SoCal Fun Archives - Page 23 of 24

SoCal Fun

What It’s Like to Apply for The Disney Parks Moms Panel! Should I Apply Again This Year?

August 9, 2015 / Disney, SoCal Fun

If you’re active on Twitter like I am, then you may have seen the tweet that came from the Disney Moms Twitter account recently, sharing exciting news about the Disney Parks Moms Panel!

It’s almost that time of year again…the time when the application window opens for the Disney Parks Moms Panel! It only opens once a year and it’s a VERY exciting time, especially on Twitter! If you’re not following the Disney Moms account on Twitter already, you should go do so now.

The Disney Parks Moms Panel is a select group of moms (and some dads) who are chosen through a very extensive search. After they are chosen, they go on to be part of an online forum where they help Guests by answering questions and offering advice and tips about Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Line, team sports at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and runDisney events. Applicants initially complete an online application for Round One, which contains questions in essay format. Those who advance past Round One may be asked to submit a video, participate in a phone interview or conference call, or even do other things as part of the selection process. It’s a ton of fun to participate in! I’d even call it magical!

I’ve applied for The Disney Parks Moms Panel twice. Two years ago I applied in a hurry without knowing much about it. I don’t even think I double-checked my spelling ( you totally should though) and I actually just quickly typed up and submitted my answers one morning right before the 8:00 a.m. school bell rang! I realized afterwards that I should’ve taken more time. I didn’t make it past Round One that year and it motivated me to plan better for the following year.As soon as the application window opened last September for Round One, I was on it! I took so much time! I researched the answers a ton and was super careful. I must add that Disney is really looking for the real you and not something that’s been rehearsed or memorized. Yes, you can study certain things but they can spot a true Disney Side when they see one! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I received a pixie-dusted email informing me that I was advancing to Round Two! That email in itself, was already magical! Last year, Round Two required a video submission though! Yikes! Me? On video? I sound about 12 years old on camera! The thing is…I really wanted to be part of the Moms Panel so I knew I needed to get past my insecurities about being on camera! I’ve seen some of the Disney Parks Mom Panelists on videos before and they seemed comfortable in their own skin so that’s what I was going to work on portraying.

One Sunday, I put on my best Disney Mom outfit, a pair of cute EARs (those are kind of necessary), and my Disneyland Mom button. I also put on some makeup and curled my hair. I locked myself in my daughter’s room for about 6 hours that day, with Woody and Jessie on the bed post behind me and about a dozen stuffed animals to keep me company. I can’t even count how many retakes I shot on iMovie that day! I had SO many outtakes! They were funny to look through afterwards!

I was super proud of myself for doing it. I conquered the video requirement and sent it off to Disney! I wasn’t selected to advance to Round Three last year, but I really felt like I’d a gained a lot from applying again AND was honored to even get to Round Two. Honestly, it was totally worth all of the time and effort I put into it. Are there some things I’d do differently if I were to apply again? Absolutely! I’ve put together a list of some tips for applying for The Disney Parks Moms Panel. These are just my own tips for others who are considering applying.

I think #5 is the MOST IMPORTANT one! You have to stay positive and believe in yourself. You should also be supportive of others who are applying. I made so many friends in the process of applying and found so much support and praise on Twitter. It was a magical time, even though I was stressed out to the max! Each time pixie-dusted emails were sent out informing applicants about whether or not they were advancing to the next round, I found so much love from Disney friends. Not only did it come from others who were applying but also from Disney friends, including the current Disney Moms panelists, themselves! It’s such a great experience and the Disney people make you feel special, whether you are chosen for the panel or not. I thought it was so nice that they bothered to send a kind email to those who didn’t make it. It’s so much better than just never hearing anything.

So…do I apply for the 3rd time this year? Is the 3rd time going to be “the charm” for me? Hmmm…what do YOU think? Are YOU going to apply this year? Have YOU applied before too? If you plan on applying this year, Round One of the Disney Parks Moms Panel Search begins at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 and will remain open until noon ET on Tuesday, September 15, 2015! If you are going to apply, good luck and chEARs!

