2018 - Page 9 of 16 - Over The Top Mommy

Year: 2018

Family Guide to Knott’s Ghost Town Alive Now Through 9/3

June 20, 2018 / Uncategorized

I was invited to a media day in the park in order to write this post. All opinions are my own.

One of our family’s favorite places to visit throughout the year is Knott’s Berry Farm. From Halloween time to Christmas to their annual Boysenberry Festival, there is always something fun happening at Knott’s. This summer, we added another favorite “season” to our list: summer time! Knott’s has a fun, interactive experience during summer, happening now through September 3, called Ghost Town Alive! As you enter Calico Ghost Town in the morning, you’ll see the citizens getting ready to celebrate Founders Day. Park guests have the opportunity to interact with the citizens of Calico and spend the day living among them. You’ll literally feel as if you’ve stepped back in time and are living in the Wild West as you engage with the townsfolk, cowboys, bandits, judges, all kinds of other interesting people who live in the beloved town of Calico.There are so many fun ways to participate in all of the town’s happenings. You can become an honorary citizen of Calico and even help out in the town. Just make sure you stay on Sheriff Wheeler’s good side or you could end up in jail! Here are just some of the things you should do in Calico during Ghost Town Alive!:

Grab a copy of the Calico Gazette, hot off the press
Participate in the town election and vote for the Mayor
Witness a wedding in Town Hall
Stop by the Barbershop for a “shave” and a mustache
Help deliver a package from the Post Office
Visit the animals in the Livery Stable
Go to school in a one-room schoolhouse

Every evening, the town’s “story” culminates with a town-wide celebration in Calico Square at the town’s Hoedown. It’s so much fun for guests to dance and mingle with the folks of Calico.In addition to all of the fun happening in the town of Calico this summer, check out Knott’s great lineup of entertainment:

Beach Blanket Beagle – New this year! Relax in the air conditioning of the Charles M. Schulz Theatre and enjoy this musical dance party set to the classic beach comber tunes of the 60’s and 70’s, and stars the coolest beagle around, Snoopy! Showing select days June 9 – August 19.
Calico’s Mountain Jamboree – Performed at the Calico Mine Stage, this new show is a stunt-filled spectacle featuring the rivalry between the Timber Mountain Loggers and the Calico Miners set to an upbeat soundtrack and comedy galore. Showing select days June 9 – August 19.
Wild West Stunt Show: Frontier Feats of Wonder – Held in the open-air Wagon Camp theater, this wild west stunt show takes you on a rip-roarin’ visit to the West when it really was wild.
Krazy Kirk & the Hillbillies – Things get krazy when Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies perform their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, side splittin’ country comedy show that has Knott’s audiences clamoring for more!
Calico Saloon Show – Find this show in the heart and soul of the park in the Old West Ghost Town. Drop by the Calico Saloon for a demonstration in the finer points of the can-can or the musical mis-matchings of Cameo Kate and Dakota Dan.

If you haven’t experienced Knott’s Ghost Town Alive! yet this summer, you’ll want to head to Knott’s before September 3. This action-packed experience is included in the price of a Knott’s ticket (or Season Pass.) Speaking of a Knott’s Season Pass, summer is the perfect time to grab a Knott’s Regular Season Pass, which offers unlimited visits in 2018 or even a Knott’s Gold Pass, which also includes admission to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark.

For more information about Knott’s Season Passes, go here. For more information about Knott’s Ghost Town Alive!, including park hours and ticket information, please go here.

“The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” this Summer Beginning June 24

June 19, 2018 / SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

From the moment guests enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” at Universal Studios Hollywood, they are transported to Hogsmeade village, which this summer will introduce new wand magic experiences, authentic costume replicas, lunchtime menu items and the popular return of “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” beginning Sunday, June 24!

With a gentle flick of the wrist and just the right touch, guests can cast spells throughout “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at dazzling wand magic locations. This summer’s installation of two additional spells ups the tally to 15 thrilling wand magic experiences to practice. The Incendio fire-making spell will conjure flames of varying size based on skill level, and the Alohomora spell will unlock a series of intricate locks that may reveal the fiery breath of a creature hidden behind a secret door.

