The New LEGOLAND Hotel Is Every ’80s + ’90s Kid’s Dream

Remember stacking LEGO after LEGO to create what you thought was the coolest house, castle, boat or thingamabob? Now imagine an entire world built with and surrounded by those plastic blocks of nostalgia. Imagine that this world is equipped with a cocktail lounge, disco elevator, pool with floating blocks and interactive play areas. Pretty cool idea, huh? The new LEGOLAND Hotel in Winter Haven, Florida IS this world. And with its bright colors and giant LEGO people, this 152-room hotel is more than AWESOME.

The lobby alone is taking LEGO art to a whole other massive, monster-ish level. Not impressed? Wait for it…

Life. Size. Cocktail. Waiters. Next-level awesome would be achieved if they actually moved around and served us.

The 152 rooms, priced at $250+, are themed by LEGO toy lines: Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure and LEGO Friends. And for those traveling with family, the rooms sleep 5-9. Your kiddos will definitely be happy to hear that they have their own bunk-bed sleeping space set off from the main room and adult sleeping area. Now the only thing missing here is a LEGO building station for the kids (and adults).

Floating LEGO bricks? Yes, please! Maybe we could build a floating island to hang out in all day. Think they’ll allow us on those things? And maybe with cocktails?

And perhaps the raddest part of this epic hotel is this disco dance party elevator. Cue the music…

As an adult, the most common LEGO-related injury you have to deal with is probably a sore foot caused by a stray piece you stumbled on in the dark. But when kids are involved, you might be less worried about the injuries you can see and more concerned about them swallowing one of those plastic pieces — not least because it means spending the next few weeks taking careful note of everything else that comes out of them to make sure the LEGO emerges safely.

In the name of soothing those fears, a new study published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health set out to discover how long it takes for a LEGO head to pass through a digestive system and if any risks are involved. For insight on the research, we spoke to study co-author Dr. Tessa Davis, a consultant in pediatric emergency medicine at the Royal London Hospital, and co-founder of Don’t Forget the Bubbles, a website and conference dedicated to pediatric care whose team conducted the study. Warning: You might want to save this for later if you’re eating lunch (at least if you’re not munching on LEGO bricks).

The Background

Although the researchers applied scientific methodologies, the study itself is not your usual totally serious medical paper. “We were looking for a lighthearted study to do in the run-up to Christmas, but with a serious underlying message,” explains Davis. “Ingested foreign objects are a really common presentation to children’s emergency departments: I probably see around one child a day who has swallowed something they shouldn’t have.” As the authors note, previous research on the subject has mostly covered coins. They cite an earlier study which found that coins take 3.1 to 5.8 days to pass through a digestive system. However, that was from 1971, so it seemed like the time was ripe to revisit the issue with a toy that kids today are more likely to come into contact with.

The main point of the study, Davis tells us, was to set concerned parents’ minds at ease. “Parents often wonder when to worry and when not to bother. The reality is that most objects when swallowed don’t cause any harm — once they make it to your stomach, they will just pass out with no problems. If it gets stuck on the way down, then that’s a problem, or if you develop any symptoms of pain, vomiting, or constipation, that can suggest it’s causing a blockage. Most objects are fine, but something like button batteries or magnets can cause serious issues, and these will very likely need to be removed quickly — so parents must bring their kids to the emergency department.”

The Methodology

Using children as guinea pigs was obviously not an option, so six courageous adult participants stepped up to the task. In the study, the authors acknowledged the possibility that the results might be different in children, but added that “there is little evidence to support this” — if anything, the LEGO piece might make its way through a child quicker. The candidates all worked in pediatric hospital care, and were only considered eligible if they had not previously had gastrointestinal surgery… and were open to ingesting a LEGO head and then searching for it in the days afterward.

In the three days before swallowing the LEGO, each kept a diary monitoring their bowel movements, so the researchers could see if the quality and quantity would affect how long it took to pass the LEGO head. All participants swallowed their individual LEGO heads around the same time, between 7am and 9am, since time of day could affect digestion. They were then tasked with searching for it on its way out, using whatever method they chose. The main factor was how long it took the piece to reappear after swallowing it, a measurement the researchers called the Found and Retrieved Time (FART). (We know.)

It took an average of 1.71 days and an average of two bowel movements for the participants to recover their LEGO heads. The shortest time was 1.14 days (27 h 20 min), while the longest was 3.04 days (72 h 35 min). One unlucky participant had to continue with the experiment for two weeks before the researchers called off the search, assuming he would never find his LEGO head. “Either he missed it,” Davis notes, “or… it’s still up there.”

The Takeaway

As you can tell, the study was done in good humor, but the results do prove a useful point for parents and caretakers who have worried about a piece of LEGO that’s vanished into a kid’s mouth (and beyond). “The aim of the study was to reassure parents that most objects [when swallowed] are fine and that there is no point searching through your child’s poo to find them,” Davis reassures us. “If a respected academic pediatrician can’t find a LEGO head in his own stools, then who can?” That said, she emphasizes again that some objects and reactions are a cause for concern. “If your child swallows a button battery or a magnet, or has symptoms after swallowing an object, then please seek medical assessment.”

As for what’s next for the team, should they return to this subject, in the study, they suggest comparing coins and LEGO, preferably with some participants swallowing both at the same time, and also comparing different parts of LEGO figurines, including legs and bodies. “We’re considering upgrading to Duplo,” Davis adds.

In case you were worried, the brave participants who put their bodies on the line in the name of advancing our understanding of this important medical issue are doing fine. “We are all very proud of our involvement in this study,” says Davis, “and are glad it’s caused so many people to smile, as well as getting our message out there.”

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve known someone to swallow? Share your stories with us @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

Who doesn’t love finding a great deal – especially when everything is under $15? Amazon is serving up the best bargains of the week, from beauty essentials to home goods and fashion finds. All shoppable at unbeatable prices, these 12 Amazon finds won’t break the bank if you’re searching for something stylish, practical, or just downright fun.

Scroll on for our top 12 best Amazon deals of the week!

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Stanley Quencher H2.0 14-Ounce Tumbler

Stanely cups for just $15?! Count us in!

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Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid

This $14 liquid exfoliant is beloved for its ability to deliver smoother, more even skin with consistent use. It's more gentle (and more effective!) than physically exfoliating your skin, which can oftentimes do more harm than good.

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Bliss Block Star SPF 30 Invisible Daily Tinted Sunscreen

SPF is the star of your skincare routine, and this $11 (was $25) makes applying it every day super easy with a sheer, evening tint and silky-smooth feel.

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Newcosplay Super Soft Throw Blanket

Cozying up just became so much better with this $13 (was $20) pick. The ribbed texture definitely gives it a luxe vibe, but for less. Love!

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2-Pack 10-Ounce Overnight Oats Containers

Meal preppers, unite! These 10-ounce containers are perfect for overnight oats, yogurt bowls, or just sectioning out snacks to eat on throughout the workday. Snag the sleek yet durable duo for just $15!

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Hair Wax Stick

This convenient wax stick keeps your flyways at bay for the most seamless slicked-back buns or ponytails. Shoppers love this $5 (was $7) pick because its sleeking effects last all day long!

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DreamSky Wooden Digital Alarm Clock

Step up your bedside table decor with this gorgeous $15 (was $17) alarm clock – it fits right in with any home decor style!

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The Gym People High Waist Workout Shorts

These high-waisted $15 (was $23) biker shorts can stretch across tons of different occasions, from workouts to grocery store runs or just lazing around at home! You'll fall in love with them because they feature some convenient side pockets that can easily fit your phone or other small essentials you want to keep close.

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Bedsure Satin Pillowcase

This skin- and hair-friendly satin pillowcase is going for just $8 (was $13) to protect you from breakouts and broken locks. Shoppers adore how smooth it is to the touch, adding a very bougie feel to your bedtime routine for not much money.

Amazon

Sojos Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

Spring's out, so that means the sun's out! You might as well protect your peepers in style with these $13 (was $20) sunnies that come in endless different colorways to match each and every outfit. We love this green pair for a playful pop of color!

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e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm

This $4 – yes, $4! – lip balm keeps your lips lookin' and feelin' super moisturized when they need it most. It also provides a sheer tint of color, so you could easily rock a layer of it with or without makeup. Such an affordable makeup bag upgrade!

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Grace & Stella Pimple Patches

Our favorite skincare hack is slapping a pimple patch on any pesky breakout that emerges. These patches at least make the experience super cute, plus you can get 36 of 'em for just $5!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

When Maia Weinstock got the opportunity to design a unique Lego set through the LEGO Ideas program, she decided to create a kit based on one of her biggest passions. As a science writer and deputy editor of MIT News, Weinstock had a stockpile of research on outstanding women in science and engineering. Therefore, she decided to create a LEGO set that highlights several of NASA’s finest women in STEM. But instead of focusing on generic women of science, Weinstock chose to focus on real women who have greatly impacted the NASA program. “This is something I am passionate about,” Weinstock told Space, “which is bringing [science] personalities to light. It was a risk. I mean, nothing like this has ever been posted before, at least in terms of women.”

