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Irvine Park Railroad’s 2019 Easter Eggstravaganza March 30 – April 20

/ Irvine Park Railroad, Orange County, SoCal Fun

I was invited to a media event in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. 

Raise your hand if you’re more than ready for Spring to arrive this year? I know I’m ready! One of our family’s favorite Spring event to check out each year is Irvine Park Railroad’s Easter Eggstravaganza! Have you been before?This year the Easter Eggstravaganza, where you’ll find The Easter Bunny, starts on Saturday, March 20 and will go through Saturday, April 20. Not only is The Easter Bunny there, visitors will also find an array of family friendly activities to enjoy including:

  • hay rides
  • a moon bounce
  • Easter cookie decorating
  • carnival games
  • face painting
  • picture stands

and a lot more. Some of these activities require activity tickets while others are free of charge. The cost for train tickets is $6.00 per person; children 12 months and younger ride free. Activity tickets are $6.00 per ticket or $75 for a book of 15 activity tickets.

Irvine Park Railroad’s Easter Eggstravaganza also holds Easter egg hunts that begin daily at 10:00 a.m. Tickets may be purchased and exchanged for a wristband to participate in an egg hunt at a specific time. Please bring an Easter basket for each child that will be participating in the Easter egg hunt. Irvine Park Railroad will also offer Easter baskets for sale. Tickets must be purchased on the day of the event to receive a wristband for the Easter egg hunt. Please visit HERE for complete details on the Easter egg hunts including times and costs.The Easter Bunny will be available for photo opportunities through Saturday, April 20. For the cost of $12.00, children can meet and have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. The cost includes a complimentary photo that will be taken by Irvine Park Railroad staff. Each additional print of the same photo is $6.00. Photos will be printed in a few, short minutes at the Easter Bunny booth. It’s a great keepsake to commemorate this fun occasion and save for your child’s baby book or scrapbook.

I’m also hosting a giveaway for one (1) of my readers to win:

  • 8 Tickets
  • 1 Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park Double Surrey Bike Rental

To enter the giveaway, go to the Rafflecopter below. Good luck everyone. Thanks for reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information about Irvine Park Railroad’s Easter Eggstravaganza, please visit here. Irvine Park Railroad’s other annual events include the Anniversary Celebration, Fourth Grade California History Education Program, Pumpkin Patch, and Christmas Train.

Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM.  Since it is located inside Irvine Regional Park, there is an entrance fee. The park entrance fee (charged by the County of Orange) is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends.

Irvine Park Railroad is located at

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869.

While you’re visiting Irvine Regional Park, be sure and visit the park’s other activities including Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park bike and paddle boat rentals, pony rides, and the OC Zoo. Connect with Irvine Park Railroad on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration Select Days Through March 10

/ Knott's, SoCal Fun

I was invited to attend a media event as a guest of Knott’s in order to write this post. All opinions are my own.

Knott’s Berry Farm been a favorite place of mine to visit with my family since I was a little girl, so now having the opportunity to go there with my own daughter is something really special for her. Although it’s changed a lot over the years (for the better) it still feels so familiar each time I walk into the Park.

