There are lots of great reasons to visit LEGOLAND
California. Chief among these being this theme park's highly detailed
recreations of cityscapes from around the globe. These include a miniature
version of New York City which took over two million bricks to build …
Photo by Noe Valladolid
… not to mention a stylized version of the California coastline which allows
you to travel from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge all the way down to San
Diego's scenic beaches in just under a minute.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
Don't get me wrong. LEGOLAND California's many kid-friendly rides, shows and
attractions are fun too …
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… but for a film fan like myself, the real reason that one would want to drive
all the way down to Carlsbad would be to then check this theme park's new Star
Wars Miniland. Which opened back on March 31st.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
Here, some of the most famous moments from the "Star Wars" film series have
been recreated in LEGO form. Like that
scene from "Episode IV: A New Hope," where Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi,
C-3PO and R2-D2 look down on Mos Eisley Spaceport …
Photo by Noe Valladolid
… which – when it's rendered in LEGOs – really doesn't look
like it's a " … wretched hive of scum and villainy."
Photo by Noe Valladolid
Star Wars Miniland also recreates the Battle of Hoth from "Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back." To be specific, that moment from this Irvin
Kerscher film where the Imperil walkers are bearing down on Echo Base and all
of the Rebels inside are preparing to flee.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
The attention to detail in this part of LEGOLAND California is
just extraordinary. Take – for example – how this
theme park's landscaping crew planted pine trees that are just the right height
to replicate the look & feel of the forest moon of Endor from "Episode VI: Return of the Jedi."
Photo by Noe Valladolid
You'll also find show scenes from the "Star Wars" prequels reproduced in this
part of LEGOLAND California. From "Episode I: The Phantom Menace," you can
watch the Gungans face off against the vast droid army of the Trade Federation.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
"Episode II: Attack of the Clones" is represented by a
miniature recreation of the Geonosis arena. Where Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan
Kenobi and Padmé Amidala prepare to do battle with a fearsome trio of other-worldly
creatures.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
You'll find "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" as well as the animated series, "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" recreated in this part of the theme park as well. Mind
you, if you prefer your Star Wars characters full-sized … Well, you can always
get your picture taken with life-sized versions of R2-D2 and Chewbacca …
Photo by Noe Valladolid
… as well as Darth Vader.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
By the way, do you see that banner directly behind Darth
Vader? This was for the special event that was held at LEGOLAND California June
18th & 19th, LEGO Star Wars Days …
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… which featured all sorts of fun temporary exhibits. Like
this sand sculpture of many of your favorite Star Wars characters in LEGO form.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
Not to mention the Fan Gallery …
Photo by Noe Valladolid
… which allowed you to take a look at some of the more spectacular Star
Wars-themed scenes that LEGO fans from around the country had built all on
their own.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
Disney fans would have really liked LEGO Star Wars Days Fan Gallery. If only
because these builders didn't have to slavishly adhere to George Lucas' take on
the Star Wars universe. Which is why you found LEGO versions of Jedi Mickey …
Photo by Noe Valladolid
… not to mention the sorts of podracers that Buzz Lightyear,
Zurg …
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… and the Green Army Men from "Toy Story" would have used if
they'd been invited to Tatooine to take part in the Boonta Eve Classic.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
These displays – plus appearances by members of the 501st Legion — made
attending LEGO Star Wars Days at LEGOLAND California a very memorable way to spend
the Fathers Day Weekend. Here's hoping that this annual event comes back bigger
& better in 2012.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
But – to be honest – given everything else that there is to
do at this family-friendly theme park, it's basically always worth it to take a
drive down the 5 in order to visit LEGOLAND California.
And speaking of driving … Gentlemen. A little traveling music, if you please.
Photo by Noe Valladolid
Your thoughts?