Over The Top Mommy

2018 Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival Kicks off Feb. 28

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

The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will kick off spring at Walt Disney World Resort February 28 and continue through May 28, 2018, with seasonal fun for all. epcot-flower-and-garden-monorailA brand-new Epcot front-entrance topiary garden will set the milestone anniversary scene with a kaleidoscope of blooming color where topiary icons Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy will greet festival guests. What began in 1994 as a 38-day celebration of Disney-style gardens and topiaries has grown over the years to a 90-day spring extravaganza with something for every generation. We can’t wait to experience it in person! beauty-and-the-beast-topiariesThe 2018 festival will take place during the 35th anniversary of Epcot and will showcase millions of brilliant blossoms.The 90-day festival will open with an irresistible array of sights, sounds, tastes, aromas and tactile discoveries and here are some of the offerings guests can explore:
Flavor-rich cuisine from 15 Outdoor Kitchens
New and creative dishes will debut at 15 Outdoor Kitchens encircling the World Showcase Promenade. Guests can sip and savor their way around Epcot, enjoying chef-inspired noshes and refreshing libations.epcot-flower-and-garden-foodEach Outdoor Kitchen will feature its own raised-bed or in-ground garden of herbs and produce that can inspire the growing numbers of guests who want to learn to grow what they eat.

“The culture of growing your own food continues to trend, and our guests each year have quite a few questions related to edible gardens. They get a big kick comparing items in our gardens with the herbs and produce our chefs incorporate into the festival’s Outdoor Kitchen recipes.” – Eric Darden, festival horticulture manager

epcot-flower-and-garden-food-2Disney Topiary Stars
A bonanza of Disney character topiaries, including classic-character favorites Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many others, will play a starring festival role. Returning this year, Belle will be featured in France along with Beast, Snow White in Germany with the Seven Dwarfs, and Anna and Elsa in Norway. snow-white-topiaryAmong the nearly 100 festival topiaries will be returning favorites like the pandas and Bromeliad dragon at the China pavilion, The Three Caballeros at the Mexico pavilion, Disney-Pixar’s Woody at the American Adventure pavilion and Buzz Lightyear in Future World. The back-by-demand Figment topiary garden between Future World and World Showcase will offer the perfect selfie backdrop and family photo opportunity. Dozens of Disney-crafted “flower towers” and beds of multi-colored blooms will transform the park’s landscape. At least 70,000 bedding plants will surround the Future World east and west lakes alone; on the water, 220 mini-gardens will be set afloat.epcot-flower-and-garden-lady-and-the-tramp-topiaryGarden Rocks Concert Series
The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will feature live chart-topping musical acts  of the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s on the America Gardens Theatre stage. From March 2 through May 28, 3 evening concerts each Friday through Monday will be offered and present musicians that span multiple genres. Garden Rocks Dining Packages will be available on select days at a number of Epcot restaurants. For more information about these packages, please go here.epcot-flower-and-garden-concertInteractive Play Gardens
A brand-new Future World interactive play garden and a revved-up Road to Florida 500 garden featuring new games and play challenges will set the pace for family festival fun. The new interactive area in Future World will feature a play maze, a sensory garden, an activity zone and a covered seating area. The redesigned “Cars”-themed garden based on the Disney•Pixar sequel, “Cars 3,” will add more fun activities like highway bingo for families.

epcot-flower-and-garden-festival-butterfly-topiaryThe Royal Tea Garden Tour will return for a second year each festival morning at the United Kingdom pavilion. For a small fee, guests can follow a knowledgeable guide through the tranquil tea garden setting to learn the history and artistry behind growing and blending tea. A post-tour treat of tea and scones is included. The shorter, complimentary English Tea Garden Tour also will be offered on select days. For more information or to book your Royal Tea Garden Tour, visit hereflower-and-garden-festival-tourFor more information about the 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, please visit EpcotInSpring.com or call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639). The festival, including all gardens and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

Images are property of Walt Disney World and used with permission. 