Knott’s has several “Seasons of Fun” throughout the year and recently  kicked off 2019 with their first one, which is Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration! During the celebration, guests can step into the iconic world of Charles M. Schulz comic strips as his Peanuts characters take over the entire theme park with special, family friendly activities for everyone to enjoy. Peanuts-inspired offerings throughout the park include character experiences, special entertainment featuring the Peanuts Gang, and themed treats, all in addition to all of the regular attractions and family fun at Knott’s.This year the PEANUTS Celebration has been extended takes place on weekends from January 26 through March 10, as well as February 11, February 15 and February 18. It’s such a cute time to visit Knott’s!PEANUTS Character and Photo Opportunities
One-of-a-kind photo opportunities will be available throughout the park allowing guests to step inside a PEANUTS comic strip for a unique and shareable memory. The vibrant décor will include full-size comic strip props like Charlie Brown’s kites and his renowned thought bubbles which will adorn the park’s pathways. Guests will have the chance to meet with the beloved PEANUTS characters throughout the day as the characters appear at unexpected locations for personal interactions. encounter The Peanuts Gang in the park, including Charlie Brown, Lucy, Sally, Snoopy, Woodstock, PigPen and a couple others. For your convenience, Knott’s photographers are on hand to take your photos, which are also available for purchase through Knott’s Pix program. You are also welcome to use your own camera and/or mobile device to take photos.If you’re specifically looking for PigPen, you’ll find him over inside of PigPen’s Pig Pen, located in Ghost Town, (a.k.a. the Livery Stable) with his animal friends including horses, a donkey and the most adorable piglets ever! Peanuts Sketch School
After you leave PigPen’s Pig Pen, stop by the PEANUTS Sketch School, located inside of the BirdCage Theatre. It was was one of our favorite things to do during our visit to the Park during the celebration.  Hosted by a resident art teacher, the class starts with step-by-step instructions on how to draw the perfect PEANUTS masterpiece. Paper and pencil are provided as you enter the theatre. (We got to draw Lucy.)Throughout the lesson, the instructor also provided fun and interesting facts about the character. After class is dismissed, a special showing of a classic PEANUTS television special is shown. If you are bringing children, I suggest arriving a little early so they can get a seat on the stage. There is plenty of seating available though for all guests.Special PEANUTS Celebration Entertainment
During Knott’s Peanuts Celebration, there’s a complete lineup of whimsical entertainment. The shows are offered a few times a day throughout the day so you can fit them all into your day. Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Space Beagle – In the Camp Snoopy Theater the all-new Space Beagle show features Charlie Brown and Lucy, as the world’s famous beagle becomes the first dog on the moon. It’s out of this world fun for the whole family.
  • PEANUTS Cowboy Jamboree – Franklin and Linus are on a Western escapade as they transform into cowboys in the PEANUTS Cowboy Jamboree at Calico Park. The boys are looking to challenge guests with some of the rootiniest, tootinest games in Calico.
  • The Music Goes Round and Round – This daytime celebration takes place at the Calico Mine Stage where the PEANUTS characters have two musical surprises for guests. Sally and Schroder host a retrospect of music in The Music Goes Round and Round where they’ll have the audience dancing in the aisles.
  • Woodstock’s Music Festival – This nighttime festival is held on the Calico Mine Stage and features the Peanuts Gang as they’re joined by the family-friendly indie band The Jelly of the Month Club. This high energy rock concert is fun for the whole family.
  • Discoteca de Silencio – Fiesta Village guests can uncover an experience that is guaranteed to make everyone dance with the park’s first ever, Discoteca de Silencio or also known as a silent disco. The fun begins with guests strapping on a set of headphones and enjoying some upbeat tunes. The party will be hosted by Snoopy’s brother Spike. It’s the most fun guests can experience while being quiet!

PEANUTS Celebration Treats
One of my most favorite parts about any visit to Knott’s is always the treats! I’m always amazed the special eats and treats that the Knott’s culinary team comes up. Some of the PEANUTS Celebration treats offered throughout the park this year include Charlie Brownies, Charlie Brown cotton candy, Peanuts Characters cupcakes, Chocolate Covered Apples, Charlie Brown Marshmallow Pops, Snoopy Cookies, and more. After sampling many of them, I cannot wait to go back and try some more.The best way to enjoy every weekend of the all-new Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2019 Season Pass. Choose between these passes:

  • Regular Season Pass – includes unlimited admission in 2019 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, Regular passes are just $98 or five easy payments of $15.50 after an initial payment
  • Gold Season Pass – includes unlimited admission in 2019 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. 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.

Have YOU had the chance to stop by Knott’s this year during their PEANUTS Celebration? What was YOUR favorite part? Share with  me in the comments!

Mickey’s Mix Magic at Disneyland + Download the Song from the Show

/ California, Disney, Disney, Disneyland Resort, Family Fun, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

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

2019 is off to an extra special start at The Disneyland Resort as Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration is in full force! It’s the biggest party for Mickey and Minnie in Disneyland history and celebrates 90 years of magic with the beloved pair! As part of this special celebration, guests will discover new and enhanced entertainment for a limited time and last night we had the opportunity to stop by and watch the all-new “Mickey’s Mix Magic”! (Download the wallpaper below from Disney Parks Blog HERE.) 

“Mickey’s Mix Magic” is an all-new, high-energy projection show that creates a family-fun dance party throughout Disneyland park nightly. The show immerses guests in an all-new experience with projections, lighting and lasers (plus fireworks on select nights) while “DJ” Mickey spins a twist on Disney classic songs.

