Over The Top Mommy

Knott’s Merry Farm: A True Southern California Holiday Celebration #MerryFarm

November 8, 2014 / Knott's, Knott's

Disclosure: I was invited to attend a social media day at Knott’s Merry Farm and provided with information to share with my readers about Knott’s Merry Farm and 2015 Knott’s Season Passes. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

The holiday season is officially underway! There are decorations popping up in stores everywhere, Christmas commercials are playing on the radio and on TV, and moms like me are already starting to think out about WHAT to buy everyone on our Christmas Shopping List! (I already feel like I’m behind on that part!) There are so many fun family holiday activities and events happening around Southern California this time of year also. Our family is really excited to be invited to experience the opening day of Knott’s Merry Farm this year on November 22! It’ll be our first time and we’re counting down the days.

Knott’s Merry Farm has been a Southern California Holiday Tradition since 1985 and is one of Knott’s Berry Farm’s seasonal events. The celebration of the Christmas season will start on November 22 this year and go through January 4, 2015. The event includes park-wide lavish decorations, festive food, live entertainment, and a shopping wonderland filled with local artisans.

Festive Food

Knott’s Berry Farm’s culinary elves have created delicious festive treats including Santa’s homemade cookies, sundae bar, decadent hot chocolate topped with hand carved chocolate shavings, and winter wine and craft beer tastings. Savor the ultimate comfort foods with Knott’s world famous desserts, including fresh made-to-order Maple Lollipops, churros from the Churro Factory, cakes, cookies, muffins and gingerbread men in the Farm Bakery, as well as the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. I can hardly contain my excitement.

Live Entertainment

I think I’m most excited to experience all the things Snoopy that Knott’s has in store during Merry Farm, starting with going to see a performance by the world famous beagle, himself, as he performs a brand new ice spectacular, Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, held inside of the 2100 seat Charles M. Schultz Theatre.

Other live entertainment offerings include:

• Live performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” or O. Henry’s “A Gift of the Magi” in an intimate setting of the historic Bird Cage Theatre.

• When the sun sets on the Farm, Calico Stage lights up with the celebration of the season in Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting. Join us for a musical, whimsical tree lighting featuring a cast of Toy Soldiers, Snowmen, Elves and America’s most famous beagle, Snoopy!

• Over in Camp Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy invite you to dance, sing and join in on the holiday fun in the Camp Snoopy Theatre.

• Introduced in 2013, the Ghost Town and Calico Railroad celebrate Christmas on Engine 41. Climb
aboard a vintage railcar and meet an ever-changing group of Ghost Town residents eager to share their
Christmas plans and songs with you.

• Ghost Town also celebrates of the sounds of the season with its very own Dickensian vocal quartet, Calico Carolers and interactive country Christmas blue grass quartet, the Ghost Town Miners.

Santa’s Christmas Cabin

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without visiting Santa Claus. The Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town becomes home to Santa’s Christmas Cabin for the holiday season. Here, the young and the young at heart can share their wish lists with jolly Santa Claus and take home a picture of the occasion. We’re excited to capture a special family memory like this because we like to use our annual Santa photo for our family holiday cards!

At Santa’s Christmas Cabin, guests can also indulge in holiday delights such as:

Santa’s homemade cookies
Hot fudge sundae bar
Decadent hot chocolate topped with hand carved chocolate shavings
Winter wine and craft beer tastings paired with fresh fruit, cheese and more!

Christmas Crafts Village

Relax and unwind in Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village as it transforms Ghost Town into a shopping wonderland filled with dozens of local artists and artisans selling their unique wares including a chainsaw sculptor and glass blower. Entrance to the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is free Monday through Thursday and is included daily with theme park admission.

So, let’s get back to when I mentioned about how I’m starting to think about WHAT to get everyone on my holiday shopping list! I came up with the best idea! It’s a one-size, fits all, and it’s sure to please EVERYONE who receives it! It’s a 2015 Knott’s Season Pass! Why not grab one for everyone on your list? Seriously though!

