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LEGOLAND Florida Resort is kicking off its first-ever Junior Galaxy Explorer Contest

Alastair Mac
30 minutes ago
2 min read

Families invited to join the mission as LEGOLAND launches new space-themed coaster opening in 2026.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is kicking off its first-ever Junior Galaxy Explorer Contest with stops in Miami (Dec. 13), Fort Lauderdale (Jan. 10), and Merritt Island at the Kennedy Space Center (Jan. 17).

To celebrate the launch of Galaxy - its biggest expansion yet - featuring the all-new Galacticoaster, the Park’s first indoor coaster in 15 years, opening in early 2026, LEGOLAND is inviting kids ages 6–12 to enter its first-ever Junior Galaxy Explorer Contest by designing and building their own LEGO spacecraft.

Winners will become official Junior Galaxy Explorers and be among the first to ride the new Galacticoaster.

Florida contests will take place at:

Miami Children’s Museum: Dec. 13
Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale: Jan. 10
Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island: Jan. 17

Submissions will be reviewed by astronaut ambassadors from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future and LEGOLAND Master Model Builders. A digital entry option is also available for those participating from home.

Keep up to date with the latest theme park news and updates from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

“LEGO Galaxy represents a bold new chapter in LEGO imagination, customization and family adventure,” said Merlin Magic Making Creative Director for LEGOLAND Parks Rosie Brailsford. “From the first-of-its-kind Galacticoaster to the Junior Galaxy Explorer Contest, we’re inspiring kids to dream bigger, build bolder, and reach for the stars – because in our Parks, they’re the true explorers.”

At select local children’s science and discovery museums, participants can submit their best, out-of-this-world LEGO spacecraft creations in-person. Can’t make it in-person? A digital option allows kids to submit short videos of their spacecraft from home. Submission deadlines vary, with the digital deadline on Dec. 31, 2025.

All participants must:

• Be between the ages of 6-12 years old

• Live within the continental U.S.

• Design and build their own spacecraft without adult help

Additional eligibility details and contest information can be found on the Junior Galaxy Explorer Search webpage.

The chosen winners will become members of the first-ever Junior Galaxy Explorer team and will score the first seats on the new Galacticoaster in the Park closest to their hometown, with travel accommodations to the Park (applies to digital winners only). Additionally, they will receive a two-night stay during Galaxy Opening weekend at LEGOLAND Hotel, a set of four annual passes to LEGOLAND California or Florida Resort for the winner and their family, themed clothing to wear

on camera for reports, and a commemorative, one-of-a-kind LEGO build.

For full contest details and entry information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com/JuniorExplorers.

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