TEXAS MAN OUTBUILDS 22 HOPEFULS TO BECOME NEW MODEL BUILDER AT LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA

Carlsbad, CA (June 1, 2006) - Hopeful contenders came from as far away as Virginia to compete in a battle of creativity and strategy, but only one has been offered the elite position of Model Builder at LEGOLAND® California. Jason Poland from Houston, Texas will get paid to play with toys after beating out 22 other finalists in the ultimate build-off at the family theme park in Carlsbad.

Each finalist pre-selected up to ten-pounds of LEGO® bricks the day before the competition and was also supplied with bins of assorted LEGO elements. Finalists had two hours to use their imagination and build a LEGO model that would fit well into an existing LEGOLAND attraction or would be a good addition to the 128-acre theme park. Judges Pat DeMaria, Model Shop manager, John Jakobsen, president and general manager of LEGOLAND California and Liz Erickson, president of The Art Institute of California, San Diego, were impressed by all of the models built today, but felt that Poland's model was the best.

There were three other top contenders chosen today by the judges: Clay Hervey from Mesquite, Texas, Jarad Barkdoll from San Francisco, California and Sarah Hall from Louisville, Kentucky. They each received a LEGO trophy and will be on top of a waiting list for the next open Model Builder position.

Pirate Shores, the Park's new area opening June 21, is the main reason for the nationwide search for a new Model Builder. More than 150 LEGO models are being installed in the water-based area thus increasing the work load for the Model Shop.

Famous for its elaborate re-creations of major world cities and more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND California embarked on the four-month search to find its next Model Builder in February, 2006. After holding build-offs in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, New York, Dallas and Chicago, 23 finalists were chosen to come out to California for the ultimate build-off and vie for the elite position of Model Builder.

Poland will leave Houston where he is currently a non-profit art teacher and cartoonist to move to Carlsbad and begin his dream job. He will begin working at LEGOLAND in 30 days and will join the current team of five LEGOLAND Model Builders who design, build and maintain the more than 15,000 LEGO models in the family theme park in Carlsbad, CA.