WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Legoland Florida is opening a new attraction that will take visitors on a pirate-themed adventure through the canals of Cypress Gardens.

Pirate River Quest, opening to the public on Thursday, features Lego characters and special effects amid the backdrop of the natural Florida landscapes.

“What is significant about this ride is that we are bringing boats back to the original Cypress Gardens canals for the first time since we’ve been operating Legoland Florida Resort,” said Rex Jackson, managing director of Legoland Resorts — North America. “It’s a phenomenal area of the resort.”

Visitors will board a free-floating boat controlled by a real, live captain. During the 20-minute voyage, passengers will help lift Captain Redbeard’s curse by finding the treasure hidden along the waterway.

The story will unfold through onboard audio, which includes music and Captain Redbeard offering clues and a few jokes.

Passengers will travel through different scenes with Lego figures, including monkeys, alligators, skeletons and a kraken. The scenes also feature their own special effects, including sounds and water effects. Also hidden among the trees are golden Lego bricks.

The ride is not just about finding treasure and lifting curses. Near the end of the adventure, passengers will get a quick history lesson about the gardens as the hit the open waters of Lake Eloise.

Pirate River Quest doesn’t have a height requirement. Children younger than 6 will need to wear life vest during the ride. The vests will be provided by the park.

The attraction is located in the Pirate Cove section of the park, next to Brickbeard’s Watersport Stunt Show.

“We’re able to really bring this area of Pirate’s Cove to life with the addition of Pirate River Quest,” Jackson said.