Over The Top Mommy
Home » Page 3

Tickets on Sale for Universal Studios Hollywood’s Giant New Year’s Eve Party

/ Family Fun, Los Angeles, SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to ring in 2020 with EVE, Hollywood’s biggest party of the year, on Tuesday, December 31, with extended theme park hours to 2:00 a.m. EVE is included in the price of theme park admission, or guest can enhance their celebration with the popular Ultimate EVE package.Guests can visit Universal Studios Hollywood on December 31, 2019 and leave on January 1, 2020 after enjoying a full day and night of fun experiencing the park’s many thrill rides and attractions, including the all-new “Jurassic World—The Ride.”

EVE officially kicks off with a special park-wide celebration at 9:00 p.m., featuring multiple DJs and live music areas, that culminates at midnight with a traditional New Year’s Eve countdown and spectacular fireworks display. Giant, spirited photo op locations add to the festive environment, offering bragging rights to share with friends on social media.

The Ultimate EVE package takes the celebration to a whole new level. Package highlights include theme park admission starting at 6:00 p.m., VIP Lounge access with gourmet buffet dining and cash bars with specialty cocktails, private DJ and dance floor, reserved VIP viewing area for the dazzling fireworks display, a complimentary midnight champagne toast, commemorative 2020 party favors, preferred parking and unlimited Universal Express access to all rides and attractions.

At a glance, EVE begins at 9:00 p.m. with Universal Plaza, Simpsons Plaza located in Springfield™ and an area near “Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride” transformed into three uniquely-themed party areas, featuring a variety of music, from rock ‘n’ roll to electronic dance music to Latin pop, and the celebration will continue with enhanced DJ shows and after-party entertainment until 2:00 a.m.

A selection of food and beverages, including desserts, champagne, beer, wine and cocktails, as well as 2020 memorabilia will be available for purchase.

For more information and to purchase tickets for EVE or the Ultimate EVE package, please go HERE, Annual Pass members can also benefit from a variety of special incentives devised especially for these valued ticket holders.

Images is property of Universal Studios Hollywood and used with permission. 

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure to Open Summer 2020 at Epcot

/ Florida, Travel, Walt Disney World

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will open summer 2020 in the France pavilion at Epcot and suddenly I want to fast forward to June! Disney Imagineers are busy at work, creating the immersive attraction that will bring guests on an adventure with Chef Remy through Gusteau’s restaurant.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is an attraction based on Disney and Pixar’s hit film, “Ratatouille,” The family-friendly attraction will invite you to shrink down to the scale of a rat for a culinary adventure with Chef Remy.

You’ll race across Gusteau’s kitchen floor aboard special trackless ride vehicles, which you can see in the image at the top of this post – just released today – as Disney Imagineers work on bringing this attraction to life.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is one of several new experiences coming to Epcot as part of the park’s major transformation which is already underway.

Image property of Disney Parks and used with permission. 

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Set to Open March 4, 2020 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

/ Florida, Travel, Walt Disney World

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

I’m more excited than ever about Spring Break 2020 because we’re headed to Walt Disney World and now Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is set to open right before we get there! Yep, the Disney Parks Blog released more details today about this brand new attraction opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the official opening date is and is opening March 4, 2020!

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be the first Disney ride-through attraction featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, that will draw guests inside a Mickey cartoon for a fun-filled adventure where “Mouse rules apply” and anything can happen! I can’t wait to experience it! Have you already made travel plans to visit there, too? If so, when are you going on your next trip to Walt Disney World?

Image property of Disney Parks and used with permission. 

K1 Speed Holiday Gift Cards: Give the Gift of an Experience This Year

/ SoCal Fun

I was invited as a guest of K1 Speed in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. 

With the holiday season in full swing, we’re all checking off names from our “To Buy For” lists. This year, why not consider giving the gift of an experience? There’s a lot to be said about having the opportunity to create memories together that will last a lifetime.