Spring-a-Palooza Returns at Great Wolf Lodge March 9 + New Mission to Fight Pediatric Cancer

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

Spring is in the air at Great Wolf Lodge as their annual Spring-a-Palooza celebration returns March 9- April 15. Spring-a-Palooza is the perfect way for families to celebrate the changing of the season.spring-a-palooza-logo
Guests staying at Great Wolf Lodge Southern California can enjoy special offerings such as spring picnics and bubble dance parties, character-inspired flower gardens and more in the Grand Lobby.  great-wolf-lodge-spring-a-palooza-lobbyA highlight this year, for the first time Great Wolf Lodge is partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation at all 14 U.S. Great Wolf Lodge locations to generate funds and raise awareness to help end childhood cancer.spring-a-palooza-violets-lemonde-stand

“We’re honored to partner with such an important organization as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation during our Spring-a-Palooza celebration. Our goal each and every day is to bring joy to families and what could be more joyful than for us to stand together as a pack to raise funds to end childhood cancer.” – says Erin Wallace, Chief Operating Officer of Great Wolf Resorts.

great-wolf-lodge-spring-a-palooza-lemonade-stand-2During Spring-A-Palooza, families can visit a lemonade stand in the Grand Lobby for complimentary lemonade to be enjoyed together picnic-style. As a special twist this year, exclusive color changing cups will be sold for $2.50, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the cups will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a charity whose mission is to change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families and empowering everyone to help cure cancer.  Great Wolf Lodge anticipates at least $15,000 will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation through the sale of the keepsake Spring-A-Palooza cups.spring-a-palooza-violets-basketIn addition to the partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, other highlights of Spring-a-Palooza include:

  • Spring Cinema: Families can unwind after a fun-filled day and enjoy a family movie in the Grand Lobby.
  • Spring Picnic: A time-honored spring tradition gets a Great Wolf twist, as guests can grab a blanket, spread it out on the floor and enjoy an afternoon picnic in the Grand Lobby. Guests can sip complimentary Minute Maid beverage available from the Great Wolf Lodge character-themed Lemonade Stand and play a few rounds of “Take A Wiley Guess” card game.
  • Bubble Dance Party: This special Spring-a-Palooza event fills the Grand Lobby with cascading bubbles while Great Wolf Lodge’s Ambassadors of Fun keep energy-levels high with a family-friendly dance party.great-wolf-lodge-spring-a-palooza-bubble-dance-party
  • Spring-a-Palooza Story Time: Great Wolf Lodge’s nightly Story Time takes on a spring themed tale featuring the Great Wolf Lodge characters called “Natural Wonders.” Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite jammies to the Grand Lobby for this event and will have the opportunity to meet one of the Great Wolf Lodge characters in person.great-wolf-lodge-spring-a-palooza-storytime
  • Spring Scavenger Hunts: Great Wolf Lodge features two self-guided scavenger hunts as part of Spring-a-Palooza. The “I Spy Spring” scavenger hunt will have guests looking high and low in the Grand Lobby to find a dozen hidden objects. The “Spring Sprint” scavenger hunt has guests solving clues that will take them on a journey throughout the lodge. When all 10 clues are solved, guests are rewarded with a prize.
  • Character Themed Flower Gardens: A highlight of the Spring-a-Palooza celebration is the colorful springtime gardens found in the Grand Lobby. The gardens are designed and handcrafted by Pack Members from the resort. The collection of flower pots are inspired by the Great Wolf Lodgecharacters. Guests are encourage to stroll around the garden and vote for their favorite display.
  • Jelly Bean Guessing Game: A gigantic jar filled to the brim with jelly bean candies sits in the Grand Lobby and guests are invited to enter a contest guessing how many delicious treats are within the jar. The guests closest to the correct number without going over will be entered for a chance to win a Great Wolf Lodge Gift Card.spring-a-palooza-jelly-beans-guessing
  • Spring Themed Crafts: During Spring-a-Palooza, the resort’s Ambassadors of Fun will host several spring-inspired craft making events for kids of all ages. Character-themed crafting projects include Oliver’s Crazy About Bugs Jar, Violet’s Springtime Noodle Doodle, Brinley’s Don’t Blow Away Kite and Wiley’s Can You Spot It Binoculars.spring-a-palooza-spring-craft

