Photos, video: Star Wars Miniland opens at LEGOLAND California

Star Wars Miniland's models recreate the movies' universe in intricate detail. Image © LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND California has opened its new Star Wars Miniland area, which recreates iconic scenes from the popular science fiction movies using LEGO bricks.

Star Wars Miniland features over 2000 customer-made LEGO models, depicting characters and scenes from all six Star Wars movies and the Clone Wars animated series. In addition to expanding the existing Miniland (which features LEGO models of landmarks from around the world), the new section will also serve to promote the hugely popular LEGO Star Wars range of toys.

Clones of the Star Wars Miniland are due to open at LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark and LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany later in 2011. Each will feature seven themed areas based on different locations seen in the Star Wars movies and animations, including Naboo (seen in Episode I: The Phantom Menace), Geonisis (Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Kashyyyk and Mustafar (Episode III: Revenge of the Sith), Tatooine (Episode IV: A New Hope), Hoth (Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back), Endor (Episode VI: Return of the Jedi) and Christophis (Clone Wars).

LEGOLAND California has released a time-lapse video showing the construction of Star Wars Miniland, which can be viewed below:

Several other new attractions are set to open in 2011 at LEGOLAND California. This includes a relaunch of the popular Fun Town Fire Academy attraction as Police and Fire Academy, the addition of the new LEGO Hero Factory to the Imagination Zone and the opening of a new cephalopod exhibit at the Sea Life Aquarium Carlsbad (located on the grounds of LEGOLAND California).

You can keep up to date with the latest confirmed and rumored opening dates for new attractions through Theme Park Tourist's "New Attraction Watch" section, and by signing up for our weekly newsletter.