Over The Top Mommy

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. 

Yogurtland Now Open in Sendero Marketplace in Rancho Mission VIejo

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

I was so excited to see a brand-new Yogurtland location is now open in Sendero Marketplace in Rancho Mission Viejo! It’s no secret that we love Yogurtland!  Having Orange County’s newest location open up practically next door to my house was the best thing to happen all month!With a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening specials, the Rancho Mission Viejo location of Yogurtland officially opened its doors on Friday, July 13 and had a line out the door! (It unofficially opened on June 20 though.) If you haven’t been over to try out some of their delicious fro-yo or even their light ice cream, you need to get over there soon!Yogurtland features non-fat and low-fat yogurt flavors, ice cream, and no sugar added choices while using milk that contains no antibiotics or added hormones. Fruit flavors are fortified with Vitamin C for an extra boost. They even have 3 featured flavors for summer: Blue Raspberry Sorbet (made with Jolly Rancher® blue raspberry flavor),Cookies and Crème Smores AND Butter Pecan light ice cream! These are all available only for a limited time.

Yogurtland guests can create their own treat, snack or dessert from a variety of handcrafted frozen yogurt, ice cream, and non-dairy sorbet flavors and an abundant topping bar with fresh fruits, candies, premium sauces, and more to create an experience as unique as they are.I love that Yogurtland’s “flavorologists” continually create craveable flavors that keep fans loving their taste experience. I had no idea that Yogurtland owns its own dairy and by controlling the manufacturing process. delivers the highest quality flavors, setting new standards for the industry and delighting guests all year long.Yogurtland in Sendero Marketplace is located next to the Starbucks at 30841 Gateway Place, Rancho Mission Viejo, Ca. 92694. Yogurtland has more than 320 locations across the U.S., Australia, Dubai, Guam, Myanmar, Oman, Singapore, Thailand, and Venezuela. For more information, please visit here.

Last image is property of Yogurtland and used with permission. 

 

LEGO® City: Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride Now Open at LEGOLAND® California Resort

I was invited to a media preview in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

July 2, 2018 was an extra exciting morning at LEGOLAND® California Resort. After festive grand opening ceremonies and ribbon cutting, the all-new LEGO® City: Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride at took its official maiden voyage. Among those in attendance were Mr. , the creator and also several Ronald McDonald House guests, who had been chosen to be among the first to ride. The interactive ride features more than 2,000 sea animals including several species of sharks, rays and other tropical fish amid new LEGO® modes, all themed around a ship’s sunken treasure! Five species of sharks and several species of rays including a southern stingray with a five-foot wing span, are among the sea animals guests will discover.Guests actually board a real submarine and go underwater to discover a truly amazing world filled with real sea animals. Through the use of interactive touchscreens at each porthole inside the sub, guests can help the LEGO® minifigure dive team identify LEGO® gems, pearls, gold coins and more throughout the more than four minute journey. During each “voyage” guests can achieve one of three levels: Junior, Senior and Master Explorer.The interactive touch pads aren’t the only feature that utilizes technology within Deep Sea Adventure. Before guests board the 22,000 pound submarines, they are given a briefing on the mission that awaits them by a 3-foot-tall LEGO diver whose face, with the help of a projector screen, is animated as he gives instructions to the explorers
Here’s a short video showing our day:

Another fun interactive area is located at the exit of the ride, when you enter the souvenir shop. Guests of all ages can use the interactive screen to build their own fish and then “play” with it on the digital screen . Speaking of the souvenir shop, there are a ton of adorable LEGO souvenirs in the shop adjacent to the exit including t-shirts, themed plush and LEGO sets.

The LEGO® City: Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride is now open daily during regular park hours and included among the park’s attractions. For more information, including park hours and ticket information, please go here. 

 

Spooky New Experiences Added to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom

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

Every summer, I get excited at the first signs of Halloween! Some people totally disagree with that. I just love to plan ahead. When the Disney Parks Blog announced the dates for this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park, I began planning our next trip to Walt Disney World. (because that’s how a Disney Mom’s mind works.) Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will take place on select nights August 17 – October 31, 2018 and is a separate ticketed event. Last year we had the chance to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for the very first time and it was SO much fun.
We loved dressing up in costumes, experiencing the park decorated so beautifully after dark, trick-or-treating together, character & other photo opportunities, exclusive-for-the-party entertainment, spooky treats, and more. After attending though, I realized that there is so much to do that you should almost consider attending two different nights, just so you don’t miss anything!This year when we go, we’re going to hit the ground running, and be way more prepared to maximize our experience during the party. Even more excited was reading about the new additions to this year’s party! More Halloween fun? Yes, please!Here’s what’s been added to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for 2018:

  • The Mad Tea Party will take you for a colorful ride as new lighting and effects give a new spin on the night. Depending on the color of your costume, you too could transform under the new dancing lights.
  • New pirates will invade Pirates of the Caribbean, interacting with sailing guests who will join the search for “Gunpowder Pete.” Arrrgh!
  • Space Mountain will be transformed into a new adventure for its explorers with a new soundtrack and special effects.
  • Storybook Circus will be transformed for the party into Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam! This dance party will feature some of everyone’s favorite Disney Junior Characters! Even Doc McStuffins!

