Legoland New York Ride Designer Andy Martin on His Favorite Attractions and Theme Park Design
Legoland New York will be the first major theme park to open in the northeast in over 40 years when it debuts in New York’s Hudson Valley — just 60 miles from New York City — later this year. With seven themed lands and dozens of shows, rides, and attractions, the theme park is set to become the area’s top family-friendly destination, complete with a Legoland Hotel.
Behind the Scenes: The Life of a Ride Designer
For a self-professed theme park enthusiast, there are few experiences more thrilling than the opening of a new theme park. They’re like a blank canvas where theme park designers can create immersive experiences filled with fan-favorite rides and innovative attractions. But how do these concepts come to life? We spoke to Andy Martin, Legoland New York ride designer and creative lead at Merlin Entertainments, about his journey in designing the new theme park resort.
A Day in the Life
Andy Martin: “The Lego brand is all about play, and we strive to channel that spirit every day during the design process. The joy of play manifests in countless forms, making each day uniquely rewarding. Although my background is in architecture, I often experience moments that can’t be replicated in a classroom.
My responsibilities range from planning creative meetings to using Lego bricks as design tools. Every attraction begins as a Lego model before scaling up into construction drawings, which means that guests can build similar experiences with their own Lego collections at home. This connection to the Lego brand is something we cherish!
Attractions at Legoland New York
When creating Legoland New York, we focused on offering a mix of classic attractions and new experiences. Iconic rides such as the Dragon coaster and Driving School will return, alongside exclusive new offerings. My personal favorite is the Lego Factory Adventure ride, where guests will join Professor Brick on an exhilarating tour of the Lego factory. This ride combines storytelling with cutting-edge technology, allowing participants to be transformed into Lego minifigure versions of themselves.
The Design Process
Our team emphasizes guest participation as a key aspect of creating immersive experiences. Elements of hands-on play allow children and families to fully engage with the attractions. For the Factory Adventure ride, we ensure that guests’ interactions impact the storyline, enhancing the experience for everyone aboard.
Passion for Dark Rides
Personally, I have a profound appreciation for dark rides. When designed effectively, they encapsulate everything a great theme park aims to achieve. Control over elements like lighting and scent allows us to transport guests to imaginative worlds. We aim for the Lego Factory Adventure to uphold this standard of excellence.
Memorable Projects
Legoland Japan remains a pivotal project in my career as it was my first complete theme park involvement. Collaborating with an exceptional team in Japan was unforgettable. As we approach the grand opening of Legoland New York, we celebrate years of dedication and creativity that have shaped this project.
We look forward to sharing the magic of Legoland New York and the incredible rides it will offer with guests near and far.