Three Broomsticks expands its lunchtime menu with a selection of traditional British fare, including

Ploughman’s Lunch, featuring an imported selection of ham, salami, country paté, English cheese, homemade pickles and a warm scotch egg served with bread, cranberry chutney and grain mustard
Cheese Toastie with Chicken, featuring grilled English Cheddar cheese with chicken, crispy bacon, mustard and sliced tomato topped with a sunny side egg served with a fresh salad or potato wedges
Sunday Roast Sandwich served on a freshly baked baguette filled with warm prime rib, caramelized onions, English Cheddar, horseradish sauce and homemade garlic pickles served with fresh salad or potato wedges

Guests can channel their inner wizards at with a wide array of apparel inspired by the films. The billowing house robes worn by the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and accompanying house uniforms, including hand-loomed cardigans from Scotland, scarves and ties are available for purchase. New to Gladrags Wizardwear this season is a high-end replica of Professor Severus Snape’s robe, as well as a replica of Hermonione’s dress worn at the Yule Ball as seen in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which is now available in adult and children’s sizes.

Other wizard attire includes a replica of the cardigan worn by Neville Longbottom in the Battle of Hogwarts scene in the film series finale. Select attire is available in a variety of sizes from toddler to adult.

Just like the talking mirror in the Harry Potter films, Madam Malkin’s Talking Mirror makes quite a reflective entrance this summer, located in the corridor between ™ and Gladrags Wizardwear. Speaking with an English accent, the Talking Mirror will entertain guests with a variety of complimentary remarks.

“The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” returns for a nightly, limited time only, beginning Sunday, June 24.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” shines brightly with an awe-inspiring spectacle that showcases the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin, and culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky. The colorful state-of-the-art light display and special effects projection is accompanied by a special musical arrangement created by Academy® award-winning composer John Williams based on his original scores composed for the film series. The musical arrangement that emanates in a surround sound environment was conducted by prolific arranger William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra in London.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters that were brought to life in the Warner Bros. films, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal Studios Hollywood is a masterful recreation, faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including as its iconic focal point, Hogwarts castle.

From its snow-capped roofs and cobblestone streets to the historic British sensibilities that characterize the whimsical look and feel of the land, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” transports guests of all ages to the very places they watched on the silver screen.

The architecturally stunning land also includes the captivating and highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” thrill ride, enhanced with 4K-HD and ride film projecting at an astounding rate of 120 frames-per-second for an even more immersive glimpse into Harry Potter’s world, as well as “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” resonates with immense detail, inviting guests to enjoy authentic food and beverages at multiple locations, including Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head pub, as well as the Magic Neep and Butterbeer carts. A foray through the shops adds to the authenticity of the land with such retail venues as Honeydukes™, Ollivanders™, Owl Post™, Zonko’s™ Joke Shop, Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, Dervish and Banges™, Gladrags Wizardwear, Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods and the Hogsmeade™ Station.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, please visit here.

Connect with Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and Twitter. You can also join the conversation online using #WizardingWorldHollywood. .

Images are property of Universal Studios Hollywood and used with permission.

Watch the New Trailer for The Grinch in Theaters November 9

June 14, 2018 / Entertainment, Movies

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Illumination and Universal Pictures present The Grinch, based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic. The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.

Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. With a cave rigged with inventions and contraptions for his day-to-day needs, the Grinch only sees his neighbors in Who-ville when he runs out of food.Each year at Christmas they disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger, brighter and louder celebrations. When the Whos declare they are going to make Christmas three times bigger this year, the Grinch realizes there is only one way for him to gain some peace and quiet: he must steal Christmas. To do so, he decides he will pose as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, even going so far as to trap a lackadaisical misfit reindeer to pull his sleigh.Meanwhile, down in Who-ville, Cindy-Lou Who—a young girl overflowing with holiday cheer—plots with her gang of friends to trap Santa Claus as he makes his Christmas Eve rounds so that she can thank him for help for her overworked single mother. As Christmas approaches, however, her good-natured scheme threatens to collide with the Grinch’s more nefarious one.

Here’s the trailer that was just released:

What did you think? Will Cindy-Lou achieve her goal of finally meeting Santa Claus? Will the Grinch succeed in silencing the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all? Find out when it appears in theaters November 9, 2018. For more information and the latest updates, please visit http://www.grinchmovie.com

Images and trailer are property of Illumination and Universal Pictures and used with permission.