4 Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Merchandise Items I WILL Be Buying For My Daughter! #Disneyland60

June 23, 2015 / Disney, Disney, SoCal Fun, Travel

Raise your hand if you’re really excited about the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration! (raises hand) Me!!!! I’m actually more than excited for It! Although I didn’t have a chance to attend the 24-Hour Kickoff Party at Disneyland Resort this year, I did sneak over to the parks for a few hours the following weekend. I don’t even think I saw a quarter of the special merchandise availalble during this glorious time at Disneyland Resort and yet, I’ve already managed to make a list of the first 4 Diamond Celebration Merchandise items I WILL be buying the for my daughter! I say “the first 4” because I know there will be so many other things I’ll want to buy aside from these 4.

This special sequin Minnie Mouse headband with a jeweled bow is a must-have for every Disney girl! The way these ears were displayed in this box made them look extra fancy, too! What girl doesn’t dream about getting their hands on a pair of these? I need a pair of these to wear to the parks. Oh wait, I mean my daughter needs some. Ok maybe we’ll both get a pair of these ears.

One of my favorite merchandise items, normally available in white (and a couple of pastel colors), are the giant Mickey mitts because whenever we make it into Disneyland at Rope Drop, we love to walk down Main Street and give all of the Cast Members “a High Four”! When I saw the sequin version, I immediately added them to the shopping list!

This precious doll is dressed for a day in the parks! I love everything about her, especially her tiny set of EARs! She’s ready to celebrate this joyous occasion!

Oh, I saved the best, and my most favorite item, for last! This castle play set is beautiful and hardly compares to the regular castle play set we bought when my daughter was 3! This Limited Edition castle is blinged out, just like the real Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, and it lights up! I NEED IT!

So, what are YOU most excited for at the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration? Do you have any favorite merchandise that you’re hoping to grab, or perhaps already have? Do tell!

To see more of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration Merchandise, take a peek at this video from the Disney Parks Blog! Warning: You’re going to want it all, too!

See What’s New at Knott’s This Summer! #KnottsIronReef #NewAtKnotts

June 2, 2015 / Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun

The opinions in this article are 100% my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them. I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content.

Summertime is my favorite time of year! (Although it’s hard to really ever complain about the Southern California weather here) I love the relaxed feeling of summer, especially the slower pace of life since I’m off work (I teach school). Summer is when I get to enjoy extra time with my family! One of our favorite things to do together is go to Knott’s! We can’t get enough of the attractions, the food, and all the entertainment.

If you haven’t already heard, one of the biggest things to hit Knott’s this summer is the opening of the latest attraction, Voyage to the Iron Reef™! This brand-new attraction opened on May 15, 2015 and is a spectacular, interactive 4-D ride for the entire family.

Inside the attraction, you’ll help save Knott’s from mysterious creatures emerging from the seas beneath the Boardwalk in a cutting edge media-based battle. Through enchanting underwater forests, disorienting ocean current tunnels, and mysterious mechanical wreckage, high definition 3-D animation will surround guests at every turn.

Take a look at the action inside the Iron Reef:
Not only am I am anxious to get to Knott’s this summer to go on my own Voyage to the Iron Reef™, but there are also 2 new exciting shows to see! I love the shows at Knott’s! The first new show features some of my childhood favorites, The Peanuts Gang. Watch Snoopy and his friends appear in the newest production to hit the Charles M. Schultz Theatre, Blockbuster Beagle!…on ice.

You can join Snoopy and his Peanuts buddies “go Hollywood” bringing Walk of Fame glamour, dazzling movie lot escapades and California excitement to a brand new ice show adventure. Join Snoopy and our World-class ice skating stars at the Charles M. Schulz Theatre for this amazing new production! Blockbuster Beagle!…on ice runs June 13 – August 23 and is dark on Wednesdays.

