Over The Top Mommy

Travel

Helpful Tips for Navigating Through Security at Disneyland® Resort

If you’ve been to the Disneyland® Resort lately you may (or may not) have noticed the increase in security prior to entering the Parks. I’ve always felt safe during my visits, but I really appreciate the added efforts which include more thorough screening procedures for guests. Yes, it now takes a little longer to get inside, but isn’t that what we really want for ourselves and for our families? remember-youre-at-the-happiest-place-on-earthAs you approach the security area, it can be a little congested at times. It’s always important to remember…you’re at The Happiest Place on Earth! Nowadays, these extra security measures are necessary. I’m actually glad that Disneyland Resort has done this. heres-what-you-can-expect

Let’s talk about what you can expect, as far as security goes when you visit the Disneyland Resort. First of all, you’ll see signs telling you about items that are completely prohibited, which you should avoid carrying with you to avoid confiscation. no-selfie-sticks-disneyland-resortYou should know that any bags will be checked, as well as strollers and wheelchairs. place-your-items-disneyland-resortOnce you get through the initial bag screening area, you’ll be going through a metal detector, similar to the ones at the airport. You’ll be asked to unload your pockets and place your belongings in a tray before walking through the machines. It seems that they’re currently doing this for all guests. metal-detectors-disneyland-resortThere are things you can do to help speed up the security process for yourself and others around you. As someone who’s been through the lines recently, on a few different “busy days”, I am speaking from experience here. (These are just some of my own tips.) being-prepared-helpsFirst, prior to entering the bag check area, be prepared by already by having your backpack, satchel, and/or purse open for the Cast Members to search. This really helps to keep the line flowing. No one wants to wait extra time while you are asked to remove your bag and open it when you could already be ready. dont-bring-items-that-are-prohibitedSecond, avoid carrying items on the prohibited list. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve seen with “selfie sticks”. They’re on the prohibited list and have been for a while. I’ve even seen this on the news. I’ve also seen guests try to negotiate to be able to bring theirs in with them still. Just don’t! keep-calm-and-disney-onThird, have some extra patience when you’re in line. Sadly, I’ve also witnessed other guests acting in a grumpy manner and complaining to everyone around them. Did you know that positivity is contagious? why-not-thank-a-cast-memberFinally, consider actually thanking a Cast Member as you pass through these security areas. Thank them for working to keep you extra safe. Trust me, it’ll make their day!

For more information about Disneyland Resort, click here.

This is not a sponsored post, I just like Disneyland Resort a lot! All opinions are 100% my own. 

 

Family Guide to Knott’s 75th Anniversary of Ghost Town

Summer is here and there’s never been a better time to visit Knott’s Berry Farm! This year marks the 75th Anniversary of Knott’s Ghost Town and in honor of this milestone, they’ve got a whole lot of special things going on in the Park this summer, now through September 5th! knotts-ghosttown-75th-anniversaryI was invited to a media day at Knott’s a couple of weeks ago and I had the opportunity to experience all the fun! I actually can’t wait to go back again with my family! knotts-ghost-town-signI think one of my most favorite parts about Ghost Town right now is the all-new interactive experience called Ghost Town Alive!  Park guests get to step inside of this little Old West town and interact with the residents there. Whether it’s the Barbershop, The Sheriff’s Office, The Post Office, The Mayor’s Office at Calico Town Hall, or Goldie’s Place, you’ll be totally engaged with the people of Ghost Town. knotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-spinsterknotts-ghost-town-75th-anniversary-photographersknotts-75th-ghost-town-celebration-saloonWhether you visit , you’ll feel like you’re “too modern” to even be there. (Ok not really, I’m just kidding). Seriously though, I could’ve spent the entire day in Ghost Town! Some of the Ghost Town Alive! experiences include:

  • Getting a handlebar or walrus mustache “shave” at the Barbershop
  • Trying your luck at a game of cards with the sneaky Sheriff
  • Meeting the prospector and his trusty burro, Brutus
  • Locking up the bandits in the town patty wagon
  • Voting for the Mayor in the town election knotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-the-mayor
  • Drawing up hand-made wanted posters
  • Visiting the Livery Stable to meet the friendly equestrian team of horses (Brutus the burro is there also.) knotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-livery-stableknotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-horse

Another fun daily event in Ghost Town that you shouldn’t miss is the Hoedown held right in front of the Bird Cage Theater! The whole town shows up and park guests are encouraged to join in! knotts-ghost-town-75th-anniversary-celebration-hoedownJust inside of Ghost Town, stands the tallest, longest and fastest wooden rollercoaster on the West Coast…GhostRider! GhostRider is a Knott’s fan favorite! After undergoing a recent resoration, GhostRider is now open  with a complete wooden re-tracking of the entire 4,533 ft. long track. So, of course, I braved a ride on it myself with a friendknotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-before-ghostriderIt was amazing! I mean, it was beyond scary, and she kept her eyes shut the entire time but it’s supposed to be scary right? Let me just add that the new cars and track are so smooth! You’re going to love it!

Some of the other fun things I recommend doing while you’re at Knott’s 75th Anniversary of Ghost Town this summer are:

  • Visit the new(ish) Starbucks location outside the Park for a Boysenberry Latte or Boysenberry Frappucino. (also available inside the Park at the Gourmet Coffee Hut)
  • Check out the all-new Wild West Stunt Show in the Wagon Camp.
  • Grab a funnel cake from Ghost Town Grub knotts-ghost-town-75th-anniversary-celebration-funnel-cake
  • Take in a performance of the all-new “Circus of Wonders” on the new Calico Stage.
  • Have lunch or dinner in the sparkling new Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
  • Rest your feet (and enjoy air conditioning) while you watch a performance of “Blockbuster Beagle…On Ice!” over in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre.
  • Pan for Gold
  • Visit the Calico Saloon to watch the Calico Saloon Show and enjoy a cool beverage.  I stopped by with my friend to enjoy a Sarsaparilla. knotts-ghost-town-75th-anniversary-celebration-sarsaparilla

All of the fun I experienced at Knott’s as part of their 75th Anniversary Celebration is part of regular admission to the Park and will continue until September 5th! I highly suggest you get there sooner, rather than later, cause you don’t want to miss all the fun! Also, try to keep yourself out of Knott’s Jail whilte you’re there. (unlike me)knotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-jail

For more information about Knott’s Ghost Town 75th Anniversary Celebration, visit http://www.knotts.com. Connect with Knott’s Berry Farm on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I was invited as a member of the media to a day at Knott’s in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

See ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,’ a New Stage Musical, Now at Disney California Adventure Park

Today’s the day! It’s finally here! “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” a new theatrical
adaptation based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film, opened today, at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park in Southern California. This new theatrical interpretation for the stage immerses audiences in the beloved world of Frozen and takes audiences on the heartwarming journey of Anna and Elsa, with all of the excitement of live theater. Under the direction of Tony Award® nominated Director Liesl Tommy, the show features elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, and show-stopping production numbers. An exceptionally large production, the show features an opening cast and crew of more than 200, six full musical numbers and a 2,200 square foot video wall which combine for an unforgettable theatrical experience. frozen-show-hyperion-theaterDisney Creative Entertainment, the arm of Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for live
theatrical entertainment at Disney Parks, has produced this new stage interpretation of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” with all of the creativity and resources of its predecessor “Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” which ran for a remarkable 13 years at the 2,000 seat Hyperion Theater.Frozen-at-the-hyperion-elsaAs would be expected from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Parks, new technologies –
especially with projections, fabrics and special effects — will delight audiences in new and
unexpected ways. Guests are immersed in the world of “Frozen” from the moment they enter
the theater and are surrounded by a specially lit “Aurora” curtain. As the musical unfolds, the scenic design and large moving set pieces create a cinema-style energy enhanced by state-of-the-art projections that create dynamic environments for the performers. Custom sound design envelops the audience in music and audio effects. And, of course, there will be snow throughout the interior of the theater.” – on stage and over the audience. frozen-at-the-hyperion-elsa-and-ana“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios “Frozen,”
which is the number one animated feature of all time. It is the winner of two Academy Awards
(2014) for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

