Mass layoffs are hitting Legoland, one of the biggest theme parks in California and the first of its kind in America.
Legoland in Carlsbad recently filed a WARN notice, which is required under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act when companies lay off 50 or more employees. The WARN notice stated 97 employees will permanently lose their jobs, with the layoff taking effect on March 25.
Legoland officials said the layoffs impact the live entertainment division of the park. Instead of having in-house entertainment staff, Legoland will now shift those duties to a “global leader in this sector – who will be providing employment opportunities – to bolster our entertainment provision during seasonal special events,” the park said in a statement.
Legoland opened in San Diego County in 1999, marking the first time the company opened a theme park outside of Europe. Along with incredible Lego versions of world-famous cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas, the park offers kid-friendly rides and character meet-and-greets. There are also several dance parties for kids held on certain weekends, as well as a “Once Upon a Brick” story time with Lego characters. It’s not clear how these entertainment offerings will be impacted by the layoffs.
In the statement, Legoland officials said “the decision to reduce the size of our entertainment team was undoubtedly difficult.”
“We are supporting employees during this period of change and will do all we can to help them find alternative employment including sharing auditions for upcoming seasonal events within the Park,” the statement continued.