Over The Top Mommy

After Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom

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

If you’re a fan of Happily Ever After Fireworks at Magic Kindgom, you can make the experience extra magical by adding on the After Fireworks Dessert Party to your night. It’s a specially ticketed event that will enhance your evening with a special standing viewing of the enchanting fireworks show, followed by a feast of sweet and savory treats in Tomorrowland Terrace.happily-ever-after-dessert-party-cinderella-castle-at-duskOur family recently experienced the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party which takes place before the fireworks. (Read about our evening here.)happily-ever-after-dessert-party-photopass-family-photo Now, this additional, new offering allows park guests to save their dessert for last. First, guests can arrive at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant starting 90 minutes prior to Happily Ever After—the most spectacular fireworks showcase in Magic Kingdom history. As showtime nears, Cast Members escort guests to a prime location in the Plaza Garden for priority fireworks viewing. Watch in amazement as the skies ignite and Cinderella Castle glows with enchanting illuminations.happily-ever-after-dessert-party-cinderella-castle-1After the fireworks, guests are escorted back to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where they can feast on freshly prepared treats, seasonal fruits and flavorful cheeses. This bountiful buffet may also include such favorites as:

  • Ooey gooey toffee cake
  • A s’mores station
  • House-made mini taco eggrolls
  • Spinach dip with crackers
  • A cookie table with assorted cookies
  • Chocolate cupcakes

happily-ever-after-dessert-party-sparkling-apple-ciderRaise a glass of your favorite beverage to toast your day of theme park adventures—and the enchantment to come. Drink selections at the dessert party include:

  • Sparkling cider
  • Hot chocolate
  • Signature lemonades
  • Coffee
  • Tea

happily-ever-after-dessert-party-drinksAdmission for this special offering is $69 per adult and $41 per child (ages 3 to 9) including tax. (Gratuity is not included or required.) A separate Magic Kingdom park admission is also required. For more information about the After-Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom or to make a reservation, please go here.happily-ever-after-fireworks-dessert-party-elated

*Please note that the fireworks experience may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

Aquarium of the Pacific Summer Late Nights Start June 17

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

Have you visited The Aquarium of the Pacific recently? This year, they’re celebrating their 20th Anniversary and are inviting the public to meet new animals and explore new exhibits and programs with discounted admission during their Discounted Summer Late Nights. Visitors can enter for just $14.95 after 5:00 p.m. (Admission is free for Aquarium members and children under age three.) The entire Aquarium, except Lorikeet Forest, will remain open until 8:00 p.m.on Sunday nights from June 17 to September 2.aquarium-of-the-pacific-at-nightGuests can explore the new Tentacles and Ink exhibit featuring a day octopus, see the new baby seal, and dive into the Aquarium’s 20th anniversary celebration with new films, selfie stations, contests, and more.aquarium-of-the-pacific-tropical-pacific-galleryGuests can also delve into the Aquarium’s three main galleries highlighting the waters of Southern California and Baja, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific and outdoor exhibits, including the interactive Shark Lagoon, and Ray Touchpool. The Aquarium features more than 11,000 animals to discover with family and friends.
The Coffee Cart will be open for guests to purchase snacks, light dinners, and drinks; Pacific Collections will also be open for the late night shoppers.

The Aquarium of the Pacific
is located at
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

For more information please visit aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/late_nights/ or call (562) 590-3100.

Connect with Aquarium of the Pacific on Facebook and Instagram.

Guide to the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND® California Resort

Our family was invited to stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in order to share about our experience. All opinions are 100% my own. 

The LEGOLAND®Castle Hotel recently opened at LEGOLAND® California Resort and we were lucky enough to get to stay there for a night! It’s North America’s only hotel and is located right at the entrance to LEGOLAND California.legoland-castle-hotel-exterior-1This hotel completely immerses guests into a castle experience from the moment they walk in.  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.legoland-castle-hotel-signlegoland-castle-hotel-wizardWe had the opportunity to stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel right when it opened and I want to share all about it with you!us-at-legoland-castle-hotel-grand-openingThe rooms
The hotel features 250 premium LEGO Castle themed rooms, with 20 suites. Whether you’re a knight or a princess, you’ll love staying in any of the 3 different themed rooms they offer. You can book a Royal Princess, Knights and Dragons, or a Magic Wizards room. Each one is beyond adorable with its details.