“While our production of ‘Frozen’ stays true to the heart and soul of the film, we have adapted it for the stage so it’s truly a musical theater production that befits our beautiful Hyperion Theater. The goal of this creative team is to take all audiences, including those who know the film, and those new to these characters, on this exciting and touching adventure with Anna and Elsa. We know that for many in the audience, adults and children alike, this production will be a first or rare theater-going experience, and we want to make it as magical as possible. – Dana Harrel, creative entertainment executive with Walt Disney Imagineering

frozen-at-the-hyperion-anaThe new adaptation features music and lyrics by the creators of the film score, Kristen
Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Up Here”) and Robert Lopez (“Avenue Q,” “The Book of
Mormon,” “Up Here”), and is adapted from the screenplay by four-time Tony Award® nominee Chad Beguelin (“Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” at Hyperion Theater; Broadway: “Gotta Dance,” “Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Elf”). “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is directed by Tommy, who was recently nominated for a Tony Award® for her Broadway show “Eclipsed.” The choreographer is Christopher Windom and this is his seventh collaboration with Tommy. The musical supervisor/arranger/adaptor is Jason Michael Webb, whose Broadway credits include “The Color Purple,” “Motown: The Musical,” “Violet,” and “Memphis.” Clint Ramos, the principal costume designer, was also nominated this year for a Tony Award® for his work on “Eclipsed.”  frozen-at-the-hyperion-theater-olaf1

“I am approaching ‘Frozen’ as I would any new work – to search the story for what resonates most emotionally, which is the story of the relationship between Anna and Elsa, their coming of age and conquering their worst fears. It’s what made the movie so intensely satisfying and fresh. The theatrical version of ‘Frozen’ that my designers and I are creating for the Hyperion builds on the film’s emotional intensity using beautiful performances, thrilling choreography and the most cutting-edge design elements.” – Liesl Tommy, Director

A great amount of creative energies have been employed to bring “Frozen – Live at the
Hyperion” to the stage. Harrel and Tommy have assembled a team of creative talent from both Broadway and Disney to create this production. The principal designers are Robert Brill (scenery), Charles Lapointe (wigs), David Weiner (lighting), Aaron Rhyne (projections) and Broken Chord (audio), and Ramos (costumes). frozen-live-at-the-hyperion-svenThe challenge of bringing the animated non-human characters of Sven and Olaf to the stage was assigned to master puppet designer Michael Curry, who co-designed with director Julie Taymor the animal creations of “The Lion King” on Broadway, the magic mirror in “Snow White: An Enchanted Musical” at Fantasyland Theatre, and many other Disney parades, shows and projects, as well as projects for Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera. Curry’s intricate designs created for Olaf and Sven allow the performers to connect with the characters and bring them to life on stage in new ways. frozen-live-at-the-hyperion-olaf2More exciting news surrounding “Frozen” is that an entirely separate two-act Broadway production of “Frozen” is currently being prepared by Disney Theatrical Productions and is slated to join Disney Theatrical’s New York productions of “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” for spring 2018 at a theater to be announced. It will have a pre-Broadway engagement starting in summer 2017 in Denver!

To locate daily performance times and Fast Pass information for “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,”, visit here.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. All photos are property of the Disneyland Resort. 

