Over The Top Mommy

SoCal Fun

Plaza de la Familia Returns to Disney California Adventure With a Musical Celebration from “Coco”

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Guests at the Disneyland Resort can, once again, enjoy special seasonal experiences this fall, inspired by Día de los Muertos, at both Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park. The festivities and displays, now available through November 4, are a celebration honoring loved ones who have passed and honoring familial bonds that last forever. At Disney California Adventure Plaza de la Familia returns for a limited-time festivity. The area, located at the Paradise Gardens area of the park, celebrates Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family.
Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia will enjoy an immersive celebration that includes:

  • Live entertainment with storytelling
  • folklórico dancers and mariachi musicians
  • delicious Mexican fare

and interactive experiences such as the new craft where guests make colorful masks like
the ones seen in the “Coco” film.

  • A Musical Celebration of Coco – This festive show by the entertaining Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia celebrates the popular songs from the film “Coco”, including the Oscar®-winning Best Original Song “Remember Me”. As the lead storyteller Mateo recounts Miguel’s fantastical journey into the Land of the Dead, guests are immersed in the story of “Coco.” New this year, Miguel appears as a whimsical, hand-animated dimensional figure, joining a musical gathering that brings together a lively troupe of singers and Folklórico dancers dressed in beautiful costumes accompanied by the Grammy® Award-winning Mariachi Divas. A Musical Celebration is performed several times daily.
  • At the Paradise Gardens Bandstand, guests will enjoy an uplifting and moving family celebration featuring beloved Mariachi music and traditional songs that touch the hearts of all.
  • The World of Coco, an evocative art exhibit, allows guests to rediscover their favorite characters and settings from the film “Coco.” The immersive exhibition features framed imagery that showcases the depth of imagination that went into creating the Land of the Living and Land of the Dead.
  • Guests also will encounter a three-dimensional “ofrenda” inspired by the remembrance altar seen in “Coco.” In the film, Miguel, the 12-year-old lead character, builds an “ofrenda” in honor of his idol, the legendary late musician Ernesto de la Cruz. “Ofrendas” traditionally are created by friends and family members to honor relatives or loved ones who have passed away.
  • Guests are invited to take commemorative photos in front of the iconic Mexican “Árbol de la Vida”, or Tree of Life. The Tree of Life at Plaza de la Familia celebrates the everlasting bonds of family and friends. Guests will be able to add a remembrance note on the Memory Wall to honor the many loved ones who have been − and will forever be − part of their lives.
  • Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia can design their own paper “alebrije” (spirit guide) mask as part of a new craft activity.
  • Mexican Food Menu: The Mexican menu at Paradise Garden Grill features delicious offerings such as the traditional Día de los Muertos Pan de Muerto, Mole Verde con Pollo, a scrumptious Pan Dulce Conchita and a special “Coco” cake.

More Día de los Muertos in Cars Land
Guests who cruise into Cars Land will find that Ramone, one of the citizens of Cars Land, also pays tribute to Día de los Muertos at Ramone’s House of Body Art. Ramone celebrates this time when families gather to remember their loved ones with a traditional “ofrenda” display honoring the gone, but not forgotten, Doc Hudson.

At Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park continues to offer its traditional Día de los Muertos display at Zócalo Park in
Frontierland. This immersive setting features marigolds and papel picado, along with a traditional “ofrenda,” sugar skulls known as “cavaleras” and an iconic figure of La Catrina. Nearby Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante offers delicious Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner.

For more information about these special festivities and more, please visit Disneyland.com.