I was recently invited to bring my family and spend an afternoon at K1 Speed to experience all the things and I had SO much fun! Not only do they have the race tracks, but we also got to experience Mario Kart VR I know it would be something that anyone on your list would love to receive as a gift this year! If you aren’t familiar with K1 Speed, it’s been the world’s premier indoor go-karting experience since 2003, with locations throughout the world, K1 Speed utilizes electric go-karts in indoor state-of-the-art facilities. At the location we visited in Irvine, there were 2 separate race tracks to choose from. I’ll be honest, at first, I was a little hesitant to get out on the track but my family got me out there with a little bit of coaxing and I was super proud of myself for doing so.

This experience was definitely something I would consider to be “out of my comfort zone” but I had SO much fun!It’s kindn of funny to see how competitive your famly gets when you’re at K1!

Here are some things you should know before you go:

  • Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You’ll defintiely want to wear pants/jeans for this.
  • If you have longer hair, consider bringing a hair tie to put your hair in a ponytail or more contained style. You’ll have to wear a headscarf they provide you with, that goes under your helmet.
  • There is a height requirement to be able to race. Junior minimum height requirement is 48″ (121.9 cm). Adult minimum height requirement is 58″ (147.3 cm). Please note: Meeting the height requirement is not a guarantee you’ll be able to race our karts. Drivers will be measured at the location and must be able to safely operate all elements of the kart. Final approval will be at management’s discretion.
  • You’ll be given some pre-race instructions and explanation of how it all works.
  • Be prepared to sign a waiver before racing. (Minors must have an adult sign one for them.)

If you are worried about not knowing how to put on your helmet or how to strap yourself into the go kart, the staff is amazing at helping you. After each race on the track, you’ll receive a printout of your placement and times, which makes for a great keepsake as well, especially if you win!

One of my family’s favorite parts about the races were getting to be up on the podium afterwards. As you can see, their most competitive side seemed to come out that day.

Giving the gift of an experience, a.k.a. a fun day out at K1 Speed, is the ideal gift to give this year and one that will allow you to help create new memories in your family. I vote for getting this for your mom, dad, brother, sister or anyone in your family. It would also make a great gift for friends or co-workers.FOR A LIMITED TIME, you can take advantage of the K1 Speed Holiday Gift Card Promo*: Get a bonus card with each gift card order. 

Buy a gift card worth…

  • $50, get a FREE $10 Gift Card
  • $75, get a FREE $15 Gift Card
  • $100, get a FREE $20 Gift Card

Who do you have left on your “To Buy For” list? Click HERE to purchase your K1 Speed gfit cards, available in physical gift cards or electronic ones.

*Gift cards cannot be used same day as purchase date.

K1 Speed has locations across the world, but to find the K1 Speed location closet to you, please visit HERE.

*Some images are property of K1 Speed and used with permission. 

Winter Fest OC Returns December 19th + Enter to Win

/ Uncategorized

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Winter Fest OC will return to the OC Fair & Event Center again this year from December 19th through January 5th. Winter Fest OC will debut its fifth consecutive year bringing “Winter to the OC” with new food, entertainment and attractions designed for all ages. Guests can enjoy classic winter treats in the all new Yowie’s Sweet Shoppe, visit Victorian holiday shops and enjoy tea and scones at SoCal Dicken’s Village, dance into the night with live bands at Hussong’s Cantina, or sing their heart out to their favorite live tribute bands in the Hangar Building. Each night at 6 p.m., the all new Winter Fest After Dark comes alive with live music, dancing, drink specials and more.

