Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad has announced plans to lay off 97 employees from its entertainment division, effective March 15. The layoffs include 87 performers and 10 stage managers, an events assistant manager, and a production specialist. This decision aligns with the resort’s strategy to outsource entertainment for seasonal special events to a third-party provider, aiming to operate more flexibly in a competitive market.
Julia Estrada, a spokeswoman for Merlin Entertainments, the parent company of Legoland California, stated that the changes are intended to elevate the guest experience in 2025 and beyond. She said:
This includes changes in how we deliver entertainment. The decision to reduce the size of our entertainment team was undoubtedly difficult, but these changes will allow the resort to operate more flexibly and responsively in a competitive market.
Impacted employees have the opportunity to apply for other positions within the resort, including roles related to upcoming seasonal events. Legoland California, which opened in 1999, features numerous attractions, including rides, a water park, and an aquarium.
This move follows a similar announcement from Legoland Florida, which plans to lay off 234 workers, primarily performers. The trend reflects a broader shift within the company to adapt its entertainment offerings and operational strategies.