In addition to two days of play in the water park for each night stayed at Great Wolf Lodge, all of the Spring-a-Palooza activities are included as part of an overnight stay for no extra charge. Activities vary daily and based on location.  A complete listing of daily activities and times can be found in the Lodge Life event schedule provided to guests upon check-in, verified in advance at GreatWolf.com or by calling Great Wolf Lodge directly at 888.960.9653.

spring-a-palooza-funFor more information on Great Wolf Resorts and its brands of indoor water park resorts, visit greatwolf.com.

Some images are property of Great Wolf Lodge and used with permission. 

Kaleidoscope Center to Host Free Easter Party Saturday, March 31

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

The Easter bunny will hop into town on Saturday, March 31 from 12 to 2:30pm, when he visits with youngsters at Kaleidoscope’s annual Easter Party.

kaleidoscope-center-spring-logoThe free family event will kick off with an Easter egg hunt at 12 noon, beginning in Kaleidoscope’s courtyard. Passport cards will be given out to the first 350 children, directing them to the participating shops and restaurants where they will receive candy-filled eggs and prizes. The completed passports can then be handed in for a chance to win a Grand Easter Basket. Children should bring their own baskets to collect eggs.easter-brunch-evite-butterfliesKaleidoscope’s Easter Party will also offer a complimentary photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny for guests who bring their own camera, as well as:

  • free face painting
  • a balloon artist
  • a petting zoo.kaleidoscope-easter-garden-partyWhile you’re at Kaleidoscope, why not stop by Union Market Mission Viejo, which is also located in the center? There are a variety of eateries and retailers.

union-market-mission-viejoFor more information about this fun, free family event, please call Kaleidoscope at (949) 542-4407. Connect with Kaleidoscope on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Some images are property of Kaleidoscope and used with permission. 

Toy Story Land to Open at Walt Disney World June 30

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

The all-new Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort, inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story films, is officially set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, June 30, 2018! toy-story-land-rendering-1Guests in Toy Story Land will feel like they have shrunk to the size of a toy as Woody, Jessie, Buzz, Slinky Dog, the Aliens, Green Army Men and other fun-loving Toy Story characters come to life in the larger-than-life outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. And what a backyard! In a rich and colorful landscape straight from his vivid imagination, Andy has set up his toys for the best playtime ever. Guests will be surrounded by giant building blocks, game board pieces and more.toy-story-land-rendering-2Across eleven fun-filled acres, Toy Story Land will include two all-new attractions and one expanded favorite. Guests will whoosh along on a family-friendly roller coaster behind Slinky Dog, take a spin with flying saucers in toy spaceships and score high on the midway. Toy Story Land will also celebrate what once defined entertainment for a generation. Crayons, Rubik’s Cubes, Cooties, Green Army Men and other toys and games will pour on the nostalgia for park-goers. Even the lampposts will be shaped like Tinkertoys.slinky-dog-1

“With set pieces, staging, attractions and experiences Toy Story Land represents the best of Walt Disney Imagineering’s collaboration with our storytelling partners at Pixar Animation Studios. This new land will place guests inside the wondrous world of Woody, Buzz and their pals,  and invite everyone to experience the joy of being a toy”.- Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

toy-story-land-rendering-aliensLet’s take a closer look at the two brand-new attractions: 

