Celebrities Help Family Theme Park Officially Open New Ride

CARLSBAD, Calif. (June 7, 2012) – LEGOLAND® California Resort rolled out the red carpet and welcomed some of Hollywood’s stars for the official launch of its new ride, Pirate Reef. Celebrities became pirates for the day as they climbed aboard boats, plunged 25 feet down a chute between two pirate ships making a giant splash and getting totally soaked. The fun didn’t stop there for the partygoers as they chose which ship to board and who they’d like to battle: Captain Blue Brick or Captain Red Brick with water cannons.

Celebrities that participated in LEGOLAND California’s pirate party included; co-star of the new movie “For the Love of Money”, opening Friday, and “Resident Evil: Retribution” opening in the fall, Oded Fehr;  the star of HBO’s “Veep” and “Arrested Development”, Tony Hale;  star of hit series “Happily Divorced”, John Michael Higgins;  co-host of “The Doctors”, Dr. Jim Sears;  star of “All my Children”, Alicia Minshew;  star of Nickelodeon’s “ Victorious”, Austin Anderson;  X Games skateboarder legend,  Andy MacDonald and Steve Blake point guard for Los Angeles Lakers. “It was awesome and wet for sure… I absolutely can’t wait to ride it again,” said Blake.

“You would think I’d put a bathing suit on, but I wanted the full thrill of being drenched with real clothes on, I think that is how you have to ride a water ride, “ joked Higgins. “Oh man, they say you’re going to get wet and yes, you get wet! It’s good fun though; it’ll keep you cool on a hot day…It’s perfect,” said MacDonald who took his dad with him on his first trip on Pirate Reef.  “One of the best parts are the water cannons – you can shoot at other riders and get them extra wet which is pretty cool,” said Dr. Sears.

After enjoying Pirate Reef, guests and their families took in some fun in the sun at LEGOLAND Water Park. Many spent the rest of the day exploring the family theme park and SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium.

Pirate Reef is the first attraction to be accessible not only through Pirate Shores within LEGOLAND California, but also via LEGOLAND Water Park. Throughout Pirate Reef, more than 30 pirate themed LEGO® models, created out of more than 223,000 LEGO bricks, are featured including both Captain Red Brick and Captain Blue Brick, pirates, monkeys, parrots and more.

LEGOLAND® California is a 128-acre interactive family theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12.  With more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun! There are four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany, LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London and LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world.  Merlin Entertainments is the leading name in location based, branded, family entertainment and currently operates 89 attractions worldwide serving more than 46 million visitors. For the most current information, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO.