Legoland Unveils One World Trade Center Replica to Kick Off 4th of July

Carlsbad, CA — Legoland California kicked off the Fourth of July weekend Thursday in Carlsbad by unveiling its replica of One World Trade Center.

The 26-foot-tall Lego skyscraper — the tallest Lego model in the U.S.— is one of 25 new features added to the newly remodeled Miniland New York, which is part of the theme park’s Miniland U.S.A.

Hometown heroes from the Carlsbad police and fire departments were invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. A brass band played the national anthem prior to honorary guests, Carlsbad police Chief Neil Gallucci and Carlsbad fire Chief Michael Calderwood, cutting the ribbon to officially reopen Miniland New York.

The 1,000-pound One World Trade Center model has more than 250,000 Lego bricks and took more than 1,200 hours to build. It is flanked by Lego model replicas of the 9/11 Memorial’s twin reflecting pools, the grove of memorial trees and the World Trade Center Transportation Hub.

Legoland said it opened the remodeled area in time for its "Red White and Boom!" Fourth of the July celebration Monday, which includes family activities such as water-balloon tosses, burlap sack races, a patriotic stroller parade, building activities and a fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.

Access to the new Lego models and the Independence Day event are included with the price of admission.