Capture Your Memories at Knott’s With FunPix Photo Service

This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to spend a day in the Park in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

We were super excited to kick off our Spring Break this year with a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm! Spending a day in the Park together is the perfect way to create new memories. It’s also a chance to capture your lasting memories in photos. On our visit to Knott’s, we had the opportunity to try out the all-new FunPix service, which is a fun and easy way to capture, collect and share professional-quality photos of some of your favorite moments at the park. funpix-photo-services-photo1For one low price, you’ll have access to unlimited downloads of your in-park photos, almost instantly after they’re uploaded into the system, as well as receive discounts on merchandise. Also, it’s very simple to share your photos with friends and family, either via email or text or even on your social media channels. FunPix is an incredible value for all that you’re getting! funpix-photo-services-photo3How is FunPix priced?
FunPix photo services are offered at a great price! There are 2 different options to choose from which include:
A Single Day Digital Photo Pass – For just $29.99 + applicable fees and taxes, park goers have the option of purchasing this package. It allows them to download provides the user with unlimited photo downloads for up to 30 days, plus day-of discounts on prints and photo souvenirs available for purchase at the theme park or online.
The All Season Digital Photo Pass  – This option is only available for Knott’s Berry Farm Regular, Gold, and Platinum Season Passholders and is $39.99 + applicable taxes and fees. It provides unlimited downloads for the entire 2016 season plus discounts on prints and photo souvenirs all season long. funpix-photo-services-printsHow Do You Get Started With FunPix?
Purchase Your FunPix Photo Card – You can actually purchase your FunPix package online, before your visit to Knott’s. If you don’t do this, you have the option to purchase a FunPix photo card near the Front Gate FunPix booth, located at the entrance to Ghost Town or at any ride photo location. *Note: If you purchase yours online, bring your printed out voucher to any booth to receive your FunPix photo card. funpix-photo-services-knotts-cardSet Up An Account – You can set up an account to access and download all of your photos by visiting http://www.myfunpix.com or by downloading the Knott’s Berry Farm park app to your mobile device. funpix-photo-services-knotts-app

funpix-photo-services-app3Get Your Photographs Taken in the Park – There are FunPix photographers located throughout the park, as well as certain attractions that have cameras installed. Here are the locations you should look for:

  • FunPix Front Gate Photo
  • Peanuts Meet & Greet (character availability and hours vary)
  • FunPix Rides: Timber Mountain Log Ride, Pony Express, Silver Bullet, Xcelerator funpix-photo-services-photo4funpix-photo-services-photo6

funpix-photo-services-photo7I love taking family photos whenever we’re out and about but I will fully admit that I have the tendency to focus a little too much on taking the perfect pics. By using FunPix on our visit, I could actually avoid constantly grabbing for my phone to snap pics and only use it when I wanted to download the FunPix photos from the Knott’s app to share on my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  funpix-photo-services-photo5.I loved getting to use FunPix while we were in the Park. I highly recommend it as an add-on to your day out at Knott’s! For more information about FunPix, visit http://www.knotts.com.

The Disney Parks Egg-stravaganza Was SO Much Fun!

We were super “egg-cited” to fit a trip to Disneyland Resort into our schedule this weekend, specifically to do the 2016 Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt! This family friendly, hunt for special hidden “eggs” , themed to Disney characters, is another fun way create memories on your visit to the Resort. As you discover each egg, you record your findings by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed Egg-stravaganza map (which are available for purchase) to represent that location. At the end of your hunt, you may return to any redemption center with your map and collect your special Disney “surprise”. disney-eggstravaganza-mapThis year, there are 3 different Egg-stravaganza maps (and hunts) to choose from at the Resort.  Maps, which come with the stickers, can be purchased for $5.95, plus tax. There are no discounts for these. You can find the 2016 Egg-stravaganza maps at the following parks and locations:

  • Disneyland park – Disneyana, Disney Showcase, “it’s a small world” Toy Shop, Little Green Men Store Command, Pieces of Eight, Pioneer Mercantile and Stromboli’s.
  • Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co., Humphrey’s Service & Supplies, Off the Page, Oswald’s, Sarge’s Surplus Hut and Treasures in Paradise
  • Downtown Disney District – Anna & Elsa’s Boutique, D Street, Disney Pin Traders, WonderGround Gallery and World of Disney Store
  • Hotels of the Disneyland Resort – Acorns Gifts & Goods, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; Mickey in Paradise, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel; and Fantasia Shop, Disneyland Hotel

disney-parks-eggstravaganza-on-the-huntWe opted for the one inside Disneyland Park. I purchased 2 maps. Our plan was to use one of them and keep the other as a souvenir. That’s what huge Disney fans like us do.disney-parks-eggstravaganza-we-did-itI’m not going to post a ton of spoilers because that would take away all of the fun for you, I’m just going to list some tips to help you plan a little, in case you’re attempting to fit one of these hunts into your day. The hunt takes you on a search around a good part of Disneyland. It was fairly crowded on the day we visited, since it’s Spring Break, but we had no problem navigating our way around to find the eggs. disney-parks-eggstravaganza-basketAlthough we brought an Easter basket full of mini Tsum Tsums, as backup support, you don’t need one in order to do the hunt. However, it does make for cute pictures, don’t you agree? disney-parks-eggstravaganza-stickersMy daughter insisted we find every single Easter egg, so it probably took a couple of hours, total. She’s 10 years old and was really “into” it so, as you can see, the hunt is a great activity for kids of all ages. The “hidden” eggs are all really cute and we got excited every time we discovered another one! disney-parks-eggstravaganza-tink-eggThis Tink egg is the only egg I”m going to post a picture of because it was my favorite one! (I’m not a fan of spoilers!) disney-parks-eggstravaganza-flowersWhether you choose to hunt for eggs or not, just return with your map to one of these redemption locations: Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park; Disney Showcase in Disneyland park; World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort before April 2 to pick up your surprise. disney-parks-eggstravaganza-prizesThere are 6 different “surprises” to choose from. (These are the 2 that we chose.) Oh and YES, they let you keep the map afterwards! Yay! disney-parks-eggstravaganza-keep-the-map

disney-parks-eggstravaganza-surprisesI recommend getting there to participate sooner, rather than later, as the maps are only available until March 27, or when supplies last! Have you participated in the Disney Parks Egg-stravaganza before? If not, are you planning to do so this year? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

Joey Chestnut Sets New World Record at Knott’s Berry Farm’s World Boysenberry Pie-Eating Championship

Eaters from across nation competed today at opening day of Knott’s Berry Farm’s Boysenberry Festival. They were competing for for a $4,000 prize purse and the title of World Boysenberry Pie-Eating Championship. Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, one of the world’s top-ranked competitive eaters, not only defended his title against the top eating talent at the World Boysenberry Pie-Eating Championship, but also set a new world record! Knotts-Boysenberry-Festival-contestLast year, Chestnut ate 14lbs (that’s seven whole pies) of Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Pie in eight minutes, setting a new world record. This year, he broke that record, setting a new world record, eating 14.5 lbs of pie in 8 minutes. Chestnut faced some fierce competition from number-three-ranked Miki Sudo, who has consumed 104 hard-boiled eggs in eight minutes, and Michelle Lesco, the number eight-ranked eater, who has consumed 152 chicken wings in 10 minutes. Joey-Chestnut-and-Miki-Sudo World Boysenberry Pie-Eating Championship kicked off Knott’s 16-day Knott’s Boysenberry Festival with a bang. Here are the final results:

  • 1st – Joey Chestnut 14.5 pounds (New World Record) $2,000 prize
  • 2nd – Steve Hendry 10.25 pounds $1,000 prize
  • 3rd – Miki Sudo 9.5 pounds $600 prize
  • 4th – Michelle Lesco 9 pounds $300 prize
  • Tie for 5th: Rich LeFevre + Justin Mi 8.5 pounds $100 prize – shared.Joey-Chestnut-Winner-Knotts

Clearly, it was an exciting first day at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival for everyone in attendance. Don’t forget to stop by from now until April 3rd to check out over 70 boysenberry food and drink offerings!