Look at some of the benefits of having a Regular Season Pass:

Six Easy Payments (as low as 13.25 each)
One FREE Merry Farm Visit
Additional 2014 Visits Only $9.99
Unlimited Visits In 2015
Early Ride Times
Food & Merch Discounts
Knott’s Hotel Discounts
Scary Farm 2015 Ticket Discounts
Bring A Friend Days

Knott’s is California’s best amusement park and the prices for a year-long season pass are incredibly affordable! All the fun activities, shows and entertainment happening during the holidays at Knott’s is something you don’t want to miss! Why not purchase a Knott’s Berry Farm 2015 Season Pass for someone (or your entire family), which makes the perfect holiday gift and plan your own day out at Knott’s Merry Farm this year, which would be included with your pass as your one 2014 visit?

We’ll be there on the 22nd and can’t wait to share a ton of fun pictures with everyone! Will you be going to Knott’s Merry Farm this year? I sure hope so!

Photo and Logo Credit: Knott’s

Irvine Park Railroad’s 19th Annual Christmas Train AND Brand New Christmas Tree Ranch!

November 7, 2014 / Celebrations, Holiday Fun, Orange County

I think the holiday season is my most favorite time of the year! There are an abundance of family fun holiday events to attend and enjoy together as a family. People everywhere just seem so happy during this time of the year.

One of our favorite things to do before Christmas is to visit the Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train! You can visit with family and friends and take an enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train departs every 15 minutes from the brightly-lit train station and drops passengers off at the North Pole, where Santa is waiting for the children!

It’s fun to ride the train at night and see all of the twinkling lights! Don’t forget to dress warmly!

We didn’t get to go last year so this year we’re extra excited about visiting on the weekend after Thanksgiving, which is opening weekend! We like to get there early and walk around Santa’s Village, which is set up just next to the train station. Emi loves to participate in all of the fun activities there. (Activities in Santa’s Village will open one hour prior to when the Christmas Train runs)

Irvine Park Railroad always sets up adorable photo props! I think we make a pretty cute penguin and polar bear, don’t you?

Here’s what you’ll find in Santa’s Village:

• Story Time with Mrs. Claus
• Christmas Cookie Decorating
• Carnival Games
• Ice Fishing
• Santa Claus Moon Bounce
• Christmas Coloring Corner
• Picture Stands

Enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus in Santa’s Village. (photo credit: Irvine Park Railroad)

Activities are open weekends ONLY. Activities will be open daily starting December 15th Prices for activities in Santa’s Village vary; for additional information and costs, visit http://www.IrvineParkRailroad.com.

Let’s get back to talking about the Christmas Train though. When visitors are transported on the Christmas Train to “The North Pole”, they are greeted by Santa and his elves.

Santa will be waiting to take pictures with you and your family when you arrive at The North Pole! (photo credit: Irvine Park Railroad)

Coffee, hot chocolate, and other snacks are available for purchase from the Elf House Snack Bar. (A full kitchen menu is also available at the train station) Visitors may take their own pictures with Santa or may also purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. Each 5″X7″ photo will be presented with an Irvine Park Railroad border and are available for pickup shortly after being taken.

This was our keepsake photo with Santa from 2012! (excuse the quality of it being a picture of a picture)

After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights”, on the ride back to the station. You’ll LOVE the tunnel! Oh and there’s (faux) snow too!

The Tunnel of Lights! (photo credit: Irvine Park Railroad)

Christmas Train tickets may ONLY be purchased online and can be purchased beginning November 1st! Tickets may not be purchased in person. You can purchase your tickets to ride the train on a specific date and time. Then, you print them out, bring them with you, and get in line to board the train any time during the hour for which you purchased your tickets.

Here’s what’s NEW this year at Irvine Park Railroad…..