The second new show at Knott’s this summer is the Vertical Impact & Vertical Impact Geared Up Show. This show is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat as you witness the ultimate blend of extreme stunts with high flying acrobats performing a one of a kind performance perfect for the entire family! The fun continues after dark with Vertical Impact, Geared Up! This high energy show is set to the most popular songs of today, combining everything from trampoline stunts, bmx bikes, skaters, dancers, and aerialists. Every show ends with an informal meet & greet for the guests with the entire cast on stage. The cast pumps up the volume with the latest hits, the biggest tricks and awesome special effects. The pace is intensified, the stunts are electrified, and the cast is breaking down the walls, defying gravity, and taking it all to the next level. Watch the show for the amazing aerial acrobatics, and crazy trampoline & vertical wall stunts, then stay for the after party and be a part of the show! Our own “DJ Nytemadness” will keep the party going mixing all the best of current EDM, dance & pop hits after each show while the cast joins the guests of all ages to dance, party, take selfies, and just be a part of it all. The show runs June 13 – August 23 and is dark on Mondays & Tuesdays.

In addition to these 2 brand-new shows at Knott’s this summer, there’s a TON of other entertainment going on at the park this summer too. This is where I feel like I should stop and talk about Knott’s Season Passes because there is WAY more than one day’s worth of fun to take in at Knott’s. You’re going to want to come back to Knott’s (and Knott’s Soak City Water Park) a bunch of times! Especially during the summertime!

Do you know how awesome a Knott’s Season Pass is? Not only is it the most affordable ticket in town, Knott’s also offers the option of payments to make it even more do-able for your family. The passes pay for themselves within a few visits too.

Knott’s offers the following variations of their Regular Season Pass:

You can also upgrade to a Gold Season Pass! The Gold Season Pass allows you to enjoy all the cool waterslides and fun in the sun at Knott’s Soak City Water Park, in addition to all the thrilling rides at Knott’s Berry Farm! The Gold Season Pass pays for itself in less than 2 visits!

Charlie Brown’s Happy Campers – Camp Snoopy Theatre: Join Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and the world’s most popular beagle, Snoopy in a show that’s sure to make an outdoorsman out of anybody! The show runs daily from June 14 through September 1.

Big Band Swingin’ Sundays: Jump, Jive & Swing to the sounds of Orange County’s best local Big Bands. Catch them on Sunday evenings from June14 – August 30.

Boardwalk Dance Party – Boardwalk Circle Stage: Dance ‘til you drop and wave your hands in the air until you just don’t care with DJ Howly, one of Orange County’s most requested “mixers & spinners”. Catch the Boardwalk Dance Party on Monday & Tuesday evenings from June 15 – August 25. (Plus September 7)

Ghost Town Streetmosphere: Ghost Town is alive with townsfolk who will put you smack dab in the middle of the Wild West. New residents have put down stakes recently… Clem Culpepper, the ever hopeful gold miner, Ma & Pa Shine, our resident moonshiners & Nathan Quickly, the Pony Express Agent. And as you mosey on through Ghost Town, say “Howdy” to returning favorites, Dusty Trail, who’s never without her six-shooter, Miss Ruby, the purtiest Saloon Gal in town, Miss Apple the School Teacher, and the rest of the Calico townsfolk. The Ghost Town Streetmosphere runs daily from June 13 – September 7.

Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies – Birdcage Theatre: Things get krazy when Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies perform their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, side splittin’ country comedy show that has Knott’s audiences clamoring for more! It’s the perfectly krazy way to spend some time at Knott’s Berry Farm! Come out to watch Fridays through Mondays from June 13 – August 23. (except 6/19 and 8/6 & 29)

Salsa Bands – Fiesta Plaza Stage: Nothing says a party at the Fiesta Plaza stage better than the energy created by some of Orange County’s most popular salsa bands. Enjoy the salsa bands on Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings from June 13 through August 23, Plus August 29, 30 and September 5, 6, & 7.