‘Not only does every room tell a story, every wall, floor, LEGO® model is designed to make guests feel like they’re in an actual castle.” – General Manager Frank Idris

You’re going to be enamored by the decor and features in your room. 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 at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel includes:

  • A children’s sleeping area with bunk beds, a trundle bed, their own television, LEGO building station and shooting stars illuminating on the ceiling.
  • An adult sleeping area with an ornate head board with LED lights which could resemble a stained glass window, a canopy sparking with twinkling lights or shelves filled with potions and a magical bubbling illuminated cauldron.
  • A bathroom with quality toiletries, a blow dryer and plenty of space to get ready.
  • An in-room treasure hunt with prizes for the children
  • Complimentary WiFi

Here’s a short video giving a tour of the room we stayed in:

The lobby
As you enter the LEGOLAND®Castle Hotel, you’re not only greeted by a giant wizard, but your kids will most likely run straight to the LEGO building area and become immediately occupied with some serious LEGO building. Other unique, features in the hotel lobby include a fun little slide for guests of all ages and a knock knock door created to entertain guests.There’s also a hands-on LEGO building area. The Royal Courtyard
One of the kids’ favorite parts about the hotel was the Royal Courtyard area. Located in between the buildings, down the center of the hotel, this area boasts a giant play area with a huge play structure for “big” kids, as well as a smaller DUPLO play area for smaller children. There’s also a giant movie screen for nighttime outdoor movies and tons of seating around the entire area for adults to relax and watch their children play. The Royal Courtyard also has a stage area for live plays and shows. It’s truly unique for a hotel to have such an amazing area for kids to just be kids and I found that our kids never wanted to leave.The swimming pool area
The pool area features fountains and other interactive water features and a gradual incline pool and hot tub. With such great weather year-round, guests can always enjoy a swim in the heated pool or a soak in the hot tub, during the day or at night. (hours vary) There’s plenty of seating around the pool, cabanas are available for use, and towel service is available. Kids will love to play with the giant, floating LEGO bricks that are inside the pool. The pool bar and grill offers smoothies, sandwiches and salads prepared fresh to order.Dragon’s Den Restaurant & Bar
This amazing sit-down royal restaurant features an extensive, delicious menu featuring locally-sourced food. The restaurant has an open kitchen for guests to watch chefs preparing their food, Adjacent to the sit-down portion of the restaurant is also a bar area, as well as a patio. LEGO models and entertainers make this a unique dining experience, offering something for guests of all ages.legoland-castle-hotel-dragons-den-entrancelegoland-castle-hotel-lego-artGuests staying at the hotel are also treated to a free breakfast buffet each morning at Dragon’s Den restaurant. Feast on a variety of breakfast items from the buffet, as well as made-to-order items, all included in the price of your stay. It’s a great way to start your day before heading to the park.Early entry to LEGOLAND California
For guests who have park tickets or a season pass, you can gain early entry to LEGOLAND California by staying at the hotel. It’s a great way to get on a couple of attractions before the park is fully open to the public.legoland-castle-hotel-horse-statueHave you stayed at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel yet? If not, you’re going to love it when you do. For more information, including access to booking your own stay, please go here.

CHOC Walk in the Park at Disneyland Resort on 8/26 + Meet the CHOC Walk Ambassador

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! choc-walk-in-the-park-logoIf 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.choc-walk-in-the-park-starting-lineWe’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.choc-walk-finish-lineI 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.choc-walk-in-the-park-justins-helpers-1

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.choc-walk-in-the-park-justins-helpers-3Justin 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!choc-walk-in-the-park-cupcakeNew 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! CHOC-Walk-mobile-appTo read more about the CHOC Walk FUNdraiser Mobile App, please go here. You can download it from the App Store and on Google Play.choc-walk-in-the-park-minnieIf 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.

