I was invited to a media event in order to share this exciting news about this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park. All opinions are my own.
This year’s CHOC Walk in the Park is, once again, presented by Disneyland® Resort and will take place on Sunday, August 26, 2018. I really hope you’re going to be able to join in! 
If you’ve never participated in this annual event, I highly recommend you sign up to join the fun and experience Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® Park, and Downtown Disney® District as never before. This is the one and only walk to take place at the Disneyland® Resort with all proceeds benefiting the health and well-being of Southern California’s kids.
We’ve had the pleasure of participating in this beautiful event for a few years now and to see something that is such a huge production being put together, all in the name of the kids, is an incredible thing.
I recently attended a special CHOC Walk media event held at Disneyland Hotel, to learn about this year’s special programming and some of the FUNdraising events that’ll lead up to the big August event. I think you’re going to want to participate in all of these fun offerings so keep reading for more information.
For me, the most special part about attending the CHOC Walk media event was getting to know this year’s CHOC Walk Ambassador, Justin Helpers”. I got to chat with his entire family including his parents, Colby and Tricia, and his big sister and little brother.
Justin is an 11 year old boy with a very rare neurological condition called lissencephaly, which causes his brain’s surface to be smooth and leads to significant developmental delays. Justin is severely neurologically impaired and has several seizures a day and is fed through a feeding tube. From early on in his life, Justin has spent extensive amounts of time being treated at CHOC Children’s and he’s really defied the odds of his condition. They have a giant CHOC Walk team named Justin’s Helpers that they’ve walked with over the past few years. They are an amazing family and I’m so excited that he was selected to be this year’s CHOC Walk Ambassador.
Some of the highlights of the CHOC Walk in the Park media event included getting a peek at the new artwork for this year’s medal and pin, which was recreated by Disney’s culinary team in the form of cupcakes, as well as getting a very special visit from our favorite gal pal, Minnie!
New for this year is the CHOC Walk FUNdraiser Mobile App which will make it easy and FUN to exceed your CHOC Walk fundraising goals. This app is power-packed with extra tools for team captains! 
To read more about the CHOC Walk FUNdraiser Mobile App, please go here. You can download it from the App Store and on Google Play.
If you haven’t registered as an individual or as part of a team for this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park, what are you waiting for? For more information about CHOC Walk in the Park or to register or donate, please go here.
Some images and logo are property of CHOC Walk and used with permission.
Great Wolf Lodge, the resort that has welcomed millions of families since its first resort opened in 1997, shared some of its best water safety tips to help splash into this month and I want to share them with you.
With 16 resorts that stretch from coast-to-coast, Great Wolf Lodge is the largest family of indoor water park resorts in North America and a nationally recognized leader in water safety. Ellis & Associates, a renowned international organization focused on aquatic safety has recognized Great Wolf Lodge several years running with its top award for water safety. accumulated a wealth of tips to help keep families safe around water.
Whether planning a family vacation this summer to the beach, lake or one of Great Wolf Lodge’s incredible resorts, here are some great water safety tips to keep in mind.
Great Wolf Lodge is a world-class family resort with spacious, family-friendly suites and a wealth of both wet and dry attractions for every age. The centerpiece of any Great Wolf Lodge is the indoor water park, featuring water-filled fun for every member of the family, from thrilling water slides and rollicking family raft rides to relaxing lazy rivers and bouncing wave pools. The water parks also feature zero depth toddler pools with age appropriate slides and water features for younger guests. With each overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge guests receive two days of play in the water park, having access to the water park until the park closes on the day they check-out.
In addition to the water park, Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of family-friendly attractions and activities including MagiQuest, an exclusive interactive game where guests use a magic wand to collect relics and runes needed to defeat goblins and dragons.
For more information about Great Wolf Lodge, please visit 
Mickey’s Halloween Party 2018
This separate-ticket event features some exclusive entertainment, Disney characters in their Halloween attire, trick or treating at locations throughout Disneyland Park and a chance for the entire family to visit both parks in costumes.(See below for more info about Mickey’s Halloween Party.) 
Halloween Time at Disney California Adventure Park
Halloween décor extends along Buena Vista Street to Carthay Circle, where guests will encounter a 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman holding his jack-o-lantern head to the sky.
The citizens of Cars Land will celebrate Halloween by turning Radiator Springs into Radiator Screams. The entire land will be transformed with a special Haul-O-Ween makeover as the townsfolk of Radiator Springs don Halloween costumes and decorate their respective homes for the season. Guests will encounter Lightning McQueen, Mater, Cruz, Red and DJ in “car-stume” as they get ready to go “trunk-or-treating.” Popular Cars Land attractions will transform as well: Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree takes on a spooky tone as Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters gets a seasonal twist to become Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. 
