Hotels and convention venues aren’t the only newsmakers in the Sunshine State. Check out what’s happening at a few of the theme parks and attractions.
The largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom history will open phases beginning this spring at the Walt Disney World Resort, as Fantasyland (www.disneymeetings.com) is on track to nearly double in size by 2014. New additions will include the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a wild ride past scenes from the Disney classic Snow White. Disney theme parks are available for all kinds of group events, including private dinners and receptions.
Opening this spring at Universal Studios Florida, the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (www.uomeetingsandevents.com) attraction will put thrill-seekers in the middle of a high-tech, 3-D adventure with Gru, Agnes, Edith, Margo and the complete cast of characters from the film. With on-site planners to arrange team-building activities and other events, Universal parks can host groups of 20 to 20,000.
St. Augustine’s new Pirate & Treasure Museum (www.thepiratemuseum.com), set directly across from the historic Castillo de San Marcos fort, transports visitors back to the days when the city was an ideal ambush spot for the Spanish Main’s most notorious pirates. Authentic artifacts include rarely seen shipwreck treasures. Both the museum and the open-air courtyard can host group events.
Legoland Florida (www.legoland.com) opened last fall in Winter Haven and is already adding even more attractions, including a waterpark with wave pools, a “build a raft” lazy river, waterslides with 60-foot drops and a Duplo Splash Safari for toddlers, all ready for action by this May. Legoland and its gardens are available for group events.