Slinky Dog Dash – Andy has assembled his roller coaster kit for maximum family fun. Tracks and supports in bright colors of red, orange, yellow and blue are put together according to Andy’s hand-drawn plans, with Rex and Jessie lending a hand. And to complete his creation, Andy picked up everyone’s favorite floppy-eared dachshund with a strrrrretch-ing slinky coil belly and dropped it on to the coaster track. Get ready to ride inside Slinky Dog’s coils! Slinky Dog Dash is inspired bythe delightful pooch spinoff of Slinky, the 1950s American toy classic. Riders of all ages will delight as Slinky Dog bends and twists his coils around curves, hills, bridges and drops in the Slinky-est coaster ever. Riders will zip around and above Toy Story Land, serving up panoramic views of all that the new land has to offer. Andy’s colorful creation will stretch Slinky Dog and his coils to the max – from his head to his upturned tail – and be fun for the entire family.toy-story-land-slinky-dog-dashAlien Swirling Saucers – Brace yourself for out-of-this-world thrills because the aliens have powered up their flying saucers! Alien Swirling Saucers will immerse guests in the playful world of Andy’s toys. This galactic space toy is designed as a play set that Andy won at the Pizza Planet restaurant. Adorable little Toy Story green Aliens swirl about in their flying saucers with guests in tow in their rocket-ship toys, while “The Claw” hangs overhead. This space adventure is bathed in music reimagined for intergalactic fun, dappled with multi-color lighting and sound effects from throughout galaxies.toy-story-land-alien-swirling-saucers-renderingToy Story Mania! will be expanded.  While Andy’s away, the toys will play. One of the most beloved attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania!, gets an all-new colorful toy carnival game box entrance when the new land opens. In fact, this is the box that the Toy Story Mania! game came in. Recently updated with a third track, the popular attraction will put even more guests in the carnival playset action taking aim at 3D objects, using everything from baseballs to cream pies, in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games. To the high-scorer go bragging rights.

New Eats in Toy Story Land
When it’s time for on-the-go refreshments, Woody’s Lunch Box will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats from a walk-up window in a setting surrounded by Andy’s favorite toys and a giant vintage thermos. toy-story-land-woodys-lunch-boxGet a Sneak Peek at Toy Story Land
Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can get a preview of Toy Story Land in a detailed model of the new land is on display at the theme park’s Walt Disney Presents attraction. It’s a joy-filled, toy-filled world as only Disney can create and we can’t wait to experience it all! Do you have plans to visit Toy Story Land when it opens? For updates about Toy Story Land, as well as Walt Disney World Resort vacation information, please go here.

Images and renderigs are property of Disney and may not be used without permission.

Lady and the Tramp on Digital and Blu-ray DVD + Enter to Win a Copy

I received promotional products in exchange for coverage. All opinions are my own. 

It’s February, Valentine’s month and I’m super excited about one of my most favorite Disney animated classics about love, “Lady and the Tramp,” joining the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection. This timeless tale will be loaded with three versions of the film, classic bonus material and three all-new feature when it’s available on Digital and on Movies Anywhere Feb. 20 and on Blu-ray on Feb. 27.lady-and-the-tramp-cover-art

As one of the greatest love stories ever told, “Lady and the Tramp” is sure to melt the hearts of generations with its beloved characters, brilliant animation, memorable music and sweet sentiment. The animated treasure tells the story of Lady, a lovingly pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a freewheeling mutt with a heart of gold. Through the Signature Collection edition, viewers can relive the pair’s thrilling adventures, sing along with the film’s unforgettable songs like “Bella Notte,” and swoon over one of the most memorable movie moments of all time—the iconic scene in which Lady and Tramp share a plate of spaghetti and an accidental kiss.lady-and-the-tramp-spaghetti

The Walt Disney Signature Collection edition will offer 3 exciting ways to watch “Lady and the Tramp”, the original theatrical version, sing-along mode and Walt’s story meetings. It’ll be available Digitally and via the Multi-screen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack). The Multi-screen Edition includes Blu-ray, DVD and a Digital copy, giving in-home consumers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. In addition to classic bonus features, all-new extras invite viewers to enter Walt Disney’s original office suite on the Studio lot, discover Walt’s personal passion for pups, and receive a celebrity-hosted spaghetti and meatballs cooking lesson.

