Legoland Florida announces new Star Wars themed area

I hope this is a long term fixture. I probably won't be down for a few years and would love to see this.

Every once in awhile I'm still struck by the longevity of Star Wars as a cultural phenomenon. A Facebook friend posted a photo this week of his kid with a Star Wars lunch box. It's like every generation embraces it as new again. And of course, if Lucas keeps messing with it, that's probably not surprising.

^ Messing with it or messing it up? ;-)

Should have known it would be this instead of the hotel. There was some land clearing going on near their water park but it didn't look like enough space to me. There is some land adjacent to their current mini land that also doesn't appear to be enough space depending on how extensive this will be.

But, to Jeff's point, each time I go there (and I think we are up to 5 visits now) the most oft figure being photographed is Darth Vadar....and there probably isn't a close second (even though there is an R2D2 next to Darth.

I've always wondered why Star Wars has never been licensed much for themes at American amusement parks. It's certainly cooler and has more potential as a theme than Superman or Green Lantern.

It's interesting, I have heard fans suggest that Disney's Hollywood Studios should add a Star Wars land to combat Harry Potter so many times. I guess that Legoland will be beating them to it.

Also, I've never been to the Star Wars weekends that Disney does, but I would think that Legoland might find a lot of side tripping Science Fiction fans during that time of the year.

I wouldn't go that far. Legoland building some models of Star Wars stuff isn't building a street from Mos Eisley or the Jedi Temple.

Of course Star Wars doesn't have a thing on Avatar when it comes to being a cultural phenomenon. ;)

I know Jeff, I was actually just kidding but as usual that doesn't always come through in short written comments. I could still imagine some Star Wars Weekend visitors making a trip to see Lego Star Wars though.

Jeff said:

I wouldn't go that far. Legoland building some models of Star Wars stuff isn't building a street from Mos Eisley or the Jedi Temple.

Hot damn that would be beyond awesome. They could have the actual cantina, alien-costumed-employees playing live music and all. There's no way that that wouldn't sell more tickets than Harry Potter.

Admiral Akbar: It's a tourist trap!

I preface this by saying I've been to Legoland five times now and I like it for what it is.

But, unless you are a HUGE Lego Fan or a HUGE amusement park geek (as many here are) then Legoland isn't for you if you don't have kids under 12. I don't think people going to Star Wars Weekends will want to make the drive our of their way for the $70 admission fee and the few things that might be of interest to adults.

That said, the preservation of the Gardens was very welcome but I just don't think most people out of the target demographic would appreciate the park, particularly at that steep gate price.