Governor Cuomo today announced the official opening of LEGOLAND, the region’s first major theme park to debut in more than 40 years. The 150-acre property is located in Goshen, Orange County and arrives as the brand’s third theme park in the United States and the ninth in the world.
LEGOLAND New York features seven Lego-themed lands, each offering a unique mix of rides, dining areas, and attractions. Developed by Merlin Entertainments, total project costs hover around $420 million, an investment Governor Cuomo hopes will draw more tourists to the Hudson Valley area now that the state has reopened.
Beginning August 6, the property’s 250-room hotel will begin accepting reservations.
“The pandemic took a devastating toll on New York, and as we make our comeback, the new LEGOLAND New York Resort in Orange County is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity that this state has always been known for,” said Governor Cuomo. “This magnificent destination for people of all ages will help spur the Mid-Hudson region’s economic recovery, jumpstart the state’s critical tourism industry, and provide a world-class, family-friendly experience for travelers from all over the world.”
A map of LEGOLAND New York available to all guests and visitors – Courtesy of LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND New York was supported by $15.1 million in grants through the Regional Economic Development Council and Upstate Revitalization Initiative. Additionally, LEGOLAND New York and New York State invested more than $40 million in new road and bridge infrastructure including the reconfiguration of the Route 17 Exit 125 interchange, construction of a new bridge over Route 17, widening the South Street and Route 17M intersection, and the reconstruction of Harriman Drive.
LEGOLAND New York will also pay the town of Goshen a “Host Community Fee,” based on attendance. The fee is estimated at around $520,000 the first year and will increase annually for 30 years, with no cap on payments. The theme park will also host two “Community Days” for the town each year and donate 50 percent of ticket sale revenue to the town.
“New York State could not be more proud to welcome Merlin Entertainments’ newest LEGOLAND resort to the Mid-Hudson Region, as today’s announcement is just the latest and greatest example of Governor Cuomo’s successful regionally based economic development strategy,” said Empire State Development acting commissioner and president & CEO-designate Eric Gertler. “With families expected from across the country and around the world, this ambitious project will play a key role in spurring the Empire State’s tourism economy and emphatically announces that New York State is back and open for business and for visitors worldwide.”
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I’m happy to see that LEGOLAND New York is finally finished. However, I have been to LEGOLAND Florida before, and it really wasn’t that good. Hopefully, this park is better.
Will there be a shuttle bus from the Metro-North station?
No.
Coach USA is operating a very limited shuttle bus from Port Authority– 3 roundtrips a day. It’s an hour and a half ride each way. Goshen is really not the best location for this. It was a poor use of public money. NYS continues to make poor investments.