 

Helpful Water Safety Tips from Great Wolf Lodge

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

Did you know that May is National Water Safety Month? Are your kids “water safe”? It’s such an important topic and something we, as parents, need to be proactive about, early on!great-wolf-lodge-waterpark-bucketGreat 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.great-wolf-lodge-southern-california-facadeWith 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.great-wolf-lodge-water-safety-tips-2Whether 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.

  • Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system and be sure the area is well supervised by lifeguards before you or other family members enter the water.
  • Encourage your child to wear a life jacket. Many public pools and water parks provide life jackets for your use free of charge and it’s better to be on the safe side if your child is not a confident swimmer.
  • Never assume someone else is watching your child. Even with lifeguards nearby, you have the responsibility for your child. The best way to keep your child safe is to play right alongside them.
  • Stay hydrated. Swimming and playing takes a lot of energy, especially during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks and rest in a cool location.
  • Forget the Bling. Before heading to the beach, pool or water park, avoid swimsuits that have ties, grommets or decorations that could get caught on something during water activities.
  • Skip the flip-flops. Look for sandals with a heel strap or a full-coverage slip-on water shoe that will stay in place both in and out of the water.
  • Too much sun is no fun. Be sure to limit your exposure during peak hours of 12pm-3pm and reapply waterproof/sweat proof sunscreen every 80 minutes.
  • Take a CPR course. Knowing these skills can be important in any environment. This is a skill we all can benefit from – on land and around water.
  • Read all of the signs before going on a waterslide, pool or attraction. Make sure your child meets the posted requirements. If you have questions about an attraction, ask an employee at the facility.
  • Plan ahead. As a family, decide on a meeting place to go to if anyone gets separated. Kids can take off in instant and crowded parks and beaches can make it difficult for little ones to find you. Choose an easy-to-spot location that can be easily found by all family members.
  • If you see someone struggling in the water, call for help. Remember “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go!” Even professionally trained lifeguards don’t enter the water without having the proper flotation devices to keep themselves safe.

great-wolf-lodge-water-safety-tips-1Great 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.great-wolf-lodge-waterpark-2In 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.great-wolf-lodge-southern-california-grand-openingFor more information about Great Wolf Lodge, please visit greatwolf.com.

Connect with Great Wolf Lodge on Twitter and Instagram.

I Rode Knott’s HangTime Dive Coaster!

I was invited to a special media event in order to share about my experience with you. All opinions are my own. 

I waited MONTHS for Knott’s all-new HangTime to open and it finally is! We were so excited to be invited to attend the Preview Party and join in on the Grand Opening festivities.knotts-hangtime-backdrop-1 knotts-hangtime-preview-party-mapThe party was held on Knott’s Boardwalk area and was filled with themed food and treats, beachy entertainment, and a ceremony to welcome HangTime that included live music and even fireworks!knotts-hangtime-boardwalk-surf-shopknotts-hangtime-cupcakesknotts-hangtime-at-duskAs I shared on the blog recently, HangTime is the only dive coaster on the West Coast and features gravity-defying inversions, mid-air suspensions and twisting dive tracks. Probably the scariest part, at least for me, is at the beginning when you go up a vertical lift hill into a 15-story 96-degree drop! Yikes! It’s super gnarly! (in a good way.) It’s the steepest drop in California. Confession: I may have closed my eyes during most of it! hangtime-fun-factI was a combination of nervous and excited about attending the HangTime Preview Party because I knew the pressure would be on to go on it. I mean, I have to set a good example for my daughter, right? Well, I think I won “Parent of the Year” that night for rallying and going on it. By the way, it’s extra beautiful when you go on it at night because all of the tracks are lit up with beautiful colors. knotts-hangtime-at-nightHangTime was amazing! My daughter was ready to go on it again and again after our first time. You’re going to love it too! I think you’ll also love our souvenir photo! Haha! (Photos from the attraction are available for purchase through Knott’s FunPix.)knotts-hangtime-souvenir-picWatch my short video showing a little bit about our night out at the HangTime Preview Party:

HangTime is now open and if you haven’t made your way over to check it out yet, I don’t think you should wait any longer.knotts-hangtime-selfieThere’s really never been a better time to grab one of Knott’s Season Passes. I mean, it’s affordable, they offer payment plans and there are no blackout dates. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates. A Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates.For more info about Knott’s Season Passes, go here.knotts-hangtime-snoopyConnect with Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Join in the conversation on social using #KnottsHangTime to share about your experience riding it! thank-you-knotts

 

The Value of Play

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own.