Connect with Knott’s Berry Farm on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Photos are property of Knott’s. 

Dining Options at Great Wolf Lodge Southern California

We recently stayed the weekend at the all-new Great Wolf Lodge Southern California! We had so much fun together as a family, taking full advantage of the indoor waterpark and checking out all of the other attractions they offer. There’s a lot to do at this one stop destination vacation. great-wolf-lodge-dining-family

For me personally, one of the most challenging parts about vacationing is the food. It’s sometimes difficult to find very many healthy options when you’re staying at a resort. I mean, of course you’re on vacation to enjoy and endulge but sometimes eating junkfood for an entire trip just becomes too much. Well, I was completely surprised, in a good way, by the dining options at Great Wolf Lodge! The amount thought and planning that goes on behind the scenes of Great Wolf Lodge with the Executive Chefs is something that I’m excited to tell others about! great-wolf-lodge-dining-produceDuring our stay at the resort, I was invited to “lunch and learn” with Great Wolf Lodge’s Executive Chefs, Chris Hammond and Russ Meeks.. A majority of the people in attendance were moms like me. We all have concerns about the food that goes into our children’s bodies, especially while on vacation. Many moms are not only trying to find the healthiest food choices possible, but also have to worry about challenges such as specific dietary restrictions and food allergies, as relating to their children. great-wolf-lodge-dining-gazpachoWe lunched on a beautiful, fresh salad, some amazing tomato gazpacho, and a delicious wild mushroom risotto. What I learned that afternoon is that every bit of produce included in the lunch we were served, had been sourced from growers within a 30 mile range of the resort. great-wolf-lodge-dining-saladIt’s a very farm-to-table sort of approach they’re trying for at the resort eateries, whenever possible. The Great Wolf Lodge culinary team is doing this at every one of their locations. We learned that one of the resort’s long-term goals is to include a “Great Wolf Garden” at each location, to grown fruits and vegetables right on site. great-wolf-lodge-dining-risottoListening to Chefs Chris and Russ talk about how committed they and the entire culinary team behind the 13 resorts are to providing Great Wolf guests with healthy, real food, as opposed to entire menus of fried foods and junk.great-wolf-lodge-dining-options I love eating not-so-healthy foods from time to time but what Great Wolf offers is completely different and allows the freedom to make the choice. Don’t get me wrong, I love desserts, hamburgers, fries, and pizza, too. You’ll find all of the above when you stay at Great Wolf.

We don’t ever want someone to not be included in a meal because of their allergy. We welcome and embrace it! – Great Wolf Lodge Executive Chef, Chris Hammock

great-wolf-lodge-dining-flowers

Here are a couple of other facts I learned, relating to food choices at Great Wolf Lodge: 

  • Great Wolf Lodge does not use or serve peanut or tree nut products, but some of their products may be manufactured in facilities that also process nuts.
  • All fryers at Great Wolf are gluten-free, meaning that anything deep fried is safe for someone with that dietary restriction. 
  • The resort always encourages guests to speak to the chef if they have allergy or dietary needs. You will be amazed at how much they care and want to help you out! 

