DARTH Vader was standing in front of me. He's a lot shorter than in the film. It looked more like Darth’s shrunken jumper had grown legs. But he's presence was still menacing. His lightsaber glowed red as a deep, hallow voice boomed out, “You have failed me for the last time,” followed by the sound of someone snorkeling.
I wasn't in the midst of a dream, this was the scene in my sitting room on Sunday morning. Actually, it's a common scene in my house, the minature Darth being my son.
The centre has created a fantastic place for kids, encouraging their imagination whilst allowing them freedom to interact, learn and have fun in a safe place.
His enthusiasm for all things Star Wars would make George Lucas proud. At only three years old, he's watched Return of the Jedi more than the film's editors and like C-3PO claims to be fluent in six million languages. He acts as my translator throughout our viewings and recites lines like a member of the cast.
On this particular day, he's exploding with excitement at our pending trip. He'd woken early and dressed in character, fully prepared to take on the might of the Galactic Empire.
Legoland Discovery Centre in Barton Square by the Trafford Centre was where we were heading. The centre does lots of themed events throughout the year, this weekend was Star Wars.
Standing at the front door was a Stormtrooper and a young Obi-Wan Kenobi chatting. James approached them with caution and held his lightsaber up to defend himself, before battling his way into the reception.
Can I just add, there's something strangely dashing about a man in uniform, even if it is from another galaxy far, far away.
Our adventure begins with a lively introduction from one of the Legoland team. We're taken into the 'Lego factory' and shown how each piece is made and molded into shape. It's a fun and interactive start to the tour and all the kids loved it.
Next we move on to the Kingdom of Quest ride where we're able to zap evil skeletons and giant trolls in order to save the princess. I got incredibly competitive with this, almost scaring myself.
“I beat yoooo,” I yelled to a bewildered three year old.
Moving on.
We're memorised by the miniland area which brings scenes of Manchester to life in Lego. There's the town hall, the tram, Media City and Manchester United football stadium.
In the corner, Blackpool Tower and the illuminations glow as the lights in the room are dimmed. We spent a good half an hour looking at every little detail here, before we moved on.
With the model building workshops, the Racer's build and test area, the Fire Academy and Construction Site play zone to burn off energy, the Duplo Village with soft bricks for the younger kids, the Universe section and the Merlin's Apprentice ride there's loads to keep you busy.
There's also a 4D cinema area where, on our visit, they put on a Star Wars Lego film.
The centre has just recently opened the Friends area which is aimed at girls. It's pink, very pink and includes a mini stage where you get a microphone and can preform a Karaoke set of your choice. This didn't get much attention from our son, who just looked at it in bemusement.
The centre has created a fantastic place for kids, encouraging their imagination whilst allowing them freedom to interact, learn and have fun in a safe place. The staff are all brilliant. Despite the centre being incredibly busy on our visit, they managed to keep the queues flowing and maintained order amongst the crowd.
The Lego displays where amazingly detailed and totally captivating.
This is a great day out that will keep the kids, and parents, very happy.
The next Star Wars weekend is on 17 and 18 November. There are other themed events going on throughout the year. For more information visit www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk.
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Stormtrooper And Darth Vader
