Over The Top Mommy

Year: 2019

Watch the All-New Trailer for Trolls World Tour

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
It’s like a Troll lover’s dream come true: Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake are returning for an all-star sequel to DreamWorks musical hit “Trolls” and an all-new trailer for it, dropped today! The sequel titled “Trolls World Tour” is an adventure that will take them well beyond what they’ve known before, Poppy (Kendrick) and Branch (Timberlake) discover that they are but one of six different Troll tribes scattered over six different lands and devoted to six different kinds of music: Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop and Rock. Their world is about to get a lot bigger and a whole lot louder.

A member of hard-rock royalty, Queen Barb (Rachel Bloom), aided by her father King Thrash (Ozzy Osbourne), wants to destroy all other kinds of music to let rock reign supreme. With the fate of the world at stake, Poppy and Branch, along with their friends – Biggie (James Corden), Chenille (Caroline Hjelt), Satin (Aino Jawo), Cooper (Ron Funches) and Guy Diamond (Kunal Nayyar) – set out to visit all the other lands to unify the Trolls in harmony against Barb, who’s looking to upstage them all.

Watch the all-new trailer that just dropped today:

Cast as members of the different musical tribes is one the largest, and most acclaimed, groups of musical talent ever assembled for an animated film. From the land of Funk are Mary J. Blige, George Clinton and Anderson .Paak. Representing Country is Kelly Clarkson as Delta Dawn, with Sam Rockwell as Hickory and Flula Borg as Dickory. J Balvin brings Reggaeton, while Ester Dean adds to the Pop tribe. Anthony Ramos brings the beat in Techno and Jamie Dornan covers smooth jazz. World-renowned conductor and violinist Gustavo Dudamel appears as Trollzart and Charlyne Yi as Pennywhistle from the land of Classical. And Kenan Thompson raps as a hip-hop newborn Troll named Tiny Diamond.

Trolls World Tour will be in theaters April 17, 2020 and we can’t wait! For the latest updates on the film, please visit https://www.dreamworks.com/movies/trolls-world-tour. You can also join in on the conversation on social by using and following along with #TrollsWorldTour.

Images and trailer are property of Dreamworks and used with permission. 

 

 

Top Holiday Gift: DJI Global Mavic Mini Drone from Best Buy

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been planning to up my photo and video game in 2020 and just found the perfect item to put at the top of my Holiday Wish List: the DJI Global Mavic Mini Drone from Best Buy! It’s so innovative and seems easy to use! Transform any moment into a work of art. The Mavic Mini supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K Quad HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior camera stability and ensures clear, ultra-smooth footage.

Here are some of the unique features:

  • Stabilized Gimbal Camera –Transform any moment into a work of art.Mavic Mini supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K Quad HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior camera stability and ensures clear, ultra-smooth footage.
  • Remote Controller – See what your Mavic Mini sees.A dedicated remote controller maintains an HD, low-latency video feed at a distance of up to 4 km. [3] Detachable control sticks can be easily stored inside the remote controller for added portability.
  • Extended Flight Time – Less battery charging, more flying.Mavic Mini’s weight allows it to stay in the air longer than similar consumer FlyCams on the market. Enjoy up to 30 minutes of flight time with a fully-charged battery.

Cinematic is Simple

  • QuickShots – Complex shots are easier than ever.Shots that look like they came from a Hollywood film set are just a few taps away with Mavic Mini’s QuickShot modes, which include Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Rocket. Just select your QuickShot and Mavic Mini will execute an elaborate preset motion while recording. Take the automatically generated short video and share it instantly with friends on social media.
  • CineSmooth Mode – Smoother motion for compositions that wow.Slow down Mavic Mini’s flight speed and movements for an added layer of precision and stability. This mode is especially useful when flying in narrow or complex spaces.
  • Discover Popular Spots – Find scenic shooting locations near you.The DJI Fly app gives users integrated access to SkyPixel, a social media platform for users to share their aerial photos and videos. Browse work, share your own, and even discover popular aerial photography spots in your area.