The other night, I stood in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A., which is one of the three viewing areas in the park for this, and danced and sang with 1,000,000 of my closest Disney friends to “It’s a Good Time”, which is the celebration song from the show. I was enamored as I stood and watched all of the amazing projections light up the store fronts, at the same time the fireworks were happening! Here’s a video of the show from where I was standing:

Where to Watch the Show
There are 3 different viewing areas inside Disneyland Park that guests can watch the show:  Main Street, U.S.A., the façade of “it’s a small world” and the water screens of the Rivers of America (when “Fantasmic!” returns in March). Each of the areas has a custom projection design, which makes for a unique show experience wherever guests are. More than two dozen video projectors bring “Mickey’s Mix Magic” to life throughout the park, and 14 of those are on Main Street, U.S.A., alone.

The Music from Mickey’s Mix Magic
The new celebration song “It’s a Good Time” was written and produced specifically for the “World’s Biggest Mouse Party” that is underway at Disney Parks around the world, celebrating 90 years of magic with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Guests will also dance and sing along to these tunes during “Mickey’s Mix Magic”:

  • “I Wanna Be Like You” (The Jungle Book)
  • “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” (The Aristocats)
  • “Friend Like Me” (Aladdin)
  • “Grim Grinning Ghosts” (theme song from The Haunted Mansion attraction)
  • “Un Poco Loco” (Coco)
  • “Let It Go” (Frozen)

The musical score of “Mickey’s Mix Magic” is inspired by the irresistible beat of “house music,” bringing energy and fun that appeals to the whole family. The multi-speaker audio design in “Mickey’s Mix Magic” supports the “dance party” feel of the show throughout the park, immersing guests in surround sound. (Download “It’s A Good Time” HERE.)Other Fun Facts about “Mickey’s Mix Magic”

  • Nearly 100 special lighting fixtures are utilized throughout the show, and they sit atop 10 different rooftops throughout the park.
  • Disney Parks Live Entertainment collaborated with the team behind the latest Mickey animated shorts to bring the youthful, playful and mischievous personality of Mickey Mouse to the show. Minnie Mouse is also featured, showing off some of her dance moves from the pair’s popular international cartoon adventures.
  • Much of the mapped video projection of “Mickey’s Mix Magic” is original content. Instead of cinematic scenes, favorite Disney characters are creatively showcased amidst kaleidoscopic patterns that move with the music beat.

“Mickey’s Mix Magic” was a truly magical experience and something I really want to go back for again and again. Have you experienced it yet?  Leave me a comment and tell me what you thought.

Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration is a great reason to plan a visit to Disneyland Resort, especially while the limited-time Southern California Resident Ticket Offer is going on.  To read about some of the other things that are new for 2019 at Disneyland Resort, go HERE.

Some images, wallpaper and artwork are property of Disney, Disney Parks Blog and iTunes. 

Disneyland Raises Prices for Tickets, Parking and More

/ California, Disney, Disneyland Resort, Lifestyle, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

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

Most news that comes out of The Disneyland Resort is exciting news. Disney fans woke up to not-so-exciting news today with a surprise raise in ticket, parking, and Disney Annual Pass prices. It really comes as no surprise to me with all of the recent expansions and renovations  at the Resort, including the Pixar Pier transformation, the Tiki Room transformation and addition of The Tropical Hideaway, the current Sleeping Beauty Castle transformation and mostly the over $1 billion dollar Star Wars expansion, which is going to bring us Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this summer. Although Disney is a place our family continues to visit and make memories together at, a price increase is always something Disney fans are never excited about. Let’s look at how prices increased though. As you may or not be aware, Disney uses “seasonal” or tiered pricing, basing ticket prices off of a predicted busier times vs. slow times. You can read more about how Disney’s “seasonal” pricing works HERE.

Disneyland Resort current ticket pricing:

  • 1-day, 1-park tickets for a “value” park day is priced at $104/day. with a 1-day Park Hopper priced at $154/day
  • 1-day, 1-park tickets for a “regular” park day is priced at $129/day, with a 1-day Park Hopper priced at $179/day.
  • 1-day, 1-park tickets for a “peak” park day is priced at $149/day, with a 1-day Park Hopper priced at $199/day.
  • Multiple day tickets also vary in pricing, which can be viewed HERE.