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

10 Signs Telling You to Apply for The Disney Parks Moms Panel This Year

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

It’s almost time again! The Disney Parks Moms Panel search will begin this year on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 and if you’re not sure whether to apply or not, you’re not alone. I’m having the same struggle and am still undecided, but it’s like that for me every year. Yes, I’ve applied more than one time before. So far, I’ve only made it to Round 2 in the selection process, which is probably all the more reason I should apply again this year, right?  If you’re not sure what exactly the Disney Parks Moms Panel is, let me fill you in a little bit. The Disney Parks Moms Panel search is an annual selection process, originating back in 2008, where Disney searches for new moms, dads, grandparents and other family members to join this group which serves as an online resource for Disney guests. The panel is hand-picked, diverse and knowledgeable and each member exudes a passion for Disney and has a love of helping others plan the ultimate Disney family vacation of their dreams with helpful tips and heartfelt advice about Disney.  Whether guests have a question about a theme park, restaurant, service, shop, hotel or activity, the Moms Panel is there to help with that planning.
Each of the chosen panelists specializes in one of these categories:

  • Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
  • Disneyland Resort in California
  • runDisney events
  • Disney Vacation Club
  • Disney Cruise Line

Applications for the 2019 Disney Parks Moms Panel search will open at noon EDT on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 and round one closes at noon EDT on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. To read the specific eligibility requirements for this year’s search, please go here.So now we’re back to the original question: Do we apply this year or not? I think the fact that you’re here reading this blog post is already a sign that you should. I’ve met a few of the past and present Disney Parks Moms Panelists and if you ask any of them, they will always tell you to go for it! I mean, what do you have to lose?In case you’re still not sure if you should, I put together a fun list of “10 Signs Telling You to Apply For the Disney Parks Moms Panel This Year”.If you can relate to any (or all) of these things, I think you need to apply this year! Here they are:

  • You love Disney.
  • You see “Hidden Mickeys” everywhere you go
  • When you’re out shopping you spot things, like outfits, that would “be perfect for your next Disney trip”
  • You have a pet with a Disney-inspired name
  • You prefer Mickey-shaped foods.
  • Your friends and family constantly ask you Disney questions and/or for Disney tips.
  • You have a “Disney Bucket List” somewhere.
  • You know what Club 33 is.
  • You own more than 3 pairs of EARs.
  • You’re named after a character in a Disney movie or story.

Personally, I can relate to all of those. How about you? Ok so we’re all going to apply this year, right?  Here’s where you can fill out your application. (starting September 5) Good luck, Everyone! Come back and comment after you apply so we can chEAR each other on!

 

Book a Stay at Great Wolf Lodge For Their Annual Howl-O-Ween Celebrations

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

As summer is coming to an end, we are getting excited for the arrival of fall and the start of the holiday season! First up, HALLOWEEN! Are you ready? We are! And so is Great Wolf Lodge! They’ll kick off kick their annual Howl-O-Ween festivities with seasonal celebrations all month long for guests staying at the resort. There’s nothing like 105,000 square feet of water park fun and Halloween-centric activities for the whole family. Throughout October, families can find special complimentary guest programming from a Howl-O-Ween House in the lobby to nightly Howl-O-Ween themed dance parties, Haunted Hustle scavenger hunts, boo bingo and more. How fun is that?

Great Wolf Lodge’s Howl-O-Ween festivities include:

  • Howl-O-Ween House in the lobby
  • Nightly Trick or Treat Trail from 5:30pm – 7:30pm
  • Nightly Howl-O-Ween themed games in the lobby including Witch Hat Ring Toss, Mummy Bowling, Feed the Monster, Boo Bingo, Candy Corn Guessing Game + more.
  • Howl-O-Ween themed dance parties
  • Haunted Hussle Scavenger Hunt and a Spooky Walk, replacing the Wolf Walk
  • An UnBoolieveable Character Meet, Greet & Treat
  • Howl-O-Ween themed Character Breakfasts

This all sounds like a lot of fun! Great Wolf Lodge’s Howl-O-Ween For more information and to book your family’s Howl-o-ween stay, please visit here.

Some images and video are property of Great Wolf Lodge and used with permission. 

