Over The Top Mommy

Family Fun

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.

{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

Family Friendly Fun at Knott’s Spooky Farm Weekends Starting September 28

I was invited as a guest of Knott’s to spend a day in the park in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. 

It’s almost that time of year again! Halloween time! I love spending September and October celebrating as much as possible and a visit to Knott’s for Knott’s Spooky Farm is always on our list of must-dos! Have you been before?Knott’s Spooky Farm is annual datytime family-friendly celebration that takes place on Saturday and Sunday days through October 27, as well as Halloween day. This kid-inspired “spooky” celebration offers a a variety of fun activities, throughout the park, geared towards children ages 3-11 and are included in the price of your regular park ticket. (or Season Pass) Children will be able to interact spooky (but very friendly) shopkeepers and ghosts in Ghost Town. Children are welcome to dress up in costumes. Adults are too. (no masks please.)

Here are some of the fun acitivites you’ll find this year at Knott’s Spooky Farm:

Trick or Treating (Ghost Town Main Street & Schoolhouse Road) – Little ghouls can trick-or-treat through Ghost Town to collect sweet Halloween treats. Treat bags containing event maps and other goodies will be distributed to children age 3 to 11 from opening until 4:30pm. There are different trick-or-treat stations, which you can find on the Knott’s Spooky Farm map.

Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny – The Timber Mountain Log Ride mystically converts into the Halloween Hootenanny by adding a new family friendly twist to a park favorite. Every year the citizens of the Timber Mountain invite the mysterious creatures that live out in the woods and caverns of the area to join them as they celebrate the season at the Halloween Hootenanny. The ride’s interior will feature new fun surprises as guests venture past the Calico Coffin Creeper band, the town’s green witch and splash down Skull Mountain through a labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns. The seasonal ride will also feature an original song performed by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies. Open for day and night guests, this is the perfect family experience for all to enjoy this Halloween season.“The Monsters are Coming, Charlie Brown” (Camp Snoopy Theatre) – Camp Snoopy Theater plays host to the “Monsters are Coming” show. The Peanuts Gang will have you singing and dancing right along with them to classic Halloween tunes! Several shows a day are offered.where children are encouraged to participate in the daily “Calling All Monsters” costume contest.A Trip to Camp Spooky (Grand Sierra Railroad) – While you’re visiting Camp Spooky, be sure to take a ride on the Grand Sierra Railroad. This year, special for Knott’s Spooky Farm, guests will find added 2D and 3D Hallowen themed characters and effects as The Grand Sierra Railroad has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind experience that will take riders on an adventure to Camp Spooky, along with the Peanuts Gang.Creepy Critters of Calico (Livery Stable) – This year, Stanley Scarecrow has opened his Livery Stable to guests of all ages to come in and get up close and personal with the Creepy Critters of Calico, if you dare! You’ll find insects and other creepy crawlers, rats, and even a white python! The horses at the stable are also dressed up for the occasion.

Pumpkin Patch (Calico Park) – Over in Calico Patch, you’ll find the Pumpkin Patch. For an additional fee, you can purchase a pumpkin to decorate for your own home, while you enjoy the atmosphere of the season!Spooky Story Time (Bird Cage Theatre) – stop by Bird Cage Theatre for semi-haunted tales told by charismatic storytellers.

(Please note: some activities may be offered at a nominal fee.)

The best way to experience Knott’s Spooky Farm is with a  2020 Knott’s Season Pass! Right now, if you purchase a 2020 pass, you’ll get one free admission in 2019, as well as additional 2019 visits for just $14.99. It’s a great way to enjoy ALL the Seasons of Fun at Knott’s and is offered at a GREAT PRICE! For more information about Knott’s Season Passes and to purchase your own, please visit HERE
What are YOU most excitedf for this Halloween season? Share with me in the comments. For more information about Knott’s Camp Spooky and to purchase your park tickets, please visit their site HERE.