Get the most from your Mavic Mini with these accessories:

  • Two-Way Charging Hub – The Two-Way Charging Hub can charge up to three batteries in sequence. It can also be used to store and transport batteries, and even as a power bank to charge your mobile device.
  • DIY Creative Kit – Make your FlyCam truly yours with this kit that includes shell stickers and colorful markers.
  • Charging Base – Show off your Mavic Mini while charging it with this convenient charging base.
  • DJI Mini Bag – Pack your Mavic Mini and Two-Way Charging Hub easily with this signature shoulder bag that’s perfect for everyday use.
  • Snap Adapter – Personalize your Mavic Mini with a wide range of compatible accessories when you use the Snap Adapter.
  • Propeller Holder –  This lightweight propeller holder protects your FlyCam propellers from being damaged during transportation. It can also be used to fasten your Mavic Mini to your bag or belt.

The DJI Global Mini Mavic is available at Best Buy either in-store or online. Now let’s get this holiday shopping started!

Images are property of Best Buy and used with permission. 

Knott’s Announces the Return of Knott’s Beary Tales Attraction for Summer 2020

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

I am SO excited to hear the latest news from Knott’s Berry Farm! One of my childhood favorites is returning to the park this summer: Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair! Obviously it’s going to be a modernized version as it returns as an all-new adventure in Summer 2020.

As part of the 100th anniversary celebration at Knott’s Berry Farm, this 4D interactive dark ride will bring to life a continuation of the story from the classic attraction. Guests will climb aboard ride vehicles equipped with “Jelly Blasters” and be immersed in the world of the Bear-y Tales characters to try and recover the stolen boysenberry pies from Crafty Coyote and his brood of pups. Families can ride through and take in the expansive surroundings or compete for the hightest score. With all of the classic scenes reimagined including the Pie Factory, Frog Forest, and County Fair, this will be a journey like never experienced before!

Does anyone else remember this ride? Am I dating myself here? Well, stay tuned for more news as Summer 2020 nears!

Some images are property of Knott’s Berry Farm and used with permission. 

“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” Joins Holiday Entertainment Lineup at Disney California Adventure

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
With the Holdiays at Disneyland Resort just around the corner beginning November 8, there’s more exciting news for guests visiting the resort. Just announced today, “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” will be a part of the holiday entertainment lineup at Disney California Adventure. This character celebration will include Mickey Mouse and pals. Guests will dance and sing along with Mickey Mouse and friends during the all new *“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” celebration. Mickey is joined by favorite Disney and Pixar characters as they dance along to high-energy music, led by the merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers. Mickey, Minnie, Chip n’ Dale, Goofy and Clarabelle all don new Festival of Holidays attire, specifically for the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” celebration. The Country Bears and the Pixar characters also sport fun seasonal overlays for the show.
Returning in 2019 is the dazzling “World of Color – Season of Light,” a holiday-themed production of this nighttime spectacular that features lights, lasers, water, fire and hundreds of fountains bringing animation to life.
Disney Festival of Holidays brings the spirit of the season to life through lively entertainment, festive food and beverage and special traditions. Children will enjoy craft stations and everyone will appreciate the delicious food at Festival Foods Marketplace, featuring a mix of holiday dishes and beverages that bridge many diverse cultures and family traditions.

The Holiday Sunset Concerts features new music this year from The Suffragettes, who rock holiday chart-topping hits from favorite musical artists (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights). This new band joins the explosive energy of Phat Cat Swinger, the West Coast’s “Little-Big Band” that plays a swinging selection of irresistible holiday music, presented with a fresh new twist (Wednesday through Saturday nights).

Additional Festival of Holidays entertainment includes musical and dance performances by Mostly Kosher, Blue13 Dance Company, The Sound and the GRAMMY® Award-winning Mariachi Divas.

The Three Caballeros host the popular “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” celebration, featuring folklórico and samba dancers, live musicians, and Mickey and Minnie in their fiesta best.

Disney Festival of Holidays begins on November 8 and continues through January 6, 2020. For more information, including showtimes, pleae visit

*“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” will run twice daily, with show moments at Paradise Gardens Park and Carthay Circle.