Have you experienced Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party  before? If so, what did you think? If you haven’t, do you have plans to attend this year? Share with me in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts!For more information about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties, please go here or call (407) WDISNEY (934-7639).  You can also purchase your tickets here.

Some images are property of Disney Parks. 

Naturally White OC Now Open in Corona Del Mar

I received services in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 

I have a love-hate relationship with coffee. I can’t imagine my morning without it but we all know that coffee is one of the things that can stain and yellow your teeth. Lately, I wasn’t loving what I saw when I’d look in the mirror at my teeth, so when I received an invitation to try out the all-new Naturally White OC, I jumped at the chance to try it out. Have you had your teeth whitened before, aside from an at-home treatment? I’d never had it done but now that I have, I feel like an in-office treatment is the best route to take.  It was so convenient and simple to have done and it only took about an hour out of my day.The products used on your teeth at Naturally White OC are made with a plant and mineral based formula. The active ingredient in the whitening gel is a food-grade hydrogen peroxide that contains three key minerals to stabilize and strengthen the enamel. All of the products used at Naturally White OC are made in the U.S. so they’re compliant with FDA regulations. They make sure that every ingredient that goes into their products is safe for all clients to use, including children (13 and older). The results are guaranteed to lighten your teeth 3-12 shades lighter from just one visit! (One visit is broken into three 20-minute sessions.)What’s A Visit to Naturally White OC Like?
When you first arrive at Naturally White OC, you are greeted by someone from their friendly staff, which actually seems more like one big family. There’s some initial “paperwork” to fill out, similar to what you do at a doctor’s office, except this is all done on an iPad. How fun and modern is that?

After you’ve completed your paperwork, you’re led to the whitening area and seated in a comfy chair, like one of the ones you sit and relax in at the dentist. Before beginning any of the whitening treatments, your technician will uses a set of artificial teeth to compare your initial color to, to find out what shade your teeth started out at, to have something to compare it to when you’re all done. Next, your technician will start to prep you for the first 20-minute whitening session. They”ll put an aparatus in your mouth to hold it open (Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt at all.) and then apply the special whitening gel onto your teeth. Once your teeth are ready, you lay back and a special FDA approved LED light  at your teeth to get the process going. This UV light is the most advanced and effective LED technology that is designed to accelerate the whitening process. To protect your eyes, you’ll be wearing goggles during these sessions. After my final session of the 3 was done, I rinsed my teeth and compared my teeth once more to find that they’d lightened by 4 shades. I was so excited about this! They recommended I not eat or drink anything dark (that could re-stain my teeth) until the following day. At-home treatments available for purchase at Naturally White OC
I loved that Naturally White OC also had several options available for purchase to do at-home whitening treatments and also to maintain your teeth after an in-office visit. Here are some of the products you can purchase from them:

  • Naturally White Pro-Home Kit
  • Naturally White Teeth Whitening Pen
  • Naturally White’s signature Boost Remineralizing gel

Naturally White OC is located at
2711 East Coast Hwy Unit C.
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

I loved my in-office treatment at Naturally White OC and love the way my teeth look now. I feel more confident about my smile after my treatment. Book your own appointment today, either online or by calling 949.287.6988.Connect with Naturally White OC on Facebook and Instagram.

My 5 Toy Story Land Must-Dos + $250 Disney Gift Card Giveaway

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

Let’s talk about my 3 most favorite words of the summer: Toy. Story. LAND! Have you been to experience it all yet? I haven’t, but I’ve definitely enjoyed all of the coverage online.

On June 30th, opening day of Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios actually reached capacity and closed. I don’t think Hollywood Studios had seen that much traffic in a very long time and although I’m not a fan of big crowds, I had total F.O.M.O…you know, Fear of Missing Out. My upcoming visit to Walt Disney World Resort can’t come soon enough! Here are my 5 Toy Story Land Must-Dos for my trip: 

  1. Ride Slinky Dog Dash
  2. Ride Alien Swirling Saucers
  3. Find Woody, Jessie, and Buzz and hug them!
  4. Eat one of everything at Woody’s Lunch Box.
  5. Take photos at the Toy Story Land Block Wall and the Popsicle Stick Wall

In honor of those of us that haven’t gotten to Toy Story Land, but are planning to get there soon, I’ve got a great giveaway! I mean, even if you have already been there, you can enter too! Who couldn’t use a little extra Disney money for your visit to Andy’s backyard? To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter below. But first, take a look over the giveaway rules. 