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform nightly into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, bringing Halloween adventure to this popular attraction. As the sun sets, the attraction’s exterior goes dark and then suddenly powers back up with lighting effects, a signal that something has gone awry. The Guardians have successfully escaped The Collector’s Fortress, but have accidentally left Groot behind. Guests will help Rocket distract the creatures that have been released so he can find and rescue Groot in this exciting seasonal overlay.
Halloween Time at Disneyland Park 
In Frontierland, guests will encounter the colorful Día de los Muertos tribute, an exhibit that commemorates the Mexican holiday of Day of the Dead with a musical trio of iconic skeleton figurines, brightly colored flowers and other decorative items.
Two of the most popular attractions will transform into their annual Halloween themes, delivering Halloween thrlls for guests who dare to take a ride. Haunted Mansion will become Haunted Mansion Holiday, inspired by the Walt Disney Pictures classic “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The seasonal attraction celebrates the collision between Halloween and Christmas as Jack Skellington offers his unique take on the holidays. 
Space Mountain in Tomorrowland will become Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, a reimagining of the popular attraction. Guests on board the speeding Space Mountain vehicles are thrust into a ghostly galaxy where they are surrounded by eerie screams, sound effects and music. Spine-chilling spirits pop out of the darkness, appearing to reach out and menace the space travelers.
More about Mickey’s Halloween Party 2018
An exclusive treat for guests attending Mickey’s Halloween Party is “Halloween Screams,” a supernatural firework show. The nighttime spectacular is hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies,” Jack Skellington. 
Also exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party is the “Frightfully Fun Parade” led by The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow (from the Disney animated classic, “The Adventures of 3 Ichabod and Mr. Toad”). The Horseman rides down Main Street, U.S.A., on his ghostly black steed with a flickering jack-o’-lantern to usher in the parade, which features Jack Skellington and a procession of grim, grinning (and hitchhiking) ghosts from the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction. 
Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party
Please note: Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event. Parking is not included in the ticket price, and parking fees will apply. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a nonsmoking event. 
Guests can experience an entire season of fun including the thrill of HangTime with a 2018 Knott’s Season Pass, on sale now at the best price of the year. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded
Regular passes are just $92 or nine easy payments of $10.22 and Gold Season Passes are $110 or nine payments of just $12.22. These offers end October 29, 2017. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at 
“Happily Ever After” is an 18-minute show that features more lasers, lights and projections than any other fireworks spectacular in the history of Magic Kingdom park! Park guests witness the many transformations of Cinderella Castle as it becomes a part of popular Disney stories—and is brought to life by awe-inspiring fireworks and rooftop pyro, state-of-the-art projections, brilliant lasers and immersive lighting and beautiful,contemporary versions of popular Disney songs.
On our most recent family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, our family was invited to attend the “Happily Ever After” Fireworks Dessert Party in Magic Kingdom. Upon arrival at Tomorrowland Terrace, my emotions were already at an all-time high! I was completely elated!
The Happily Ever After Dessert Party is specially ticketed event held nightly at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. From the moment you check in, you feel very “VIP”! You’re greeted by cast members who give you a special wristband to wear as event identification. (My daughter didn’t take hers off for 2 weeks!) Next, a cast member shows you around the party and shows you all of the delectable drinks and house-made desserts available to you as part of the experience. It’s all set up buffet style so it’s all you care to enjoy. A cast member shows you to your very own table, which is overlooking the water, with a great view of the Happily Ever After fireworks over Cinderella Castle.Here’s a brief video giving a glimpse into our experience:
When you’re ready for a snack, you’ll be giddy to see the magical spread of light bites and sweets to enjoy including:
There was a PhotoPass photographer at the event who snapped some family photos of us. You can access the photos on the app and if you’ve already 
Here are some tips and facts that you should know before you head to the dessert party.
For more information about the Happily Ever After Dessert party and to make your own reservation, please visit 
After a royal ceremony complete with knights on horses, a little girl squire and boy knight plus a hawk that flew the key to the Castle to Merlin the wizard and trumpeters to announce the grand opening of in front of hundreds of media and special guests, the hotel was declared “officially open”! Here’s a short video of the Grand Opening Ceremony that also shows a little bit of the hotel too.
A royal LEGO statue marks the entrance and is just one of more than 2,100 LEGO models created out of more than three million bricks. As guests enter the Grand Hall, they are greeted by a towering LEGO wizard conjuring up spells to protect the Castle from the bad knights and dragons.
In the Royal Princess rooms, the princess is joining forces with her jester friend to sneak into the grand tournament and compete with the knights. In the Knights and Dragons rooms, the knights are on a mission to defend the king’s castle and protect his treasure. In the Magic Wizard rooms, the wizards are concocting potions and fireworks for the grand tournament. Every room has a children’s sleeping area which includes:
In Dragon’s Den, a full-service sit down restaurant, guests can watch chefs preparing their food, enjoy LEGO models and entertainers within a unique dining experience. Breakfast is included with each guest’s stay and includes made-to-order items along with a buffet.