After visiting Santa, why not pick out your own special Christmas tree to take home at the all-new Christmas Tree Ranch? (photo credit: Irvine Park Railroad)

Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, families will be able to purchase Christmas trees at the all-new Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Tree Ranch! Visitors will be able to choose from among Douglas fir, Noble fir, and Grand fir trees ranging in height from 4′ to 12′. Christmas tree stands, preservatives, tree disposal bags, wreaths, and garland will also be available for sale. The Christmas Tree Ranch is open daily at 10:00 am beginning Friday, November 28th through Tuesday, December 23rd. Families can walk the Christmas Tree Ranch to find their perfect Christmas tree.

Irvine Park Railroad staff will help you load your Christmas Tree into/onto your car. (photo credit: Irvine Park Railroad)

I am already feeling the holiday spirit and am pleased to announce a giveaway hosted by the Irvine Park Railroad! I’m giving away 4 tickets for the Christmas Train, 6 Christmas Activity tickets, 1 Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park bike rental (excludes the double surrey), and 1 Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park paddle boat rental! Just enter below on the Rafflecopter! Good luck and happy beginning of the holiday season!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dogs and professional videography/photography are prohibited. Hours are subject to change without notice. The Christmas Tree Ranch is open weather permitting.

Annual Irvine Park Railroad events include the Christmas Train, Anniversary Celebration, Easter Eggstravaganza and Pumpkin Patch.
Visit Irvine Regional Park’s other activities including Wheel Fun Rentals® at Irvine Park — fun and unique bike rentals that can be enjoyed by single riders or an entire family — paddle boat rentals, the Orange County Zoo and pony rides.
Irvine Park Railroad is located inside of Irvine Regional Park. The address is:

Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869

Become a fan of Irvine Park Railroad on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Flickr.

For pricing, park directions and complete details, please visit http://www.IrvineParkRailroad.com.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend a media event as a guest of Irvine Park Railroad and given information to share with my readers. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas at Disneyland Resort!

November 3, 2014 / Disney, Disney, Disney, Orange County, Travel, Uncategorized

It’s only November 2nd and Christmas is popping up already, all around Disneyland Resort with a heavy emphasis over in Toontown! Yep! I really couldn’t be happier about it, either!

We ventured into Toontown this morning to ride Gadget’s Go Coaster and I immediately noticed the decorations on the firehouse! As I looked around, I could see that there were beautiful garlands hanging on the boughs of the buildings and houses in Toontown!

I loved the patriotic decorations hanging on Toontown City Hall. I was lucky enough to catch Pluto peeking out of the door when I was standing there! He gave me a big hug and then stopped to take a selfie with me before continuing on his way!

I think my most favorite parts in Toontown were the decorations on Mickey and Minnie’s houses! They’re so lucky that they each get their own Christmas tree in their front yard!

Mickey’s house is all ready for the holidays!

How adorable is Minnie’s house? The CM told us that Minnie was up late last night working on that heart-shaped wreath!

Disneyland Resort is most definitely “My Happy Place” but with Christmas decorations slowly appearing all around the parks, it Just Got Happier! I can’t wait to go back soon and see it when everything is decorated for Christmas!

Do YOU have a favorite part about Christmas time at Disneyland Resort?

The 13th Annual Tree Lighting Concert at The Citadel Outlets on November 8!

November 2, 2014 / Lifestyle, Los Angeles

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I was provided with information and details about this event to share with my readers. All opinions are 100% my own.

If you’re looking for a fun way to kick off the holiday season with something fun, you should consider attending the 13th Annual Tree Lighting Concert on November 8, at the Citadel Outlets! This event has become a holiday tradition in Los Angeles and is expected to draw over 20 thousand attendees to witness the lighting of the World’s Tallest Live Cut Christmas Tree (115-ft), see the World’s Largest Bow atop the Citadel wall and enjoy the free, outdoor concert headlined by country star Jana Kramer, The Voice’s Christina Grimmie, YouTube sensation Cimorelli, pop boy band After Romeo and X Factor’s Josh Levi.