After Weinstock posted her idea to the LEGO Ideas platform and got picked up on social media by celebrities like Hidden Figures actress Janelle Monáe, the set quickly gained the 10,000 votes it needed to be considered by LEGO executives. With the full support of LEGO behind her, Weinstock’s project is finally ready to hit shelves just before the holiday toy craziness begins. As of November 1, the LEGO Ideas Women of NASA Set ($25) is available to purchase, featuring mini-figures of four famous women of NASA: NASA executive Nancy Grace Roman, computer scientist Margaret Hamilton, physicist Sally Ride, and engineer Mae Jamison. It immediately became the #1 bestselling toy on Amazon.

We love the idea of inspiring our kiddos to dream up grand interstellar goals in the STEM fields, especially considering the fact that the 2017 astronaut class included five awesome new female recruits. Here’s a sneak peek at the figures included in Lego’s new set.

1. Margaret Hamilton: This amazing gal is best known for popularizing the modern concept of software. Her LEGO set displays the iconic scene from 1969 where Hamilton and her team worked with NASA to develop the onboard flight software for the Apollo missions to the moon.

2. Nancy Grace Roman: Nancy Roman, warmly nicknamed the Mother of Hubble, was one of the first female executives at NASA. In her Lego scene, you’ll find her with a posable Hubble Space Telescope (which she is famous for her role in helping create and plan) and a projected image of a planetary nebula.

3. Sally Ride and Mae Jemison: In 1983, physicist Sally ride broke a major glass ceiling by being the first American woman in space onboard the Challenger for mission STS-7. In 1992, medical doctor Mae Jemison pushed the envelope further by becoming the first African-American woman in space for the STS-47 Spacelab-J mission on the Endeavour. In their Lego scene, both women stand near a launchpad with the Space Shuttle Challenger, which blasts off with three removable rocket stages.

Are you planning on picking up LEGO’s new Women of NASA kit? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.

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(Photos via The LEGO Group)

Zoë Kravitz may have moved on already after her split from Channing Tatum, but she's not the only one! According to rumors, Channing has his own new love interest — and she's apparently a model. While we want him to be happy, we're heartbroken to see one of our fave heartthrobs off the market yet again! So here's what we know about Channing, how we got here, and his alleged new gorgeous girlfriend.

Scroll to find out everything you need to know about Channing Tatum's alleged new girlfriend!

I believe that practically everyone has had their own personal "Channing Tatum awakening" at one point or another. For me, that came in 2006 when he starred as Tyler Gage, alongside Jenna Dewan as Nora Clark, in Step Up. What's hotter than a troubled, handsome, and surprisingly talented hip-hop dancer falling in love with a ballerina? I rest my case.

That's why it was thrilling to find out the pair began dating in real life and tied the knot on July 11, 2009. But then, after having a daughter together, Channing and Jenna announced they were getting separated in 2018, and plenty of fans were devastated.

Their divorce was reportedly only finalized in September 2024. Regardless, that hasn't stopped 44-year-old Channing from getting back out on the market.

First, on October 30, 2023, the news broke that he'd gotten engaged to Zoë Kravitz, an American actress and filmmaker most well-known for her portrayal of Catwoman in The Batman and directing Blink Twice, which also starred Channing as Slater King.

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Yet, one year later, in October 2024, Channing and Zoë called off their engagement and split up after spending three years together. Since then, the actor has seemingly begun seeing a younger model, 25-year-old Inka Williams.

Channing and Inka attended a pre-Oscars party hosted by the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) at The Living Room in Los Angeles on February 28. They've also been seen together around town. One source confirmed the pair were "seeing" each other when speaking to People after reportedly meeting through mutual friends.

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"She's great. She has her own life. She's young but seems older," the source said of Inka.

"Channing's doing well. [Inka] makes him happy. He's reuniting with Zoë later this spring for another movie project. It shouldn't be too awkward; they ended things on okay terms."

Inka, who was born in Melbourne, Australia, and raised in Bali, Indonesia, is signed to IMG, a top global modeling agency. She previously said that her childhood in Bali shaped her into a "very compassionate person," and she later moved to London to grow her career.

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In addition to modeling, the 25-year-old also launched her own fashion brand, known as She Is I, in 2019. Her mother often made her clothing when she was a young girl, and she viewed the business venture as a way to continue her mom's "legacy in design and bring back to life her amazing relations from the '90s."