Some images and logo are property of Disneyland Resort and used with permission. 

Celebrate the Season at Knott’s Merry Farm Beginning November 22

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
It’s almost time to celebrate the merriest of seasons at Knott’s Berry Farm as the park wondrously transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm, a Christmas celebration for all ages. You can come spend the most wonderful time of the year with your family at Knott’s Merry Farm enjoying thrilling holiday attractions, live entertainment, a Christmas Crafts Village, festive food, lavish holiday decorations, and nightly snow in Ghost Town, all beginning November 22!

I feel so lucky to live in Southern California where I can celebrate the holidays while still enjoying the beautiful sunny weather outside. I am all about making the most of this time of year with my family and Knott’s Merry Farm is an annual tradition for us. I’m not even sure if I’m most excited about the festive treats, the special holiday entertainment, visiting Santa (because he is there, too.) or just going on all of my favorite rides? Also, I get so excited to see what’s new each year.

Here are the special entertainment offerings you’ll find this year at Knott’s Merry Farm:

“Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” Ice Show (in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre) -Snoopy, the Peanuts, and a cast of world-class ice skaters perform in the spectacular ice show, “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre. During the show, filled with whimsy and spectacular skating, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season, including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival, and attending the festive Christmas Ball! “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” is performed on select days.“Home for the Holidays” (at the Calico Mine Stage) -Home for the Holidays is a joyous music review filled with singing, dancing and merriment of Christmas days of yore, including some of the best-loved perennial holiday tunes including, “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bells,” “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and many more. The Calico Mine Stage depicts a Winter Wonderland directly out of a Currie & Ives painting and is the ideal version of an old-fashioned holiday dream. The year is 1915 and the sounds and feelings of the holiday season surround the air. Home for the Holidays is the story of family, friends and holiday traditions.

“A Peanuts Guide to Christmas” (at the Camp Snoopy Theater) – The Peanuts Gang offer their take and unique wisdom on surviving the holidays, while singing you a mashup of their favorite holiday tunes. After the show, head right next door to the Peanuts Meet and Greet Area to take a picture with your favorite character.“Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol” and “Marley’s Wings” (in the Bird Cage Theater)- Knott’s melodrama company brings to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Marley’s Wings performances available on select dates during Knott’s Merry Farm. In Marley’s Wings, the Ghost of Jacob Marley returns to a wonderful new holiday musical that is destined to become a classic! One year ago, Marley appeared and appealed to Ebenezer Scrooge to mend his ways lest he suffer eternal torment in the form of chains forged by a life of greed and avarice. If Scrooge could truly change his ways for an entire year, Marley would not only be free of his chains; he would also gain his bona fide Angel’s Wings! On the surface, Ebenezer seems to have seen the light and made the necessary adjustments, with one glaring exception. Scrooge is struggling with finding and holding the true meaning of Christmas in his heart. He must grasp this essential message by midnight, or Marley will be grounded for all eternity. The Bird Cage piano will come alive with great new songs like “Raise the Rafters,” “Christmas in Heaven,” and “The Bah Hum Bug” to name a few. Marley is on a mission! With the help of this wonderful new musical score and audience energy, Scrooge’s transformation unfolds before our eyes. Will it be soon enough to deliver Marley’s wings? The clock is ticking…

Calico Saloon Christmas Show (Calico Saloon) – Cameo Kate and Dakota Dan invite you to their musical turn of the century holiday celebration. Head into the Calico Saloon, grab a boysenberry beer or sarsaparilla and watch a classical Old West revue show. Get ready for plenty of laughs and audience interaction in this toe-tapping, knee-slapping journey.

Snow and Glow Show (in Calico Ghost Town) – Every night during Merry Farm, when the sun sets on the Farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town’s Main Street and School House Road are filled with glow and snow! Thousands of sparkling lights dance to the beat of Christmas music while snow gently falls in this spectacular one-of-a-kind moment.