GOLDEN WEST College Summer 2018 College For Kids and Teens Now Enrolling

June 13, 2018 / Lifestyle

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Golden West College’s Community Education Department is, once again, offering its annual summer 2018 College for Kids & Teens workshops with innovative programs including GWC’s Science Summer Camp, a brand new Junior Police Academy (hosted at the new Regional Criminal Justice Training Center), Star Wars: LEGO Galaxy stop motion animation and fundamental skill building reading, grammar and math workshops.

Here’s a complete list of College for Kids & Teens 2018 summer workshops:

GWC’s Science Summer Camp is a fun and exciting experience offered to students entering 4th – 8th grades. This week-long camp will include workshops designed with hands-on experiments and activities catered to each age group. Taught by GWC instructors, topics will include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, astronomy and geology. This camp is sure to engage young minds and enhance understanding of many scientific topics.

For students entering 4th – 5th Grades, there will be 5 meetings, Monday – Friday, August 13 – 17 / 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Check-in at 8:45 am) The course fee is $250.
For students entering 6th – 8th Grades, there will be 5 meetings, Monday – Friday, August 13 – 17 / 1:00 – 4:00 pm (Check-in at 12:45 am). The course fee is $250.

The Golden West Junior Police Academy is a new summer program designed to introduce students in grades 6th through 8th to the exciting world of the American Police Service. Students will be mentored by active duty police, including Lieutenant Willie Triplett II of the Anaheim Police Dept., and criminal justice system professionals while receiving classroom instruction in physical fitness, crime scene investigation, gangs, narcotics, K-9 and more. Participants will run agility courses, search for suspects in our state-of-the-art scenario village and more! Graduates will leave with a new appreciation for serving others and a renewed sense of personal discipline.

For students entering 6th – 8th Grades, there will be 5 meetings, Monday – Friday, July 30 – August 3 / 8:00 – 11:00 am (Check-in at 7:45 am). The course fee is $250.

Star Wars: LEGO Galaxy Stop Motion Animation (NEW) – Take your imagination to a galaxy far, far away and make a movie in this exciting LEGO workshop. We’ll supply the LEGOs, or you can bring in your own Star Wars LEGO mini figures to cast in your very own movie! The ideas will be yours, the sets will be built by you, and you will operate the provided iPods to bring your masterpiece to the screen. This workshop, taught by Movies by Kids, is the ultimate chance to bring your creations to life using the art of stop motion animation! This course is for students ages 7 – 13 and will have 5 meetings, Monday – Friday, July 16 – 20 / 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. The course fee is $215. (There will be a $25 material fee, payable to the presenter at the first meeting.)

Basic Makeup Concepts – Learn “hands-on” essential principles of makeup application and an overview of skin care. Explore different foundations and proper techniques for your own skin type. Learn eye, cheek, and lip techniques along with proper placement. This course is taught by licensed cosmetologist, Evangelina Rosales. This course is for students ages 13 – 17. There will be 2 meetings, Mondays, July 9 and 16 / 4:30 – 7:30 pm. The course fee is $49. Please bring a new eyeliner and new mascara to the first meeting.

Hawaiian Hula Into Self Defense – Awareness for Women & Teens – Participants will dance converting the Hawaiian Hula into self-defense techniques, developing confidence through increased awareness, preparedness, courage and value for self. Learn skills for real-life application against a push, choke, hair pull, shirt and wrist grab, rape prevention, and more. Mother and daughter teams welcomed – no experience necessary. This course is taught by Michelle Manu, a senior black belt in martial arts with over 30 years of training. This course is for both Teen Girls & Adult Women. There will be 1 meeting, held
Saturday, July 14 / 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. The course fee is $65 and $49 for each additional participant registering at the same time.

Balloon Twisting 101 – Learn the basic skills of balloon art in this interactive hands-on balloon twisting workshop. Balloon twisting skills will open the door to exciting event entertainment opportunities, including family birthday parties, social events, and fun at home. This course is taught by balloon artist Malinda Newman. This course is for students ages 10 – 14. There are 2 classes offered with 2 meetings each.

Tuesdays and Thursday, June 26 and 28 / 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Tuesdays and Thursday, August 7 and 9 / 1:30 – 3:30 pm

The course fee is $59. (A $10 material fee is payable to the presenter on the first meeting)

Reading Skills Programs

Help your child (4 yrs – entering 11th graders) develop the reading skills needed to succeed in school and build confidence! Your child will master basic phonics skills, develop fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, study skills and reading speed. This program is taught by the Institute of Reading Development whose professional instructors have taught classes to over 40,000 students per year for over 40 years. Note there will be a material fee of approximately $34. For more info call (800) 964-8888.

