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