Calico Carolers (strolling throughout Ghost Town) – Be transported back in time to a Victorian Christmas by the Calico Carolers, Knott’s own vocal quartet, as they perform the songs of the season throughout Ghost Town. Warm up your vocal chords and join in on the fun by singing along to both classic and contemporary Christmas music presented in a timeless way.

Festive Eats and Treats at Knott’s Merry Farm
Every holday season, it seems like the Knott’s culinary team steps up their festive treats game even more. At Knott’s Merry Farm, you’ll not only find traditional favorites such as Mrs. Claus’ milk & cookies, hot cocoa with candy cane topping, roasted nuts, and but there are also offerings such as tamales, Christmas pizza, and candy cane churros!Knott’s is the perfect place to spend many a day together with friends and/or family creating new memories together, which is a great reason to grab a 2020 Knott’s Season Pass. They make great holiday gifts and include one free visit to Knott’s in 2019, unlimited visits in 2020 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise,  and access to exciting year-round seasonal events.For more information about Knott’s Season Passes, including information about their payment plans, please visit knotts.com.

Celebrate the Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort from Nov. 8, 2019 to Jan. 6, 2020

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
It’s November 1st, so in my book, it’s perfectly acceptable to now start talking about Christmas and all things surrounding the holidays. I don’t think I’ve ever been more ready for the Holidays at The Disneyland Resort than I am now! This year, the resort will be transformed into the Merriest Place on Earth and guests can experience the holidays beginning Friday, November 8, 2019 through Jan. 6, 2020.

Resort guests will be dazzled by the return of “World of Color – Season of Light,” a holiday-themed production of this nighttime spectacular that features lights, lasers, water, fire and hundreds of fountains bringing animation to life. Also returning are guest-favorite holiday experiences and entertainment, including Disney Festival of Holidays – which honors the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas/Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day (Jan. 3-6) – and the “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. Guests may even partake in a “Frozen” adventure as they encounter Anna and Elsa in the theme parks, just in time to celebrate the release of Disney’s new animated film, “Frozen 2,” in theaters Nov. 22, 2019.

Guests plan their seasonal visits to Disneyland Resort year after year to experience beloved Holiday traditions and festive cheer, from snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., to glistening décor, Disney-themed treats and merchandise, holiday entertainment and the one-of-a-kind transformations that create “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Here are some of the holday offerings you’ll find at Disneyland Park: 

Guests entering Disneyland are greeted by a magnificent. 60-foot tall Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A., decorated with nearly 1,800 ornaments. The classic tree is an ideal location for holiday photos, to document the magical memory for a lifetime.

Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses and Santa celebrate the season in “A Christmas Fantasy” parade, a daily procession with floats, music and marching “tin soldiers.” Guests may wave to Anna, Elsa and Olaf, who bid them a warm winter welcome from their fantastic “Frozen” float.

The holiday magic shines brightly with the glow of the shimmering icicles and twinkling lights on Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, enchanting guests from day to night.In the evening, the spectacular “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular and its magical snowfall finale create lasting holiday memories for guests.

Disneyland guests also will want to experience the popular seasonal transformations of these attractions:
“it’s a small world” is transformed each evening into “it’s a small world” Holiday, with 50,000-plus colorful lights, music and video projections. Inside the attraction, holiday magic takes guests around the world and back as dolls and toys representing children enjoy the distinctive holiday traditions of their countries.‘Twas “The Nightmare before Christmas” and all through the Haunted Mansion, Jack Skellington and his friends are causing a collision between Christmas and Halloween to transform the Haunted Mansion into Haunted Mansion Holiday.**Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Here’s what you can find at Disney California Adventure Park: 

The nighttime spectacular “World of Color – Season of Light” wraps guests in the warm glow of holiday magic. Fusing cherished holiday music sung by beloved artists with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films, this sparkling winter fantasy is magical for all ages. This production of “World of Color” is made extra brilliant with dazzling lights, lasers and high-definition projections.

