CARLSBAD, Calif., Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- LEGOLAND^® California Resort's General Manager Peter Ronchetti announced new additions, a national Junior Concierge search and employment growth with new jobs to come when North America's first LEGOLAND^® Hotel opens April 5. "With annual additions, LEGOLAND California Resort is a multi-day destination proving the need for this multi-million dollar hotel," said Ronchetti. "With the Hotel comes new jobs and our HR team is filling 250 positions. Not only has the Resort grown tremendously since opening in 1999, but we have truly heightened the economy in the area providing up to 1,610 Model Citizens (employees) averaging 5% growth annually since 2004. Our employment numbers have increased 62% in the last eight years!"

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"LEGOLAND Hotel is built for children and geared to maximize the family experience," said LEGOLAND Hotel General Manager Frank Idris. "With more than 3,500 LEGO models and interactive areas, the Hotel is a great compliment and extension to the experience guests enjoy when visiting the family theme park, water park and aquarium." Idris has worked in the hotel operation business for more than 20 years, most recently as the Director of Hotel Operations at JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa.

A national Junior Concierge contest launched today aimed at children ages 8 – 12 who have a passion for LEGO, love theme parks and are adventurous and fun. Six winners will receive a free weekend at LEGOLAND California Resort with their family including a stay at LEGOLAND Hotel, two day Resort Hopper tickets and LEGO products. Each winner will receive full job training and Hotel orientation to share their knowledge from a child's perspective when serving as Junior Concierge. Applications are accepted online only at www.LEGOLAND.com/JuniorConcierge. Winners will be announced Feb. 28.

"In 2013, a heroic new attraction is arriving to LEGOLAND California as LEGO Legends of Chima is brought to life in an exclusive 4D movie experience," said Ronchetti. The 12 minute animated 4-D film immerses audiences in the fantastical LEGO world of Chima where tribes of animal warriors compete in epic battles for "CHI" – a mystical energy source of limitless power and destruction. LEGOLAND California launches "LEGO Legends of Chima" March 7 and for the first time, LEGOLAND Parks and Discovery Centers across the globe will all introduce this new product line from LEGO. "And LEGO Star Wars fans rejoice!" continued Ronchetti. "We'll be gaining another exciting addition in June that will definitely enhance our guest experience."

2012 marked an exciting year for Merlin Entertainments Group globally. Merlin operates 94 attractions, seven hotels/two holiday villages in 21 countries across four continents. Merlin has 17 attractions in the USA including LEGOLAND California Resort with its theme park, Water Park, SEA LIFE Aquarium and upcoming LEGOLAND Hotel. "This underlines not only the company's position as the world's biggest global aquarium operator but Merlin's strategy to further develop in North America in coming years," said Ronchetti.

SOURCE LEGOLAND California Resort