Rating:
* * * * *
Type: Hands-on activity
Time: As long as you want
Kelly says: The best of its kind in Central Florida
ost of the Land of the Dragons is given over to a series of loosely connected climb-up, crawl-through, slide-down play areas that can keep little ones occupied for hours. I have given them the rather cumbersome name of “interactive play areas,” but each has its own identity and special attractions, as we shall see.
Dominating the north end of the area is the Dragon’s Nest, an elaborate two-story structure colorfully painted and shaded by a large tarp covering and towering live oak trees. On the lower level, it features a net climb, an “air bounce” (a large inflated floor on which kids can jump to their hearts’ content), and a “ball crawl” (a pit filled with colored plastic balls into which kids can literally dive). The upper level is reached either via the net climb or, for less agile adults, a stairway. There you will find a two-level, kid-sized, climb-through, maze-like environment forming a delightful obstacle course. No one higher than 56 inches is allowed in this one, so Mom and Dad are excused.
From this upper level extend two rope bridges. Both go to the Tree House, one directly and the other via an intermediate tower, from which kids can zip down a corkscrew slide to ground level. The Tree House itself is a kid’s fantasy of a humongous old tree girdled by a spiral wooden staircase leading to a “secret” room at the top. Along the way, climbers can detour into jungle gym-like environments that snake off through the Land of the Dragons. Kids will love it; nervous parents may find it hard to keep track of their little ones. At the foot of the Tree House lies Mizzly Marsh, a watery play area where kids can really get soaked. The marsh leads through and around the old tree and comes complete with a friendly dragon whose snake-like body appears and disappears beneath the water.
Set apart and surrounded by a fence is the Dragon Diggery, a large and ingeniously designed sandbox with adorable playhouses, one in the shape of a giant mushroom.
The overall effect of these interlocking entertainments is pure delight. Not only is virtually every activity conceived by the preschool mind represented here, but the design and attention to detail are wonderfully imaginative. Even the trash cans are part of the theme. They’re called Gobblety Goop, and let you shove your candy wrappers and soda cups down a dragon’s throat.
Tip: If your kids are old enough to be turned loose in the Land of the Dragons, you can draw some comfort in the knowledge that there is only one way out, at the southern end. There is no exit at the north end, near Lory Landing.
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