Disney Festival of Holidays brings the spirit of the season to life through lively entertainment and special traditions. Children will enjoy craft stations and everyone will appreciate the delicious food at Festive Foods Marketplace, featuring a mix of holiday dishes and beverages that bridge many diverse cultures and family traditions.The Three Caballeros host the popular “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” celebration, featuring folklórico and samba dancers, live musicians, and Mickey and Minnie in their fiesta best.The holidays are zooming into Cars Land and the residents are racing to celebrate the season. Two attractions rely on holiday magic to transform into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. The whimsical “Snowcar” greets guests on the road to Radiator Springs, and each “Cars” character also gets a holiday makeover at their Route 66 address to reflect their personality.Santa Claus is coming to town! Guests will enjoy special holiday-themed activities with Santa and his sleigh full of mischievous elves at Santa’s Holiday Visit at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.As guests enter the park and stroll along Buena Vista Street, a dazzling, 50-foot Christmas tree adorns Carthay Circle to help guests get in the holiday spirit. The tree and surrounding buildings are decorated with vintage-style ornaments in keeping with the theme of Buena Vista Street, inspired by Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney arrived in the 1920’s. Pacific Wharf, Hollywood Land and Grizzly Peak will also sparkle with holiday décor throughout the season.Guests will drift into a wintry mood as they encounter the splendid sisters Anna and Elsa inside the Disney Animation building. Guests may also relive the story of the Disney blockbuster film “Frozen” as they immerse themselves in the wondrous magic and music in the spectacular stage musical, “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion.”

Throughout the resort, guests will discover holiday culinary treats and festive fare, along with special merchandise for the merry season.
Also during the holiday season, the Downtown Disney District will be full of festive shopping, dining and entertainment and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort also join in the yuletide celebration with twinkling lights and ornaments, holiday displays, special entertainment and holiday-inspired eats and treats.

What are YOU most excited for this holiday season? Are you planning a visit to the Disneyland Resort? Share your plans with me in the comments. I’d love to hear all about them!

For more information about the Holidays at Disneyland Resort, please visit HERE.

shopDisney.com and Disney Store Reveal Top Holiday Toys for the 2019 Holiday Season

This is not a sponsored post. All opiinions are my own.
From talking action figures to flower carts, shopDisney.com|Disney Store is the one-stop holiday shop for Disney fans this Holiday season and I’ve got a peek into some of Disney Store and shopDisney.com’s top holiday toys for the 2019 Holiday Season.Toy Story Woody Interactive Talking Action Figure ($32.95) Available online and in store now.
Straight from the wild west and Toy Story 4, comes Sheriff Woody as an interactive talking action figure. Woody features more than ten phrases and starts speaking when he detects another Toy Story interactive figure nearby.

Disney Animators’ Collection 5 Inch Mini Doll Gift Set – 5” ($99.95) Available online and in store now.
Walt Disney Studios animators have reimagined 14 of their most beloved characters as toddlers in this 5” luxury gift set.

Minnie Pet Bath Set ($24.95) Available online and in store now.
Even Fifi enjoys a bath day with Minnie’s pet bath play set. A real, working sprayer and faucet makes the most of this tub time opportunity. Watch what happens when Fifi changes color in warm water!

Minnie Flower Cart ($49.95) Available online and in store now.
Playtime will always be full of spring time fun with Minnie’s child-size Flower Cart Play set. This cart is full of play-planting products making every imaginary market trip a delight.

Classic Simba Plush ($19.95) Available online and in store now.
Can you feel the love? You’ll roar with pride when cuddling up to this royal lion cub. Simba just can’t wait to be part of your plush collection!

Marvel Thanos Talking Action Figure ($32.99) Available online and in store now.
Heed his warnings or deal with the consequences when the Avengers’ most awesome antagonist speaks up as this Thanos Talking Action Figure. Speaking 15 phrases, the menace to the universe also has a light-up gauntlet, so beware!

Cinderella and Carriage Deluxe Gift Play Set ($79.95) Available online now and in store 11/4/19.
They’ll say, “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-ooh!” when they see this deluxe set. Cinderella’s carriage is infused with glitter, has a light-up feature and fits two 12” dolls. Cinderella is dressed in her classic ballgown, complete with choker, gloves, headband and “glass” slippers. Taking it all on a fairytale journey is a handsome steed with flowing mane and tail.

