#ninjasintraining

In my day-job as picture editor on Focus Magazine, I am usually far too busy and serious for fun and frolics. But a couple of weeks ago I had the good-fortune to be invited to a press-preview of the new Lego Ninjago World ride at Legoland Windsor.

 Having been a huge fun of Lego since my early years (I think I got my first aged 2), I think that I was even more excited about our visit than my 2 young children.

 This being summer, and being in the UK, I expected to be soaked through within twenty minutes of arriving at the resort. However, for once the weather held and we were able to enjoy all the facilities while basking in glorious sunshine.

Our first stop was the Ninjago World area, where we were greeted by some life-sized Lego figures (brave people dressed in costumes, possibly slowly melting under there!). This was a bit hit with the children, who normally would be quite shy in similar circumstances.

We made our way through the twist and turns of the corridor to the ride, our anticipation building. Once on the ride, where were a mass of flailing arms and legs trying to defeat baddies and getting the highest scores possible.

 To be honest I had no idea what I was doing or whether I was doing it right, but I certainly got a good work-out. And, for the record, I got the highest score, just like a typical competitive dad. Although I’m not quite ready to quit my day-job and become a Ninja just yet.

 We then hit as many of the rides that the park has to offer, and what a great variety there is! My personal favourite was taking a slow boat-trip around the lake, and watching the sharks and rays underwater whilst aboard the Lego submarine.

The rides were pitched perfectly for my 5-year-old and 7-year-old; just enough to give them a thrill without scaring them silly. The Lego Friends town was a great place to enjoy an ice-cream and settle down to watch the show, with some impressive dance routines, singing and jet-ski antics.

 There is such a variety of things to do at Legoland, and in the past we have usually grown tired and ready for home by mid-afternoon. But as a family we were all having too much fun to even think about the time, or if we were tired.

The Ninjago ride is a great addition to what was already on offer, and now gets me into the mood for the new Lego Ninjago Movie that is due out in the UK on the 13th October 2017

 I really wish I would have been able to experience this as a child. But I will make do with having fun with my family and enjoying this special day as an adult. I can honestly say that this was the best day-trip we’ve had as a family. Next time, I think we’ll come and stay in the Castle hotel.