For students who are 4 years olds & Entering Kindergarten, there will be 5 meetings.
Saturdays, June 16 – July 14 / 9:00 – 10:00 am. The course fee is $269. Please note: An adult must attend with the child for the 4-yr olds and kindergarten age children.
For students entering 1st Grade, there will be 5 meetings, Saturdays, June 16 – July 14 / 10:30 am – 12:15 pm. The course fee is $329.
For students entering 2nd Grade, there will be 5 meetings, Saturdays, July 21 – Aug 18 / 9:00 – 10:45 am. The course fee is $329.
For students entering 3rd Grade, there will be 5 meetings, Saturdays, June 16 – July 14 / 1:15 – 3:00 pm. The course fee is $329.
For students entering 4th Grade, there will be 5 meetings, Saturdays, July 21 – Aug 18 / 11:15 am – 1:15 pm. The course fee is $329.
For students entering 5th Grade, there will be 5 meetings, Saturdays, July 21 – Aug 18 / 11:15 am – 1:15 pm. The course fee is $329.
For students entering 6th, 7th & 8th Grades, there will be 5 meetings, Saturdays, July 21 – Aug 18 / 2:15 – 4:15 pm. The course fee is $329.
For students entering 9th, 10th & 11th Grades, there will be 5 meetings, Saturdays, July 17 – Aug 14 / 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The course fee is $329.

Grammar Whiz– Enhance your child’s grammar skills in this exciting, “hands-on” workshop, covering the basic structural elements and methodologies of English grammar usage and writing. Class activities will include working on an interactive notebook as well as short videos, grammar jingles, games, and lecture.

For students grades 6 – 8, there will be 6 meetings, Tuesday and Thursday, June 26 – July 17 / 9:30 – 11:00 am (Does not meet on 7/5). The course fee is $95. This workshop is Common Core Aligned

Math Whiz– Designed for students in 6th to 8th grade, this math skills workshop will enhance your child’s skills by reviewing key concepts and reinforcing pre-algebra content. In a challenging, yet fun environment, students will engage in games, activities, and contests to reinforce concepts including: integer operations, fraction operations, exponents, and order of operations.

For students grades 6 – 8, there will be 6 meetings, Tuesday and Thursday, June 26 – July 17 / 11:15am – 12.:45pm. (Does not meet on 7/5). The course fee is $95. This workshop is Common Core Aligned

Kids & Money – This workshop will help your children learn important skills to be financially successful in life. They will gain knowledge of the basic history of money, fundamental skills of budgeting, saving and investing, balancing a checkbook, credit card debt, interest rates and much more! Give your child the gift of financial power to handle their money responsibly. This course is taught by financial industry veteran Barbie Stowell.

For students ages 12 – 16, there will be 2 meetings, Tuesday & Wednesday June 26 & 27 / 10am – 12pm. The course fee is $49.

For more information about any of these programs, please call the GWC Community Education office at 714-895-0800 (M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm) or visit http://bit.ly/GWC2018CollegeforKidsTeens.

ABOUT GWC Community Education
Golden West College Community Education actively seeks opportunities to serve as an educational center for the local community. These services, which are self-supporting and fee-based, include educational, health and wellness, recreational, professional, personal enrichment, vocational and certificate programs. GWC Community Education programs are offered in a variety of instructional formats for a wide range of learning styles and skill levels, and are available during flexible hours to meet the needs of our community. The office is located on the southwest corner of the campus next to Public Safety (15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647) and is open from Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, call 714-895-8944, or visit the website at http://gwccommunityservices.com/.

Photos are property of Golden West College and used with permission.

Watch the All-New Trailer for How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

June 7, 2018 / Entertainment, Movies

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

It’s here! The all-new trailer for “HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD” just debuted and we couldn’t be more excited!
From DreamWorks Animation comes the highly anticipated culmination of one of the most popular animated franchises in film history, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.What began as an unlikely friendship between an adolescent Viking and a fearsome Night Fury dragon has become an epic trilogy spanning their lives. In this next chapter, Hiccup and Toothless will finally discover their true destinies: the village chief as ruler of Berk alongside Astrid, and the dragon as leader of his own kind. As both ascend, the darkest threat they’ve yet faced—as well as the appearance of a female Night Fury—will test the bonds of their relationship like never before.