“Lady and the Tramp” is the sixth title to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection. Let’s take a look at the Bonus Features.

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL*:

Film Versions

  1. Original Theatrical Edition – Enjoy this cherished Disney classic that captivates audiences of all ages.
  2. Sing-Along Mode – Sing along with all your favorite songs as you watch the movie.
  3. Inside Walt’s Story Meetings – As you view the film, hear reenactments of Walt’s story sessions with animators and see how their ideas were realized on-screen.

New Signature Bonus

  • Walt & His Dogs – Through archival recordings and photos, hear the tales of the dogs Walt Disney owned and loved over his lifetime.
  • Stories from Walt’s Office – Take a tour of Walt’s office suite on the Studio lot, carefully re-created to look just as it did when he occupied it.
  • How to Make a Meatball and Other Fun Facts About “Lady and The Tramp” – Watch a delicious lesson on how to make perfect meatballs with teen chef Amber Kelley and Oh My Disney Show Host Alexys Gabrielle.

Songs

  • “Peace on Earth”
  • “What Is a Baby/La La Lu”
  • “The Siamese Cat Song”
  • “Bella Notte”
  • “He’s a Tramp”

Classic Bonus Features

  • Diane Disney Miller: Remembering Dad – Walt’s daughter shares memories of her father and Disneyland’s early days, as well as a look at his apartment above the firehouse.
  • Never-Recorded Song – “I’m Free as the Breeze” – Take a listen to a song originally meant to be sung by Tramp.Deleted Scenes
  • Introduction of Boris – Tramp wasn’t always meant to be Lady’s only suitor. Meet Boris the aristocrat and Homer the peasant in this deleted scene.
  • Waiting for Baby – Lady watches as Jim Dear plans out his new son’s future in this early storyboard.
  • Dog Show – See the storyboards for this deleted scene in which Lady and Tramp unexpectedly find themselves in the middle of a dog show.

Classic Bonus Features on Digital Only*

  • Lady’s Pedigree: The Making of “Lady and the Tramp” – A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Walt Disney’s first feature-length animated film based on an original story.
  • Finding Lady: The Art of the Storyboard – Explore the origins of the storyboard and how they’re used by filmmakers today.
  • Original 1943 Storyboard Version of the Film – View a unique presentation of the original 1943 storyboards for “Lady and the Tramp.”
  • PuppyPedia: Going to the Dogs – Wild and wacky comedian Fred Willard takes us on an outing to the dog park to learn all about dogs and their owners.

Deleted Scenes

  • Turning the Tables – In this story-reel presentation, Tramp dreams of a world where dogs run the show and humans are on the other end of the leash.
  • The Arrival of Baby – In this alternate scene re-created from original storyboards and with original voice talent, Lady makes way for a new arrival.
  • Baby Arrives – Lady is baffled by the strange goings-on in the house—the arrival of a squealing bundle only deepens the mystery.
  • Lady’s Sweater – Lady gets a new sweater for her birthday and must figure out an ingenious way to lose it for good.

Trailers

  • 1955 Original Theatrical Trailer – More than just a trailer, this preview features several minutes of footage from the film and introduces each major character.
  • 1972 Theatrical Re-Issue Trailer – This trailer from the 1972 rerelease heralds Disney’s “happiest motion picture.”
  • 1986 Theatrical Re-Issue Trailer – Released theatrically for the 1986 holiday season, this trailer highlights the love story between Lady and the handsome Tramp.