great-wolf-lodge-dining-desserts

Here are dining options you’ll find at Great Wolf Lodge Southern California: great-wolf-lodge-dining-kitchenThe Loose Moose Family KitchenThis buffet eatery is open for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast offerings include farm fresh eggs, apple wood smoked bacon, signature wolf waffles, and organic yogurts, granolas, fresh fruits and berries. Dinners include a fare of entrées inspired by world cuisine. Along with fresh market salads and fish and seafood from sustainable markets, you’ll find a simply fabulous variety of desserts. 
Lodge Wood Fired GrillSit down dining is offered here for lunch and dinner. The menu includes premium, wood fired steaks, freshly caught seafood and lodge smoked ribs. Start your meal with unique family shareables and crisp market salads and vegetables. Children can choose from kid-friendly favorites like mac ‘n cheese, wings with dips and mouthwatering burgers. Top it all off with a delectable selection of fun, two-dollar desserts and Tiki-inspired cocktails.
Grizzly Jack’s Bar and GrillLocated in the Raccoon Lagoon outdoor pool area, and is typically open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, weather permitting. (I recommend checking with a Pack Member to find out the exact hours of operation during your stay) Here you can sip a creative cocktail, perfectly paired with a memorable mouthful, made from the freshest, local ingredients you can imagine. From chili lime shrimp to mini Cuban sliders, seared ahi tuna tacos and even oysters on the half shell, regionally motivated cuisine and seasonal selections light up the inspired menu at this open outdoor oasis. great-wolf-lodge-dining-hungry-as-a-wolfHungry As a WolfThis is where you can grab a pizza to go from lunchtime to the wee hours of the night. You’ll find Brooklyn style, hand-stretched pizza, savory Italian and meatball Parmesan sandwiches, garlic cheese bread and freshly made salads fill the menu. Meal time a snap with call-ahead ordering and easy pick-up. Guests can dine-in, take food up to their suite, or even bring it into the waterpark. 
Buckets Incredible CraveablesThis eatery is located right inside the waterpark.Here, you’ll find a full menu of mouthwatering premium burgers, hearty sandwiches and fresh salads and vegetables. And who can resist our signature Tipping Bucket? It’s a family-sized treat layered with ice cream, brownies, cookies, candy, chocolate sauce and whipped cream! great-wolf-lodge-dining-dunkin-donutsDunkin’ Donuts Located in the Grand Lobby, this is everyone’s favorite place to grab coffee (and other goodies) in the morning. *Note: they’re open all day though. In addition to sandwiches, bagels, classic donuts and Munchkins donut holes, you’ll find that your favorite beverages and baked goods accompany the DDSMART Menu, with a host of healthier alternatives. great-wolf-lodge-dining-bear-pawsBear Paws Sweets & Eats –  Here you’ll find freshly brewed coffees, espressos, mochas and lattes. Select something seriously satisfying from a menu of fresh-baked pastries and cupcakes, luscious ice cream and dreamily delectable lodge-crafted fudge. Indulge in nutritious and delicious hand-dipped caramel apples, chocolate strawberries and fresh fruit.

As you can see, there are a ton of choices when you spend your vacation at Great Wolf Lodge. There’s literally something for everyone to choose from. I am content knowing that the culinary team behind the scenes strives to make the experience level as high as possible for their guests!

Connect with Great Wolf Lodge Southern California on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I was invited as a guest of Great Wolf Lodge Southern Calfiornia to attend a the Grand Opening Weekend Celebration in order to write this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Collect the New LEGOLAND® California Pop Badges + Ticket Offer

More fun news from LEGOLAND® California Resort! Starting March 19, limited-edition collectible Pop Badges will be made available to guests visiting the parks. They’ll be offered on select days and events during the year.LEGOLAND-pop-badgesA Pop Badge is a badge that pops right on to a lanyard or shirt!  Each time they’re offered, they will be introduced with fun new designs! Collected all of the badges and proudly wear them on your clothes or on an official LEGOLAND® California Resort lanyard. The first collection will be released March 19-20, 2016, but be on the look out because there will be 15 collectible Pop Badges released in 2016! Here’s a sneak peek at the first badges in the collection. How cute are they? I’m dying to get the UniKitty one! legoland-pop-badgesHow do I collect my Pop Badge?
Pop Badges introduce a whole new adventure to the LEGOLAND experience! Upon arrival on any of the select Pop Badge Challenge days guests will receive a booklet with fun activities and challenges. Complete the booklet and you will be rewarded with your very own set of limited-edition Pop Badges! Don’t miss out as they will be issued on a first come first served basis. The first limited-edition Pop Badges are being released on March 19-20, 2016.
Wondering what limited-edition collections you have to look forward to? Be on the look out for the following themes:

  • LEGO® NINJAGO® World
  • LEGO Star Wars Days
  • Independence Day
  • Brick or Treat Party Nights
  • Winter Holidays

splash-into-spring-break.Also, with Spring Break upon us, Legoland is offering an online exclusive price for tickets! Right now, if you buy 1 day, you’ll get 4 days FREE! 