Standard Parking at Disneyland Resort is now $25/day per standard auto. Guests also have the option of upgrading to Preferred Parking for $40/day per standard vehicle. Disney Annual Passports
There are a variety of Disney Annual Passports offered, some can be purchased by anyone, while others are only offered to Southern California residents. Disneyland Resort also offers a payment plan to Southern California residents, allowing them to make payments for their “pass” instead of paying the entire amount up front. I’ve listed the features of each Disney Passport below, featuring any discounts a pass may include, if it includes parking and most importantly, the blockout dates. To view the Annual Passport blockout calendar, go HERE.
Southern California Select Pass – currently priced at $399
This pass grants access to both theme parks on select days of the year and is for Southern California residents only. It gives up to 10% off select dining and up to 10% off select merchandise in store or online at Shop Disney Parks.
Disney Deluxe Passport – currently priced at $799
This pass allows admission to both theme parks on select days of the year, gives up to 10% off select dining and up to 10% off select merchandise in store and online at Shop Disney Parks.
Disney Signature Passport – currently priced at $1149
This pass gives admission to both theme parks on most days of the year, gives up to 15% off select dining, gives up to 20% off select merchandise in store or online at Shop Disney Parks, and includes standard theme park parking.
Disney Signature Plus Passport – currently priced at $1399
This pass allows you to visit both parks, includes Disney MaxPass, gives up to 15% off select dining, gives up to 20% off merchandise, includes standard theme park parking and has no blockout dates.
Disney Premier Passport – currently priced at $1949
This pass grants admission to all California and Florida theme parks and has no blockout dates, gives 15% off select dining, gives 20% off select merchandise, includes MaxPass with Digital PhotoPass downloads and PhotoPass/Memory Maker services in Florida, and includes standard theme park parking.Disney MaxPass
The price to add on the Disney MaxPass option to either a Park ticket or an Annual Passport also increased. To add it onto a Park ticket, it’s $15/day per guest. To add it onto any Annual Passports other than the Disney Signature Plus Passport, it’s $100 for the duration of the pass.If you aren’t familiar with it, Disney MaxPass* combines the ability to make Disney FASTPASS attraction selections from your phone with unlimited Disney PhotoPass** downloads for a day.  You’re able to download your photos taken at select locations throughout the parks, character photos, and also photos from popular attractions. Many of the photos caught by the PhotoPass photographers or on the attractions are beyond priceless! Personally, I’m a huge fan of MaxPass for many reasons. To read why I think MaxPass is an awesome addition to your day at Disneyland Resort, please go HERE.Do you have any upcoming visits planned to the Disneyland Resort? Don’t forget, if you’re a Southern California Resident, Disneyland Resort is offering special pricing on tickets beginning January 7. To follow along with our latest Disney adventures, check out my new all-Disney Instagram page HERE.

For more information about the Disneyland Resort, including the ability to purchase your own tickets and Annual Passports, please visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com/.

 

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

Grab Your Southern California Resident Ticket for the Disneyland Resort Beginning Jan. 7

/ Disneyland Resort, SoCal Fun, Travel

The Disneyland Resort is celebrating the new year with a special ticket offer just for Southern California residents. Beginning Jan. 7, 2019, eligible guests may visit Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park for as little as $60 per day with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day ticket. There’s never been a more ideal time to enjoy even more spectacular entertainment, favorite festivals, the newly reimagined Pixar Pier, Super Hero experiences and the biggest celebration ever for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. In addition to this special ticket offer, the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are offering special rates on standard and premium rooms for a limited time.Southern California Resident Limited-Time Ticket Offer
The Southern California Resident Ticket Offer* provides special values to enjoy magic and
adventure for three days, including one day of Magic Morning** in Disneyland. For a limited time, Southern California residents may select from these specially-priced ticket options and save on select multi-day tickets:

  • 3-day, 1-park per day ticket for $179
  • 3-day Park Hopper ticket for $234

These specially-priced tickets are an ideal way for Southern California residents to make
memories by spending time at the Disneyland Resort with family and friends. Guests using
these special tickets will enjoy a variety of classic attractions and entertaining shows throughout the resort, as well as exciting new experiences.  These three-day tickets are available for purchase from Jan. 7 through May 20, 2019, and may be used on a consecutive three-day visit or three separate days throughout the travel period. Tickets expire on May 23, 2019 and blockout dates of April 14 through April 22, 2019 apply.*Southern California residents may purchase tickets beginning January 7, 2019 at http://www.Disneyland.com/SoCal and at Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Guests who purchase
tickets online may print their tickets at home. Proof of residency is required for purchase and
theme park admission.