*Bonus features may vary by retailer

Now a celebrated part of the Walt Disney Signature Collection, Lady and the Tramp will captivate audiences of all ages with brilliant animation, remarkable songs and exclusive Bonus Extras! In this cherished Disney classic full of humor and heart, perfectly pampered Lady and street-smart Tramp embark on thrilling adventures with an unforgettable cast of characters. Experience a memorable bella notte in one of the greatest love stories ever told
Giveaway-time

I’m also hosting a giveaway! One (1) of my readers will each win a copy of “Lady and the Tramp” on Blu-Ray DVD! To enter the giveaway, comment on this blog post, telling me who your favorite character is from this movie. I will accept comments as entries through Tuesday, February 25, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. One (1) winner will be chosen via Random Number Generator and contacted via email. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents of the Continental U.S., ages 18 years and older. Good luck everyone!

Some images and cover art are property of Disney Animation Studios and used with permission. 

Exclusive Black Panther Merchandise at Disney Store and ShopDisney

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

Black Panther will pounce into theatres and introduce fans to the incredible world of Wakanda and its Warrior King. Disney store and shopDisney offer a variety of Black Panther products inspired by the King turned Avenger, including these fun items:

  • Black Panther Glove Set with Battle Sounds: Stalk your villainous prey armed with Black Panther’s power gloves, complete with push-button or motion-activated battle sounds for hours of heroic play.black-panther-glove-set
  • Black Panther Figure Set: Bring the wild excitement of Marvel Studio’s Black Panther to life with this six-piece figure set. The heir to the Wakanda throne, T’Challa, is featured in his guise as the leader of the Panther Clan in this highly detailed set, along with the Dora Milaje.black-panther-figure-set
  • Black Panther Action Figure – Marvel Toybox: Pounce into an action-packed playtime with this Black Panther Action Figure from the Marvel Toybox Series. Two vibranium concussive blast accessories included.black-panther-action-figure

You can find these and more Black Panther toys, figures, apparel and accessories exclusively at your local Disney store, as well as on shopDisney.

Images are property of Disney Store and used with permission.

Minnie: Helping Hearts Now Available on Disney DVD + Enter to Win

I received promotional items in order to write this post. All opinions are my own.

Calling all Minnie Mouse lovers, Minnie: Helping Hearts is now available to take home on Disney DVD and just in time for Valentine’s Day! What a great Valentine’s Day gift idea for fans of all ages!
Minnie-Helping-Hearts-DVD-Cover-Art
As always this Disney DVD has a fun storyline! The Happy Helpers are on their way! When their friends need help, these two BFFs are at the ready! As the Happy Helpers from Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Minnie and Daisy can complete any task at hand, whether they are babysitters, personal assistants, or cruise ship directors leading the Valentine’s Day dance contest! Minnie-Helping-Hearts-DVD-Minnie-and-DaisyEvery day is an exciting new adventure and you can always count on the Happy Helpers to show up with happy hearts and helping hands!
Here’s an adorable sneek peek:

The Voice Cast is as follows:

  • Russi Taylor as Minnie Mouse
  • Tress MacNeille as Daisy Duck
  • Bret Iwan as Mickey Mouse
  • Daniel Ross as Donald Duck
  • Bill Farmer as Goofy
  • April Winchell as Clarabelle Cow
  • Jim Cummings as Pete

Episodes on this DVD include:

  • The Happiest Helpers Cruise!
  • The Big Broadcast
  • Adventures in Buddysitting!
  • Lights! Camera! Help!
  • Grandpa Beagle’s Day Out
  • Artful Helpers
  • Cuckoo La-La
  • Figaro’s New Friend

Giveaway-time

I’m also hosting a giveaway! Two (2) of my readers will each win a copy of “Minnie’s Helping Hearts” on DVD! To enter the giveaway, comment on this blog post, telling me who your favorite Disney character is. I will accept comments as entries though Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. Two (2) winners will be chosen via Random Number Generator and contacted via email. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents of the Continental U.S., ages 18 years and older. 