Includes 5 consecutive days of unlimited admission to:

  • LEGOLAND® California
  • SEA LIFE® Aquarium
  • LEGOLAND Water Park

Ticket prices:

  • Adult (ages 13+): $117
  • Child (ages 3-12): $111

*All visits must occur within 5 days of 1st visit. LEGOLAND California closed select Tuesdays/Wednesdays in September, and October. Ticket expires on October 30, 2016.

For more information, or to purchase yours, click here.
This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of LEGOLAND®
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My Perfect Celebration: A Disney Birthday Button and Dinner at Steakhouse 55

One of my most favorite annual birthday traditions is to get a Disney birthday button and celebrate my day at Disneyland Resort. The most special part about getting to wear one of a birthday button around the parks and the Resort, is that Cast Members everywhere will continue to wish you a “Happy Birthday”! Some may even catch you by surprise when they call you out by name! steakhouse-55-my-bd-buttonThis year, my birthday was a little different though because we had to be out of town (for a cheer competition) on my actual day. My daughter was so sweet as she insisted we stop by the Resort on our way out of town, just to grab my button and spend a little time in the parks. We only had a few hours to do so, but we made every minute count and got to:

  • grab my 2016 birthday button
  • go down Main Street and give a bunch of High 4’s to Cast Members
  • ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds
  • hang out with Farley the Fiddler
  • grab a Matterhorn Macaroon for the road steakhouse-55-matterhorn-macaroon

As we drove away from Disneyland Resort that morning to get on the road, my daughter said, “Mommy, I’m sorry we barely got time to celebrate your birthday in the parks today.” steakhouse-55-hitting-the-roadLittle did I know, just as soon as we returned home from our road trip that Sunday afternoon, I’d be swept away from home and back to do some more celebrating! This time, we had a reservation at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel! Wow, what a special birthday treat!

steakhouse-55-disneyland-hotelSteakhouse 55 is one of my favorite places to dine at the resort. The menu offers so many delicious choices but I’m such a creature of habit that I always end up ordering practically the same meal, beginning with a celebratory glass of wine. steakhouse-55-menuI can’t get enough of the Steakhouse 55 Wedge Salad. It’s topped with cherry tomato, bacon lardons, candied pecans, and the most amazing blue cheese vinaigrette. Although I’ve never actually asked for it, I’ll bet the recipe for the dressing is a secret! steakhouse-55-wedge-saladThe Center-cut Filet Mignon at Steakhouse 55 never disappoints. Neither do the sides you can order to compliment your meal. We went with some Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, which are topped with traditional brown gravy and green onion, and some Steamed Local Asparagus, complimented with olive oil hollandaise and Maldon-flaked Sea Salt. steakhouse-55-center-cut-filetsteakhouse-55-asparagusBy this point, I was extremely content and almost too full for dessert…almost! I felt extra special when our server, Cast Member David, brought out a special dessert just for me. Mickey was right there on top, along with a single candle to make a birthday wish. steakhouse-55-mickey-birthday-dessertI can’t tell you what I wished for because it won’t come true, but let’s just say it was Disney-related! steakhouse-55-what-a-magical-birthdayMy birthday dinner at Steakhouse 55 was so Magical. I’m happy that my family closed out my birthday weekend by surprising me and taking me there!  It was delicious and the service was wonderful. Have you gotten to eat there yet? If not, I highly recommend making a reservation soon!