When’s the last time you stopped what you were doing, unplugged from your phone or devices, and just played outside with your child(ren)? Technology has found its way into all our lives and has become both an important tool and a distraction. I will be the first to admit that technology can sometimes be a distraction in my own life. Ok, often times, actually. Part of my challenge is that I work to maintain my blog, which requires me to be online. It can be a struggle to find that balance between being a good mom and unplugging in order to give my daughter my undivided attention.rancho-mission-viejo-happy-camperI think all parents want the same thing: happy, well-rounded children. Right? So, let’s make the time to join their world of make believe. As a mother and a first-grade teacher, I know the importance of outdoor play. There are so many benefits for a child who has time to play freely including physical and emotional development, as well as development of social and cognitive skills. Research also shows that playtime with adults helps build self-esteem in kids. Whether it be one-on-one playtime with a child or playtime together as a family, there is no time like the present to build the bond you have with a child and your family.the-ranch-photo-shootExplore, Create, Roam, Wander – Play!
Our family lives in the hilltop village of Esencia in the heart of Rancho Mission Viejo, aka The Ranch. After moving to The Ranch a couple of years ago, I was so excited to explore all the places to play. It’s such a beautiful community and the amenities just can’t be beat. If you haven’t visited yet, you’re missing out! There are places to exercise, retreats to relax, parks to play in, trails to wander, pools to swim in, and much more. The newest place to play is “The Backyard,” a 5.5-acre linear park within Esencia’s NorthWalk Neighborhoods.the-backyard-the-ranch-rocksOur family has been spending a lot of time there since its opening about a month ago, so I’ve put together this list of 10 Ways to Play in “The Backyard.” It’s a great place to hang out with your family or even to invite friends to. It’s also the perfect setting to connect with other families like yours, which is one of the things I love about living in Rancho Mission Viejo. Residents here are so friendly and tend to bond with each other and become friends. hanging-out-in-rancho-mission-viejoCheck out our favorite “Backyard” activities:

  1. Be adventurous and ride on the “zip-rail” –This little area is within The Backyard and has drawn visitors of all ages. The “zip-rail” I speak of is actually a swing that can carry either a child or an adult from one side to the other. Sometimes we head over to just take a couple passes back and forth. It’ll leave you feeling giddy after you’ve ridden it!the-backyard-zip-rail
  2. Play “House” – Also within The Backyard are two of the most adorable playhouses, created especially for the community. Whether your little one chooses to “play house” in the white picket fence playhouse or hang out in the mini boathouse, they’re sure to get their imagination working. Playing house is creative play at its best!
    the-backyard-playhouses
  3. Challenge someone to a couple games of Hopscotch – Adjacent to the playhouses is also a Hopscotch to play on. Did you know that hopscotch can help children to manage body rhythm and the hopping movements involved with the game help build body strength, balance, and eye/hand coordination? If you didn’t bring a “marker” just look around for a small rock or something to use at the nearby park.
    the-ranch-play-hopscotch
  4. Have a picnic – Whether you pack a lunch or dinner or grab some tea and teddy bears, there are several lawn areas, perfect for having an afternoon picnic.the-backyard-climbing-structures-2
  5. Bring out your competitive side with a game of Tetherball – The Garage, one of the event spaces in The Backyard, includes a DIY workshop, a lounge area and bar, ping pong table, large event lawn, children’s playhouses and Tetherball! If you’re an adult, it’ll bring back fond elementary school memories. I know it did for me. It’s also great to teach kids to play, as not all elementary schools have Tetherball nowadays. (The Garage is also home to the Esencia Visitor’s Center. the-backyard-the-garage
  6. Gather your friends for a get together at “The Hangout” – This is one of our favorite new places on The Ranch. The Hangout is an outdoor, social gathering place at The Backyard complete with BBQs, picnic tables and unique chandelier trees designed by LA artist Adam Tenenbaum. (The Capo Dispatch even did a feature on it!) One-of-a-kind water features add to the ambiance, making The Hangout perfect for a relaxing night on The Ranch with friends, family and neighbors.the-backyard-the-hangout
  7. Play Hide and Seek – There are a ton of great places to play Hide and Seek in The Backyard. Whether you hide amongst the trees and greenery or climb up into one of the play structures to hide, you could spend countless hours playing the game that’s a favorite of so many.the-backyard-climbing-structures-1
  8. Break out the sidewalk chalk – Stoke your child’s (and your!) creative side and let the sidewalk be your canvas. The Backyard is also home to a giant, community blackboard that welcomes chalk sketching from artists of all ages.the-backyard-sidewalk-chalkthe-backyard-sitting-area
  9. Get your “climb on” – The playground in The Backyard is especially unique. Imported from Germany, this tot lot is not your everyday structure. In fact, it’s the only one of its kind in Orange County! Complete with rope walls to scale, ladders to climb and platforms to balance on, kids will test their limits and be proud of how high they can go! Just be sure to bring your loudest cheering voice.the-backyard-climbing-structures-2
  10. Go on a nature walk – Within the villages on The Ranch are a network of multi-use trails that connect residents to not only The Backyard, but additional parks, playgrounds and community farms.

Feeling more adventurous? The Oak Canyon Preserve in Esencia has more rigorous hiking trails, and exclusive programs and events, like Ridge to Ridge Hikes, butterfly walks, astronomy nights, and docent-led adventures are available to Ranch residents at The Reserve at Rancho Mission ViejoplayingCan you see why we love living in Rancho Mission Viejo so much? There’s just always something to do here, but more importantly, there are tons of places for our family to play. Check out @RanchoMissionViejo on Facebook or Instagram and see for yourself why #TheRanchRocks!

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Returns 9/7 + Mickey’s Halloween Party Dates

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

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will return for more spook-tacular days than ever this year beginning September 7 and extending through October 31, 2018. Guests of all ages visiting the parks will encounter frightfully fun experiences themed especially for the season!. Eerie encounters and fiendish fun will await visitors to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park as favorite experiences are transformed into dreadful delights, with seasonal attraction overlays. You’ll find Halloween-themed décor and food and beverage offerings, plus encounter with Disney villains and happy haunts that’ll materialize around every corner.halloween-time-disneyland-resort-mickey-bat-cookieMickey’s Halloween Party 2018
Additionally, the guest-favorite Mickey’s Halloween Party will return with 15 nights of after-hours fun on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 19
  • Friday, Sept. 21
  • Monday, Sept. 24
  • Wednesday, Sept. 26
  • Friday, Sept. 28
  • Tuesday, Oct. 2
  • Friday, Oct. 5
  • Tuesday, Oct. 9
  • Friday, Oct. 12
  • Tuesday, Oct. 16
  • Friday, Oct. 19
  • Tuesday, Oct. 23
  • Friday, Oct. 26
  • Monday, Oct. 29;
  • Wednesday, Oct. 31