Minnie’s Helping Hearts is now available on Disney DVD so go grab your copy today!

Cover Art image property of Disney DVD and used with permission. 

{Giveaway} Irvine Park Railroad’s 22nd Anniversary Celebration 2018

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

You are invited to come celebrate Irvine Park Railroad’s 22nd anniversary on Saturday, February 24th and Sunday, February 25th. As their way of saying thank you to all of their loyal customers who have visited Irvine Park Railroad  over the years.they’ll be rolling back prices to their original 1996 prices, including $2.00 train rides!irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-trainThe train at Irvine Park Railroad, takes passengers on a 12-minute train ride through scenic Irvine Regional Park. The engineer narrates the ride pointing out all of the history inside of the park which is over 100 years old.welcome-to-irvine-park-railroadThe Anniversary Celebration will also feature other $2.00 activities such as:

  • carnival games
  • a bounce house
  • panning for gold
  • face painting, and more.

Please note: Face painting and panning for gold require two (2) tickets.irvine-park-railroad-pumpkin-patch-cotton-candy Attendees at the celebration will also enjoy $2 concessions including hot dogs, sodas, ice creams, and popcorn. There will also be FREE giveaways including Irvine Park Railroad balloons (one per child, please). The $2 tickets are valid during the Anniversary Celebration weekend only. Coupons, discounts and/or any other promotions are not valid on the anniversary celebration dates.

Raffles will be held every hour, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm., at the celebration on both Saturday and Sunday. Raffle winners will receive Irvine Park Railroad prizes ranging in value from $60.00 to $300.00. To add even more fun for visitors, a live band will play on both days from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.irvine-park-railroad-christmas-train-family-santa-photoIrvine Park Railroad is open year round (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Our annual events include the Easter Eggstravaganza, Anniversary Celebration, Pumpkin Patch, Fourth Grade California History Education Program, and Christmas Train. Please visit http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com for details about seasonal activities.train-selfieWhile at Irvine Regional Park, be sure and visit the parks other activities including Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park bike and paddle boat rentals, pony rides and the Orange County Zoo.Paddle-Boats-Irvine-Regional-ParkThe park entrance fee is $5.00 per vehicle. Irvine Park Railroad opens daily at 10:00 AM. The cost for train tickets during the Anniversary Celebration weekend is $2.00 per ticket; children younger than 12 months ride free. Irvine Park Railroad is located inside of Irvine Regional Park at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869.irvine-park-railroad-signFor more information about Irvine Park Railroad, please visit www.irvineparkrailroad.com.irvine-park-railroad-easter-eggstravaganza-signs

Irvine-Park-Railroad-Pumpkin-Patch-giveaway-2015

I’m also hosting a quick giveaway for one of my lucky readers to win some tickets!Enter my giveaway on the Rafflecopter below to win 8 Tickets + 1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park Double Surrey Bike Rental. This prize is worth $75.00. The tickets may be used during the Anniversary Celebration weekend or at any other time during the year. The tickets are valid to ride the train or to enjoy any of our special event activities (excluding the Christmas Train). The bike rental coupon may be used this weekend or at any other time during the year.Good luck! Thank you for reading!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with Irvine Park Railroad on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Some images are property of Irvine Park Railroad and used with permission. 

