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

/ Family Fun, Knott's, Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun

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.

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.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas from The Disney Store and @shopDisney

/ Lifestyle, Shopping

I received promotional items in order to write this post. All opinions are my own. 

Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! It’s no secret that some of my favorite gifts come from The Disney Store and shopDisney! This year, they’ve put together a collection of Valentine’s Day items from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. Some of the items include matching T-shirts, jewelry, holiday exclusive plush and more.I was so excited to receive a box of “Magic Mail” from shopDisney with a few of the items you, too, can grab at either The Disney Store or online at shopDisney.

  • Mickey and Minnie Valentine Plush
  • Valentine’s Edition Collectible Pin 
  • Minnie Mouse Glass Compact Mirror & Besame Cosmetics Mickey Mouse Red Lipstick
  • Minnie Mouse Signature Leather Pencil Case 

These Valentine’s gifts would make any of your Valentines happy!

Also, just in time for Valentine’s Day you’re invited to step inside of an iconic scene from Walt Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, for the ultimate photo experience at your local Disney Store. Now through February 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., stop by your local Disney Store and recreate the magical moment with your loved ones!

To view shopDisney’s full Valentine’s Day gift guide, please visit HERE.

 

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!

Disney Sponsors Anaheim’s First Ramped Playground for Children with Disabilities

/ Lifestyle, SoCal Fun

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

More than 300 volunteers from the Disneyland Resort, city of Anaheim and Anaheim Family YMCA will join KaBOOM! on Saturday, Jan. 26 to transform an empty site into a playground with accessible play features for children with disabilities in just six hours at Barton Park in Anaheim. The new playground is the 11th Disney-sponsored KaBOOM! playground in Anaheim, and will be Anaheim’s first ramped playground for children with disabilities.

The unique equipment and accessibility features allow children to play together regardless of ability. Numerous features also were included with the visually impaired community in mind.

Play is essential to the physical, creative, cognitive, social and emotional development of every child.

The idea of adding accessible play features to this playground came from Disneyland Resort cast members in the CastABLE diversity resource group. CastABLE is one of several diversity resource groups at the Disneyland Resort that makes sure the experiences that Disneyland Resort provides are inclusive and relevant.

In September, children from the surrounding community, including students at Barton Elementary School, came together to envision and draw their dream playground. The playground is based off their drawings and will provide more than 650 kids in Anaheim with a great, safe place to play.

This playground is one of many made possible with support from Disney, as part of The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to creating healthier generations by bringing the gift of active play to kids and families who need it most.

The ceremony will feature speakers from the Disneyland Resort, KaBOOM!, Anaheim and Anaheim Family YMCA.  Here is a tentative schedule for Saturday, January 26:

  • 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Kick-off ceremony
  • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Best viewing of playground construction
  • 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Final construction phase
  • 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony

Barton Park is located at
1926 Clearbrook Lane
Anaheim, CA 92804

 

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. 

Celebrate Lunar New Year and the “Year of the Pig” at Universal Studios Hollywood Starting February 2

/ Lifestyle, Los Angeles, SoCal Fun

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

Universal Studios Hollywood will usher in the “Year of the Pig” and celebrate Lunar New Year beginning February 2 and continuing through February 17. Uniquely-themed programs will feature Hello Kitty, DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda masters Po and Tigress and a Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON. This spectacularly-themed Lunar New Year tradition will take place within Universal Plaza, located at the heart of the theme park. Under a curtain of customary red Chinese lanterns and stunning plum blossom Wishing Trees, the festivities will come to life as guests discover the 12 zodiac animal signs accompanied by their symbolic attributes.The centerpiece of the Lunar New Year festivities will feature DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda Jade Palace Performance Stage and the exciting Dragon Warrior Training Show based on the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise. The energetic experience is designed to engage guests of all ages in an interactive martial art demonstration performed by Master Po and friends. The immersive event will also feature seasoned animators teaching guests techniques to draw Po and the Furious Five as keepsake mementos.

Some of the Lunar New Year festivities this year will include:

  • DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda’s famous Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop is back by popular demand to serve up delicious culturally-themed food such as Po’s Dumplings, Dragon Warrior Bao, Oogway Eggrolls and Secret Ingredient Stir Fry Noodles. Mr. Ping himself will be on hand to interact with guests and take memorable souvenir photos.
  • Beloved global pop icon Hello Kitty, created by the global lifestyle brand Sanrio, will further complement this year’s Lunar New Year celebration when she steps out in style wearing her signature red bow and specially-designed Lunar New Year attire. Hello Kitty will be available to meet guests at the Hello Kitty Shop located within the new Animation Studio Store.
  • Keeping with Universal Studios Hollywood’s Lunar New Year tradition, a Mandarin-speaking Transformer’s MEGATRON will greet guests at the entry of the festivities. The imposing 12-foot-tall robot leader of the DECEPTICONS will interact with guests, engaging them both in Mandarin and in real time conversation reflective of his persona. A resident of Universal Studios Hollywood, MEGATRON is one of the stars of Universal Studios Hollywood’s thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride-3D.”
  • Illumination Entertainment’s Minions from the theme parks’ popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride will also join the festivities, stepping out in style and dressed up in brightly colored traditional Lunar New Year attire.

Uniquely themed experiences offered in Mandarin include the theme park’s signature Studio Tour and the exclusive VIP Experience, both of which provide two distinctive and revealing looks at an authentic movie and television studio. Featuring expertly-trained Mandarin-speaking tour guides both opportunities provide insight into the world of movie-making magic as guests enjoy a front row seat and behind-the-scenes access to one of the largest production studios in the world. In-language park maps are also available for guests.

Guests can continue their Lunar New Year celebration at Universal CityWalk’s Dongpo Kitchen restaurant featuring upscale and modern Sichuan cuisine. Inspired by China’s premier restaurant Meizhou Dongpo, Dongpo Kitchen offers the comforts of a casual dining environment with both indoor and al fresco seating and caters to an eclectic palate with a variety of signature dishes.

Universal CityWalk’s newest restaurant, Vivo Italian Kitchen, serving freshly prepared authentic Italian fare in a newly designed modern setting, also invites guests to toast the “Year of the Pig” offering its haute cuisine menu in several languages, including Mandarin.

With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, why not consider grabbing the all-new 2019 Season Pass, which invites guests to experience the fun all year long for just $139 when purchased online. More details about it can be found at http://www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com

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

 

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.