So exciting! Only a couple more days until the first guests will have the opportunity to stay in one of LEGOLAND® Hotel’s newest themed rooms! If you haven’t heard, beginning on March 10, guests can book a stay in one of their The LEGO® Friends themed rooms at LEGOLAND® Hotel at LEGOLAND® California Resort! Guests are invited to take an adventure with their families and discover Heartlake City in a new way. How fun is it going to be for guests of all ages to step inside a room that’s straight out of Heartlake City? 
Each of the 11 themed rooms, as well as one suite, that are available to stay in, are filled with 12 LEGO® models inspired by Heartlake City. Guests will be able to spend a night like Emma, Mia, Andrea, Stephanie and Olivia. Kids will recognize Goldie the Bird, Scarlett the Dog and Felix the Cat in LEGO form as they enjoy sleeping in bunk and trundle beds themed as the Friends Tree House. Plus, kids will have their own TV, games, LEGO bricks and a treasure chest hidden just beneath a LEGO themed tree! Parents will also sleep in style with their own themed version of Heartlake City Stables and families will enjoy getting ready for their day at the Park in Stephanie’s Beach House themed restrooms. 
These rooms are the perfect setting for the “Ultimate BFF Sleepover”, don’t you think? 
The new LEGO Friends fully themed rooms are now available to book and on March 10, 2016, guests can begin their LEGOLAND California Resort adventure by spending the night in the newly themed rooms all before heading into the Park to enjoy the day in the land of LEGO® Friends Heartlake City. 
For Hotel room rates, ticket prices, operating schedule and additional information, visit http://www.LEGOLAND.com or call 760-918-LEGO (5346).
Travel
I Braved The Howlin’ Tornado at Great Wolf Lodge!
As soon as we had dates for a stay at Great Wolf Lodge’s newest location in Southern California for the official Grand Opening weekend,my daughter immediately went online to their site to research all of the things she wanted to do during our “staycation” there. 
She let me know all about her hopes and expectations, and specifically challenged me to a biggie: to ride the Howlin’ Tornado with her! Well, I guess that’s do-able for a mom, if you don’t mind dropping into “the six-story funnel of fun” (as Great Wolf Lodge describes the slide). 
At first glance, the Howlin’ Tornado can be a little intimidating. Ok it can actually be really intimidating. You can’t really see much of the waterslide from inside of the waterpark but when you drive up to the resort, you can see it from the outside, because it’s so gigantic that the main part of its structure is located outside. (although it’s completely enclosed so you’d never know that when you’re on it.). 
Let me just tell you a couple of things about myself as relating to water and swimming and waterslides…I actually DON’T usually do water. 
I’m like a cat! I don’t like to get wet. I’m not super adventurous. Although I can swim, I just don’t favor it, which is ironic because my daughter is a swimmer and on a competitive swim team. 
I knew I needed to make a point of not only honoring my daughter’s wishes, but also to show everyone that I can be brave and conquer the Howlin’ Tornado.
So…I did it! Yep, on the first night we were there. It’s a very popular waterslide so we waited until after “Story Time” in the lobby because that’s when a majority of the resort goes to bed and the waterpark becomes less crowded. It took a bit of coaxing from my own “pack” to get me ready for the fun! 
The raft seats 4 and each person actually has their own little compartment to sit in, complete with handles to hold onto. I really didn’t expect what came next. Pretty much as soon as we took off, it felt like the floor just dropped out from underneath us! Your tummy feels like it would if you were riding on a rollercoaster that just took a big drop! It was crazy-amazing! It was also scary! I will say that I held onto the handles like we were about to go over Niagara Falls or something! Hehe! I think we were up on the sides of the walls, I’m not sure! At some point, I may have closed my eyes and just held on. A combination of laughs and screams could be heard coming from our raft though. 
Howlin’ Tornado was so much fun! I was so proud of myself and my “pack” was too! They even took me out for some ice cream afterwards at Bear Paw Sweets & Eats, which is right inside of Great Wolf Lodge! 
I think I spent the next two days bragging to my family about it because I was so proud of myself! I really just wanted to be able to share that experience with my daughter though, which was my biggest motivator. I do think there comes a certain point in your adult life when you stop doing those types of things. I guess I haven’t reached that point in my life though. 
I can’t wait to go back to Great Wolf Lodge and ride Howlin’ Tornado again! Perhaps they should make stickers or buttons for brave moms like me who ride it! What do you think? Have you ridden it yet?
Connect with Great Wolf Lodge Southern California on Facebook..
‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,’ Set to Open at Disney California Adventure Park on May 27, 2016
Exciting Disney news today….“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion”, a new musical based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film “Frozen”, will open at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park on May 27, 2016. Audiences will be immersed in the emotional journey of Anna and Elsa with all of the excitement of live theater, in an entertaining musical adaptation that includes elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, show-stopping production numbers and unique theatrical surprises.
Disney Creative Entertainment, the arm of Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for live theatrical entertainment at Disney Parks, is producing “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, with a total of 14,000 performances to 13 million park guests at the Hyperion Theater. The 1,873-seat Hyperion is equipped with a backstage facility to support a production of the kind that plays in any venue of that size in the world, as well as the full creativity of Walt Disney Imagineering.
“We know that for many in the audience — adults and children alike – this production will be a first or rare theatergoing experience. We undertake this responsibility with seriousness as we adapt the film to the stage.”
The new musical is based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Frozen,” which is the No. 1 animated feature of all time and among the most critically acclaimed animated films. It is the winner of two Academy Awards (2014), for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. It 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® nominee Chad Beguelin (“Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” at Hyperion Theater; Broadway: “Gotta Dance,” “Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Elf”). And as 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 unique ways.
Who’s even more excited to visit the Disneyland Resort now? I can’t wait until May 27th! Will you be there?
Why I Want To Stay in a LEGO® Friends Room at LEGOLAND® Hotel #UltimateBFFSleepover
Have you heard about the new LEGO® Friends rooms yet at LEGOLAND® Hotel yet? They’ll be available to stay in starting March 10 and they sound adorable! I’m dying to stay in one and be able to take my daughter and her friends so they can have the Ultimate BFF Sleepover! 
Each of these rooms, which are part of the hotel’s newest theme, comes complete with the Café, Stables and your very own LEGO® tree house! The colorful décor and LEGO models incorporate a level of detail that will have your imaginations running wild. Kids can even use clues to explore the tree house and join the LEGO Friends in a game of hide and seek with their LEGO pets! 
LEGOLAND® Hotel rooms are designed to accommodate playful adventure as well as privacy and relaxation. The rooms include:
- King bed in the adult sleeping area
- Kids’ own sleeping area with bunk beds, pull-out trundle bed and entertainment unit (sleeps up to 3 kids)
- Welcome treasure hunt with LEGO prize
- LEGO bricks to build with during your stay
- High-speed internet
- 2 high-definition flat panel TVs with complimentary On-Demand content
- Mini-fridge and coffee maker
- Air conditioning
- Cribs available upon request
- Fully Themed rooms sleeps 5 (max 2 adults)
- Suites sleep 7 (max 4 adults)
- ADA accessible available
Today I’m going to share with you why we want to stay there so badly! (because I’m trying to win a contest for a free night’s stay in one of these rooms.)
My daughter and her friends are huge LEGO Friends Heartlake City fans! In my opinion, they actually look like they stepped right out of Heartlake City! I sometimes think they each believe they are one of the real characters! What do you think? 
My daughter seems to know everything about the LEGO Friends and Heartlake City. Seriously, just ask her a question about the name of each one, what they wear, what they like, or even who their pet is. 
She adores the LEGO Friends Heartlake City area in LEGOLAND California Resort. It’s a must-visit for every trip we make there! Have you been there yet?
Since Heartlake City is one of my daughter’s favorite parts at LEGOLAND, for her to be able to stay in one of these themed rooms and live like one of the real LEGO® Friends for a day, would be a dream come true for her! 
I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I’d be equally excited if we had the opportunity of the Ultimate BFF sleepover for the girls to experience! Who wouldn’t want to win a stay like that? 
Availability of LEGO Friends rooms is limited, so be sure to book your stay in advance.To make a reservation, click here or call 877.534.6526.
This is not a sponsored post. I am a LEGOLAND Ambassador and this post was written by me as part of a promotional contest. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images are property of LEGOLAND Hotel.
Get Ready For Seasonal Ticket Pricing at Disneyland Resort & Walt Disney World Resort Beginning 2/28
The topic of Disney is always such a popular one, especially with all of the new happenings around all of the Disney Parks! There’s always something new and exciting in the works for park guests. 
Today, the Disney Parks Blog announced some news relating to a shift in the way ticketing prices are going to be structured. Beginning on Sunday, February 28, at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, a new “seasonal” pricing will go into effect for 1-day/1 park and 1-day park hopper tickets only. 
So, how is it going to work?
The way it’s seems to be broken down is that the ticket pricing varies according to park demand and projected attendance levels. (per Disney Parks) It’s divided into 3 categories or “tiers”:
Value dates cover about 20% of the year and are mostly weekdays (M-Th) during the “off season.”