Save Up to 25 Percent at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Disney vacationers who wish to stay and play in the heart of the magic will enjoy special savings with room offers at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Hotel guests can save up to 25 percent off select rooms, Sunday through Thursday nights, based upon availability from Jan. 6-April 11, 2019. Guests may save up to 20 percent on standard rooms and 25 percent on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa; up to 20 percent on standard rooms and 25 percent on premium rooms at Disneyland Hotel, and up to 10 percent on standard and premium rooms at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. These room offers may be reserved now through March 16, 2019.ϮThe Hotels of the Disneyland Resort offer easy, convenient access to both parks, with benefits and magical touches that only a Disneyland hotel can provide. Whether it’s discovering whimsical Disney art at the Disneyland Hotel, stepping back in time to the golden days of California beachfronts at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, or appreciating Craftsman-style elegance at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, staying at any of the resort hotels provides Disney magic from check-in to check-out. Enchanted experiences only available at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort include character dining, wake-up calls by request and themed room elements. Hotel guests may make the most of their time with the Extra Magic Hour, with their valid theme park ticket. For more information, please visit http://www.disneyland.com. Extra Magic Hour offers park admission to a designated theme park one hour earlier than the general public and is available for guests who stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. Ϯ ϮDetails about the Southern California ticket offer will be available at http://www.Disneyland.com/SoCal beginning January 7. For park hours and entertainment schedules or to book a Disneyland Resort vacation, please visit the resort’s daily calendar at Disneyland.com.

What’s New at The Disneyland Resort in 2019?

/ California, Disney, Disney, Disneyland Resort, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

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

It was a great end to 2018 for me as I got to spend the morning with my daughter at Disneyland for a few hours and later on at home we got to watch Disney Parks Blog’s live stream of New Year’s Eve fireworks from Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World! Disney Parks Blog also released their first digital wallpaper of the year and it’s adorable! You can download yours for either mobile or desktop HERE. 

Now that 2019 is off to a magical start, it’s time to take a peek at what’s going to be new this year at The Disneyland Resort! I feel like a kid in a candy store awaiting the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in summer. Meanwhile, the first few months look to be jam packed already with tons of exciting offerings! Starting in January and continuing throughout 2019, the Disneyland Resort will offer a collection of adventures, festivals, shows, food, Disney character interactions and more to inspire guests to join the fun with family and friends.Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration
2019 will kick off in true Disney fashion with Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie
Celebration, a party to celebrate Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at the place where they first appeared for guests. Adored for generations, Mickey and Minnie Mouse have brought joy and inspiration to millions of fans around the world. Join in and toast their 90-year legacy with a magical, musical celebration featuring entertainment, Character Greetings, themed menu selections, merchandise and more.

Mickey’s Mix Magic – beginning January 18
Guests can light up the night with Mickey’s Mix Magic, a new, high-energy projection show celebrating the one and only Mickey Mouse. Held at Disneyland Park, this family-friendly event features the theme song, “It’s a Good Time” as well as dance-tastic takes on some of your favorite Disney hits and a virtual visit from none other than “DJ” Mickey, of course!

Watch state-of-the-art projections, lighting and lasers transform various parts of the park—Main Street, U.S.A., the water screens on Rivers of America and the façade of “it’s a small world”—into dazzling displays of sight, sound and color.

