SEA LIFE Florida opens its underwater world inside LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

With a colorful ceremony filled with marine characters and school participation, the new SEA LIFE Florida aquarium, located within the LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven, was officially opened. This is the first "underwater theme park" within the resort and represents the latest addition since the opening of the Peppa Pig theme park three years ago.

The opening event included a presentation featuring animated sea creatures, including a giant puppet manta ray, and an appearance by Garden Grove Elementary students. Sharky, the aquarium's signature character, also made an appearance. The opening marks not only the arrival of a new attraction, but also the beginning of a mission focused on education and ocean protection.

With more than 150 species and 3,000 creatures, the tour is designed especially for children. The centerpiece of the experience is a 180-degree ocean tunnel that allows visitors to stand face-to-face with sharks and rays, creating a direct visual connection with the underwater world. The design recreates a playful journey that includes sunken castles, a haunted house, and a clam Ferris wheel, in a narrative designed to stimulate curiosity and learning.

The environments were designed with animal welfare in mind, with filtered water systems, low-impact lighting, and specially adapted habitats. “This isn't just an aquarium; it's a space where children can learn about caring for the ocean by seeing it from their own perspective,” explained Franceen Gonzales, president of LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

SEA LIFE Florida curator Sarah McMahon emphasized the educational impact of the experience. “When a child sees a manta ray glide past their face or locks eyes with a curious octopus, something incredible happens: curiosity transforms into respect, and respect is the first step toward protecting the ocean,” she emphasized.

The opening coincided with World Oceans Day weekend, and the event includes a charitable component: throughout June, a portion of ticket purchases will be voluntarily rounded up to benefit SEA LIFE TRUST, a global organization dedicated to marine protection.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, all of the resort's parks now offer reusable bags in their stores.