Mickey Kids Kitchen ($99.95) Available online now and in store 11/29/19.
Junior chefs will be ready to cook up plenty of fun with this Mickey Mouse Kitchen Play Set. Little ones hungry for playtime excitement will love the light-up stove, color-changing pizza, whistling teapot and pot of spaghetti and meatballs. The oven mitt and apron are all part of the kitchen fantasy.

Cars Lightning McQueen Remote Control Vehicle ($19.95) Available online and in store now.
Ka-Chow! Hit the speedway with Lightning McQueen and this radio-controlled vehicle from the world of Cars. Features full function control and “steering wheel” handset.

Toy Story 4 Mega Figure Play Set ($49.95) Available online now and in store 11/4/19.
Bring the stars of Toy Story 4 home to play with this mega 10-figure set featuring Woody, Buzz, Jessie and more. Recreate favorite movie scenes or imagine your own with these timeless characters.

Ariel Tabletop Vanity Play Set ($49.95) Available online and in store now.
Under the sea is the place to be seen after a freshen-up at Ariel’s clamshell vanity. Open the case as Sebastian rises to conduct music and sound effects. A pull-out drawer holds a treasury of play accessories inspired by The Little Mermaid.

Disney Train and Playset Station by The LEGO Group ($329.99) Available online and in store now.
Gather the family for a rewarding build and play experience with the LEGO® ǀ Disney Train and Station. Kids will love to join Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip, Dale and Goofy for magical adventures with this awesome LEGO train set, featuring a motorized steam-style locomotive with tender, passenger car and a luxurious parlor car, plus an oval track and an iconic Disney Parks®-style station building.

Frozen 2 Arendelle Castle (139.95) Available online now and in store 10/21/19.
You will feel like you’ve stepped into the wintry world of Frozen 2 with this Frozen 2 Arendelle Castle play set. Now you can make all of your Frozen dreams come true!

Frozen 2 Anna and Elsa Doll Set (34.95) Available online and in store now.
Arendelle’s devoted sisters come dressed in their finest attire as this Frozen 2 doll set. Elsa’s dazzling purple gown is accented with the coordinating necklace, belt and shoes, while Anna’s gold gown is complemented by her sash, shoes and fascinator.

Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker Deluxe Figure Play Set –First Order ($26.99) Available online and in store now.
Choose the dark side of the Force with this deluxe set of highly detailed figures of the First Order’s most powerful members. Inspired by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, it includes Kylo Ren and a Sith Trooper among the set of 10 figures that are sure to enhance your epic collection.

You can shop in-store or online and browse the Top Holiday Toys here and full Holiday Gift Guide here.
Images are property of Disney Store and shopDisney and used with permission. 

Universal Studios Hollywood Presents “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas” Beginning 11/28

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
The whimsical spirit of the holidays transforms Universal Studios Hollywood into a winter wonderland bringing merriment and cheer to families and friends this festive season as the theme park ushers in seasonal favorites, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas” beginning Thursday, November 28 and running daily through Sunday, December 29, 2019.

An annual family tradition, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” adds holiday warmth and cheer to this beloved land as the quaint town of Hogsmeade village is enchanted with seasonal décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts and a dazzling light projection spectacular brings the iconic Hogwarts™ castle to life.

As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle” illuminates Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with colorful imagery and impressive dimensional animations that dance across Hogwarts castle in tandem to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies.

Musical performances from the a cappella Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs, entertain guests with their harmonized holiday themed songs and fill the land with holiday cheer.

In time for the holiday season, a wide selection of custom-made Christmas ornaments created especially for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” will be available. Collectibles include a decorative Hogwarts castle snow globe, Hogwarts crest and mascot ornaments representing each of the four houses, wizard card ornaments, unique tree topper and house pennant garland.

Holiday-themed fare and hot Butterbeer further complement the overall experience.

