve.
LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE are partnering with neighboring properties, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort and the Sheraton Hotel opening late January, to create LEGOLAND California Resort.
SOURCE LEGOLAND California
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