America's Largest Legoland Coming To Hudson Valley

GOSHEN, NY — The largest Legoland amusement park in the United States is officially coming to the the Hudson Valley. The Legoland in Goshen, Orange County, will have amusement park rides modeled after Lego's famous construction blocks. The only two other Legoland amusement parks in the United States are in California and Florida. There are six locations throughout the world.

But don't get in the car yet. The $350-million park is scheduled to open in 2020 with a 250-room Legoland hotel and an aquarium, Merlin Entertainments Chief Executive Officer Nick Varney said in a press release Wednesday. The Town of Goshen Planning Board gave the project site plan approval at a recent meeting.

The go-ahead from Goshen is very different from the reception corporate officials got in Rockland County, where two locations were discussed and opposed by residents.

“We have spent a lot of time building relationships in the community, listening and responding to concerns, and we are looking forward to building a theme park that will enhance the community and be a tremendous neighbor,” Varney said.

“We are humbled to join the Goshen community,” he said. “I can pledge to you that Legoland New York will be a trusted and valued member of this community. I am thrilled that Goshen is the place where we will build our third Legoland Park in the U.S. — the first in the Northeast. I am eager to continue with our $350 million investment with significant more investments to follow in the years to come, providing Goshen, Orange County, the Hudson Valley and New York State with significant economic benefits.”

The new park will be off of Route 17.

Legoland New York anticipates generating $283 million in sales tax and hotel occupancy tax for Orange County over the period of 30 years. The Town of Goshen would receive about $71 million in revenue from the host community fee Legoland will pay and its share of PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) payments and tax payments.

The Orange County IDA approved 20-year PILOT will provide enormous economic benefits to the Town of Goshen, the Goshen Central School District and Orange County, totaling $87 million in PILOT payments and property tax revenue. Annual payments will increase at five percent annually to reach the full assessed value of the property in 20 years. The proposed resort will generate more than 1,000 jobs in addition to 800 construction jobs during its creation.

Legoland amusement parks are vastly different and larger than Legoland Discovery Centers. Those are geared towards kids three to 10 years old and are indoors.

The New York park will be open seasonally from April 1 to Nov. 1.

Designed for children ages two to 12, Legoland is a place for fun and adventure where the emphasis is placed on rides and attractions suitable for families with young children.

Legoland is split into a number of highly Lego-themed areas, which consist of more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. Attractions include the Legoland Driving School, where kids learn to drive a Lego-themed car, according to information from Merlin Entertainment. The Dragon “pink knuckle” roller coaster will excite children without being too scary and the Lego 4D Movie Theater will show a selection LEGO movies.

Miniland is the heart of every Legoland park and includes cities and iconic landscapes in miniature scale built out of millions of Lego bricks. Other themed areas include Lego Friends and Lego NINJAGO®.

Additionally, a 250-room Legoland Hotel will be built and open year-round. The hotel will immerse guests into a creative Lego world designed to bring children’s imaginations to life with specially-themed rooms. Millions of Lego bricks will make up the hundreds of Lego models that will be located throughout the Hotel. The Legoland Hotel is built for kids to take control, with Lego surprises around every corner, according to a spokesperson.

Photo: The entrance to LEGOLAND California theme park next to North America's first ever LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad, CA. The three-story, 250-room hotel is located at the entrance of Legoland California theme park. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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