Reverie by William Lyon Homes at Esencia Grand Opening Model Event on 2/11

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

The Village of Esencia, located in the heart of Rancho Mission Viejo, is South Orange County’s most up and coming master-planned community. Have you checked it out yet?esencia-sign Often referred to as “The Ranch”, this vibrant community is nestled in the foothills, off Antonio Parkway and Ortega Highway, just miles from Doheny Beach and San Juan Capistrano.. Esencia offers its homeowners a naturally beautiful and elevated location that boasts both backcountry and coastal views. esencia-treeWith amazing community amenities and natural surroundings, it’s no wonder so many couples, families and empty-nesters already call Esencia at Rancho Mission “home”.northwalk-neighborhoods-signThe NorthWalk Neighborhood in the Village of Esencia is getting ready to welcome a new neighborhood, Reverie by William Lyon Homes. Reverie’s comfortably spacious one and two-story new home designs will feature 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2 to 3.5 baths in approximately 1,914 to 2,674 square feet.
The Model Grand Opening Event is this Sunday, February 11. from 10 am to 5 pm. Guests in attendance at the Model Grand Opening will enjoy light refreshments, Valentine’s Day crafts, and model home tours! For more information about this fun event and to RSVP, please go herereverie-from-william-lyon-homesSome of the popular room options offered at Reverie include dens, master retreats and loggias. Homebuyers will benefit from convenient low-maintenance designs, plus beautiful, versatile interiors to accommodate individual expectations. These courtyard homes will also have private yards, charming outdoor spaces for casual dining and entertaining.

Let’s take a look at the 5 Reverie single-family detached home residences that will be offered, including 1 and 2-story floor plans. (To view a specific floorplan and/or exterior options available for that residence, please click on the residence number you’re interested in.)

Residence 1 – Approximately 1,914 Sq. Ft., 3 Bedrooms + 2 Baths, 2-Car Garagewilliam-lyon-homes-reverie-at-esencia-plan-1Residence 2 – Approximately 2,334 Sq. Ft., 3 Bedrooms + 3 Baths, 2-Car Garagewilliam-lyon-reverie-at-escencia-plan-2Residence 3 – Approximately 2,445-2,484 Sq. Ft., 3 Bedrooms + 3 Baths, 2-Car Garagewilliam-lyon-reverie-at-esencia-plan-3Residence 4 – Approximately 2,552-2,589 Sq. Ft., 4 Bedrooms + 3.5 Baths, 2-Car Garagewilliam-lyon-reverie-at-esencia-plan-4Residence 5 – Approximately 2,664-2,674 Sq. Ft., 4 Bedrooms + 3.5 Baths, 3-Car Tandem Garagewilliam-lyon-reverie-at-esencia-plan-5Reverie homebuyers will also enjoy access to the NorthWalk neighborhood amenities, including the all-new, incredible 5.5-acre linear park, The Backyard, which also opens February 11th.
This eclectic green space will include:

  • An outdoor lounge with events bar
  • A DIY workshop and tool shed
  • 2 children’s playgrounds with hill slides, jungle gyms, tot lot, and gravity rail
  • Firepits and BBQs
  • A major Sports Park

sports-park-at-esenciaThe community of Escencia in Rancho Mission Viejo is plentiful with abundant leisure. Whether you like to socialize, explore, exercise, or just relax, here are just some of the other amenities in the community:

  • Village Parks
  • Esencia Farm
  • Indoor/Outdoor Retreats
  • Canyon Coffee Coffeehouse
  • Oak Canyon and Scenic Trails
  • Dog Park
  • Esencia School K-8 grades (opening for Fall 2018)south-paw-dog-park-3south-paw-dog-park-1

In the Village of Esencia, you’ll also find countless opportunities for new experience on the action-packed community calendar. Many fun events take place at The Hilltop Club in Esencia, which features a swimming pool, bar with lounge seating, arcade, fire pits, BBQ pavilion, large event lawn and more.rancho-mission-viejo-bikingDon’t forget to join William Lyon Homes for their Model Grand Opening of Reverie at Esencia, the newest NorthWalk neighborhood at Rancho Mission Viejo, on Sunday, February 11th! Hope to see you there!reverie-grand-opening-squareTo learn more about Reverie or to join the Interest List, please visit: http://bit.ly/ReverieAtRMV.
Connect with William Lyon Homes on Facebook and Instagram. Join in on the conversation by using and following the hashtag #LiveLyonSoCal on social media.

Some images are property of William Lyon Homes and used with permission.