Disneyland Annual Passholders “Bring a Friend” $99 Ticket Offer

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

Summer is well underway and as usual, there are a lot of exciting, new things happening at the Disneyland Resort! To make it even better, a very special “Bring a Friend” $99 ticket offer! That’s right, now through August 30, Disneyland Annual Passholders can purchase up to three (3) $99 Park Hopper tickets per day! Also, if a Passholder is blocked out on that day, they, too, may purchase a $99 Park Hopper ticket for entrance that day. This is an amazing deal for a Park Hopper ticket, especially with some of the newest offerings at the Resort right now:

  • Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Now open to the public with the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction open and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance scheduled to open later this year.
  • The “Tale of the Lion King” – an all-new, outdoor live musical production in Disney California Adventure Park
  • The newest attractions to open on the re-imagined Pixar Pier, Jessie’s Critter Carousel and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
  • The limited-time return of “Soarin’ Over California
  • And returning for a limited-time encore run is The Main Street Electrical Parade! Beginning August 2!

Disneyland Annual Passholders may purchase $99 “Bring a Friend” tickets at any Disneyland Resort Ticket Booth. Tickets are only valid on the day of purchase. Also, Passholder must accompany guests into the first entry of a theme park that day.

*Passholder must present valid Annual Passport at time of purchase and admission. (Government-issued photo ID may be required.) This offer ends August 30, 2019. Tickets valid for ages 3 and above and may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice.

Top 10 Ways to Save Money at the 2019 OC Fair

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
The 2019 OC Fair is just around the corner and we can’t wait! Going to the fair is something our family does every summer. This year’s theme celebrates the county’s agricultural roots and invites everyone to enjoy “Acres of Fun”. This year, the OC Fair will be open from July 12-Aug. 11.One of the best parts about the OC Fair is all of the ways fair goers can save money on admission and tickets. There are so many great opportunities to do so and if you plan ahead, you can maximize the savings.Here is a list of 10 tips to save you money at this year’s OC Fair:

  • Tip 1 – Get 30% more carnival tickets if you buy before May 31. Options include a 52-ticket ride pass for $20, a 130-ticket pass for $50 and a 260-ticket pass for $100. Rides require multiple tickets. Buy tickets online at ocfair.com/carnival.
  • Tip 2 – If you plan to come to the OC Fair more than once, you need a Super Pass. For one low price, fair goers can come to all 23 days of the Fair. Through May 31, general admission Super Passes are $35, seniors (60+) and youth (ages 6-12) passes are just $28. OC Fair general admission is $12 Wednesday through Friday and $14 on weekends. Senior and youth admission is $7 every day. Visit ocfair.com/superpass.
  • Tip 3 – Enter competitions and get free admission. If you are a table-setting virtuoso, an extraordinary avocado grower or a top-notch cake baker, this is the way to go. New this year, the OC Fair Exhibitor Renaissance Award will recognize an adult and a youth competitor with multiple skill sets. More information is at ocfair.com/competitions.
  • Tip 4 – Visit other fairs and get into the OC Fair for free. Save your San Diego County Fair, Riverside County Fair, San Bernardino County Fair, or Ventura County Fair ticket stub for one free admission to the OC Fair. Bonus tip: Save your 2019 OC Fair admission ticket for one free admission at the 2020 Riverside County Fair (Feb. 14-23).
  • Tip 5 – Concert and show tickets come with free admission. Shows are selling out, so make sure to get tickets now for Pacific Amphitheatre concerts, The Hangar shows and thrills in the Action Sports Arena. Don’t miss Brandi Carlile, the Queen Nation tribute band or the newest addition to the Action Sports Arena: lawn mower racing. Tickets are on sale now at ocfair.com/entertainment.
  • Tip 6 – OC Fair Express is only $4 round-trip and bus riders get $4 Fair admission. This amazing deal also helps cut traffic and eliminates a parking fee. Catch the OC Fair Express from one of nine OC locations every Saturday and Sunday. More info is at ocfairexpress.com. Bonus tip: Another option on weekends: fairgoers can park for free at Experian and grab a free shuttle to the OC Fair.
  • Tip 7 – Students get carnival rides for reading. The OC Fair Read & Ride gives three free rides to bookworms ages 5-11 who read two books. Forms can be downloaded online and redeemed for ride tickets. More information is at ocfair.com/deals.
  • Tip 8 – Donate items on a We Care Wednesday. Receive free admission on Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. by donating school supplies, canned food, children’s books or kids clothing to local nonprofits. Visit ocfair.com/deals for a schedule.
  • Tip 9 – Kids Day is a great deal for families. Kids 12 and younger get in to the OC Fair free each Thursday. It’s also a terrific day to sample those only-at-the-Fair goodies at $3 Taste of the Fair from noon to 4 p.m. each Thursday.
  • Tip 10 – Work at the OC Fair. OC Fair & Event Center is hiring now to fill more than 1,300 seasonal, part-time positions. Not only do employees get free Fair admission, but they can purchase up to 20 tickets for friends and family for just $1 each. You can apply online at ocfair.com/jobs.