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade – beginning January 25
Mouseketeers and Guests alike will fall head over heels for the returning fan favorite, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, a beloved park classic that’s back to mark one of the most exciting milestones in Disney history—Mickey’s 90th. The parade features popular Disney peeps, whimsical floats, music and lots of larger-than-life surprises. During a rockin’ new opening, Mickey leads the way with a giant celebration cake accompanied by Chip ‘n’ Dale! Celebrate Valentine’s Month with Mickey and Minnie – Jan. 22 through Feb. 18,
Join Disneyland Resort to celebrate the love of Minnie and Mickey for Valentine’s month. Guests will find a new Mickey Mouse flower “portrait,” and lovely and festive Valentine’s décor all along Main Street, U.S.A. Guests may also choose to partake in Minnie’s Valentine Surprise, a special scavenger hunt experience in Disneyland park. After purchasing a commemorative map and stickers at select merchandise locations, they may search for the hidden valentines that Minnie has left for Mickey around the park. Upon completion, maps can be returned to a designated location to redeem a special Valentine’s surprise.* Lunar New Year Celebration –  Jan. 25 through Feb. 17
Disneyland Resort will, once again, celebrate Lunar New Year and the Year of the Pig inside Disney California Adventure Park.  A joyous celebration of Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year celebration welcomes guests of all ages to commemorate the tradition with beloved Disney characters, and welcome another year of good fortune. Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, a limited-time offering during the Lunar New Year celebration, is a bright and bold parade hosted by Mulan and her faithful dragon, Mushu. As a special treat for the Year of the Pig, the Three Little Pigs will join the procession. Delicious Asian food and kid-friendly crafts and activities will be available as well.

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival – March 1 through April 23, 2019
Discover a cornucopia of culinary fun—from Festival Marketplaces and tastings to inspirational cooking demonstrations. Whether you’re a foodie, aspiring home chef, wine enthusiast or just looking to glean a few cutting-edge techniques, the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival delivers something for palates of all ages year after year.
will offer tasty treats and special entertainment for guests of all ages to enjoy. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for the latest updates on this year’s Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Coming later in 2019
As I mentioned before, summer 2019, is going to be all about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park! For the first time ever, guests will be able to live their own Star Wars adventure at the highly anticipated new land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The opening will make Disney history as the largest single-land expansion ever at the Disneyland Resort. In this epic, new land, guests will live their own adventure in a galaxy far, far away and explore Black Spire Outpost. Once a busy crossroads, this spaceport on the planet Batuu is now home to those who prefer to stay out of the mainstream, including smugglers, rogue traders and exotic creatures traveling between the frontier and uncharted space.Guests will take the controls in one of three unique and critical roles aboard Millennium
Falcon: Smugglers Run. On Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, guests can join a battle
between the First Order and the Resistance – including a face-off with Kylo Ren. These two new incredible experiences, paired with the land’s interactive components and optional integration with the Play Disney Parks app, will invite guests to become galactic travelers and live their own Star Wars adventures in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.As you can see, there’s a lot that’s about to happen in this new year at the Disneyland Resort! What are you most excited for in 2019? Share with me in the comments!

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

{Giveaway} Irvine Park Railroad’s 23rd Annual Santa Train Tickets on Sale 11/1

/ Family Fun, Orange County, SoCal Fun

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

Santa’s coming! Santa’s coming! He’s making his annual trip to Irvine Park Railroad and will be here before we know it! I know it’s still Fall and the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch is still open, but it’s time to start planning for Santa visits and photos with everyone’s favorite bearded guy! Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train is Orange County’s best place to visit and celebrate the season with family and friends! This year, Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train will be open beginning Friday, November 30th through Sunday, December 23rd.The Santa Train
Take an enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The Santa Train departs every 15 minutes from the brightly-lit train station and drops passengers off at “The North Pole”.Christmas Train Tickets
The cost to ride the Christmas Train is $15.00 per person. Children younger than 24 months ride free. Christmas Train tickets must be purchased, in advance, to ride the train, and are ONLY available for purchase ONLINE, starting November 1. Tickets are designated for a specific date and time and WILL SELL OUT! Once you’ve purchased your Santa Train tickets online, you can rest assured that on your date, you can come to  Irvine Park Railroad, get in line and board the train any time during the hour for which you purchased tickets.At the North Pole, where Santa’s Train drops off, visitors may purchase coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn, hot pretzels, and cookies from Santa’s Snack Shop. (A more extensive menu is available at the main train station.)

Photos With Santa 
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.

Other Activities at Irvine Park Railroad in Santa’s Village
There are also a variety of activities for children to enjoy in Santa’s Village, which is located next to the train station. You are welcome to enjoy these activities before and after your train ride or even just come out to Santa’s Village without riding the train. Activities in Santa’s Village 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
  • Blizzard Ball
  • Christmas Coloring Corner
  • Picture Stands

Please note: Prices for activities vary.

