WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Prepare to take a ride on the wildest LEGO® race ever imagined when cutting-edge virtual reality technology combines with roller coaster thrills in an exhilarating new attraction opening in late 2017 at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, followed in 2018 at LEGOLAND Florida Resort and Germany’s LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort, UK parent company Merlin Entertainments Group announced today.

Developed under the supervision of Merlin Magic Making, the company’s global creative and delivery division, The Great LEGO Race will transform three existing “Project X” roller coasters into an exciting, high-octane experience that puts kids in the driver’s seat and asks, “Are you brave enough to face, race and beat the best of the best in all of LEGO world?”

Featuring a colorful lineup of racers drawn from the ranks of the popular LEGO minifigure mystery assortments, The Great LEGO Race pits riders in a rollicking race against wild, brick-built contraptions driven by Trendsetter, Pharaoh, Surfer Girl, Wizard and Pirate Captain, including a rocket-powered surfboard and a stylish scooter fueled by espresso. Wearing VR headsets, guests will experience the action from every direction – up, down, forward, backward and all points in between – in a dazzling environment where everything is made of LEGO bricks.

The adventure begins as guests approach the ride’s bold new entry portal as the sounds of roaring engines fill the air. Nearby, the coaster’s queue will resemble a pre-race space where pit crews for each of the five LEGO racers are preparing for the competition, plus interactive, hands-on elements to entertain waiting riders.

During the ride, Bluetooth technology will sync the virtual visuals with the roller coaster’s twists, turns, drops and climbs, creating an all-new experience filled with thrills, spills, surprises and humor – an experience only LEGOLAND could create.

“The Great LEGO Race was inspired by the way kids play with LEGO toys at home,” said Candy Holland, senior creative director for Merlin Magic Making, which designs and develops attractions for Merlin sites around the world. “It’s a unique LEGO adventure that lets kids enter an epic imaginary world made entirely from LEGO bricks, featuring a host of different themes and fun LEGO characters, all mixed up together.”

Guests can choose to experience The Great LEGO Race with or without the VR headset. A preshow video will demonstrate the experience with side-by-side views of the physical coaster track and virtual reality environment. Its gentle thrills and amusing storyline are intended for children ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 6 that meet the ride’s minimum height requirement may ride without the VR headset.