Series director Dean DeBlois returns alongside the all-star cast. The film is produced by Brad Lewis (Ratatouille, ANTZ) and How to Train Your Dragon series producer Bonnie Arnold (Toy Story, Tarzan).

Now let’s all watch the brand-new trailer together:

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World is due in theaters March 1, 2019. For the latest updates, please visit http://www.howtotrainyourdragon.com.

Images and trailer are property of DreamWorks Animation and used with permission.

Enjoy a Sensory-Friendly Screening of Solo: A Star Wars Story at Regal on 6/9

June 6, 2018 / Entertainment, Movies

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Come join Regal THIS Saturday, June 9 at 10:30 a.m. for the latest My Way Matinee movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story. Bring the kids, a friend or your favorite Wookie sidekick to Regal for a sensory-friendly screening of Solo: A Star Wars story, starring Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke and Donald Glover.
Here’s the trailer:

My Way Matinee is a different way to experience the movies, allowing the audience to sing, dance and shout during the show. The program allows everyone to see the latest films with lowered volume and the house lights on. My Way Matinee provides this very special opportunity to experience a movie once a month. All screenings for the sensory-friendly movies will begin at 10:30 a.m. for the special ticket price of $6.50. For more information and to find a location nearest you, please visit http://www.regmovies.com/mywaymatinee.

Image property of Regal and used with permission.

After Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom

June 5, 2018 / Florida, Travel, Walt Disney World

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

If you’re a fan of Happily Ever After Fireworks at Magic Kindgom, you can make the experience extra magical by adding on the After Fireworks Dessert Party to your night. It’s a specially ticketed event that will enhance your evening with a special standing viewing of the enchanting fireworks show, followed by a feast of sweet and savory treats in Tomorrowland Terrace.Our family recently experienced the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party which takes place before the fireworks. (Read about our evening here.) Now, this additional, new offering allows park guests to save their dessert for last. First, guests can arrive at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant starting 90 minutes prior to Happily Ever After—the most spectacular fireworks showcase in Magic Kingdom history. As showtime nears, Cast Members escort guests to a prime location in the Plaza Garden for priority fireworks viewing. Watch in amazement as the skies ignite and Cinderella Castle glows with enchanting illuminations.After the fireworks, guests are escorted back to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where they can feast on freshly prepared treats, seasonal fruits and flavorful cheeses. This bountiful buffet may also include such favorites as:

Ooey gooey toffee cake
A s’mores station
House-made mini taco eggrolls
Spinach dip with crackers
A cookie table with assorted cookies
Chocolate cupcakes

Raise a glass of your favorite beverage to toast your day of theme park adventures—and the enchantment to come. Drink selections at the dessert party include:

Sparkling cider
Hot chocolate
Signature lemonades
Coffee
Tea

Admission for this special offering is $69 per adult and $41 per child (ages 3 to 9) including tax. (Gratuity is not included or required.) A separate Magic Kingdom park admission is also required. For more information about the After-Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom or to make a reservation, please go here.

*Please note that the fireworks experience may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

Aquarium of the Pacific Summer Late Nights Start June 17

May 31, 2018 / SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Have you visited The Aquarium of the Pacific recently? This year, they’re celebrating their 20th Anniversary and are inviting the public to meet new animals and explore new exhibits and programs with discounted admission during their Discounted Summer Late Nights. Visitors can enter for just $14.95 after 5:00 p.m. (Admission is free for Aquarium members and children under age three.) The entire Aquarium, except Lorikeet Forest, will remain open until 8:00 p.m.on Sunday nights from June 17 to September 2.Guests can explore the new Tentacles and Ink exhibit featuring a day octopus, see the new baby seal, and dive into the Aquarium’s 20th anniversary celebration with new films, selfie stations, contests, and more.Guests can also delve into the Aquarium’s three main galleries highlighting the waters of Southern California and Baja, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific and outdoor exhibits, including the interactive Shark Lagoon, and Ray Touchpool. The Aquarium features more than 11,000 animals to discover with family and friends.
The Coffee Cart will be open for guests to purchase snacks, light dinners, and drinks; Pacific Collections will also be open for the late night shoppers.

The Aquarium of the Pacific
is located at
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

For more information please visit aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/late_nights/ or call (562) 590-3100.

Connect with Aquarium of the Pacific on Facebook and Instagram.