When visiting the Christmas Train, remember to dress warmly, bring a camera, and arrive early to avoid crowds.

Parking
The parking fee to enter Irvine Regional Park, where Irvine Park Railroad is located, 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.I’m also hosting a very quick, FLASH giveaway for one (1) of my readers to win:

  • 4 Christmas Train Tickets
  • 6 Activity Tickets
  • 1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park Double Surrey Bike Rental

This prize package is worth $130. Giveaway is not open to influencers. To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter below. Good luck and thanks for reading!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information about Irvine Park Railroad, including hours, address, pricing and to purchase your Christmas Train tickets online, please visit HERE.

Guide to Knott’s Camp Spooky Weekends Through 10/28

/ Knott's, SoCal Fun

I was invited to spend a day in the Park in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. 

If you’re looking for a great place in Southern California to spend the day celebrating fall and Halloween with your family, you should definitely head over to Knott’s Berry Farm. This time of year you’ll find all kinds of Halloween fun there during the weekend daytimes because it’s transformed into Knott’s Spooky Farm, a kid-inspired Halloween celebration with special “spooky” activities.

Here are some of the “spooky” things to do at Knott’s Spooky Farm this year: 

  • Go trick-or-treating throughout Ghost Town – Little ghouls can walk through Calico to collect sweet Halloween treats from the friendly ghosts and shopkeepers. Trick-or-Treating in Ghost Town is newly expanded and is sponsored by Hershey’s this year. Treat bags are available at the entrance for guests ages 3-11.
  • Visit the Creepy Critters of Calico – Guests of all ages can roam through the Livery Stable to get up close and personal with the creepy critters of Calico. There are insects and other bugs, snakes and other reptiles, rats, and the “Skeleton” horses.
  • Peanuts Costume Contest – Enter the Peanuts Costume Contest held over in the Camp Snoopy Theater. After the contest, sing and dance along with your favorite Peanuts characters in a dance party!
  • Pumpkin Decorating – Pick out a pumpkin and decorate it over in the Calico Park Pumpkin Patch. (for an additional fee)
  • Cookie Decorating – Stop by Calico Park and grab a Peanuts box filled with supplies and a freshly baked cookie to decorate. (for an additional fee)
  • Hope aboard the Grand Sierra Railroad –  This railway, located in Camp Snoopy, is transformed into a one-of-a-kind experience which takes riders on an adventure, along with the Peanuts Gang, to Camp Spooky with added special Halloween effects. It’s a spooky good time!
  • Ride Halloween Hootenanny – During Knott’s Spooky Farm, Timber Mountain Log Ride is transformed into Halloween Hootenanny which features fun surprises inside the ride as you ride past Calico Coffin Creeper Band, the town’s Green Witch, and splash down Skull Mountain at the end. It’s even scarier at nighttime during Knott’s Scary Farm!
  •  Dia De Los Muertos Celebration – Stop by Fiesta Village to admire all of the Dia de los Muertos decor.

Knott’s Spooky Farm also features Halloween-themed entertainment  including  a friendly magician who mystifies little ones with spell-binding tricks, “The Monsters are Coming” show in Camp Snoopy Theater, and . For a full schedule of entertainment, check out Knott’s  daily schedule HERE. All of the Knott’s Spooky Farm fun is included with regular park admission or your 2018 Season Pass. If you aren’t a current Knott’s Season Pass holder, now is the best time of the year to grab yours for 2019! A Knott’s Season Pass has no blackout dates plus allows you to enjoy early entry to select rides during the summer and special discounts on food & merchandise,

A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates. New Passholders: Receive one free visit this year plus $14.99 additional visits for the remainder of 2018. Free visit and $14.99 additional visits not valid for Scary Farm or special events. Renewing Passholders: Receive a limited time renewal price and one free Bring-A-Friend Ticket valid any fall daytime from September 8, 2018 – December 14, 2018. Right now, a Regular Pass is just 11 Easy Payments of $7.50 ( After an initial payment of $12.50 due on the date of purchase). This pass can also be purchased for $95 total + applicable taxes and fees.  Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.