{Giveaway} Tickets on Sale for Adventure City’s BOO-tastic Halloween Party

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
Have you been to Adventure City before? It’s known as “The Little Theme Park That’s Big on Family Fun” and we had a great time there last summer. Since October is right around the corner, families looking for something fun to do to celebrate Halloween should check out Adventure City’s BOO-TASTIC Halloween Party! This year, Adventure City will be hosting 2 kid-friendly parties on Friday nights in October, the 19th and the 26th, which will be held from 5:30-9:30 p.m. In addition to Adventure City’s 11 thrilling rides, guests at the party will be able to:

  • Walk through “Trick or Treat Street” to get candy and trinkets
  • Experience an all-new Vortex Tunnel for a dizzying delight
  • Go on a fun, Halloween Scavenger Hunt aboard the Express Train
  • Be a part of the Spooktacular Dance Party
  • Meet the Mad Scientist Magician for some astonishing tricks

Guests are also encouraged to show their Halloween spirit and wear a costume to the party. *Please see costume guidelines below! Tickets for Adventure City’s BOO-TASTIC Halloween Party are just $24.95 per person and are only going to be sold up until a limited quantity to help keep ride wait times at a minimum. You can purchase your tickets here.

I’m also hosting a giveaway for one (1) of my readers to win a family 4-pack of tickets to their choice of party, either Friday, October 19 or Friday, October 26. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below. Good luck everyone! Who else is excited for Halloween?
a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Kid friendly costumes only (don’t be scary). Ages 1 and up require a ticket. We will provide the trick-or-treat candy bags. Small toys can be substituted for candy upon request. One Trick-or-Treat Street entry per person per night. No coupons, discounts, daily general admission tickets or complimentary tickets accepted for this special event. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets online to guarantee entry. Remaining tickets may be purchased at the main gate on the night of the event based on availability. Rides and Attractions availability subject to unscheduled closure. The event takes place regardless of weather conditions. No refunds for this special event. Some rides have height, size and weight limits. Rules subject to change without notice. Management reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone wearing an outfit or costume it deems to be inappropriate. Additional park rules apply. For a list of these rules, please visit our website. 

*Some images are property of Adventure City and used with permission.

{Giveaway} Irvine Park Railroad’s 13th Annual Pumpkin Patch Opens 9/15

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

Who’s ready for Halloween? I know it’s still summer but I get so giddy just thinking about pumpkins and Halloween fun! One of our favorite things to do each fall is visit Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch  and this year, they’ll be opening their 13th Annual Pumpkin Patch on September 15th! Yay!The Pumpkin Patch will be open daily, starting September 15th and running through October 31st. If you haven’t visited before, you’ll want to make a trip out. It’s fun for both children and adults! Irvine Park Railroad is located inside of Irvine Regional Park in the foothills of Orange, California. The Pumpkin Patch is located in Locomotive Loop and Miners Meadow just behind the train station.

Thousands of pumpkins, in all shapes and sizes, fill the areas behind the train station. All visitors are sure to find the perfect pumpkin. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there are a bunch of activities there too. (Prices for pumpkin patch activities vary.)This year’s Pumpkin Patch activities include:

  • Train rides
  • Hay rides
  • Panning for gold
  • A child-friendly haunted house
  • A hay maze
  • A moon bounce
  • Pumpkin ring toss
  • Carnival games
  • Cookie decorating
  • John Deere tractor racers
  • Face painting
  • Picture stands

There’s also great food at the Pumpkin Patch and a lot more!Irvine Park Railroad will also host its 3rd annual “Great Pumpkin WeighOff” on Saturday, September 22nd, starting at 10:00 am. Visitors can come see if pumpkin growers have what it takes to grow the biggest pumpkin. Cash prizes will be awarded and KTLA Channel 5 weatherman Henry DiCarlo will host this event. Admission into the Pumpkin Patch is free. Please visit www.IrvineParkRailroad.com for additional information and ticket costs.The Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch is open daily from September 15th through October 31st and the hours are as follows: 

