The martial arts dance troupe Sideswipe as Ninja warriors alongside Ninjago characters. Photo by Chris Jennewein
The martial arts dance troupe Sideswipe as Ninja warriors alongside Ninjago characters. Photo by Chris Jennewein

LEGOLAND CAlifornia on Thursday previewed details of Ninjago—The Ride, an attraction opening next spring to build upon the worldwide success of the company’s Ninjago product line.

“It’s the toy brand coming alive,” said General Manager Peter Ronchetti at at preview for press and community leaders in Carlsbad.

Visitors entering the ride will train to be ninja warriors, doing agility exercises and building tasks with LEGO bricks, then enter the 3-and-a-half-minute ride, which features cutting-edge technology.

Peter Ronchetti
Peter Ronchetti

“We’re going to immerse children in training,” explained Ronchetti, adding they would then be able to use hand gestures to hurl fireballs at projections of warriors, and control the ride in other ways.

He said the park was investing twice as much in the new attraction as in Heartlake City, which opened this year. It is expected to open in the spring of 2016.

The preview included a performance by the martial arts dance troupe Sideswipe as ninja warriors and an Asian drum group.

“We are all excited to battle alongsinde you as we combat evil forces,” said one of the actors.

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.