The Ghost Town Miners – Spurs Stage: For a “Yeehaw” of a good time you won’t want to miss the Ghost Town Miners sing and play some of the best bluegrass this side of the Rio Grande! The show runs Tuesday through Thursday from June 16 – August 20.

The Marshal Purdy Show – Birdcage Theatre: Come on in for some old fashioned, homespun fun that’s sure to tickle your fancy and bust your gut on Tuesday & Wednesday from June 17 – August 21.

The Big Fat Steve Band – Boardwalk Circle Stage: Back by popular demand, The Big Fat Steve Band-The Kings of Kool is a fun, exciting dance band with a swingin’ beat. Enjoy the live musicality of rockabilly, swing and classic sounds. The only thing missing is your dance moves. Come on out Wednesday through Saturday from June 13 – August 29 Plus September 5 & 6.

The Peanuts Gang – Camp Snoopy: Meet and hug one of your favorite Peanuts characters!
Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Sally, Schroeder, Franklin, Woodstock, or Peppermint Patty. The characters are available in the park year round and vary daily. Calico Saloon Cancan Show – Calico Saloon: What’s a Saloon without a show? Don’t miss the Calico Saloon Show for some good old’ fashioned bar room fun. We heard that the dancin’ girls even perform that new fandangled dance from Paree, France, the Cancan! You might even want to cool off with a tall cool bottle of the hard stuff…Sarsaparilla! Enjoy the Calico Saloon Cancan Show daily from June 13 – September 30, Plus September 5 – 7.

Fool’s Gold Stunt Show – Wagon Camp: Will the bad guys manage to re route and steal the gold? Find out in this rowdy, comical, western stunt show presented on Knott’s legendary Wagon Camp stage. Watch the show year round.

Indian Trails: You won’t want to miss the beautiful music, authentic costumes and historically rich traditions presented at the Indian Trails Stage. The Indian Trails are presented Thursday through Monday on a year round schedule.

Mystery Lodge: Sit back and let this award winning, one of a kind attraction mesmerize you as our Native American Storyteller shares stories of his rich history and culture. The special effects of Mystery Lodge will amaze you daily, and is open year round.

So, raise your hand if YOU’RE ready for some summer fun at Knott’s? I know you can’t see me right now, but I”m raising mine! Hope to see you in the park this summer!

Connect with Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

LEGO Friends Heartlake City Is Now Open at LEGOLAND California Resort and It’s Adorable!

May 23, 2015 / SoCal Fun, Travel

Have you heard the exciting news? LEGO Friends Heartlake City is now open at LEGOLAND California Resort! The newest area at the resort is a must-see for all LEGO fans of all ages! As soon as you walk through the entrance to the city brought to life straight out of the “LEGO Friends” TV show, you can meet your favorite LEGO friends, Mia, Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie and Emma and get a glimpse inside of their LEGO lives!

Throughout Heartlake City there are several clever LEGO brick creations and life-sized figures of each of the LEGO friends. There are lots of great photo opportunities there.

Mia’s Riding Camp: Guests can experience an adventure on a carousel that’s perfect for riders of all ages and heights. Take a horseback ride atop one of 60 carousel horses (both moving and non-moving. Guests can also opt to sit inside one of the stationary jeeps on the carousel.
Heartlake Stables: Inside of this shaded stable area, guests can enjoy LEGO brick building activities and learn a little bit about horses. There’s plenty of seating here for adults to rest their legs while watching their little ones play. You’ll also want to take advantage of the cute photo opportunity to sit on one of the horses in the front area of the stable! (As a convenience, your photos are available for purchase inside the park)
Heartlake Fountain: This heart-shaped fountain is a focal point in the center of the city. Guests are welcome to play in the water, which is especially perfect on warm days. If you plan to have “splash time” on your visit, you might want to bring an extra change of clothes.
Friends Forever Stage: Mia, Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie and Emma perform their “LEGO Friends to the Rescue” show live on stage. Guests can sing and dance along with them. There are also opportunities to meet the LEGO Friends sometimes, if you hang around after the show. To check for showtimes, click here.
Heartlake City Boutique: Guests can shop til they drop here for LEGO Friends toys and a bunch of adorable items. Once you head into this boutique, I can guarantee you won’t come out empty handed! You’ll also find the LEGO Friends Hot Air Balloon in the center of the store.
The LEGO Movie Experience: Experience a bit of movie magic as you get a behind-the-scenes look at a real movie set! Step onto the LEGO Movie soundstage, check out movie footage and explore some of the awesome models which helped inspire the new and completely original 3D animated adventure THE LEGO MOVIE. You can even find characters from the LEGO Movie to take pictures with!

