WINTER HAVEN, Fla – A German father and his 5-year-old son just completed an epic summer vacation.
Over a span of 13 days, Dieter Deussen and his son Julian traveled to seven different countries to visit all eight LEGOLAND parks.
Deussen wanted to give his son a special experience before the boy started school for the very first time in September.
Julian's dad suggested they go on a "LEGOLAND World Tour" because the boy obsesed with LEGO toys.
"It didn’t take more than a few seconds for Julian to say yes," said Deussen. “The key to this trip was to have fun and enjoy extensive time with my son. It’s a memory that we’ll have forever.”
The father and son began their journey on June 27 at the LEGOLAND Windor Resort in England.
From there they traveled to the parks in Denmark, Germany, Dubai, Malaysia, Japan and Carlsbad, California.
Their final stop was LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven.
“Traveling the world and visiting all of the parks in just under two weeks is the ultimate LEGOLAND vacation,” said Shawn Mikus, LEGOLAND Florida Resort Head of Public Relations. “We’re really happy that LEGOLAND Florida Resort could play a small part in creating a lifelong memory for Dieter and Julian.”
During their Florida visit, the father and son enjoyed the Driving School where Julian earned his 8th different LEGO driving license.
Deussen spend eight months and countless hours planning the trip.
“100 percent it was worth it," said Duessen. "To see Julian smile so much at every park and interact with children from around the world, regardless of the language difference, was amazing for me to see. I would absolutely do it again.”
Park officials believe the father and son's trip is the first time anyone visited all eight LEGOLAND theme parks in a single trip.
The journey is not over for the Dusseldorf natives.
LEGOLAND officials surprised the Deussens with complimentary tickets to visit LEGOLAND New York Resort when the park opens next year.
