WINTER HAVEN — LEGOLAND Florida Resort filed plans for a major new lakeside accommodation development, marking the first expansion of the resort beyond the boundaries of Cypress Gardens Boulevard. The project — internally codenamed “Project Oasis” — represented a significant step in Merlin Entertainments’ long-term investment strategy for the Winter Haven property.
Less than a year after opening the LEGOLAND Hotel, Merlin submitted plans to the Southwest Florida Water Management District for a lakeside resort featuring 166 single-story duplex units, a pool, two ponds, and a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse on 57.7 acres of vacant land adjacent to Lake Dexter.
Location and Site Details
The proposed resort would be built on vacant land behind Winter Haven Square shopping center, across Cypress Gardens Boulevard from the main LEGOLAND parking lot. The property — purchased by Merlin Entertainments from John G. Wood and Associates for $4.6 million — sits on the western shore of Lake Dexter, bordered by Register Road which extends east from LEGOLAND’s main entrance.
Engineering sketches depicted circular and semi-circular clusters of up to eight structures, with 83 duplexes offering 166 separate units for guests. The design was notably different from the multi-story LEGOLAND Hotel, offering a more spread-out, campus-style accommodation experience reminiscent of a village or retreat.
First Expansion Beyond Cypress Gardens Boulevard
The project was notable because it represented LEGOLAND Florida’s first expansion beyond the boundaries established when Merlin purchased Cypress Gardens in 2010. The current resort — including the theme park, water park, and hotel — occupied 150 acres entirely on the west side of Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Project Oasis would open an entirely new section of the resort campus on land that had remained undeveloped since the park’s 2011 opening.
A spokesperson for LEGOLAND Florida declined to confirm specific details but indicated that multiple announcements about the resort’s future were imminent. “We are not prepared to make an official announcement today, but in the very near future we will be making multiple announcements about the future of LEGOLAND Florida Resort,” the spokesperson said.
Environmental and Community Considerations
The permit application filed with the Southwest Florida Water Management District underwent review for potential environmental impacts. Engineers confirmed the project would have no impact on wetlands, though the district coordinated with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding secondary impacts to threatened or endangered species.
Local residents near the site expressed mixed reactions. Some neighboring homeowners on Lake Dexter were concerned about potential increases in boat traffic on the lake. Engineers’ designs did not indicate plans to build docks or authorize use of the lake for resort activities, which addressed some of those concerns.
Local Tourism Impact
Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing director Mark Jackson called the project a sign of confidence in the area. “They have been a big part of our tourism infrastructure since they came on, and this is the next logical step,” Jackson said. He noted that additional on-site accommodation would encourage multi-day stays in Polk County, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and attractions throughout the region.
LEGOLAND Florida Beach Retreat Today
Project Oasis eventually opened as the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat — a lakeside village of duplex cabins on the LEGOLAND Florida campus. The Beach Retreat joined the existing LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGO Castle Hotel as on-site accommodation options, making LEGOLAND Florida one of the most comprehensively equipped resort destinations in Central Florida for families.
The Beach Retreat offers families a more relaxed, nature-immersive accommodation option compared to the fully themed, high-energy atmosphere of the main hotel. With direct lake views and a pool area, it appeals to families who want a quieter experience after a full day at the park.
This article covered the 2018 announcement of Project Oasis at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The development opened as the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat.