Presented by AMP 97.1 and FOX 11, television personalities Tony McEwing and Maria Sansone and radio personality McCabe will host the night’s events. Immediately following the concert performances, Tony & Maria will direct attention to center court where guests will be invited to participate in a countdown leading up to the lighting of the World’s Tallest Live Cut Christmas Tree.

The Citadel Outlets’ record-breaking tree is an impressive 115 feet talk and is sourced from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. It spans 20 feet longer than an NBA basketball court and stands at twice the size of the famous Hollywood Sign. In addition, the center’s Christmas tree is 40-feet taller than the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in New York City. In addition to hosting the World’s Tallest Live Cut Christmas Tree, Citadel Outlets is also home to the World’s Largest Bow. Sitting atop the iconic Citadel wall overlooking the 5 Freeway, the World’s Largest Bow is 36 feet wide by 21 feet tall with 18 loops and two 72-feet long tails that drape down the front of the building. Over 4,000 cans of red paint and primer and one half-ton of glitter were used to cover the striking accouterment.

Event attendees are encouraged to bring gift donations for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. To maintain safety and well being of CHLA patients, only new and unwrapped toys will be accepted. Please note that CHLA cannot accept stuffed toys or toys with small pellets or beans. All donations should be non-toxic, free of sharp edges and cannot promote violence and/or aggressive behaviors. Thanks to generous supporters CHLA is able to gift approximately 80,000 toys per year.

Previous headline performers to grace the Citadel Outlets’ stage include Jesse McCartney (2013), Ariana Grande (2012), Big Time Rush (2010), Justin Bieber (2009), Ashley Tisdale (2009), Demi Lovato (2008) and many more.

This year’s star-studded line-up includes:

After Romeo – The Los Angeles-based, five-person boy band reached number one on the MTV music charts with Free Fall. After Romeo’s songs have been playing on-air Radio Disney and have reached number six on their countdown. Hits singles include Love on Lock, One Night and Save Some Snow.

Josh Levi – The Houston native triple threat began dancing, singing and acting at age five. Levi had a recurring role on NBC’s hit series “Friday Night Lights.” In 2013 he began focusing on his singing career and also competed in season 3 of X Factor where judge extraordinaire, Simon Cowell stated, “we might just be looking at the next big star.”

Cimorelli – Winners of 2013 Teen Choice Awards for Choice Web Star, Cimorelli is a six-woman band comprised of sisters with a passion for singing. With almost 3 million subscribers on YouTube and music deal with Universal Records, Cimorelli is enjoying a meteoric rise. They are set to release their latest EP, Renegade, on October 27, 2014.

Christina Grimmie – The American singer/songwriter finished in third place on Season 6 of NBC’s The Voice. Grimmie’s studio version of her performances reached top 10 on iTunes charts. She released Must Be Love early in July and has been touring with previous contestants of The Voice.

Jana Kramer – The Country-singing sensation and One Tree Hill star’s hit “Why Ya Wanna” reached number 3 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and has grown in popularity ever since. In 2013 Kramer won Top New Female Artist at the American Country Music Awards. She is currently on tour performing her new songs Deal Breaker, Pop That Bottle and Don’t Touch My Radio.

Citadel Outlets is located just off the Interstate 5, just 10 minutes south of downtown Los Angeles, at Atlantic Blvd North at100 Citadel Drive, Suite 480 Los Angeles, CA 90040. For more information please visit http://www.citadeloutlets.com. For updates on the tree lighting ceremony and holiday concert, please follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CitadelOutlets.

All images property of Blaze PR and The Citadel Outlets.

Keep Calm and Grab a 2015 Knott’s Season Pass Now at Their Lowest Prices of the Year!

November 2, 2014 / Knott's

Now that Halloween’s over, it’s officially “that time of year” again…time to start thinking about what to get for everyone on your holiday shopping list! I know what the people in my family are asking for this year….a Knott’s Season Pass!

