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LEGOLAND Seeks Young Astronaut for Thrilling Coaster Debut

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 15:00 GMT by 7News Miami
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - January 30, 2026 - LEGOLAND Florida Resort is boldly going where no theme park has gone before - launching a nationwide search for a young, aspiring astronaut to be the very first rider on its groundbreaking new rollercoaster, the 'Galacticoaster.' The resort announced today the opening of applications for the 'Junior Galaxy Explorer' contest, a unique opportunity for one lucky child to experience the thrill of space travel... LEGO style!

Open to children aged 7-12, the contest isn't simply about luck; it's about demonstrating a genuine passion for space exploration and a vibrant imagination fueled by LEGO building. Applicants are tasked with submitting a short video - no longer than 60 seconds - showcasing their love for both the cosmos and the iconic building bricks. Judges will be looking for creativity, enthusiasm, and an ability to articulate a vision for a LEGO-based space mission.

"This isn't just a chance to ride a rollercoaster; it's about inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists, and dreamers," explained Sarah Miller, Head of Marketing for LEGOLAND Florida Resort, during a press conference this morning. "We want to find a child who truly embodies the spirit of exploration and can share their passion with the world. The Galacticoaster is designed to be an immersive experience, and we believe this contest will help us find a Junior Galaxy Explorer who can fully appreciate and contribute to that experience."

The Galacticoaster, slated to open its doors later this year, is a highly anticipated addition to LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The ride promises a thrilling journey themed around a meticulously crafted LEGO space mission. From the initial countdown mimicking a real rocket launch, to the twisting and turning trajectory simulating a flight through space, the Galacticoaster aims to deliver an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Details released by the park indicate that the coaster's design incorporates several unique elements, including a custom-built LEGO rocket exterior, interactive features throughout the queue line, and special effects designed to enhance the sensation of speed and weightlessness.

But the prize package extends far beyond just the first ride. The selected Junior Galaxy Explorer will receive a full VIP experience, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Galacticoaster's construction, a meet-and-greet with LEGOLAND's master model builders, and a year-long supply of LEGO sets. The winner will also be featured in LEGOLAND Florida Resort's promotional materials, potentially reaching millions of viewers.

The contest builds on LEGOLAND's long-standing commitment to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. By encouraging children to explore their creativity and passion for space, LEGOLAND hopes to foster a lifelong love of learning. "We believe that play is a powerful tool for education," Miller added. "The Galacticoaster and this contest are designed to ignite children's imaginations and inspire them to reach for the stars."

Parents interested in entering their child in the Junior Galaxy Explorer contest can submit videos through the official LEGOLAND website: [ Legoland.com/GalaxyExplorer ]. The deadline for submissions is February 15th, 2026, so time is running out for aspiring astronauts to apply! The judging panel will review all entries and announce the winner on March 10th. LEGOLAND is also encouraging entrants to share their videos on social media using the hashtag #JuniorGalaxyExplorer for a chance to be featured on the park's official channels. This is more than just a contest; it's a launchpad for a child's dreams.