A legion of pint-sized Darth Vaders clad in ebony robes and shining masks marched on LEGOLAND® Florida today during the official opening ceremony of the park’s newest expansion, LEGO® Star WarsTM Miniland Model Display.
“We are celebrating much more than the opening of a new model display,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones. “We are witnessing the collaboration of two unequaled brands. LEGO® is one of the most powerful toy brands in the world, and Star Wars is arguably the best-known and loved franchise in the history of film, television, literature and gaming.”
Costumed four and five-year-olds joined grown-up Star Wars fans from the 501st
and Rebel Legions to mark the opening and help unveil scenes from each
of the six movies, and a seventh from the animated series Star Wars: The Clone WarsTM.
Design, construction and installation took more than 12 months and a
total of 1.5 million LEGO bricks built in 1:20 scale. The models
include sound effects, lighting and animation that bring them to life.
The featured cinematic scenes are:
· Episode I: Naboo: Naboo is one of the most geographically varied planets in the Star Wars
movies. This scene depicts the Battle of Naboo and the capital Theed –
both the Royal Palace and the hangar can be seen. In this battle scene,
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn encounter and fight the Sith apprentice,
Darth Maul.
· Episode II: Geonosis:
In this scene, visitors have a fantastic view of the Geonosis arena, in
which Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker battle
ferocious creatures. Witness the clash between Count Dooku’s droid army
and the Grand Army of the Republic.
· Episode III: Kashyyyk and Mustafar:
In this scene, two planets are revealed: Kashyyyk and Mustafar. On one
side, you'll be placed right into the Battle of Kashyyyk – the home of
Chewbacca and the Wookiees. Here you'll discover fantastic vehicles
modeled from LEGO bricks, such as the massive Clone Turbo Tank. On the
other side, catch a glimpse of the fateful duel on Mustafar between
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.
· Episode IV: Tatooine:
Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO and R2-D2 can be spotted in this
desert planet, Tatooine. Here you'll discover Uncle Owen’s moisture
farm, where Luke Skywalker lived as a child; peek inside the Cantina
where the animated Cantina Band plays and stand above the spaceport
where the largest LEGO model of Han Solo's famous starship, the Millennium Falcon, blasts off.
· Episode V: Hoth:
The Rebels take refuge on this icy planet, Hoth, but the Empire tracks
them down and the Rebels are forced to flee. This scene features LEGO
models of the Imperial AT-ATs, Rebel snowspeeders and Luke Skywalker’s
X-wing starfighter. Look closely and you'll see Luke Skywalker, Han Solo
and Princess Leia.
· Episode VI: Endor
- Next we travel to a forest moon and home of the Ewoks, who fight
against the Imperial Forces alongside the Rebels. The Endor system plays
a key role in Return of the Jedi as the site of the Battle of
Endor, fought to prevent construction of the second Death Star. This
scene presents the final victory of the Rebel Alliance over the Empire.
Here you can view a large-scale model of an Imperial shuttle on its
landing platform, delivering a fearsome passenger - the Dark Lord of the
Sith himself, Darth Vader.
· The Clone Wars: Christophsis - The seventh area brings us to a scene from the animated series The Clone Wars
on the planet Christophsis. Chronologically, the series takes place
between Episode II and Episode III and focuses on the adventures of Jedi
Knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The LEGO scene depicts
part of the planet’s surface, with the largest of all LEGO Star Wars
models: an approximately 8-foot tall building from the Crystal City.
You will also see a scene showing a battle between Separatist battle
droids and Republic clone troopers.
The new LEGO Star Wars Miniland
will be included with park admission. The best way to experience
LEGOLAND Florida for the best value is with the LEGOLAND Florida
Resident Pass. For a limited time, Florida
Residents will receive a $20 discount on the purchase of a Merlin
Annual Pass USA ($159-adults, $129-children/seniors) which includes
unlimited 12 month admission to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water
Park, as well as all other Merlin US attractions (LEGOLAND California
& Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, Sea Life Centers and
Madame Tussauds), free parking and 10% off food and merchandise. A new
monthly payment option of less than $10 per month is also available both
in park and online. The Monthly Payment Plan includes a down payment of
$57.24 for an adult with monthly payment of $9.26 and $46.44 for
child/senior with monthly payment of $7.51 (pre-tax).
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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.