An all-new state-of-the-art, topsy-turvy “Grinchmas” tree, twisting and turning over 55 feet in height and adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of white and multi-colored LED lights choreographed to music, brightens the merry “Grinchmas” Who-lebration. Dazzling “Grinchmas” tree lighting ceremonies that take place every evening, accompanied by a snowfall flurry, bring this annual favorite to life, creating a festival of fun fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos.

Spirited holiday décor and festive whimsy will also permeate throughout the theme park, bringing a crew of very merry and mischievous Minions to “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” to gleefully spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.

Universal CityWalk’s spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree will once again glisten with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season as the magic of the holidays comes to life in the “5 Towers” outdoor plaza along with a slate of free concert performances and an eclectic ensemble of talented street performers.

CityWalk’s iconic, dancing water fountain with over 230 individual power jets will continue to mesmerize guests when it projects streams of choreographed water into the air complemented by red and green LED lights and an array of holiday-themed music.

The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood is included in the price of theme park admission. With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the California Neighbor Pass makes the perfect holiday gift, providing guests with the opportunity to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. Visit http://www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

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

{Giveaway} Irvine Park Railroad’s 24th Annual Christmas Train

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

The holiday season is just around the corner and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I feel so lucky to live in Orange County because we are so close to THE BEST Christmas train aound: Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train. For our family, it’s become an annual tradition and it’s the place that we get our keepsake Santa photo each year.

You can come to Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas train with family and friends and take an enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train departs to “The North Pole” every 15 minutes from the brightly-lit train station and takes you on a beautiful train ride filled with lights and adventure. At the North Pole, visitors meet Santa may purchase coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn, hot pretzels, and cookies from Santa’s Snack Shop. (A full kitchen menu is available at the train station)Visitors may take their own pictures with Santa or you may purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. Each 5” x 7” photo will be presented with an Irvine Park Railroad frame and available for pickup shortly after being taken. After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights”, on the ride back to the station. When visiting the Christmas Train, remember to dress warmly, bring a camera, and arrive early to avoid crowds.

In addition to riding the Christmas train, there are many activities for children to enjoy in Santa’s Village located next to the train station. Activities will be open when the Christmas Train runs and include:

  • Story Time with Mrs. Claus
  • Christmas Cookie Decorating
  • Carnival Games
  • Ice Fishing
  • Santa Claus Moon Bounce
  • Craft Corner
  • Blizzard Ball
  • Christmas Coloring Corner
  • Picture Stands

Please note: Some of the activities in Santa’s Village require an activity ticket. Activity tickets are different from Christmas train tickets and may be purchased directly at the box office, regardless of whether Christmas train tickets are sold out or not. 

The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train will be open this year beginning Friday, November 29th through Sunday, December 23rd. The cost to ride the Christmas Train is $20.00 per person. Children younger than 24 months ride free. Tickets for the Christmas Train SELL OUT QUICKLY! This year, they’ll go on sale beginning Monday, November 4 at 8:a.m. and WILL SELL OUT! You can purcahse them at http://www.IrvineParkRailroad.com. No Christmas Train tickets may be purchased in person.

The parking for Irvine Regional Park is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends; parking for the Christmas Train is free after 5:00 PM.

Irvine Park Railroad is located inside of Irvine Regional Park. The address is:

Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869


As I mentioned above, this year Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train tickets will go on sale Monday, November 4, 2019 at 8 a.m. I’m actually hosting a giveaway for one (1) of my readers to win an amazing prize package, generously given away by Irvine Park Railroad, which includes Christmas Train tickets! The prize package includes:

  • 4 Christmas Train Tickets
  • · 6 Activity Tickets
  • · 1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park Bike Rental (excludes the double surrey)

The value of this prize package is $146. Please note: Bloggers are not eligible to win this.

My giveaway ends before the tickets go on sale so why not enter my giveaway and see if you win? If you don’t win, you’ll still have plenty of time to plan for getting online on 11/4/19 at 8 a.m. to grab your tickets! To enter my giveaway, just go to the Rafflecopter below and fill it out. Good luck everyone! Thanks for reading!
a Rafflecopter giveaway