(image by Over the Top Kid)

If you haven’t seen what amazing prices Knott’s is offering their 2015 Season Passes at right now, you need to! Right now, the Regular Season Pass is available for 9 low monthly payments of $8.50! I know there are many families who can appreciate the option of that payment plan, too. It’s such an affordable price and something that you could buy for your whole family to enjoy together, over and over. This is the lowest pass of the year and will go up after November 4th. Another amazing offer this year is Knott’s Season Pass With An All-Season Dining Plan! The plan includes one lunch and one dinner (beverages are not included) at participating locations throughout the park, every day you visit Knott’s Berry Farm in 2015 and can be purchased as an $11 add-on to your Season Pass. Meals can be a big expense during a visit to an amusement park, so this is a really great deal, too!

Our family recently spent a really fun day together at Camp Spooky, which is a non-scary way to celebrate Halloween time together at Knott’s. We can’t wait to go back next year and create even more memories together!

It’s so much fun for me to be able to watch my own daughter enjoy some of the same rides at Knott’s that I enjoyed as a kid. I also adore that she loves Snoopy and all of the other Peanuts character that I grew up with.

The 2015 Knott’s Season Pass also includes one 2014 visit. (additional days in 2014 can also be purchased for only $9.99 each) Here are some of the other Season Pass benefits:

unlimited visits to Knott’s in 2015
early ride times
food and merchandise discounts
Knott’s Hotel discounts
Scary Farm 2015 ticket discounts
Bring a Friend Days
Access to special Season Pass events and surprises
Access to Knott’s great seasonal offerings, including Knott’s Camp Spooky, Knott’s Merry Farm and Knott’s Berry Bloom
Option to add on unlimited access to Soak City OC
Option to add on a dining plan for only 9 easy payments of $11

Why not grab 2015 passes for your family now and use your 2014 visit to experience Knott’s during their annual Knott’s Merry Farm celebration, beginning at the end of November? Whatever you do, you might want to hurry up and grab this deal before November 4th, when the prices increase! For more information about Knott’s Season Passes, click here.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own.

I Took Down a Frank N’ Burger AND a Sundae of the Dead at Farrell’s!

October 18, 2014 / Food, Let's Eat!, Restaurant Reviews

(photo credit: Farrell’s)

I am not ashamed to say that I ventured over to Farrell’s (again) on a specific mission….to destroy the Frank ‘N’ Burger AND a Sundae of the Dead! Yep! I sought out support from my mini-me, Emi, and a had a little cheering on from some of our favorite Farrell’s peeps over at the Farrell’s in The Shops at Mission Viejo! (aka “My Mall”!)

The Frank N’ Burger is a limited time menu item that’s available at all participating Farrell’s locations right now through the end of October. Farrell’s describes it as “a culinary monstrosity thought up and stitched together by a demented scientist”! Well THAT’S an understatement!

*They say if you drink a Diet Coke with it, the calories get cancelled out…so I did!

The Frank ‘N’ Burger is made with a 1/2lb fresh Angus patty, two beef franks, 2 strips of bacon, a fried egg, American cheese, onion strings, jalapeños, Farrell’s sauce, and a Jacobs Ladder pickle on top! I think I’d agree that is was”terrifyingly delicious”!

Emi may have abandoned me on this one for her yummy Mac n’ Cheese from the kids menu, but I didn’t give up! Clearly we know who the brave and gutsy one of our duo is……ME!

After dinner, we had to stay brave for our ghoulishly good Sundae of the Dead. Made with 3 scoops of chocolate “haunted” crunch and vanilla ice cream, buried under oozing strawberry goo, hot “sludge”, with gummy worms squirming through a mound of whipped mud and Oreo® dirt and a big shiny cherry of doom on top, the Sundae of the Dead is one monster you’ll never want to run away from.

It’s as yummy as it looks! I don’t even know what else to say about it except that I want another one now!