New and Expanded Attractions at Winter Fest OC:

  • NEW! Yowie’s Sweet Shoppe – Step into Yowie the Yeti’s candy shop featuring an interactive selfie experience, gingerbread making, an all-new world’s largest traveling candy maze, and sweet market experience where guests can enjoy classic winter treats from local vendors. Plus, an all-new gingerbread private party space.
  • SoCal Dicken’s Village – Take a trip down memory lane through the 1800’s with holidays past, present, and future. SoCal Dicken’s Village brings you a taste of the holidays in Victorian England. Enjoy over two dozen shops with unique items, holiday storytelling, and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Christmas Eve), plus British Pub favorite foods and beverages. Be sure to not miss Santa’s Favorite Furry Friends petting zoo with more than 25 animals.
  • NEW! Ice Skating Trail* – Enjoy skating under the stars in the center of a winter wonderland on the redesigned ice rink trail with two interactive islands, surrounded by winter décor and lights and adjacent to the new 50-foot Tree of Dreams Christmas tree.
  • Entertainment – Every day, guests can enjoy live entertainment, community acts and more. Daily entertainment includes live cartoon character shows with meet & greets (Thomas the Train, Paw Patrol, PJ Mask, Peppa Pig, Octonauts and much more), magic shows by the infamous Jimmy H., plus the all new Winter Fest After Dark entertainment starting nightly at 6pm with Southern California’s most popular tribute bands in the Hangar Building and dancing into the night with a live band, DJ and libations at the infamous Hussong’s Cantina.
  • Alpine Village – Alpine Village includes Penny’s Snow Play and slide area that is double the size with fresh snow blown in daily! Alpine Village also features Festival of Lights, a brilliantly illuminated pathway that you can walk through to explore holiday themed lands with animated displays and more than two million lights. For additional fun, make sure to ride through the Festival of Lights on one of two trackless trains*.

Back This Year by Popular Demand:

Snowflake Summit Ice Tubing Slide – Visit Snowflake Summit for unlimited ice-tube racing down the expanded 150-foot, nine-lane slides. Fast Pass wristbands are available starting at only $10 to skip the general admission line.

Flying Santa and his Reindeer – Don’t miss the magic of the North Pole as Santa and his reindeer fly over the fairgrounds December 19th – December 24th. This spectacle takes place during the nightly Christmas Tree Lighting celebration and features fireworks and snow flurries.

Santa’s Toy Carnival* – For thrill seekers, head to Santa’s Toy Carnival for more than 30 carnival rides and games.

Holidays & VIP Experiences:

  • New Year’s Eve Orange Ball Celebration – Ring in the New Year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6pm and midnight. Live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of 2020!
  • Three Kings’ Day Celebration – Celebrate El Día de los Reyes or Three Kings’ Day on January 5th where Winter Fest OC will honor the tradition of the Three Kings with a parade, live camel, and Kings cake available for purchase.
  • Club Winter Fest* – Enjoy an exclusive lounge area with comfortable seating, fire pits and an exquisite view of the nightly Christmas tree lighting celebration. With a private bar, Club Winter Festis perfect for holiday corporate parties.
  • Rink-Side VIP Private Cabanas* – Private, ice rink-side VIP cabanas for up to 10 people, that can be adjoined to accommodate up to 200 people are available starting at only $69 per session, creating the ultimate premium lounge for families and date nights to office parties and girls night out.

Also returning are the world’s largest rocking horse, wintery-themed bounce houses, arts and crafts area, and two giant walk-through ornaments.

Early Bird admission tickets to Winter Fest OC starting at only $10, and select value packages including season passes valid for all 18 days are available now for a limited time for only $1 per day at WinterFestOC.com. Plus, reserve your private party space now, while dates and times last, starting at only $69 per session. Discounts will be offered on select days to honor our community heroes; First Responders, Nurses, Teachers, and Military/Veterans with proof of ID.

I’m also having a giveaway for a family 4-pack of tickets. You can enter my giveaway on the Raffecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


For more information about Winter Fest OC, please visit http://www.WinterFestOC.com. You can also follow along with the conversation on social at #WinterFestOC.

*Not included in general admission ticket, additional cost required.

Watch the All-New Trailer for Trolls World Tour

/ Entertainment, Movies

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
It’s like a Troll lover’s dream come true: Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake are returning for an all-star sequel to DreamWorks musical hit “Trolls” and an all-new trailer for it, dropped today! The sequel titled “Trolls World Tour” is an adventure that will take them well beyond what they’ve known before, Poppy (Kendrick) and Branch (Timberlake) discover that they are but one of six different Troll tribes scattered over six different lands and devoted to six different kinds of music: Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop and Rock. Their world is about to get a lot bigger and a whole lot louder.