I hope these tips are helpful for you. If you’re a planner like me, then these are definitely going to come in handy as you plan for the summer!

Graphic is property of OC Fair and used with permission. 

Kaleidoscope Hosts a Summer Full of Fun with Free Kaleido Kids Events, Carnival to Benefit Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
Local youngsters can enjoy a variety of free activities and entertainment at Kaleidoscope this summer, when the center’s annual Kaleido Kids Summer Events return on Tuesday, June 18. Held in Kaleidoscope’s event space inside Union Market Mission Viejo, the fun events are every Tuesday from 11:30am – 12:30pm, June 18 through July 23.

The summer events will culminate with the annual Kaleido Kids Carnival on Tuesday, July 30 from 11am to 2:30pm. Tickets are $10 per person, with all games and activities included, and all proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire. The Carnival has raised nearly $56,000 for the non-profit over the last seven years.The Kaleido Kids events are 11:30am – 12:30pm with the following schedule:

  • June 18: Toy Story, including a meet and greet, sing along and photos with costumed characters, themed crafts, and refreshments.
  • June 25: Unicorn Painting Party, where kids can paint a picture of a unicorn with special instructions by a local artist, take photos with a magical unicorn, and enjoy music and snacks.
  • July 2: Cooking with Kids, where youngsters will follow simple instructions to create then enjoy a kid-friendly healthy snack and dessert. Kids will receive paper chef hats and instructions to take home to recreate the treats.
  • July 9: Percussion Play Along, where kids will enjoy an interactive musical experience, playing along to African and international rhythms using over 20 exotic djembe drums and percussion instruments, with a themed costumed character and snacks.
  • July 16: Lego Playtime, where their imagination can soar by building with a variety of Lego blocks, along with enjoying music and snacks.
  • July 23: Hula Hoop Dance Party, with an expert leading the kids in Hula Hoop tricks, dancing along to music, and enjoying kid-friendly snacks.

On Tuesday, July 30, the Kaleido Kids Carnival will include games, activities, balloon art, face painting, costumed characters, photo opportunities, a DJ, and refreshments. Admission is $10 per person and benefits Make-A-Wish. Tickets must be purchased in advance through http://www.Kaleidokidscarnival.eventbrite.com.Guests who bring a new backpack or new toy (no guns please) to donate to Make-A-Wish will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one Kaleidoscope family gift basket.

Also on Tuesdays, restaurants inside Union Market Mission Viejo at Kaleidoscope host Kids Eat Free, with a child receiving a free beverage or kids meal with the purchase of a regular (adult) beverage or entrée. Scent Avenue inside Union Market Mission Viejo also offers 20% off on Tuesdays.

Adding to the summer fun is the Edwards Kaleidoscope Stadium 10 Summer Movie Express at 10am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from June 18 to August 14, when popular family movies rated G or PG are shown for only $1 admission per person.

For more information on the Kaleido Kids events or Carnival, please call 949.542.4407 or visit http://www.gokaleidoscope.com. Kaleidoscope is located at 27741 Crown Valley Parkway, just off the 5 Fwy., in Mission Viejo.