I think the picture says it all, don’t you? Nailed it!

Every visit to Farrell’s is a fun experience! (and we’ve visited A LOT!) It’s people like “Max” who make it extra fun!

So…I think YOU should hurry over to Farrell’s and dare to try a Frank ‘N’ Burger and Sundae of the Dead for yourself. They’re only around for the month of October though so you might want to get there today! You can even make your reservations online before heading in so you can avoid the most terrifying thing of all… waiting in line!

Are YOU brave enough to try them? Or have you already? What is YOUR favorite Farrell’s location to visit?

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails Exhibit Now Through January 4 at The Discovery Cube OC!

October 17, 2014 / Discovery Cube OC, Family Fun, Lifestyle, Orange County

Emi and I had the privilege of attending a special preview of the Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails exhibit at The Discovery Cube OC. It was the opening weekend of the exhibit and and there were so many excited little boys and girls who came out to play! It’s such an adorable, hands-on exhibit, sponsored by Fisher Price.

We love Thomas! He’s everyone’s favorite blue engine! My daughter, now 9 years old, watched Thomas the Train when she was younger. She was always fascinated by the way that their faces moved and talked in the shows. She still knows all of the trains’ names. There’s even a train named “Emily”. I didn’t even realize that. She actually told me.

Thomas & Friends! How many of them can YOU name?

The exhibit will take you on an imaginary trip to the Island of Sodor. Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails is a hands-on STEM exhibit, based on the adventures of Thomas, his engine friends and the Island of Sodor’s iconic locations: Knapford Station, Sodor Steamworks and much more. Visitors can help Thomas and his friends solve a variety of challenges, from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles.

Here are some of the fun activities you’ll find at the exhibit:

Climb inside Thomas’ cab to explore the engine’s inner workings
Remove and replace parts to fix Percy’s wobbly wheel
Load Percy’s coal box and water so he can deliver the mail
Suit up as the conductor and sell tickets to ride the train
Load and sort luggage and freight into the train cars
Explore the history of Thomas & Friends through books, TV show clip and toys
Plan and build navigation routes to favorite destinations on the gigantic Island of Sodor train table

There are a ton of photo opportunities! I don’t think you’re ever too old for a photo with Thomas!

Every child there that day must’ve flocked to the room full of train tables! So much fun with these hands-on activities!

Visitors can enjoy story time and a Meet n’ Greet with Sir Topham Hat, himself! Kids can have fun playing with all of the train props that are set up. The conductor who took my luggage looked so familiar!

Although the majority of the museum’s guests that morning were preschool age, Emi and I had a blast together at the Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails exhibit! I think it’s so much fun to be able to step inside of the City of Sodor and be able to imagine that you’re part of their world! The exhibit runs through January 4th and it’s a definite must-see!

For more information on The Discovery Cube OC, click here.

You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this event for the purpose of writing a review. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Stop by the Think Pink Breast Health Wall of Honor at The Shops at Mission Viejo

October 10, 2014 / Lifestyle, Orange County, Shopping

Last week, when I was at “My Mall” grabbing a couple of things, I noticed the annual Think Pink Breast Health Wall of Honor was up, near the escalators. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mission Hospital’s Valiant Women support group is hosting the 12th annual Think Pink Breast Health Wall of Honor, presented by Infiniti of Mission Viejo, at The Shops at Mission Viejo.

Now through October 31, the Breast Health Wall of Honor will be displayed in Center Court (lower level) of The Shops at Mission Viejo. Shoppers have the opportunity to donate $25 and place a hand-written card on the wall display in honor of a loved one or in remembrance of someone with breast cancer. Donations can also be made to underwrite the cost of a mammogram or diagnostic procedure ($100) for someone who could not otherwise afford it.