  • Weekdays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Weekends 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

*Starting October 1st, Irvine Park Railroad will open at 8:00 am on weekends.The parking fee for Irvine Regional Park is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends. Important parking information: As Halloween nears, we encourage visitors to plan to arrive early to help avoid crowds, particularly on the weekend. Visit this page on our web site for special event parking information.While you’re in the park, visit Irvine Regional Park’s other activities including Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park. These fun and unique bike rentals that can be enjoyed by single riders or an entire family. Also enjoy paddle boat rentals, the Orange County Zoo and pony rides. Bike and paddle boat rentals are open daily at 10:00 am. Visit http://www.IrvineParkRailroad.com For full details including hours of operation and costs of these activities, please go here. 

I’m also hosting a giveaway for one(1) of my readers to win a prize pack of tickets which includes 8 activity for the pumpkin patch, 1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park Double Surrey Bike Rental and 1 Paddle boat rental. The value of the prize is $100.00. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below. Please note: this giveaway is not open to bloggers. Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Irvine Park Railroad’s annual events include the Anniversary Celebration, Easter Eggstravaganza, 4th Grade California History Education Program, Pumpkin Patch, and Christmas TrainFor pricing, park directions, and complete details, please visit their site here: Irvine Park Railroad.

Monster Jam Triple Threat Series at Staples Center August 17-19 + Enter to Win

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

Monster Jam is revving its way up to Downtown Los Angeles with an all-new action-packed weekend of events for the first time ever at Staples Center! This exciting show will keep motorsport fans on the edge of their seats with adrenaline-charged, high-flying, four-wheel excitement that is fun for the entire family! Monster Jam Triple Threat Series arrives to Staples Center August 17-19.

Monster Jam Triple Threat Series features eight of the most intense Monster Jam athletes in a fierce battle for the championship that tests their versatility and endurance as they go head-to-head in a points-based format with seven different competitions driving three customized high-powered vehicles:  the larger-than-life 12,000 lb. Monster Jam trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs.Unlike any other Monster Jam event seen in SoCal before, the Monster Jam Triple Threat Series features eight of the most intense Monster Jam athletes in a fierce battle for the championship that tests the versatility and endurance of the athletes as they go head-to-head in a points-based format with seven different competitions driving three customized high-powered vehicles: the larger-than-life 12,000 lb. Monster Jam trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs. These extreme athletes battle for points in challenging Racing and Freestyle events that push themselves and their machines to the limit – delivering what fans want to see the most… more trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, more action!
Monster Jam Triple Threat Series world-class athletes vying to become champions will be:

  • Grave Digger® driven by Brandon Vinson
  • Max-D® driven by Jared Eichelberger
  • El Toro Loco® driven by Mark List
  • Megalodon driven by Travis Groth
  • Zombie™ driven by Tyler Groth
  • Wonder Woman driven by Collette Davis
  • Pirate’s Curse™* driven by 2017 “Rookie of the Year” Camden Murphy
  • Alien Invasion driven by Bernard Lyght

Showtimes for this location are:

  • Friday, August 17, 2018 at 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, August 19, 2018 at 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Tickets are affordably priced for the whole family with seats starting at just $25 each* Tickets are available for purchase online at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or by visiting the venue Box Office.

I’m also hosting an amazing giveaway! I’m giving away two (2) family 4-packs of tickets to the opening night show, which will take place on Friday, August 17 at 7:30 pm. Winners will pick up tickets at Will Call on the night of the show and must be able to attend that show. (no substitutions for the prize.) To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information about Monster Jam, please visit here.
Staples Center is located at
1111 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, Ca. 90011

Images are property of Monster Jam and used with permission. 