Guide to the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND® California Resort

May 26, 2018 / Family Fun, LEGOLAND, San Diego, SoCal Fun, Travel

Our family was invited to stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in order to share about our experience. All opinions are 100% my own.

The LEGOLAND®Castle Hotel recently opened at LEGOLAND® California Resort and we were lucky enough to get to stay there for a night! It’s North America’s only hotel and is located right at the entrance to LEGOLAND California.This hotel completely immerses guests into a castle experience from the moment they walk in. A royal LEGO statue marks the entrance and is just one of more than 2,100 LEGO models created out of more than three million bricks. As guests enter the Grand Hall, they are greeted by a towering LEGO wizard conjuring up spells to protect the Castle from the bad knights and dragons.We had the opportunity to stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel right when it opened and I want to share all about it with you!The rooms
The hotel features 250 premium LEGO Castle themed rooms, with 20 suites. Whether you’re a knight or a princess, you’ll love staying in any of the 3 different themed rooms they offer. You can book a Royal Princess, Knights and Dragons, or a Magic Wizards room. Each one is beyond adorable with its details.

‘Not only does every room tell a story, every wall, floor, LEGO® model is designed to make guests feel like they’re in an actual castle.” – General Manager Frank Idris

You’re going to be enamored by the decor and features in your room. In the Royal Princess rooms, the princess is joining forces with her jester friend to sneak into the grand tournament and compete with the knights. In the Knights and Dragons rooms, the knights are on a mission to defend the king’s castle and protect his treasure. In the Magic Wizard rooms, the wizards are concocting potions and fireworks for the grand tournament.

Every room at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel includes:

A children’s sleeping area with bunk beds, a trundle bed, their own television, LEGO building station and shooting stars illuminating on the ceiling.
An adult sleeping area with an ornate head board with LED lights which could resemble a stained glass window, a canopy sparking with twinkling lights or shelves filled with potions and a magical bubbling illuminated cauldron.
A bathroom with quality toiletries, a blow dryer and plenty of space to get ready.
An in-room treasure hunt with prizes for the children
Complimentary WiFi

Here’s a short video giving a tour of the room we stayed in:

The lobby
As you enter the LEGOLAND®Castle Hotel, you’re not only greeted by a giant wizard, but your kids will most likely run straight to the LEGO building area and become immediately occupied with some serious LEGO building. Other unique, features in the hotel lobby include a fun little slide for guests of all ages and a knock knock door created to entertain guests.There’s also a hands-on LEGO building area. The Royal Courtyard
One of the kids’ favorite parts about the hotel was the Royal Courtyard area. Located in between the buildings, down the center of the hotel, this area boasts a giant play area with a huge play structure for “big” kids, as well as a smaller DUPLO play area for smaller children. There’s also a giant movie screen for nighttime outdoor movies and tons of seating around the entire area for adults to relax and watch their children play. The Royal Courtyard also has a stage area for live plays and shows. It’s truly unique for a hotel to have such an amazing area for kids to just be kids and I found that our kids never wanted to leave.The swimming pool area
The pool area features fountains and other interactive water features and a gradual incline pool and hot tub. With such great weather year-round, guests can always enjoy a swim in the heated pool or a soak in the hot tub, during the day or at night. (hours vary) There’s plenty of seating around the pool, cabanas are available for use, and towel service is available. Kids will love to play with the giant, floating LEGO bricks that are inside the pool. The pool bar and grill offers smoothies, sandwiches and salads prepared fresh to order.Dragon’s Den Restaurant & Bar
This amazing sit-down royal restaurant features an extensive, delicious menu featuring locally-sourced food. The restaurant has an open kitchen for guests to watch chefs preparing their food, Adjacent to the sit-down portion of the restaurant is also a bar area, as well as a patio. LEGO models and entertainers make this a unique dining experience, offering something for guests of all ages.Guests staying at the hotel are also treated to a free breakfast buffet each morning at Dragon’s Den restaurant. Feast on a variety of breakfast items from the buffet, as well as made-to-order items, all included in the price of your stay. It’s a great way to start your day before heading to the park.Early entry to LEGOLAND California
For guests who have park tickets or a season pass, you can gain early entry to LEGOLAND California by staying at the hotel. It’s a great way to get on a couple of attractions before the park is fully open to the public.Have you stayed at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel yet? If not, you’re going to love it when you do. For more information, including access to booking your own stay, please go here.