City Park Crêperie: Enjoy sweet, delicious crêpes at this pop-up crêperie located in the center of Heartlake City. The menu features a sugar crêpe, a Nutella crêpe, a Nutella & bananas crêpe, and a berries crêpe. We tried a Nutella crêpe this time but need to go back soon and try a different one. What a treat!
Wok n’ Bowl Ramen: This gourmet Japanese style Ramen House features freshly prepared stir-fry dishes such as orange chicken and teriyaki and ramen noodles with pork belly, chicken, or vegetables. Kids meals are also offered here.

We had such a fun day visiting Heartlake City! When I asked my daughter what her favorite part about the day was, she told me it was getting to talk to Stephanie and Emma and seeing them perform on stage with the other LEGO Friends.

My heart melts when I see her so happy. She also asked if we could return to LEGOLAND tomorrow. For me, it’s all about spending time together and creating new memories. In LEGO Friends Heartlake City there’s the opportunity to do just that!

For more information and to purchase tickets to LEGOLAND California Resort, click here. *Heartlake City is included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. Connect with LEGOLAND California on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

A very special thank you to LEGOLAND California for inviting us to attend a special media day in the park and providing us with lunch. All opinions are 100% my own.

When a Cast Member Makes a Magical First Impression on You! Meet One of My Favorites: Ronna From Disney’s Yacht Club! #DisneySMMC

May 15, 2015 / Disney, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

They say that first impressions are everything and I completely agree with that statement. You never truly get a chance to re-do a first impression. This is especially true in businesses such as restaurants, stores, and hotels. When a guest walks into an establishment for some type of service, they start to form an opinion about that place of business based on the way they were treated by the first person they encountered who was working there.

My family and I recently took our first trip to Walt Disney World Resort for the 2015 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. We were so excited to be all booked at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort during our trip! After taking the red-eye from Southern California to Orlando, Florida, we finally arrived at our destination around 6:30 a.m. on a very minimal amount of sleep. I may, or may not, have entered the lobby of Disney’s Yacht Club while sleep walking. As I entered the check-in line, I was immediately greeted at the front desk by one of the sweetest cast members in the place! Talk about making a lasting first impression! Even as I sit here writing this post, I miss that sweet lady.

Her name was Ronna and she was just beginning her shift that day. As I glanced over the counter, into her work area, I noticed she had a few personal items, such as pens and a paper pad, that were purple! I love purple! I didn’t even need to ask if purple was her favorite color because it was so obvious.

My asking her immediately sparked such a pleasant conversation between us, as she proceeded to check me (and my family that was sleeping on a couch in the hotel lobby at that moment) into our room. I also noticed that Ronna was from Chicago, specifically from the same area that I have family. Again, we hit it off talking about Chicago.

I appreciated how much time Ronna took to thoroughly explain everything I needed to know about the hotel to me. There was a lot to take in and get to know about this giant resort hotel, as well as the parks. I could see why Disney had hired Ronna to work for them…because she’s a magical person who makes magic for guests….which is exactly what a cast member is supposed to do!

For the duration of our stay, I kept checking the front desk, each time we’d walk by, to see if Ronna was working. I finally learned that she also works next door at the front desk at Disney’s Beach Club Resort (it’s an adjacent property to the Yacht Club). On our last day, just before leaving on The Magical Express for the airport, we finally found her working again. I re-introduced myself (but of course she remembered me) and told her that I wanted to thank her again for being so kind. I think she was a little surprised that I came back to tell her that.