mickeys-halloween-party-mickey-and-minnieThis 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.) mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-selfieHalloween Time at Disney California Adventure Park
Guests entering Disney California Adventure. will have a spell cast over them as Oogie Boogie will take over with his twisted tale of a forever Halloween. Inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Oogie Boogie’s oversized silhouette will beckon guests through the main entrance of the park, and hover over a swarm of bats that circle around Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge.DCA_entrance_halloweenhalloween-time-carthay-circle 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.halloween-time-dca-headless-horsemanThe 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. halloween-time-flos-cafehalloween-time-materGuardians 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-the-disneyland-resort-guide-mapHalloween Time at Disneyland Park
The Halloween magic continues at Disneyland, where guests will enjoy beautiful décor on Main Street, U.S.A., including a giant Mickey Mouse jack-o’-lantern and a Pumpkin Festival.halloween-time-at-disneyland-resort-giant-mickey-pumpkin halloween-time-disneyland-resort-crystal-arcadeIn 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.disney-halloween-time-zocalo-parkdisney-halloween-time-dia-de-los-muertos-3-calacasTwo  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. halloween-time-at-disneyland-resort-haunted-mansion-holiday-signhalloween-time-at-disneyland-resort-haunted-mansion-holiday-facadeSpace 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.halloween-time-at-disneyland-resort-ghost-galaxyMore about Mickey’s Halloween Party 2018
As I mentioned before, this year there are more nights available for guests to enjoy Mickey’s Halloween Party. This separate-ticket, after hours event permits guests to dress in costume and have the opportunity to trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland Park for candy and healthy goodies. Mickey’s Halloween Party also includes special entertainment, classic attractions and the added bonus of unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads of the night**, making it easier than ever to capture memories during the party.2017-halloween-fireworks

"Halloween Screams-A Villainous Surprise in the Skies"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. mickeys-halloween-party-headless-horsemanAlso 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. mickeys-halloween-party-mickey-and-minnieGuests attending Mickey’s Halloween Party may also visit Villains Square for a chance to encounter and take photos with Disney villains. Additional Disney characters donned in Halloween attire can also be found throughout the park. As an added value, guests with a Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket will have the opportunity to “mix in” with regular park guests for three hours prior to the party’s start time. These guests also will be able to visit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks with their tickets.halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort-pooh-pumpkinTickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party
Beginning Tuesday, June 5, 2018, tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party go on sale for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa Card holders. The general public will be able to purchase tickets beginning Tuesday, June 12, 2018. They may be purchased online at Disneyland.com/party as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Be sure to grab your tickets sooner rather than later as this special event sells out quickly every year!mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-popcorn-bucketPlease 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.

For more information about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, please visit http://www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice.

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

Living My Best Comfy Life in The Perfect Pant™

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 

Mom confession: I could live all day, every day in comfys! Can you relate?
When I’m at work in my “professional attire”, I’m secretly counting down the hours until I get home and change out of them. When I’m out and about in some dress that pretty much requires me to wear a binding undergarment to make me look thinner, I cannot wait to get out of it.all-day-every-day“Comfys” don’t necessarily have to be pajamas, they’re just clothes you can throw on that are less restricting than others. I can think of several different places I wear mine, aside from just lounging around the house. I wear them shopping, to hang out by the pool, for being active outdoors, and whenever I travel, whether it be by car or plane.the-perfect-pant-sittingladies-i-found-the-perfect-pantWell, lean in! I’ve got something to share with you! I found The Perfect Pant™! Like literally! If you’re like me and love to be comfortable a majority of the time, you’re going to love these!the-perfect-pant-stretchingThe Perfect Pant is made of 91% polyester, and 9% spandex and they were designed with the woman–on–the–go in mind. (That’s me!) They’re available in regular long length and a cropped-length. So versatile and easy to pair with different pieces for several different occasions. You’ll love their great fit and their great fabric! Stock a few of each of these versatile pieces in your closet and you’ll be good to go.nobody-wants-to-dry-cleanThey are easy and hassle–free to care for. You simply wash, dry, and wear them! No need to even think about dry cleaning!the-perfect-pant-1here-comes-my-favorite-partHere comes my favorite part about The Perfect Pant: They’re made in the USA! Not only does the brand care about comfort and style, but they’ve also made it a priority to keep jobs here in America. For me, that’s huge because I worry about the people in our country and our economy. Anything that a brand can do to help out in that way, matters to me.the-perfect-pant-walkingWell, it’s clear that not all comfys are created equal and I’m so glad to have come across The Perfect Pant. Are you living your best comfy pants life? I know I am now. For more information about The Perfect Pant please visit their site here.

You can connect with The Perfect Pant on Instagram and Pinterest. Join in on the conversation on social and follow #theperfectpant.