I visited the world's first Peppa Pig theme park, and it's a great accessible option for young kids
- The world's first Peppa Pig theme park is coming to Florida, and I got an early look inside.
- The theme park has 6 rides, a diner, and many outdoor play areas all based on "Peppa Pig."
The world's first complete Peppa Pig theme park opens this week at Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven, Florida.
Paultons Family Theme Park in the UK has an area dedicated to the cartoon character that's been open since 2011, but now there's an entire park for kids to enjoy.
I had a chance to visit the park before its grand opening on February 24, and I could tell right away that it's a great spot for preschoolers and fans of the beloved British pig.
Read on to see what it's like exploring Peppa Pig Theme Park.
I visited Peppa Pig Theme Park before it officially opened to the public
Peppa Pig Theme Park is located at the Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven, Florida — about an hour from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
Based on the hit British cartoon series "Peppa Pig," the park is the newest addition to the resort, which also includes Legoland Theme Park, Legoland Water Park, and three on-site resorts.
Guests can purchase a range of ticket options, including annual passes, single-day options, bundle tickets that include a visit to Legoland Theme Park, and an all-inclusive vacation option with on-site accommodations.
Guests walk into the park under a giant rainbow entryway
My first impression was that the park is vibrant and full of color.
As soon as I stepped inside, entering under a giant rainbow no less, I noticed countless elaborately themed outdoor spaces and tons of greenery.
There are 6 main rides throughout the park
The park is the first in Florida to be designed specifically for children six and under, meaning the height requirements are low for its six rides: Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster, Peppa Pig's Balloon Ride, Grandad Dog's Pirate Boat Ride, Grampy Rabbit's Dinosaur Adventure, Mr. Bull's High Striker, and Peppa's Pedal Bike Tour.
Parents can also accompany their kids on the rides.
Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster is designed to be a child's first thrill ride
Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster was the first attraction I noticed.
It's designed to be a child's introduction to thrill-style rides since it reaches speeds of 16 miles per hour and heights of 14 feet.
The ride's line also takes guests through a life-size version of Peppa's house, which is fun for fans of the show.
Even though it's designed to be kid-friendly, I really enjoyed the coaster's twists and turns.
Grampy Rabbit's Dinosaur Adventure was my favorite ride
Grampy Rabbit's Dinosaur Adventure lets guests weave through a prehistoric trail on the back of a dinosaur.
As you're making your way around the course, the dinosaurs bounce up and down, mimicking the motions of riding a horse.
This was my favorite ride of the day, topping even the big coaster.
There are also several themed play areas throughout the park
I was impressed by the number of unique play areas and attractions throughout the park.
These aren't just basic playgrounds though. Spots like George's Fort and Peppa Pig's Treehouse are tied to the storylines from "Peppa Pig."
There's also a Fun Fair section with complimentary carnival games for all guests to enjoy.
The largest and most elaborate play area in the park is the Muddy Puddles Splash Pad.
The water area has slides, fountains, colorful oversized umbrellas, and plenty of shaded seating — all perfect for a hot Florida day.
Accessibility is at the forefront of the park's design
The park's attractions and play areas were designed with accessibility in mind.
Peppa Pig's Balloon Ride features a gondola that allows wheelchair users to roll directly on board, and the ground of Muddy Puddles Splash Pad is grated to accommodate wheelchair users.
Peppa Pig Theme Park is also a certified autism center with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Required staff-wide training provides employees with the tools to help them best serve all guests.
Together with the IBCCES, the park even developed sensory guides for every attraction, which provide insight into how a child with sensory-processing sensitivities may be affected by the experience.
I found the guides to be clearly marked at the entrance of each ride. They'll also be available online and on the mobile application to help parents plan ahead.
Peppa Pig and her friends also make frequent appearances throughout the park
The beloved characters, including Peppa Pig and her brother George, were greeting guests throughout my visit.
In addition to these roaming interactions, there are two shows: "Peppa Pig Comes to Play" and "Peppa Pig's Treasure Hunt Adventure."
Mr. Potato's Showtime Arena is the hub for entertainment, and it offers a shaded place to relax on a grassy hill full of giant beanbag chairs.
The Cinema was my favorite place to relax and enjoy the air conditioning
The Cinema is the perfect place for families to relax and enjoy a respite from the Florida sun.
The indoor location offers cool temperatures and oversized beanbags where kids can enjoy episodes of "Peppa Pig" on the big screen.
Miss Rabbit's Diner had some of my favorite theming in the park
Miss Rabbit's Diner is an indoor quick-service dining location.
I was impressed by its elaborate theming, including its classic diner-style booths and plentiful decor.
The menu is well-rounded with a little something for everyone.
The kid-friendly offerings include mac and cheese, pizza, and a three-cheese grilled cheese. For adults, there's a smoked-brisket melt, a rice-and-veggie bowl, and a Margherita flatbread.
The restaurant's signature dessert, and my favorite thing on the menu, is the Muddy Puddle milkshake.
It's available in strawberry or chocolate, and each one is topped with a cookie.
Mr. Fox's Shop is the park's merchandise store
At the end of your trip, if you're looking for a souvenir, you can head over to Mr. Fox's Shop.
It's home to exclusive park merchandise and plenty of "Peppa Pig"-themed toys, ornaments, lunch boxes, and more.
This is a perfect destination for families with preschoolers
Small children don't often have many options when visiting a traditional theme park, so Peppa Pig Theme Park is a unique offering.
It's almost like a hybrid between a theme park and a playground.
The park offers something special for younger visitors, and with Legoland Theme Park nearby, the property is a well-rounded, multiday destination for the whole family.