Then I asked if we could take a picture together and if I could also photograph her alone. I think she almost cried happy tears from my request, which made me also get happy tears in my eyes! As you can see from the pictures, Ronna is absolutely adorable and I hope we get to go back there someday soon and visit her when we do! She was our first impression of the Walt Disney World Resort and I’d have to say that she made a magical one.

Have YOU had any magical experiences with Disney Cast Members before? If so, where were you and how did they make an impression on you?

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® Took My Breath Away!

March 4, 2015 / San Diego, SoCal Fun

I recently had the opportunity to spend the day at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch®, which is located in Carlsbad. They were a magnificent sight that I’d caught a glimpse of a couple times when I’d driven through Carlsbad, but I had never gotten to actually stop and go inside. The Flower Fields feature 50 acres of Giant Tecolote^® Ranunculus flowers with colors that pop against the light blue sky. They’re just a hop, a skip and a jump away from the Pacific Ocean, so it creates this picturesque backdrop.

When you first enter the front gates and are standing there in front of what seems to be an endless field of flowers, it’s absolutely breathtaking! It’s a sight that everyone should get to experience annually when it’s in full bloom! I was there about 2 weeks prior to the full bloom. If it was already this beautiful then, I can’t imagine at full bloom!

This year, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are open for the 2015 season from March 1-May 10 ( Mother’s Day). The fields are extra vibrant this year and bloomed a little early, most likely attributing this to the mild fall and winter we’ve had. Needless to say, they are a spectacular sight and a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

Visitors have the opportunity to take an open-air ride in an antique tractor wagon, through The Flower Fields, for a nominal fee. The ride is accompanied by an audio commentary of the history of The Flower Fields. It provides for a relaxing ride through the fields and is perfect for picture taking. Guests also have the option to exit the wagon and walk around. The cost for a wagon ride is $5.00 for Adults and $3.00 for Children 3-10.

Probably the most special part about my visit to The Flower Fields was getting meet Paul Ecke III. He’s the owner of the Flower Fields and the man behind the entire operation. Mr. Ecke has extensive family history tied to the agricultural history in this area, dating back about 100 years. Both Mr. Ecke and Mr. Fred Clarke, the General Manager of The Flower Fields, rode around the fields with our group and provided us with some really wonderful information about all that goes on there on a year-round basis, to produce the spectacular landmark. The flowers were so beautiful, each plant an individual, just like us.

Guests who opt to exit during the wagon ride in the middle of the field, have access to walk through certain parts of the Flower Fields where carefully constructed bridges have been added. This is to avoid any damage to the plants themselves but allows a closer look and photo opportunities among the flowers. It’s the perfect setting for some family photos.

As if I wasn’t already in total awe of what seemed to be an endless field brilliant flowers, I was in for another treat that was waiting for us on one of the hillsides. I guess that’s part of the fun about being a “first-timer” but I was WOW-ed when they took us to see the American Flag of Flowers! It was so beautiful and listening to how it’s produced was amazing. This flag is made up of 8998 Petunia plants, is just under 1 acre and is exactly to scale of our own American flag!

After the conclusion of our wagon ride, we spent some time walking the grounds with Mr. Ecke. He was very passionate about taking us to see the area he referred to as “Santa’s Playground”.

I had NO IDEA it was a play area on the grounds, almost entirely made up of authentic pieces from the original Santa’s Village, that had been in San Bernardino, years ago! Mr. Ecke told us the story about how he’d visited Santa’s Village as a child with his own family. Years later, when his own children were small, he attended an auction where he acquired several original pieces from that property.