 

Support CHOC Walk by Attending Ambassadors’ Rock’N Luau at Splitsville + a Giveaway

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

The CHOC Walk in the Park, held every year at The Disneyland Resort, is just around the corner. This wonderful , fundraising event will take place this year on Sunday, August 25. Have you already registered to particpate? Hopefully so.Another fun event to join in on is the CHOC Walk Ambassadors’ Rock’N Luau, which will take place the night before the CHOC Walk at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Downtown Disney®. Join in on the luau festivities Saturday, August 25, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It’s going to be a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family.The CHOC Walk Ambassadors’ Rock’N Luau is hosted by the CHOC Walk Ambassadors, who are grateful CHOC patients and their families who team up to coordinate this incredible fundraiser! These courageous kids represent the children we “Luau” for, past, present, and future. This entire event is to help raise awareness and funds to support CHOC Children’s Hospital.This “1950s Polynesian” themed event will feature:

  • activities for kids (and kids at heart)
  • a Rock’N raffle
  • a bowlin’ buffet
  • mini-bowling tournament
  • authentic Polynesian entertainment

Guests are encouraged to rock their favorite vintage Hawaiian shirts or fabulous 50’s gear.
For more information or to purchase your tickets for this year’s CHOC Walk Ambassadors’ Rock’N Luau, please go here.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes is located in the Downtown Disney District
at
1530 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, Ca. 92802

Guests in attendance at this event will receive 5 Hours Downtown Disney Parking lot with validation.

I’m also hosting a giveaway for one (1) of my readers to win 4 Dave & Buster’s gift cards with 32 credits on each! To enter this giveaway, just fill out the Rafflecopter at the very bottom of this post! Good luck, everyone!

If you still need to register for the CHOC Walk in the Park, you can do so here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mrs. Knott’s Express Bakery Now Open

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

There was exciting news out of Knott’s yesterday! As soon as I saw the first post online about the opening of Mrs. Knott’s Express Bakery now being open in the California Marketplace, which is located just outside the park, I knew I needed to investigate further!Anything food-related is going to grab my attention, especially when it’s at Knott’s. Bonus points if it’s “boysenberry” (and some of the items actually are) This was the tweet that caught my eye:

I mean, how could I ignore this tweet? Mrs. Knott’s Express Bakery looks like a great place to grab some delicious looking donuts! Plus, they offer coffee, tea, juice, soda and one of my favorites from last year’s Boysenberry Festival: Knott’s Boysenberry Boba Tea! Oh my goodness! We fell in absolute love with this drink and were sad to see the festival end, knowing we’d have to wait an entire year to get our hands on another one. Now you can grab one any time though!

But getting back to those donuts…. which one of these cronut-style donuts would you try first: Fruity Pebbles, Bacon or Chocolate Explosion? This picture from Clementine County looks like a good start! I can’t wait for my next visit to Knott’s!

For more information about Knott’s, please go here.

Some photos are property of Knott’s Berry Farm and Clementine County blog. 

 

Discounts and Deals for the 2018 OC Fair

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

It’s that time of year again! It’s time for the 2018 OC Fair! This year’s festivities began on July 13 and will run through August 12 . Visiting the OC Fair is something our family looks forward to doing every summer, This year’s fair encourages you to “Free Your Inner Farmer” and offers 23 days and nights of entertainment, food, rides, shopping, exhibits and more.If you’re like me, you’re probably interested in knowing about all the ways to save every single day at the OC Fair. So grab your overalls and plan ahead to take advantage of all these great deals.New this year is Overalls Day. All fair-goers wearing overalls get free admission every Thursday from noon to 3 p.m.Also new for this year is a weekend carnival special. Grab $35 unlimited ride wristbands from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and use them until 4 p.m.

Returning favorite promotions include:

  • Free Till Three on Opening Day; that’s free Fair admission and parking from noon to 3 p.m. on July 13 only. And our weekend commuter specials, the OC Fair Express bus and offsite Experian parking, save time, money and traffic headaches.
  • 2018 SUPER PASS – Super Passes include admission to all 23 days of the OC Fair. Other perks include a carnival value book, 20 percent off OC Fair merchandise (one-time purchase), free admission to the Orange County Market Place for the calendar year, two-for-one tickets to select events at Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena, and the ability to purchase up to 10 general admission Fair tickets for $10 each. Super Passes are $40 (general admission) and $33 (seniors and youth) through May 31, and available for purchase here.

