The moment all of us iPhone®-totin’, tech-lovin’ parents have been waiting for has arrived: the Official LEGOLAND® California App is now available for your iPhone or iPod® Touch! Whether you’re a Park regular like I am, or you’re headed to the Park for the first time, you will love this App!

Wanna know when the next show time is for The Big Test or the closest place to grab a burger?

Wanna know what rides your 33” toddler can ride or update your
Facebook status?

Well now you can, all with a simple tap of Mr. Pointer and the LEGOLAND App.

Yep, this App has it all.

Did you forget where you parked or forget to pack Band-Aids? Or maybe you’re in dire need of the restroom for your potty training two-year old?

All you need is the App and you’re all set. Best news . . .you can even read this blog from the App.

Oh, and did I mention the App is FREE? Boom!

Don’t leave home without downloading this App.

Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary

At LEGOLAND^® Clalifornia, the employees are referred to as Model Citizens, or MCs for short. Get the play on words there? To be an MC they go through extensive training and are held to the high values of the LEGO^®  and Merlin Entertainments Group. A particular experience with an employee can make or break a family’s day at a theme park. I come across so many MCs at LEGOLAND that impress me, I’ve decided to feature a special MC on the blog every few months.

This month I am beyond thrilled to introduce you to Gloria Taranago. I had the pleasure of working with Gloria back in the early 2000’s when I worked as the Entertainment Supervisor. She is one of those employees that every supervisor wants on her or his team. Her stellar work ethics, kind disposition and willingness to go the extra mile for a guest or a co-worker make her a dream employee.

I asked Gloria a few questions so you could get to know her better too:

MC Spotlight
Name: Gloria Tarango
Hired: February 27, 1999
Current Position: Entertainment Usher

Q: What do you enjoy most about working for LEGOLAND California Resort?
A: Definitely, it’s the people and the Park; the landscaping is so beautiful and it is such a fun place to work. It has been wonderful to see the Park grow and to be a part of it!

Q: What is your favorite part of your department?
A: We are a unique department and we get to work with Park events.

Q: What is one of the most important roles in your job and why?
A: I feel strongly that every MC should take a CPR class when it is offered. I have saved three lives in the Park and was also MC of the Year in 2007; I feel very honored.

Q: What do you like to do when you are not at work?
A: Bond with my family, go to church, enjoy the beach, visit Big Bear Mountain, go the gym, read and shop!

Q: What is your favorite LEGO Model?
A: Definitely the Albert Einstein model in Imagination Zone.

Q: If you could hire a Master Model Builder to build you a Model, what would it be?
A: It would be STAR WARS™. The new STAR WARS area is so amazing.

Q: Describe a memorable encounter with a Park guest.
A: I have many memorable experiences with Park guests as there are many children who visit the Park throughout their entire childhood so I get the pleasure of watching them grow up. But one of my most memorable encounters was helping a 98 year-old woman in a wheelchair at Playtown Theater. She wanted to sit close to the stage to see better. After the show she wanted her picture taken with me and her son - later on she took the time to mail in the picture in to the Park.

If you see Gloria in the Park, most likely near the stage at Fun Town or the Playtown Theatre, be sure to say hi. She will brighten up your already sunshine-filled day.

Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary

Since my kiddos are still pretty young, I often write about the attractions and rides that are geared for the little ones, but this is an equal opportunity blog, so here is my list of . . .




Top 10 Things to Do When You’re 10:

1. LEGO^® Technic Coaster - Your thrill-seeking kiddos will want to ride this ride over, and over, and over again.
2. AQUAZONE Wave Racer - Your 10+ year old, who most certainly has a vendetta out against a sibling, will love this ride. A hefty spray with these water soakers is a perfect source for revenge.
3. XBOX Family Game Space - Video games and air conditioning. ‘Nuff said.
4. The Dragon Coaster - Another coaster with twists and turns any ten year old will flip for.
5. Coastersaurus - Even though this is a smaller coaster made for coaster-riding-newbies, bigger kids love it too, especially if they have a thing for dinosaurs.
6. The Knights’ Tournament - Kids can control the intensity of this ride and the brave older kids will typically live on Level 3.
7. LEGO Clubhouse - An indoor attraction where kids can hop on computers and play the first ever MMOG (Massively Multilevel Online Game) called LEGO Universe. Oh, and parents, it’s air conditioned so it’s a great treat for you too!
8. Granny Apple Fries - Yes, I’m talking about these mouth-watering nuggets of goodness yet again. Your teen, tween or toddler are sure to love this treat!
9. LEGOLAND Water Park - From the ages of 9-15, my favorite type of amusement parks were water parks. Any ten year old will have a blast at the Water Park.
10. Miniland U.S.A. - Kids of all ages love Miniland. It is the heart of the Park and by far the most popular. The older kids love it because they can see some of the places that they have either visited with family, or learned about in school. And don’t miss STAR WARS Miniland, which really needs no further explanation.

Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary

Invariably, when my kids and I spend a day at the Park, we see a family or two on the brink of emotional disaster. Traveling with kids, especially to theme parks, inherently lends itself to spinouts, meltdowns and tantrums, both by kids AND parents. The first few times I visited theme parks with both my girls, I had to learn many of these lessons the hard way.


Five ways to avoid spinouts, meltdowns and tantrums:

1. Prepare—This one is hard for me because I am not the most organized Model om on the block, but I notice on the days when I am prepared on the morning of, with clothes laid out and bags packed from the night before, then the day at the Park will run more smoothly than on days when I am disorganized and frazzled, trying to get everyone ready.
2. Snack & Hydrate—The Park does not allow outside food or drink (except water), so I recommend stopping by The Market just to the left as you enter the Park, to grab some healthy snacks that are easy to eat on the go like cheese sticks, yogurt drinks, granola bars, and cheerios in a tub.  You can bring your own water bottles or buy some at the Park. It gets really hot in the middle of summer so being hydrated will help all the way around.
3. Set Expectations—Talk about the theme park experience on the way there with your kiddos so they know what to expect. Discuss some of the things they will see, that they might have to wait in line and what approximate time you are planning to leave. Then again, when it is almost time to leave, give them that beloved “five minute warning.” (The five-minute trick was a godsend to me when my daughter turned two. I don’t think I could survive motherhood without it).
4. Plan Ahead—Take a peek at the map online and read up on the blog on the things to do for the various ages. For example, if your kids are on the younger side, you’ll want to head to the left upon first entering the Park, since the attractions on that side of the Park are geared for toddler age. The families with older kids may want to start off by going to the right to hit the Technic Coaster as soon as possible. Also, measure your kids before you go and note the height requirements on some of the bigger rides so you know which ones your kids can and cannot ride.
5. Take Precautionary Safety Measures— I wrote a post a few months ago about how I “misplaced” my two-year-old while at LEGOLAND. From that experience I put together a list of a few safety precautions parents can take to help prevent something similar happening to you. CLICK HERE to read them before your trip.