He transported them to San Diego County and transformed an entire area at The Flower Fields to create “Santa’s Playground”, an area for children to run around and play. You can see how well he’s maintained the original colors of the pieces and he shared that his wife changed the designs of some of the mushrooms, but strived to maintain their authenticity by choosing designs that meshed well with that era. As a child, I’d seen commercials for Santa’s Village, but never had the opportunity to visit before it closed down. Santa’s Playground is such a magical area to visit.

In addition to walking around The Flower Fields and taking a wagon ride, there are several other exhibits and attractions to see and do on your visit.

Some of those include:

Cymbidian Orchid Greenhouse
The Artist Gardens
Sweet Pea Maze
Carlsbad Mining Company
Organic Demonstration Garden
Historic Pointsettia Display
Water Wise Farming

The Flower Fields are adjacent to Armstrong Garden Center and have a partnership set up with them. Fresh cut flowers are available for purchase along with potted plants, bulbs and a variety of other items in the Armstrong Garden Center Gift Shop.

The Flower Fields also host a variety of events throughout the season, including Sunrise Easter Services, which start at 6:30 a.m. You can find the entire calendar of events here.

Admission for The Flower Fields is as follows:

Adults: $12.00
Seniors 60+: $11.00
Children 3-10: $6.00
Children 2 and under are free

To purchase your tickets online, click here.

The Flower Fields are located at 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008. You can also reach them at 760-431-0352. For more information about the Flower Fields, click here.

Have YOU visited The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® yet? If not, it’s a must-see in my opinion!

Connect with The Flower Fields on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Disclosure: I was invited to attend a media day at The Flower Fields and was provided with admission in order to write my review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Knott’s is Teaming Up with Susan G. Komen Orange County and Going Pink For the Cure! #KnottsPink

January 14, 2015 / Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

I was invited to attend this wonderful media event at Knott’s and provided with a ticket for my admission. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

I was so honored to be invited to attend a press conference at Knott’s Berry Farm recently, to learn more about a very special partnership between Knott’s and Susan G. Komen Orange County. Susan G. Komen Orange County is a local breast health organization which helps to serve women and men who are in need of breast health care and services, but do not have access to them financially. This is the second year in a row they are teaming up in a wonderful collaborative effort to help raise money for a very important cause. In 2014, they raised nearly $100,000 for the cause. That’s an amazing number and they’re hoping to raise even more in 2015!

From now through March 31, Knott’s Berry Farm is offering a special “Pink Ticket”, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen Orange County. Knott’s limited edition, specially designed “pink merchandise” is also available for sale at select locations in the park. These proceeds help fund breast health services and research and also help promote breast health awareness.

75% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen are used to provide local services throughout Orange County:

Breast cancer detection and treatment education
Information and support for breast cancer survivors and families
Funding for free mammograms for uninsured and underserved women

25% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen support national research to discover the cure for breast cancer.

I love this! It’s right at the entryway inside Knott’s.

The press conference featured speakers that shared real statistics and real stories about breast cancer. 1 in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer! That is a very scary statistic! (Men can also affected by breast cancer) What was even scarier hearing a related statistic about Latina women. The reality is that there are a great number of Latina women who don’t have access to breast health care and services, so, because of this, they are being diagnosed with breast cancer at much later stages than white women. This partnership is helping to provide a mobile mammography unit to the surrounding Latino community and get these women the services they need.

A big highlight of the event for me was getting to hear my beautiful friend Jaime Jenkins, speak about her own story. Jaime is also a blogger, which is how I met her. She is a wife and a mother of 2 young children. After she attended the Knott’s For the Pink event in 2014, Jaime felt her own lumps in her breasts, went in to have them checked, and was diagnosed 2 weeks later. Jaime is living with stage 4 cancer and she has had the most positive attitude about her entire experience, even though it’s been a very tough one. She’s leaned on her wonderful husband, children and her family, her friends and I know her faith has played a big part in what has kept her so strong and positive. Jaime constantly expresses gratitude for everything and truly lives life to the fullest, appreciating every little thing. I admire her in a HUGE way!

She definitely greets each day with joy! I love her!