A member of hard-rock royalty, Queen Barb (Rachel Bloom), aided by her father King Thrash (Ozzy Osbourne), wants to destroy all other kinds of music to let rock reign supreme. With the fate of the world at stake, Poppy and Branch, along with their friends – Biggie (James Corden), Chenille (Caroline Hjelt), Satin (Aino Jawo), Cooper (Ron Funches) and Guy Diamond (Kunal Nayyar) – set out to visit all the other lands to unify the Trolls in harmony against Barb, who’s looking to upstage them all.

Watch the all-new trailer that just dropped today:

Cast as members of the different musical tribes is one the largest, and most acclaimed, groups of musical talent ever assembled for an animated film. From the land of Funk are Mary J. Blige, George Clinton and Anderson .Paak. Representing Country is Kelly Clarkson as Delta Dawn, with Sam Rockwell as Hickory and Flula Borg as Dickory. J Balvin brings Reggaeton, while Ester Dean adds to the Pop tribe. Anthony Ramos brings the beat in Techno and Jamie Dornan covers smooth jazz. World-renowned conductor and violinist Gustavo Dudamel appears as Trollzart and Charlyne Yi as Pennywhistle from the land of Classical. And Kenan Thompson raps as a hip-hop newborn Troll named Tiny Diamond.

Trolls World Tour will be in theaters April 17, 2020 and we can’t wait! For the latest updates on the film, please visit https://www.dreamworks.com/movies/trolls-world-tour. You can also join in on the conversation on social by using and following along with #TrollsWorldTour.

Images and trailer are property of Dreamworks and used with permission. 

 

 

Top Holiday Gift: DJI Global Mavic Mini Drone from Best Buy

/ Lifestyle, Technology, Technology/Social Media

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been planning to up my photo and video game in 2020 and just found the perfect item to put at the top of my Holiday Wish List: the DJI Global Mavic Mini Drone from Best Buy! It’s so innovative and seems easy to use! Transform any moment into a work of art. The Mavic Mini supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K Quad HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior camera stability and ensures clear, ultra-smooth footage.

Here are some of the unique features:

  • Stabilized Gimbal Camera –Transform any moment into a work of art.Mavic Mini supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K Quad HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior camera stability and ensures clear, ultra-smooth footage.
  • Remote Controller – See what your Mavic Mini sees.A dedicated remote controller maintains an HD, low-latency video feed at a distance of up to 4 km. [3] Detachable control sticks can be easily stored inside the remote controller for added portability.
  • Extended Flight Time – Less battery charging, more flying.Mavic Mini’s weight allows it to stay in the air longer than similar consumer FlyCams on the market. Enjoy up to 30 minutes of flight time with a fully-charged battery.

Cinematic is Simple

  • QuickShots – Complex shots are easier than ever.Shots that look like they came from a Hollywood film set are just a few taps away with Mavic Mini’s QuickShot modes, which include Dronie, Circle, Helix, and Rocket. Just select your QuickShot and Mavic Mini will execute an elaborate preset motion while recording. Take the automatically generated short video and share it instantly with friends on social media.
  • CineSmooth Mode – Smoother motion for compositions that wow.Slow down Mavic Mini’s flight speed and movements for an added layer of precision and stability. This mode is especially useful when flying in narrow or complex spaces.
  • Discover Popular Spots – Find scenic shooting locations near you.The DJI Fly app gives users integrated access to SkyPixel, a social media platform for users to share their aerial photos and videos. Browse work, share your own, and even discover popular aerial photography spots in your area.