"I always knew one day I would try my best to create those timeless pieces from her wardrobe! I still wear the pieces she made and wore through the '80s, '90s, and 2000s," Inka wrote on her brand's website.

Channing and Inka both have yet to comment on public speculation about their supposed relationship. Nonetheless, she did post a story from the beach on her Instagram @inkawilliams, with the words "I love you" written on top of the sand.

Want more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

If you've been searching for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your little ones, look no further. Reading a children's book together is a great way to dive into the magic of Irish folklore, shamrocks, and leprechauns.

Here are some of the best St. Patrick's Day books to spark your kiddo's imagination and teach them about the spirit of the holiday.

Scroll to see our favorite St. Patrick's Day children's books!

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1. I'm A Leprechaun by Mallory Loehr

This book by Mallory Loehr and illustrated by Brian Biggs is a charming read for your youngest St. Patrick's Day celebrants. Recommended for ages 2 through 5, it introduces children to the playful world of leprechauns through simple, engaging text and vibrant illustrations.

The story highlights the fun-loving nature of these mythical creatures, who are known for their pranks, hidden pots of gold, and being talented shoemakers. It has an easy-to-follow storyline that's perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

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2. Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk

If you have a little one who loves four-legged friends, you can't go wrong with Lucky Tucker by Leslie McGuirk. This sweet story follows Tucker the terrier, who is having a rough time on St. Patrick's Day.

Well, that's until he stumbles upon a patch of four-leaf clovers. Little does he know this magical spot is home to a leprechaun who turns Tucker's luck around in the most wonderful way.

This heartwarming tale, fit for kids between the ages of 2 and 5, is perfect for young readers who enjoy fun animal stories and a touch of magic.

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3. Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola

Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola blends humor and life lessons in a way that captivates young readers. This classic children's book, recommended for ages 4 to 8, follows Jamie O'Rourke, who's known as the laziest man in all of Ireland, with a farm in disarray.

But when Jamie encounters a leprechaun and begins to grow a potato so large it seems almost magical, his luck takes a turn for the better. Yet, as the spud grows bigger, he starts to wonder if the giant gift is more trouble than it is worth.

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4. St. Patrick's Day, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg

This lively collection of poems, written by D.J. Steinberg and illustrated by Emanuel Wiemans, perfectly captures the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.

As a follow-up to Kindergarten, Here I Come!, this book uses fun, rhythmic verses to take kids ages 4 to 6 through all the exciting parts of the holiday, like wearing green, playing the bagpipes, and hunting for leprechauns. It has catchy lyrics and vibrant illustrations.

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5. It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun by Marilyn Sadler

Written by Marilyn Sadler and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis, It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun is a story about learning to embrace who you are. It's a delightful read for children 3 to 7 years old.

Connor O'Connor, a little leprechaun, isn't thrilled with his role in life and decides to use some magic to try out different jobs, such as being a carpenter, a fairy, and even a king. His adventures lead him to learn an important lesson about self-acceptance and appreciating his own unique qualities.

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6. The Leprechaun Under the Bed by Teresa Bateman

The Leprechaun Under the Bed, written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Paul Meisel, is a tale of unexpected friendship.

Brian O'Shea is a solitary leprechaun who enjoys a peaceful life. That's until a human named Sean McDonald builds a house right on top of Brian's underground abode. Despite their differences, a friendship begins to grow.

This humorous and whimsical book, intended for kiddos aged 4 to 8, serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely friendships can blossom.

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7. The Night Before St. Patrick's Day by Natasha Wing

Penned by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Amy Wummer, The Night Before St. Patrick's Day is a fun twist on the classic holiday story.

On the eve of March 17, Tim and Maureen set out to catch a leprechaun by putting up clever traps. Then, they wake up to the sight of green eggs and the sound of bagpipes and realize they actually caught one.

The only problem? They're not exactly sure what to do next. This story is full of surprises and will help get your kids between the ages of 4 and 8 into the St. Patrick's Day spirit.

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8. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola

Last but not least, Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces little ones to the life and legacy of Saint Patrick.

DePaola shares the story of Patrick's noble birth in Britain, his captivity in Ireland, and his eventual return to spread Christianity, founding the first Christian church in Ireland. It even touches on the famous legend of Patrick banishing snakes from Ireland!

This read is a stellar way to help children between the ages of 5 and 8 understand the importance of the holiday and the man behind it.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.