Peak dates cover about 30% of the year, including all dates during the Christmas-New Years season, all of spring break, and weekends (F-Su) in the summer.
Regular dates include all of the other days not labeled as “value” or “peak”.
New pricing for the tickets at Disneyland Resort will be as follows:
Value tickets
- Adult 1-day, 1 park $95 and 1-day park hopper $155
- Child 1-day, 1 park $89 and 1-day park hopper $149
Regular
- Adult 1-day, 1 park $105 and 1-day park hopper $160
- Child 1-day, 1 park $99 and 1-day park hopper $154
Peak Tickets
- Adult 1-day, 1 park $119 and 1-day park hopper $169
- Child 1-day, 1 park $113 and 1-day park hopper $163
For more information, please visit the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort pages.
Meet Magical Cast Member “Captain Al” From Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Last spring, we traveled to Walt Disney World, for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, and stayed at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. 
It was our first time there and we were delighted to enjoy the accommodations at such a wonderful location. The hotel has such a beautiful location on the water and the property boasts nautical decor throughout. 
One of the first memories our family made on our visit was when we arrived at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort was when we entered into the hotel’s lobby and were greeted by “Captain Al”. 
If you’ve been there in recent years, I’ll bet you’ve probably met him too. He’s a very special Cast Member who stands front and center to greet you. Captain Al is one of those people you meet and just know within minutes of talking to them that you want to chat with them more than just a morning “hello”. He wears a very handsome nautical suit and captain’s hat and resembled the nautical Mickey in our hotel room a little bit. 
Al’s knowledge about the entire Walt Disney World Resort is amazing. He’ll tell you anything you want to know about it and help you get to where you’re going, What you’ll notice most about him, is that he isn’t in any hurry to get you a quick answer and send you on your way. He would spend all day helping you if that’s what it took. You don’t often find people with that type of work ethic nowadays. 
Something else I adored about “Captain Al” were his old school values. He told us right off that bat that he didn’t have a cell phone or use a computer. He believes that if people want to see him or talk to him will, they should do it the old-fashioned way…by regular (snail) mail or by actually calling him on the phone to talk. I couldn’t help but cling onto his every word because he reminded me A LOT of my own grandparents, who also held those same values. I’ll totally admit I love technology. I love the convenience of having everything in the palm of my hand (via iphone) , but Al was right when he talked about things getting lost in translation. 
How often do young people think that older people don’t know what they’re talking about? Here’s a man, not even trying to preach about anything specific, and yet his simple message spoke loud and clear to us. Be present. Be authentic. Unplug whenever possible. Not only did he talk about these things, he lives by his own motto every single day! Can you see why we adore him?
When the day arrived and it was time for us to depart from the Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Captain Al insisted on carrying our bags out for us and refused to take a tip. We were sad to leave but happy to have visited and made such special memories together as a family. We were also happy that we got to meet such a Magical Cast Member such as Captain Al. I just hope we get to return one day and meet up with him again!
New Disney-Close Anaheim Hotel: Grand Legacy At The Park to Open in Early 2016
I was recently invited to attend a hardhat tour and unveiling event for a new Disney-close Anaheim hotel: the Grand Legacy At The Park hotel. The dramatic expansion of this popular Anaheim hotel which is currently operating as the Ramada Maingate At the Park, is set to be finished by February 2016!
Beginning in Februrary 2016, the Grand Legacy At The Park hotel will become Anaheim’s latest independent hotel. The property, previously under the Ramada brand, has operated as the Ramada Maingate At The Park for the past 17 years. The $10 million development and renovation make this hotel the latest star in Anaheim’s evolving hotel inventory. 
The Garr family has maintained ownership of this popular lodging location (directly across the street from Disneyland Park®) since 1974, and will remain owners of the newly minted Grand Legacy At The Park hotel. 
This latest development includes the following features:
- a new four-story hotel wing with luxurious guest rooms
- a spacious lobby
- six retail outlets featuring a mini mart, tickets and tours store, and pizza eatery.
- cozy eating areas
- meeting space – The property will offer both indoor and outdoor meeting spaces on the new rooftop area for corporate groups, meetings, special events, and weddings.
- a distinctive rooftop bar area (set to open March 2016) – the 5,000 square foot rooftop bar and lounge, which will accommodate about 400 people, and will be open during the day to the public. The massive space will appeal to families, young adults, tourists, and locals alike. This area will transform nightly into a spectacular rooftop bar and lounge featuring music, up close views of Disneyland’s unforgettable firework show and Anaheim’s skyline. This one-of-a-kind gathering place is destined to become one of SoCal’s hot spots.