Get the most from your Mavic Mini with these accessories:

  • Two-Way Charging Hub – The Two-Way Charging Hub can charge up to three batteries in sequence. It can also be used to store and transport batteries, and even as a power bank to charge your mobile device.
  • DIY Creative Kit – Make your FlyCam truly yours with this kit that includes shell stickers and colorful markers.
  • Charging Base – Show off your Mavic Mini while charging it with this convenient charging base.
  • DJI Mini Bag – Pack your Mavic Mini and Two-Way Charging Hub easily with this signature shoulder bag that’s perfect for everyday use.
  • Snap Adapter – Personalize your Mavic Mini with a wide range of compatible accessories when you use the Snap Adapter.
  • Propeller Holder –  This lightweight propeller holder protects your FlyCam propellers from being damaged during transportation. It can also be used to fasten your Mavic Mini to your bag or belt.

The DJI Global Mini Mavic is available at Best Buy either in-store or online. Now let’s get this holiday shopping started!

Images are property of Best Buy and used with permission. 

Knott’s Announces the Return of Knott’s Beary Tales Attraction for Summer 2020

/ Family Fun, Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun

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

I am SO excited to hear the latest news from Knott’s Berry Farm! One of my childhood favorites is returning to the park this summer: Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair! Obviously it’s going to be a modernized version as it returns as an all-new adventure in Summer 2020.

As part of the 100th anniversary celebration at Knott’s Berry Farm, this 4D interactive dark ride will bring to life a continuation of the story from the classic attraction. Guests will climb aboard ride vehicles equipped with “Jelly Blasters” and be immersed in the world of the Bear-y Tales characters to try and recover the stolen boysenberry pies from Crafty Coyote and his brood of pups. Families can ride through and take in the expansive surroundings or compete for the hightest score. With all of the classic scenes reimagined including the Pie Factory, Frog Forest, and County Fair, this will be a journey like never experienced before!

Does anyone else remember this ride? Am I dating myself here? Well, stay tuned for more news as Summer 2020 nears!

Some images are property of Knott’s Berry Farm and used with permission. 

“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” Joins Holiday Entertainment Lineup at Disney California Adventure

/ California, Disney, Disney, Disney, Family Fun, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
With the Holdiays at Disneyland Resort just around the corner beginning November 8, there’s more exciting news for guests visiting the resort. Just announced today, “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” will be a part of the holiday entertainment lineup at Disney California Adventure. This character celebration will include Mickey Mouse and pals. Guests will dance and sing along with Mickey Mouse and friends during the all new *“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” celebration. Mickey is joined by favorite Disney and Pixar characters as they dance along to high-energy music, led by the merry rhythms of the Holiday Toy Drummers. Mickey, Minnie, Chip n’ Dale, Goofy and Clarabelle all don new Festival of Holidays attire, specifically for the “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” celebration. The Country Bears and the Pixar characters also sport fun seasonal overlays for the show.
Returning in 2019 is the dazzling “World of Color – Season of Light,” a holiday-themed production of this nighttime spectacular that features lights, lasers, water, fire and hundreds of fountains bringing animation to life.
Disney Festival of Holidays brings the spirit of the season to life through lively entertainment, festive food and beverage and special traditions. Children will enjoy craft stations and everyone will appreciate the delicious food at Festival Foods Marketplace, featuring a mix of holiday dishes and beverages that bridge many diverse cultures and family traditions.

The Holiday Sunset Concerts features new music this year from The Suffragettes, who rock holiday chart-topping hits from favorite musical artists (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights). This new band joins the explosive energy of Phat Cat Swinger, the West Coast’s “Little-Big Band” that plays a swinging selection of irresistible holiday music, presented with a fresh new twist (Wednesday through Saturday nights).

Additional Festival of Holidays entertainment includes musical and dance performances by Mostly Kosher, Blue13 Dance Company, The Sound and the GRAMMY® Award-winning Mariachi Divas.

The Three Caballeros host the popular “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” celebration, featuring folklórico and samba dancers, live musicians, and Mickey and Minnie in their fiesta best.

Disney Festival of Holidays begins on November 8 and continues through January 6, 2020. For more information, including showtimes, pleae visit

*“Mickey’s Happy Holidays” will run twice daily, with show moments at Paradise Gardens Park and Carthay Circle.

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