Knott’s also offers a Gold Season Pass which includes unlimited admission in 2019 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. New Passholders: Receive one free visit this year plus $14.99 additional visits for the remainder of 2018. Free visit and $14.99 additional visits not valid for Scary Farm or special events. Renewing Passholders: Receive a limited time renewal price and one free Bring-A-Friend Ticket valid any fall daytime from September 8, 2018 – December 14, 2018. Right now, the Gold Pass is available for just 11 Easy Payments of $9 (after an initial payment of $16 due on the date of purchase) This pass can also be purchased for $115 total. + plus applicable taxes and fees. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
Knott’s Spooky Farm runs weekends September 29 – October 28  and on Halloween Day. Hours vary from day to day so check out their daily calendar HERE. For more information on all the exciting things that are going on at Knott’s Berry Farm, visit knotts.com and follow the conversation using #KnottsSpookyFarm.

How to Get Into Knott’s Scary Farm Early + Fright & Fast Lane Add-On

/ Knott's, SoCal Fun

I was provided with media tickets in exchange for coverage. All opinions are my own.

Have you had been to Knott’s Scary Farm yet this year? It’s Southern California’s largest and most terrifying annual Halloween event and it’s not for the faint of heart!  Knott’s Scary Farm only happens at night after the regular Knott’s Berry Farm Park is closed. The Park is fully transformed into “Scary Farm” and comes alive with more than 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner. haunted houses, mazes and attractions, sinister shows, a dozen thrill rides in the dark and more!Each night at Knott’s Scary Farm is unique as monsters spill out onto the streets and turn theme park midways into terrifying scare zones. From the world famous Ghost Town Streets to the Boardwalk area filled with evil clowns, there’s nowhere to hide in Knott’s Scary Farm. It’s where nightmares never end! So, if you’re curious about how exactly you can gain early access to Knott’s Scary Farm, there is a way, so lean in while I spill. The Knott’s Scary Farm BOO-fet Grants Guests Early Access to the Park 
Come early and munch with the monsters before you face your fears! Treat yourself to a Knott’s Scary Farm BOO-fet dinner followed by early entrance (included with the BOO-fet) to select areas of Knott’s Scary Farm. The BOO-fet features endless portions of signature Knott’s entrees and desserts + receive a souvenir cup, which is a $14.99 value.)  Buy your Knott’s Scary Farm BOO-fet online HERE and save $5 off the price. Our friends over at Family Review Guide dined at Knott’s Scary Farm’s BOO-fet and the food looks fabulous. You can read about their dining experience HERE.

Please note: A separate Knott’s Scary Farm Admission is required for entry to the BOO-fet and is not included in the price of Boo-fet dinner itself. 

Add on Fast & Fright Lane to Your Knott’s Scary Farm Ticket
If you’re looking for a way to make your night out at Knott’s Scary Farm even better, consider adding on Fright & Fast Lane wristband to your ticket. With this special add-on, you’ll receive unlimited priority access for all mazes plus priority boarding on all Fast Lane rides. You can ride and scream as many times as you want, all night long! Fright & Fast Lane rides include:

  • The all-new HangTime
  • Ghostrider
  • Xcelerator
  • Voyage to the Iron Reef
  • Coast Rider
  • Silver Bullet
  • Calico Mine Ride
  • Sierra Sidewinder
  • Pony Express
  • Montezooma’s Revenge
  • Jaguar!
  • Supreme Scream
  • Halloween Hootenanny (a.k.a. Timber Mountain Log Ride)

For more information about the Fast & Fright Lane add-on, please go HERE. Please note: Admission to Knott’s Scary Farm is not included with Fast & Fright Lane. 

 

 


There are also hotel packages available at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel, which is adjacent to the Park. You can “Scream and Dream” with a Knott’s Scary Farm Hotel Package. Play late and stay just steps away from the park. Nightmares are guaranteed. Click HERE to learn more about package details, pricing and availability.
This year, Knott’s Scary Farm runs select Thursday – Sunday nights through October 31. There are also 2 Wednesday evening dates on October 24 and October 31. The event hours are as follows:

  • Thursday nights – 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights – 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Wednesday October 24 & Wednesday October 31 – 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

To view the Knott’s Scary Farm calendar with remaining 2018 event dates, please go HERE.

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