The Rules:

  • One winner will be awarded a $250 Disney Gift Card (e-gift card to be delivered via email)
  • Winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen
  • All winning entries will be verified
  • Must be 18 years of age or older to participate
  • Open to residents of the United States and Canada
  • Giveaway starts on July 5 and ends at midnight on July 21

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Over the Top Mommy has teamed up with 9 other Disney-loving bloggers to bring you this magical giveaway:

  1. Post 50 RX
  2. The Creative Stay at Home Mom
  3. Redhead Baby Mama
  4. Motherhood & Beyond
  5. Oh Sweet Disney
  6. The Farm Girl Gabs
  7. Adventures in Familyhood
  8. An Open Suitcase
  9. A New Dawnn

Good Luck, Everyone! Thanks again for reading! 

Have a Movie Night To Celebrate Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

I received promotional products in order to write his post. All opinions are my own. 

Summer is well underway and we have been anticipating the upcoming arrival of Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, as it’s going to be in theaters July 13! In this new film, the entire “Drac Pac” goes on a summer vacation together! It looks like another hilarious movie to go see together as a family.Here’s a synopsis: Join our favorite monster family as they embark on a vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship so Drac can take a summer vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at the hotel. It’s smooth sailing for Drac’s Pack as the monsters indulge in all of the shipboard fun the cruise has to offer, from monster volleyball to exotic excursions, and catching up on their moon tans. But the dream vacation turns into a nightmare when Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka, who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy all of monster kind.
Now watch the Hotel Transylvania 3 extended trailer:

Have you seen the first 2 movies yet? I immediately fell in love with “The Drac Pac” after watching “Hotel Transylvania”. I love that these movies have such a fun storyline and include so many funny parts that are aimed at entertaining the adults in the theater too. I also love the all-star voice cast in each of the 3 films.To celebrate the upcoming arrival of Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation in theaters on Friday, July 13, we threw a summer vacation-themed movie party at home and re-watched Hotel Transylvania and Hotel Transylvania 2. It’s fun to set up this kind of party for all of the neighborhood kids to watch with us.
Here’s what we used to throw Summer Vacation-themed Movie Party:

  • The Hotel Translyvania and Hotel Transylvania 2 DVDs
  • Hotel Translyvania themed toys
  • popcorn
  • fun, fruity candies
  • pineapple drinking cups
  • leis
  • sunglasses

What are you doing to celebrate your summer vacation? Have you already purchased your tickets? Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation will be in theaters everyone July 13, which will be here before you know it and you don’t want to miss the boat! If you haven’t purchased your tickets, you can do so here. After you go and watch it, be sure to come back here and tell me what you thought. I can’t wait to hear all about it! Happy Summer!For the latest movie updates, please visit here. Join in on the conversation on social using #HotelT3!

Some images, logos and teaser trailer are property of Sony Animation Studios and used with permission. 

The Back to School Collection from Disney Store and shopDisney

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

Raise your hand if you’re already getting ready for back-to-school! I know I am! It seems like the school year starts earlier and earlier each year and practically feels like it’s barely summer when you start your shopping. Luckily you can always count on Disney Store to have the cutest items that make going back a stylish life event. I mean, what better way to send your kid back to school than with their favorite Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel characters?shopDisney and Disney store have everything you’ll need to send your kid(s) off to school in style with a little help from their favorite superhero, princess, and more. From apparel, to backpacks, to lunch totes, to school supplies, to must have accessories, there is something for every super fan:
Here are just a few of my favorite items for back to school:

  • Minnie Mouse Denim Hooded Jacket for Girls ($34.95) – Show your Minnie Mouse fashion sense in this fun, colorful denim jacket with sweatshirt-style sleeves and hood. The hood even features Minnie ears and a pink bow so you’ll look the part of everyone’s favorite sweetheart. 
  • Star Wars Backpack for Kids – Personalizable ($24.95) – Fleets of spacecraft from the Star Wars universe battle it out on this backpack inspired by one of the original video games. ”May the Force be with you,” as you head back to school with this bag that can hold as much as a black hole.
  • Spider-Man Stationery Kit ($16.95) – Unmask their creative talents with this Spider-Man Stationery Kit. The PVC cover features Spidey’s iconic mask with his eyes providing a window to the inside where they’ll find over 30 pieces including colored markers, pencils, and a notebook.

How cute are all of those items? You can check out the rest of the Back to School collection at your local Disney Store and online at shopDisney!

Images are property of shopDisney and Disney Store and used with permission.