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CARLSBAD - If you're already looking ahead to that next family getaway there is a good chance LEGOLAND California may be on the list of possible spots. Those larger than life creations are big draws for Tusconans, and behind every sculpture is a master model builder.

Builders like Ryan Ziegelbauer, who has been playing with LEGOs since he was three years old. He got a job building and designing with the Carlsbad theme park about three years ago, and recently shared some of his expertise and experience with News 4 Tucson.

Several of his projects are displayed throughout the LEGOLAND property. He says each model starts as a design meant to go along with a specific theme. Master builders then bring the designs to life, but not before passing an intense series of tests and competitions.

"They judge you on everything from your creativity, to part use, how fast you can build something," Ziegelbauer said.

Some of the models can take more than a year to construct. For instance one of Ziegelbauer's favorites is a 4,000 pound dragon made of more than 400,000 LEGO bricks. It had to be lifted into place with a crane.

Right now the park is busy preparing for the grand opening of it's LEGOLAND California Resort. The country's first LEGO-themed hotel is set to open April 5.