In Episode 15 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) sits down with Ryan Wood, Model Shop Manager at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build and maintain entire worlds out of LEGO.

Ryan shares his journey from AFOL to Master Model Builder - starting with conventions and community, to landing a spot in a competitive build challenge that launched a 17-year career across multiple LEGOLAND parks. From helping construct LEGOLAND New York Resort during the chaos of COVID to managing thousands of models in Florida, his story is a mix of creativity, persistence, and being in the right place at the right time.

The conversation dives into the realities most fans never consider: how LEGO models survive extreme heat, snow, and even wildlife (yes, otters included), what happens when a model gets destroyed overnight, and how teams can rebuild entire sections before the park even opens. Ryan also reveals how digital design has transformed the parks, how Easter eggs sneak into displays, and why snow might actually be a LEGO model’s best friend.

Plus, get an inside look at building new attractions like the Galacticoaster, judging LEGO competitions with real astronauts, and what it actually takes to become a Master Model Builder - hint: it’s not just about being good at LEGO.

Until next time… play well.