After taking some time to read through some of the literature, that’s free to take, at the tables and admiring all of the names on the Breast Health Wall of Honor, I really enjoyed getting to chat with the two sweet ladies who were volunteering at the table that day. Meeting them and hearing about all that they do to help this wonderful organization raise money, was so inspirational. Volunteers really do make the world go ’round!

One-hundred percent of the proceeds benefit Mission Breast Health Services. That is the part I really like. The money they’re raising is all going towards the cause and helping those in need. Mission Breast Health Services is dedicated to providing women with preventive measures as well as offering a complete breast health program to diagnose and treat breast cancer with expertise, compassion and support. By involving medical professionals, survivors, family and friends, Mission takes a team approach to fighting breast cancer. Due to the generosity of the community, last year the event raised net proceeds of nearly $50,000 and was able to provide over 13,000 screening mammograms to under or uninsured women in our community.

I encourage you to stop by The Shops at Mission Viejo Breast Health Wall of Honor display. It’s a beautiful display. You can also make a donation there or find out other ways to donate. We can all do something to help, even if it’s just something small.

To make a donation to the Wall of Honor, click here. More details are available here.

Visit The Shops at Mission Viejo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Why YOU Need to Grab a 2015 Knott’s Season Pass….Like NOW!

October 8, 2014 / Knott's

Disclosure: I was invited as a guest to enjoy time at Knott’s Berry Farm with my family in order to write this post. I do not work for any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have a relationship with them. I have a professional relationship with GigaSavvy, for which I create written content. All opinions are 100% my own.

I’m not sure if you’re aware of just how affordable a Knott’s Season Pass is or how awesome all of the perks that come with it are, but if you’re not, just keep on reading this post while I tell you about why I love Knott’s and all of the reasons why I think you need to get one for 2015!

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had two different opportunities to go to Knott’s Berry Farm Park. I went once with my husband for an adults’ night out at Knott’s Scary Farm, which was amazingly scary and fun.

Then, this past weekend, all 3 of us visited Knott’s again, for the first weekend of Camp Spooky and to welcome Halloween. It was beyond adorable and Emi has been asking to go back again this weekend.

I grew up in Southern California and going to Knott’s with my family was something that we did every summer. I have some pretty significant memories from those trips. My first time riding on an upside-down roller coaster was at Knott’s! It was on the Corkscrew (which has since been replaced with Boomerang) and I rode it with my dad. We used to ride it together every time we visited Knott’s.

For me, visiting Knott’s together as a family, is a time when we can enjoy being together and have fun, while creating new memories. I feel so fortunate to be able to share Knott’s with my own daughter now and all of the history that goes along with it. It’s part of Southern California culture and just what many of us like to do. Knott’s has a great location,in Buena Park, the weather is beautiful on most days and the pricing of a Season Pass really can’t be beat.

(image credit: Knott’s)

Right now, a 2015 Knott’s Season Pass is at the lowest price of the year, priced at just $76.50 and includes so many perks.

Check out these perks of having a 2015 Knott’s Season Pass:

Easy pay payment program offers 9 easy payments of $8.50
one free daytime visit in 2014
additional 2014 visits added on for only $9.99 a day
unlimited visits in 2015
early ride times
food and merchandise discounts
Knott’s Hotel discounts
Scary Farm 2015 ticket discounts
Bring a Friend Days
Access to special Season Pass events and surprises
Access to Knott’s great seasonal offerings, including Knott’s Camp Spooky, Knott’s Merry Farm and Knott’s Berry Bloom
Option to add on unlimited access to Soak City OC
Option to add on a dining plan for only 9 easy payments of $11

Honestly, the price of the monthly payment is lower than the cost to take your kid(s) to a petting zoo or a movie in the theater one time a month. I like that Knott’s has priced their Season Passes so reasonably and has made them accessible for all types of families. It just makes sense to go and grab one now, don’t you think?

Getting to create special memories like these at Knott’s is something I hold near and dear to my own heart. I cannot wait for our next visit to Knott’s!

To get more information about Knott’s Season Passes, click here.

Connect with Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too!