Weekday Deals

  • WEDNESDAYS – We Care Wednesday (noon – 3 p.m.) Free admission and one carnival ride with a donation to that day’s charity. July 18, school supplies drive; July 25, food drive; Aug. 1, children’s book drive; Aug. 8, clothing drive.
  • THURSDAYSNew! Wear Overalls Day (noon-3 p.m.) Fairgoers who wear overalls get free admission. $3 Taste of Fair Food – From noon-4 p.m., you can sample a variety of food from different vendors for $3 each. Kids Day (all day) Children 12 and younger receive free admission.
  • FRIDAYS- Seniors Day (all day) Guests 60+ receive $5 admission and free Ferris wheel and merry-go-round-rides. $2 Rides & $2 Games (noon-4 p.m.) Try out all of the Carnival and Midway attractions for just $2 each.

Weekend Deals

  • SATURDAYS – Best Deal Ever! (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Admission is half price ($7) for all guests, and rides are half the carnival tickets to ride.
  • SUNDAYS – New! Sunday Fun Day (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) Admission is half price ($7) for all guests. Rides are half the carnival tickets to ride, OR guests can purchase a $35 unlimited ride wristband (11 a.m. – 1 p.m., valid until 4 p.m.)

LIMITED-TIME DEALS

  • Free Till Three on Opening Day (Friday, July 13, noon-3 p.m.) Admission and parking are free at all gates on Opening Day of the 2018 OC Fair until 3 p.m.
  • First Responders and Law Enforcement Week (Aug. 8-12) With an issuing agency ID, active-duty and professional staff of the police, sheriff, fire and emergency services departments receive free admission.

DAILY DEALS

  • Salute to Heroes – Veterans and active-duty military receive free admission with a valid ID and are also able to purchase up to six general admission tickets for half off.
  • Fair It Forward – With the original ticket, guests who attended the San Diego County Fair, Ventura County Fair or OC Fair can receive free admission to both of the other two fairs.
  • Read & Ride – Bookworms ages 5-11 who read two books and complete the online book report form (available at bit.ly/readride2018) will receive three free carnival rides. This deal can be redeemed at the Information Booth in Centennial Farm during regular Fair hours.
  • Pacific Amphitheatre & Carnival Ticket Bounce-Back – Guests who attend a Pacific Amphitheatre concert receive one free ride on La Grande Wheel XL in the Main Midway with their valid ticket stub.
  • OC City Coupon – Orange County residents can pick up a coupon for $2 off full-price general admission from their local city halls or libraries. This coupon is valid for up to four people; must present original coupon.

COMMUTING DEALS

  • Free offsite parking (every Saturday and Sunday) Park at the Experian lot in Irvine for free, and take the courtesy shuttle straight to the OC Fair.
  • OC Fair Express (every Saturday and Sunday) Fairgoers traveling to the Fair on OCTA’S OC Fair Express bus receive a coupon for $4 Fair admission. The bus fare is $2 each way ($4 round trip; $1.50 for seniors). Buses run 10 a.m. to midnight and will pick up from nine different locations throughout Orange County. Visit ocfairexpress.com for more information.

Regular pricing: General admission is $12 Wednesday-Friday and $14 Saturday-Sunday. Seniors (60+) and youth (6-12) admission is $7. Parking is $10.

The 2018 OC Fair is July 13-Aug. 12, open Wednesday-Friday from noon to midnight and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

The OC Fair is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. You can Free Your Inner Farmer till the cows come home at the OC Fair through August 12!  For more information about these deals and this year’s OC Fair, please visit here.

Some images and logos are property of OC Fair.