After the breakfast and presentations came to a close, everyone followed Snoopy and Lucy over to Fiesta Village to watch all of the incredible breast cancer warriors ride Jaguar together. When they asked if I’d ride it with them, to help fill up the back of the car, I didn’t hesitate.

All of the breast cancer warriors riding Jaguar! (photo credit: Westcoaster)

All of these women have overcome so much and to see pictures of them all together, brought a smile to my face. If you look at the smile on Jaime’s face as she rides in the front, you should know that she’s like that ALL THE TIME!

Jaime’s smile is infectious! (photo credit: OC Latina Moms)

If you ever get the chance to meet Jaime, you’ll be able to feel her positive vibes, the minute you say “hi” to her and there won’t be a handshake, it’ll be a BIG hug! She’s the best hugger ever! She’s truly an inspiration to everyone around her and so much fun to hang out with!

(photo credit: Knott’s)

I hope you’ll consider making a trip down to Knott’s for a fun-filled day sometime between now and March 27th and purchase your own “pink ticket” to support this great partnership between Knott’s and Susan G. Komen Orange County!

Knott’s Berry Farm Serves Starbucks! Did I Mention the Boysenberry Lattes?

January 13, 2015 / Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

The other day when I was at Knott’s, I overheard a woman asking her friend if she’d tried a Boysenberry Latte yet? I couldn’t help but stick my nose into the conversation at that point, because anything boysenberry is pretty much my kryptonite!

Yep, I have a few weak spots and one of them is definitely boysenberry. The woman pointed me in the direction of the Boardwalk area and told me to look for the Gourmet Coffee Hut!

I made my way over there in quite a hurry. It was drizzling on and off so this was the perfect day for something hot. When I looked up at the menu board I then realized they were serving Starbucks! It was like a dream! This wasn’t just brewed Starbucks, there were actual lattes and cappuccinos and mochas on the menu!

I was beaming from ear to ear when I ordered my “venti, non-fat Boysenberry latte WITH whipped cream“! I know the lady who took my order probably thought I nuts, too! (especially when I asked her to leave the top off so I could take a picture of it before it got smashed with the lid!)

Oh and it smelled SOOOOO good!

As I walked away from the window with my boysenberry latte in hand, I turned and just gazed back at the Gourmet Coffee Hut as I took my first sip!

It was heavenly! I walked along the Boardwalk, slowly sipping on my boysenberry latte. I can’t tell you how many other park guests stopped me to ask where I’d found Starbucks in the park! I felt like it was necessary to let each and every one of those guests know about it being a BOYSENBERRY latte and watched their eyes lit up as big as mine had, when I found out those even existed!

The Starbucks Boysenberry Lattes are just another thing I love about Knott’s Berry Farm! I suggest you get over there to try one soon! (like ASAP)

Ring in The New Year With Family Friendly Fun at Knott’s! #KnottsNYE

December 18, 2014 / Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun

Disclosure: I was invited by GigaSavvy to spend New Year’s Eve at Knott’s this year with my family. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

I cannot believe that it’s almost 2015! Where has the time gone this year? I love the holiday season and have been fortunate enough to fit in a ton of holiday activities this season. With it being the week before Christmas, I’m also already planning for New Year’s Eve! This year, our family is going to spend New Year’s Eve at Knott’s and I think you should too! Put on your party hats and get ready to ring in the New Year at Knott’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve event that offers something for everyone! Knott’s is a fun and safe options for families who want to ring in the New Year together.

Extended park hours (from 10 a.m. until 1 a.m.!), live entertainment, and a fireworks display are all included in the price of regular park admission! And if you have a 2015 Season Pass the value is even better, because each 2015 Season Pass includes one FREE visit in 2014 that can be used on New Year’s Eve! There’s still time to purchase Knott’s 2015 Season Passes (have you seen how low they’re priced at?) which also include a visit in 2014, and you could also use that 2014 visit for New Year’s Eve at Knott’s!

So what are YOUR plans for New Year’s Eve this year? Why not head over to Knott’s?