Great Wolf Lodge Teams Up with Autism Speaks During World Autism Month

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Did you know that April is World Autism Month? During April, Great Wolf Lodge is teaming up with Autism Speaks and pledging to “go blue” in support of a more inclusive world for people with autism and their families through a month-long Blue Wolf Ears fundraising campaign.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We now know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. Most are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. One in 59 children are on the autism spectrum.Throughout April, the family-friendly indoor water park resort will offer a blue version of the brand’s signature wolf ears, available to guests for a minimum $5 donation to Autism Speaks. A limited-edition collection of 10,000 blue wolf ears were made for this event and will be available for purchase at all 16 of the company’s U.S.-based resorts.All proceeds from the Blue Wolf Ears campaign go directly to Autism Speaks, with a goal of raising $50,000 to support its mission of enhancing lives across the spectrum at every stage of life. Last year alone, the non-profit aided more than 1 million people through Autism Speaks-funded programs and resources.To increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, Great Wolf Lodge is launching a social media campaign in conjunction with the Blue Wolf Ears effort. The company encourages guests to post a photo on social media of themselves or a family member wearing their blue wolf ears, using #GreatWolfCares. For each post using this special hashtag, Great Wolf Lodge will make an additional $5 donation to Autism Speaks, up to $20,000.

“We’re honored to have this opportunity to give back during World Autism Month and to help raise funds for a terrific organization like Autism Speaks. Our Blue Wolf Ears campaign is just the start of a long-term partnership with Autism Speaks. In the future, we hope to use their expertise to help guide us as we continue to explore ways to make our resorts even more welcoming for people with autism and their families.” – Erin Wallace, chief operating officer of Great Wolf Resorts.

For more information on Great Wolf Resorts and its brands of indoor water park resorts, please visit greatwolf.com.
Some images and logos are property of Great Wolf Lodge and Autism Speaks and used with permission. 

 

America’s Family Pet Expo comes to Orange County April 26-28

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

America’s Family Pet Expo returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626) Friday, April 26 – Sunday, April 28, 2019. The annual family-friendly event features all creatures cute and cuddly, furry, feathered and scaled of all sizes, shapes and colors. Animal entertainment, education, adoption innovative products and nutrition all at the OC Fair & Event Center.The Pet Expo will also debut “Kids’ Pet Care Course.” Led by licensed dog trainers, Kid Camp is an immersive experience where kids age 6-12 can learn how to care for their pet and will Earn a responsible pet ownership certificate. In 2018, there were more than 698 animal adoptions including dogs, cats – and even a few guinea pigs who found forever homes during the three-day event which drew approximately 50,000 attendees.Coming this year to America’s Family Pet Expo is the Instagram sensation “Moshow the Cat Rapper” (@iAmMoshow), who boasts nearly 223K followers and more than 1M video views. Known for rapping about cat care and his passion for “cat ladies and cats,” he will be rapping on stage along with meet and greets at the TICA Cat Show twice daily, all weekend.The “All-Star Stunt Dog Show” will be entertaining at the Pet Expo. Founded in 1999, the canine agility-show features high-flying, fearless and air-defying canines as they try to out-trick, flip and out jump one another. Audiences will be mesmerized by their talent and boundless energy.The 2019 Expo will be the “Cat’s Meow” as the The Catit Playground and TICA, The International Cat Association, returns. From rare breeds to household domestics, TICA will offer continuous opportunities for owners to showcase their prize-worthy felines for best in show categories. Alongside TICA, the Catit Playground will provide a close-up view for guests to watch adorable, adoptable cats and kittens and see how they interact with different toys and people.Returning favorites to the Pet Expo include Repticon, Reptile Show andSale, offering hundreds of common and rare species of reptiles in all shapes and sizes, such as lizards, snakes, and spiders. Plus, the ever-popular Splash Dogs will also be on hand offering a “splashing” good time as these dogs compete at dock jumping.In advance of America’s Family Pet Expo, kids can design and create a 10-gallon aquarium in the Kid’s Aquarium Contest sponsored by Tetra/Marineland. Continuing this year is the America’s Family Pet Expo Hobbyist Aquascaping contest sponsored by FLUVAL. Plus, the ever-popular Splash Dogs sponsored by CANIDAE will also be on hand offering a “splashing” good time as these dogs compete at dock jumping. There will also be the Butterfly Walk-Through, Police and Protection Dog Demonstrations, an Aquatic Touch Tank, Tortoise Petting Exjbit and The Free Flight Bird Show as added features.Doggie makeovers and pet adoptions will be handled onsite for those looking for that perfect animal addition to the family. There will be hundreds of animals hoping to find their “fur-ever home” from local community partner organizations at the Pet Expo.
“Our promise is to always be the at the forefront of trends, nutrition, and animal education,” said Harold. “Looking ahead to the future, the America’s Family Pet Expo will continue to be the place for animal lovers of all ages to come together to connect and experience the best of pet ownership for generations to come.”