The Royal Courtyard immerses children in a fairy tale of their own creation with multiple play areas for different age groups, a giant movie screen, resort-style pool with interactive water features and hot tub and a tented stage for live plays and shows.
Interactive elements throughout LEGOLAND Castle Hotel include a knock-knock door, a royal throne that makes silly noises, LEGO caricatures to build upon, a self-playing piano and a slide from the first floor to the lobby.
During our most recent trip to Walt Disney World Resort, we headed over to Splitsville Orlando for some family time. It was a welcomed change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the parks and is a great opportunity for your family members to bring out their competitive sides. 
You’re going to love the retro decor of the place! It features brightly colored accents, hand-painted murals and other fun touches.
They even have Minnie and Mickey details on the bowling balls! You can bet I grabbed the hot pink Minnie Mouse ball right away! It just doesn’t get any better than that!
Once you’re checked in and your bowling shoes are ready, you are shown to your lane, where you have unlimited bowling for the duration of your reservation. 
You can sit comfortably at your lane-side dining table while you wait for your next turn to bowl and your friendly Splitsville server will keep any food and drinks coming that you order from their amazing menu. (Keep reading for more about the food.)
Dining at Splitsville is like nothing you’ve experienced at a bowling alley before! You have the option of dining inside or outside at Splitsville and don’t even have to be there for bowling to dine there. However, eating and bowling is like the ultimate way to make yourself feel like a kingpin!
Splitsville has taken “typical” bowling alley food and turned it up about 10 notches, to offer things such as:
Other dining offerings at Splitsville include appetizers, desserts, and a Kids Menu.
The drink menu at Splitsville Luxury Lanes is as extensive as the food menu and includes Frozen Drinks, Bowl Drinks, and Specialty Cocktails, as well as draft beer, bottle beer, and wine. There are also non-alcoholic options including 130+ varieties of sodas and teas. Any drink, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can be ordered and served in a 28 oz. Splitsville Pin Sipper Souvenir for an extra charge, Sounds like the perfect souvenir to me, which is why we brought home 2 of them! 
Here’s a short video showing some of our fun day out at Splitsville.
Walk-ins are always welcome but you can also make a reservation at Splitsville for either a lane or a party. Some fun party ideas for Splitsville include: birthday parties, office team building, and even corporate events. To make your reservation, please go 
I had no idea I was going to love Splitsville so much. I don’t think I can go back to “regular” bowling again! It’s definitely true what they say…“Fine dining 
So…, are you ready to “Roll in and Rock Out” at Splitsville Orlando? We can’t wait to go back! To find a location closest to you, go
Connect with Splitsville on 
During PIxar Fest, the culinary team at the Disneyland Resort looks like they’ll go to “infinity and beyond” with special thematic eats and treats offered especially for the festival! Park guests will find that many of their favorite Pixar Pals are the inspiration behind some of the limited-time treats offered. Let’s look at some of them and where you’ll be able to find them in the parks.
Tuna Poke at Cove Bar (March 16 to end of May) and then when the location transforms to Lamplight Lounge opening June 23. (Disney California Adventure park) 
Deviled Eggs and Toast at Cove Bar (March 16 to end of May) and then when the location transforms to Lamplight Lounge opening June 23, 2018 (Disney California Adventure park)
Fried Bologna Sandwich at Carnation Café (Disneyland park)
Pork Chop TV Dinner at Carnation Café (Disneyland park)
Shrimp Ratatouille Byaldi at Café Orleans (Disneyland park)
Charcuterie Plate Starter at Cafe Orleans (Disneyland park) 
Green Pesto Pasta in Tomorrowland (Disneyland park)
Pixar Fest Celebration Cake – This scrumptious cake is inspired by the familiar yellow Pixar Ball and can be found at Plaza Inn (Disneyland Park) and at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta. (Disney California Adventure park)
Berry Funnel Cake at Golden Horseshoe (Disneyland park)
“Lotso” Funnel Cake at Hungry Bear Restaurant (Disneyland park)
Rootbeer Float served in a Souvenir Woody’s Boot at Golden Horseshoe (Disneyland park)
“Lotso” Strawberry Churro in Tomorrowland (Disneyland park)
Cocoa Churro in Frontierland (Disneyland park)
Alien Macaroon in Tomorrowland (Disneyland park)
In addition to all of these limited-time food offerings for Pixar Fest, at Disneyland Park, the popular Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port will transform into Alien Pizza Planet: “A Better Place,” inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story.” Among the menu items will be new pizzas, including a special pepperoni pizza topped with green peppers and mushrooms, and a hearty cheeseburger pizza.
Will you be sharing your Pixar Fest eats and treats with a friend, with your family, or just eating them all on your own? What are you most excited to try at Pixar Fest, which will run from April 13 through Sept. 3, 2018 at the Disneyland Resort. For more information about it, please go