I was invited as a guest of K1 Speed in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
With the holiday season in full swing, we’re all checking off names from our “To Buy For” lists. This year, why not consider giving the gift of an experience? There’s a lot to be said about having the opportunity to create memories together that will last a lifetime.
I was recently invited to bring my family and spend an afternoon at K1 Speed to experience all the things and I had SO much fun! Not only do they have the race tracks, but we also got to experience Mario Kart VR I know it would be something that anyone on your list would love to receive as a gift this year! If you aren’t familiar with K1 Speed, it’s been the world’s premier indoor go-karting experience since 2003, with locations throughout the world, K1 Speed utilizes electric go-karts in indoor state-of-the-art facilities. 
At the location we visited in Irvine, there were 2 separate race tracks to choose from. I’ll be honest, at first, I was a little hesitant to get out on the track but my family got me out there with a little bit of coaxing and I was super proud of myself for doing so. 
This experience was definitely something I would consider to be “out of my comfort zone” but I had SO much fun!It’s kindn of funny to see how competitive your famly gets when you’re at K1!
Here are some things you should know before you go:
- Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You’ll defintiely want to wear pants/jeans for this.
- If you have longer hair, consider bringing a hair tie to put your hair in a ponytail or more contained style. You’ll have to wear a headscarf they provide you with, that goes under your helmet.
- There is a height requirement to be able to race. Junior minimum height requirement is 48″ (121.9 cm). Adult minimum height requirement is 58″ (147.3 cm). Please note: Meeting the height requirement is not a guarantee you’ll be able to race our karts. Drivers will be measured at the location and must be able to safely operate all elements of the kart. Final approval will be at management’s discretion.
- You’ll be given some pre-race instructions and explanation of how it all works.
- Be prepared to sign a waiver before racing. (Minors must have an adult sign one for them.)
If you are worried about not knowing how to put on your helmet or how to strap yourself into the go kart, the staff is amazing at helping you. After each race on the track, you’ll receive a printout of your placement and times, which makes for a great keepsake as well, especially if you win!
One of my family’s favorite parts about the races were getting to be up on the podium afterwards. As you can see, their most competitive side seemed to come out that day. 
Giving the gift of an experience, a.k.a. a fun day out at K1 Speed, is the ideal gift to give this year and one that will allow you to help create new memories in your family. I vote for getting this for your mom, dad, brother, sister or anyone in your family. It would also make a great gift for friends or co-workers.
FOR A LIMITED TIME, you can take advantage of the K1 Speed Holiday Gift Card Promo*: Get a bonus card with each gift card order.
Buy a gift card worth…
- $50, get a FREE $10 Gift Card
- $75, get a FREE $15 Gift Card
- $100, get a FREE $20 Gift Card
Who do you have left on your “To Buy For” list? Click HERE to purchase your K1 Speed gfit cards, available in physical gift cards or electronic ones.
*Gift cards cannot be used same day as purchase date.
K1 Speed has locations across the world, but to find the K1 Speed location closet to you, please visit HERE.
*Some images are property of K1 Speed and used with permission.
Returning in 2019 is the dazzling “World of Color – Season of Light,” a holiday-themed production of this nighttime spectacular that features lights, lasers, water, fire and hundreds of fountains bringing animation to life.
Disney Festival of Holidays brings the spirit of the season to life through lively entertainment, festive food and beverage and special traditions. Children will enjoy craft stations and everyone will appreciate the delicious food at Festival Foods Marketplace, featuring a mix of holiday dishes and beverages that bridge many diverse cultures and family traditions.
I feel so lucky to live in Southern California where I can celebrate the holidays while still enjoying the beautiful sunny weather outside. I am all about making the most of this time of year with my family and Knott’s Merry Farm is an annual tradition for us. I’m not even sure if I’m most excited about the festive treats, the special holiday entertainment, visiting Santa (because he is there, too.) or just going on all of my favorite rides? Also, I get so excited to see what’s new each year. 
“Home for the Holidays” (at the Calico Mine Stage) -Home for the Holidays is a joyous music review filled with singing, dancing and merriment of Christmas days of yore, including some of the best-loved perennial holiday tunes including, “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bells,” “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and many more. The Calico Mine Stage depicts a Winter Wonderland directly out of a Currie & Ives painting and is the ideal version of an old-fashioned holiday dream. The year is 1915 and the sounds and feelings of the holiday season surround the air. Home for the Holidays is the story of family, friends and holiday traditions.
“Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol” and “Marley’s Wings” (in the Bird Cage Theater)- Knott’s melodrama company brings to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Marley’s Wings performances available on select dates during Knott’s Merry Farm. In Marley’s Wings, the Ghost of Jacob Marley returns to a wonderful new holiday musical that is destined to become a classic! One year ago, Marley appeared and appealed to Ebenezer Scrooge to mend his ways lest he suffer eternal torment in the form of chains forged by a life of greed and avarice. If Scrooge could truly change his ways for an entire year, Marley would not only be free of his chains; he would also gain his bona fide Angel’s Wings! On the surface, Ebenezer seems to have seen the light and made the necessary adjustments, with one glaring exception. Scrooge is struggling with finding and holding the true meaning of Christmas in his heart. He must grasp this essential message by midnight, or Marley will be grounded for all eternity. The Bird Cage piano will come alive with great new songs like “Raise the Rafters,” “Christmas in Heaven,” and “The Bah Hum Bug” to name a few. Marley is on a mission! With the help of this wonderful new musical score and audience energy, Scrooge’s transformation unfolds before our eyes. Will it be soon enough to deliver Marley’s wings? The clock is ticking…
Festive Eats and Treats at Knott’s Merry Farm
Knott’s is the perfect place to spend many a day together with friends and/or family creating new memories together, which is a great reason to grab a 2020 Knott’s Season Pass. They make great holiday gifts and include one free visit to Knott’s in 2019, unlimited visits in 2020 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events.
For more information about Knott’s Season Passes, including information about their payment plans, please visit 
In the evening, the spectacular “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular and its magical snowfall finale create lasting holiday memories for guests.
‘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.”
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.”
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.
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.)
“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.
Spooky Story Time (Bird Cage Theatre) – stop by Bird Cage Theatre for semi-haunted tales told by charismatic storytellers.