Ticket and Parking Pricing
Advance tickets can be purchased online HERE at a discounted price of $16 thru April 25th
Tickets purchased at the box office from April 26-28 are priced at:

  • Adults $18
  • Seniors $14
  • Kids 6-12 $11
  • Kids 5 and under & Active & Retired Military (with valid ID) Free

The facility charges $9.00 for parking.

Show Hours 

    • Friday 10am-6pm
  • Saturday 10am-7pm
  • Sunday 10am-6pm

OC Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626.
Guests are invited to bring their dogs with a purchase of a $10 ticket. For more info, please go HERE. Guests are asked to leave all other pets at home.

I’m also hosting a giveaway for one of my winners to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the event. To enter the giveaway just leave a comment on this blog post, telling me if you have any pets and if so, what they are. If you don’t, please tell me what kind of pet you hope to get one day. I’ll accept comments as entries through 11:59 p.m. on April 18, 2019. Prize has no cash value. Giveaway open to U.S. residents, 18 years of age and older!

For more info about America’s Pet Expo, please visit their site HERE.

Spark Joy at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival March 28 – April 28

i was invited to a media tasting in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own. 

Recently I’ve find myself asking “Does it spark joy?” about everything!  In the case of Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, I already know it SPARKS JOY! This year marks the 5th anniversary of this amazing annual offering, just one of Knott’s “Seasons of Fun“. 

The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is an annual foodi-nspired event that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. This year’s newly-expanded festival will feature over 75 unique boysenberry-inspired creations crafted by the Knott’s culinary team.Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a tantalizing line up of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to one-of-a-kind specialty desserts and drinks that can only be found at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time of the year. In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of local crafters, live music, musical stage shows and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy.This year’s Boysenberry Festival runs 31 days starting March 29, operating daily through April 28, 2019. This year’s lineup will introduce several new food items including:

  • Flavorful boysenberry dry rubbed flank steak topped with boysenberry cream cheese
  • Sweet and tangy boysenberry jerk chicken wings
  • Hearty boysenberry chili in a fresh-baked boysenberry sourdough bread bowl
  • Tender boysenberry pot roast served over rich and creamy boysenberry mashed
    potatoes
  • Grilled boysenberry BBQ chicken skewers served with a zesty boysenberry aioli dipping
    sauce
  • Boysenberry glazed salmon served on mixed greens and topped with a boysenberry vinaigrette
  • Spicy boysenberry habanero baked mac and cheese
  • Boysenberry jambalaya prepared with chicken, boysenberry sausage and bell peppers served with white rice
  • Boysenberry pulled pork tostada topped with creamy coleslaw and boysenberry drizzle
  • Boysenberry-lemon hummus served with pita bread
  • Grilled boysenberry sausage on a freshly baked roll topped with boysenberry ketchup, relish, and mustard
  • Boysenberry elote, a grilled corn on the cob smothered in fresh boysenberry butter,
    mayo and topped off with cotija cheese
  • Fresh-baked boysenberry waffles served with sweet maple boysenberry cream cheese syrup
  • Boysenberry cinnamon sugar tortilla crisps served with creamy boysenberry ice cream

Knott’s Boysenberry Tasting Cards
A great way to indulge the new boysenberry food items during the festival is by purchasing a
Boysenberry tasting card. Priced at just $35 (that’s a great deal!), the card offers 8 tastings from a selection of the following 14 boysenberry-inspired dishes:

  1. NEW! Boysenberry Chili in a Boysenberry Sourdough Bread Bowl (Sutter’s Stand)
  2. NEW! Boysenberry and Lemon Hummus with Pita Bread (Sutter’s Stand)
  3. NEW! Boysenberry Dry Rubbed Flank Steak with a Boysenberry Cream Cheese Topping (Sutter’s Stand)
  4. Boysenberry Elote (Ghost Town Bank Stand)
  5. NEW! Boysenberry Jerk Chicken Wings (Spur’s Chophouse Outdoor Stand)
  6. Boysenberry Sausage in a Bun (Wilderness Dance Hall)
  7. NEW! Boysenberry BBQ Chicken Skewers with a Boysenberry Aioli (Wilderness Dance Hall)
  8. NEW! Boysenberry Pot Roast over Boysenberry Mashed Potatoes (Inside Spurs Chophouse)
  9. NEW! Boysenberry Glazed Salmon over mixed Greens and topped with a Boysenberry Vinaigrette (Inside Spurs Chophouse)
  10. NEW! Boysenberry Habanero Baked Mac and Cheese (Wagon Wheel Pizza)
  11. NEW! Boysenberry Jambalaya with Chicken and Sausage (Wagon Wheel Pizza)
  12. NEW! Boysenberry Pulled Pork Tostada (Wagon Wheel Pizza)
  13. NEW! Boysenberry Waffle with Maple Boysenberry Cream Cheese Syrup (Ghost Town Bakery)
  14. NEW! Boysenberry Cinnamon Sugar Flour Tortilla Chips with Boysenberry Ice Cream (Ghost Town Bakery)

A variety of signature boysenberry items will also be available for purchase a la carte. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or at the park.

Boysenberry Festival Merchandise
Guest can also take home a taste of the boysenberry festival with limited edition merchandise
found throughout the park. This year’s new merchandise includes a selection of event apparel, plus new packaged food items perfect for take-home souvenirs like the boysenberry peanut, cashew and pecan brittle, boysenberry hand-dipped chocolate-covered turtles, graham crackers and honeycomb. Unique boysenberry inspired artisan products will also be available at the Boysenberry Festival Craft Fair which features 30 local craft vendors.The Knott’s Berry Market (located in the Marketplace outside the Park) also features signature boysenberry items like the delicious boysenberry BBQ sauce or the classic jams and preserves.

Special Boysenberry Festival Entertainment
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers endless entertainment options for the festival goer:

  • “Tied Up in Knott’s!” – a tribute art show dedicated to the rich history of Knott’s Berry Farm. Over 30 artists will be contributing 50 pieces of art to the show, which pays homage to Knott’s Berry Farm’s past, present and future in various mediums including: oil paintings, illustrations and digital mixed media. These original pieces will be hung on display at the Wilderness Dance Hall during the duration of the Boysenberry Festival.
  • Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree! – Guests are invited to join Snoopy, Charlie
    Brown and the entire Peanuts Gang in a musical stage show that will have
    families dancing along at the Calico Mine Stage.
  • Old Time Melodrama – Knott’s pays tribute to its past at the Legendary Bird Cage
    Theatre with a special presentation of the musical comedy melodrama with a
    surprising boysenberry twist!
  • Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies – A group of krazy talented performers will have
    guests toe tappin’, vine dancin’ and knee-slappin’ to a comedic country music
    show at the Wagon Camp stage.
  • Musical Performances – Various musical duos playing Country and Bluegrass
    tunes will take the stage at Fireman’s stage.
  • Old MacDonald Petting Zoo – Young ones and young at heart are invited to cozy
    up to the cutest critters on the farm including horses, sheep, goats and other
    furry friends. Old MacDonald’s farm pays tribute to one of the farm’s original
    attractions.

The Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. Additional costs apply for food tasting experiences within the event. Knott’s will have extended hours on select days March 29 – April 28, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of all of the limitedt-ime offerings.The best way to savor every day of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2019 Season Pass. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are just $98 or five easy payments of $15.50 after an initial payment and Gold Passes are $118 or five easy payments of just $18.50 after an initial payment. These offers end April 28, 2019. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.For more information about Knott’s Berry Farm please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smart phone. Join the conversation using #BoysenberryFestival on social.