Additionally, the existing hotel has undergone major renovations during the past three years substantially enhancing its guest rooms and pool area. The unique features of the hotel’s growth includes the addition of family suites. 
We’ve been in Anaheim since 1974 and I’m very proud of my family’s hotel legacy here. I’ve grown up in Anaheim’s close-knit hospitality industry and look forward to this next step in our growth. We will continue to honor our family’s heritage built on hospitality and now offer our guests more reasons to enjoy our new hotel with enhanced guest rooms, amenities and public spaces. We welcome Anaheim’s visitors and our community to experience the area’s latest independent hotel with a new view, the Grand Legacy At The Park. – Brandon Garr, Grand Legacy At The Park hotel owner.
The Grand Legacy At The Park will offer complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi with a new guest loyalty program.
For more information, visit the Grand Legacy At The Park on Facebook and Twitter.
Attend The Ultimate Star Wars New Year’s Eve Event in Hollywood!
Are you looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Eve this year? MouseMingle.com is throwing an ultimate Star Wars New Year’s Eve event in Hollywood and you’re invited! 
The event will be hosted along with the El Capitan Theatre and Madame Tussauds Hollywood for Disney fans and Disney-loving singles. This “movie and mixer” is sure to be a blast and will feature the fun of a VIP screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as well as a countdown, food, drinks, dancing and more!
Star Wars at the World Famous El Capitan Theatre 
Beginning at 8:30 p.m., attendees will arrive at the legendary El Capitan Theatre. Once inside, the party kicks off with a VIP movie experience that includes:
- reserved seating for Star Wars:The Force Awakens
- an all-new Star Wars Laser Lightsaber Curtain Show
- souvenir tub of popcorn
- soft drink.
Attendees will also be able to view exclusive props and costumes from the making of the movie.
After-party New Year’s Countdown
The fun doesn’t stop after the movie’s over. You’ll head across the street to Madame Tussauds to dance the night away with a silent disco dance party atop the museum’s breathtaking roof-top deck overlooking historic Hollywood Boulevard. Rooftop Silent Disco Dance Party, hosted by HUSH concerts
In addition, you’ll enjoy two free drinks per person* (must be 21 and over and able to show valid Photo ID to be served alcohol), appetizer and dessert buffets, themed photo opportunities, private viewing of Madame Tussauds Museum and a countdown at midnight cap off the fun! Also in attendance will be everyone’s favorite Disney Legend, Bob Gurr.
Tickets now available
Tickets for this MouseMeet are $100 per person for the general public – but, create a MouseMingle.com profile and you’ll get $25 off the ticket price! MouseMingle.com members can purchase tickets for $75 each by calling 800-DISNEY6 with your MouseMingle.com email address. 
This won’t be just another New Year’s Eve party; it will be the way to ring in 2016 for Star Wars and Disney fans looking to meet others with their shared passions. Although this event is hosted by MouseMingle, the most talked about dating site for Disney fans of 2015, it is not just for singles and will be a great night out for couples, as well. For more information about the event, click here. Connect with MouseMingle on Facebook and Twitter!
This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logo property of MouseMingle and Disney.
Construction Updates From Great Wolf Lodge®Southern California
A couple of months ago, I had the exciting opportunity to take a hardhat tour at the newest Great Wolf Lodge® location here in Southern California. 
I spent the day touring the site and learning all about what this family mega-resort, built around a 105,000 square-foot waterpark, will be offering its guests and I was completely WOW-ed! 
Well, I’m here to share some of the latest construction updates with you today. (updates were current as of December 3, 2015.) As the opening date gets closer, I get more and more excited!
- Progress at the Resort
The ginormous 105,000-square-foot waterpark is coming to life! More slides and attractions have been installed, such as the Whooping Hollow kiddie slides (see the photos below) and cement has been poured throughout the park.
- The Resort’s Grand Lobby is continuing to take shape, including the fireplace where daily Story Time will take place featuring Great Wolf Kids characters.
Check out the antler chandeliers ready to be hung in these photos. 
- From the guest suites to the hallways, the family-friendly accommodations are looking more and more like Great Wolf Lodge every day. See the detailed décor in the photos.
- The conference center, featuring 20,000 sq. feet of meeting and banquet space, is well on its way to completion.
The resort is slated to open in late February 2016. Great Wolf Lodge Southern California is offering guests the opportunity to book rooms with their grand opening discount offer! Families have until Dec. 31, 2015 to book their stay and receive up to 25 percent off. To learn more, visit here. This is such a great deal! Don’t wait, book today!