The theme park opened on May 20, 2021, as a soft launch for people who purchased exclusive "1st to play" passes.

The official opening for the general public took place on May 29, 2021, making Legoland New York Resort the first outdoor theme park addition to the northeast since 1974.

[2] Proposals for a third Legoland location in the United States began in October 2015, when Merlin Entertainments considered constructing a resort in Haverstraw, Rockland County.

[13] In late 2019, it was announced that the resort was to open for the general public on July 4, 2020, coinciding with Independence Day.

[14] On March 31, 2020, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York, construction on the project was halted, and the opening was pushed back to early 2021.

[17] On February 19, 2021, the New York State Government announced family attractions will reopen, signaling a Legoland opening of 2021.

[23] Following that week, on May 29, 2021, Legoland New York officially opened to the general public and other pass holders.

[30] Ticket prices returned to normal and the park began to operate daily, but the hotel remained under construction.

[36] In early 2024, construction began on a gondola set to open that summer called the "Minifigure Skyflyer" to ease travel between lands separated by a hill.

[44] A 250-room themed resort hotel with four different types of rooms, there is also a heated pool and restaurant on site.

The hotel incorporates technology including self check-in kiosks and Google Nest speakers in every room, replacing phones.

[78] Residents also had environmental concerns, as runoff during construction has polluted the nearby Otter Kill.