Over The Top Mommy

Legoland California Resort

LEGOLAND® Hotel Now Taking Reservations for LEGO Friends Rooms

Calling all LEGO Friends Heartlake City fans! Beginning on March 10, 2016, you can stay and play in your very own piece of Heartlake City at the LEGOLAND® Hotel! Complete with the Café, Stables and your very own LEGO® tree house, the hotel’s newest theme is truly a dream come true for any group of BFFs!legoland-california-hotel-lego-friends-roomThe colorful décor and LEGO models incorporate a level of detail that will have your imaginations running wild. Kids can even use clues to explore the tree house and join the LEGO Friends in a game of hide and seek with their LEGO pets! lego-frends-beds

LEGOLAND® Hotel rooms are designed to accommodate playful adventure as well as privacy and relaxation. The rooms include:

  • King bed in the adult sleeping area
  • Kids’ own sleeping area with bunk beds, pull-out trundle bed and entertainment unit (sleeps up to 3 kids)
  • Welcome treasure hunt with LEGO prize
  • LEGO bricks to build with during your stay
  • High-speed internet
  • 2 high-definition flat panel TVs with complimentary On-Demand content
  • Mini-fridge and coffee maker
  • Air conditioning
  • Cribs available upon request
  • Fully Themed rooms sleeps 5 (max 2 adults)
  • Suites sleep 7 (max 4 adults)
  • ADA accessible available

Availability of LEGO Friends rooms is limited, so be sure to book your stay in advance.To make a reservation, click here or call 877.534.6526.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of LEGOLAND and LEGOLAND Hotel. 

‘The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure’ All-New Story Opening Feb 6 at LEGOLAND® California Resort

The-LEGO-Movie-4d-A-New-AdventureSuch exciting news for LEGO fans of all ages!  For the first time ever, LEGOLAND® Parks are offering a first look at an exciting new theme park attraction that reunites the stars of “The LEGO® Movie™” in an all-new story appearing exclusively at LEGOLAND® theme parks and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centers in 2016. The 30-second clip gives fans the first glimpse of what happened after the blockbuster movie, when Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, MetalBeard and Benny reunite at the invitation of a shady new character, Risky Business, who plans to open a curious theme park bearing a suspicious resemblance to LEGOLAND®.

Returning to voice their iconic characters are the following actors:

  • Elizabeth Banks (Wyldstyle)
  • Nick Offerman (MetalBeard)
  • Charlie Day (Benny)
  • Alison Brie (Unikitty)
  • Actor, writer and comedian Patton Oswalt lends his voice to the scheming Risky Business, whose Evil Secret Plot requires the heroes to call on the Master Builder skills of a surprise ally to save the day.

The short 3D film will play several times a day at each LEGOLAND® site, with “4D” effects such as wind, water, fog and more bringing the action bursting off the screen and into the audience.

“The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” will premiere at both LEGOLAND® Florida Resort on Friday, January 28, followed by LEGOLAND® California Resort on Saturday, Feb. 6. The attraction will debut later at LEGOLAND® theme parks and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centers worldwide.

Los Angeles-based Pure Imagination Studios is creating “The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” with input from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the talented writer-directors who brought “The LEGO® Movie™” to life, along with contributions from Rob Schrab, who is directing the movie’s eagerly awaited sequel, due in 2018. The-LEGO-Movie-4d

Stay tuned for more details as the opening dates approach!

For more information, visit LEGOLAND California Resort here and LEGOLAND Florida Resort here.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Video and images property of LEGOLAND.

 

LEGOLAND® California Resort Spins Out A New Ninjago™ Land Featuring Ninjago™- The Ride, Opening 2016!!! It’s Going to Be the Year of the Ninja!

On  Thursday, September 17, the media anxiously awaited in the theater atLEGOLAND® California Resort  for some exciting announcements revealing the latest details about the addition of a new NINJAGO™ land coming in 2016 and introducing, NINJAGO™- The Ride.

Ninjago-at-LEGOLANDTaiko drummers, ninja warriors and a Spinjitzu Master filled the theater with energy and got the crowd  as LEGOLAND® California Resort announced  After sharing the successes of 2015, General Manager Peter Ronchetti offered details of the exciting new land and unmasked the new ride which features technology guests have never experienced at any other theme park in the world.

Legoland-Ninjago-landGuests will enter the new NINJAGO land through a giant archway behind Imagination Zone leading them into a courtyard where they begin their ninja training. The new land features LEGO® building stations, a game to test reflexes, spinners to test balance, Asian cuisine and a new shopping venue. Interactive experiences will test guests’ physical skills, balance and agility before they can prep for their ultimate training session: NINJAGO – The Ride.

ninjagoNINJAGO – The Ride is manufactured by Triotech, world leader in media based interactive attractions, and features cutting-edge technology that enables guests to control the outcome of their adventure through the power of their hand gestures. Through 3D imagery, high-tech sensors and the use of hand movements in a striking motion, up to four riders per car, representing the four main NINJAGO characters, can blast animated fireballs, lightning, shockwaves and ice as they travel through dojos to master their skills before heading into battle. Riders collect points for their training and battle efforts throughout the ride and scores are displayed when their quest is completed. 4D effects such as heat, smoke and wind are also incorporated throughout the adventure, giving guests the ultimate interactive experience.

LEGOLAND-California-Resort-General-Manager-Peter-Ronchetti“I am proud and thrilled to say that this is our eleventh straight year of continuous attendance growth and we attribute much of this to our winning formula of providing our guests a family environment filled with fun, interactive experiences that create lasting memories. NINJAGO –The Ride will be the ultimate experience providing interactive fun for all,” said Ronchetti.

Based on the popular property LEGO® NINJAGO™, which is brought to life by The LEGO Group® through a line of construction toys and a TV series on Cartoon Network, guests will enjoy interactive elements and this new ride featuring key characters. For the first time, immersed into the NINJAGO universe, guests can train like a Spinjitzu Master, learn to harness the power of the four elements and use teamwork to battle the Great Devourer.

ninjago-collageLEGO NINJAGO tells the story of four young ninja heroes – Kai, Jay, Cole and Zane – who train under the watchful eye of Master Wu to master an ancient martial art – Spinjitzu. LEGO NINJAGO is one of the most successful LEGO properties. This year, brand new episodes of the popular series, NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu, aired on Cartoon Network and 22 new building sets loaded with features and functions were released.

sensaiNINJAGO – The Ride is being unveiled at both LEGOLAND® California Resort and LEGOLAND® Billund Resort in 2016. The new NINJAGO area will be included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. To find more information and tickets prices, click here.

Legoland-California-entranceConnect with LEGOLAND California Resort on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images property of LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGO®.

LEGOLAND® California Resort is Adding a New LEGO® Ninjago™ Area and Ride for 2016!

ninjagoHave you heard thee latest news coming out of the LEGOLAND® California Resort? Well, they just announced that they’re adding a new expansion for 2016….a New LEGO® Ninjago™ Area and Ride is scheduled to open in spring 2016! Such exciting news for LEGO fans of all ages! I know WE can’t wait!

ninjago-collageLEGO NINJAGO tells the story of four young Ninja heroes – Kai, Jay, Cole and Zane – who train under the watchful eye of Sensei Wu to master an ancient martial art – Spinjitzu.

sensaiLEGO® NINJAGO fans had 22 new building sets loaded with features and functions to choose from that were released this year. There have also been brand new episodes of the popular series, NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu aired on Cartoon Network. Now with this new LEGO NINJAGO being added inside of LEGOLAND California Resort, fans of all ages will be able to have hands-on experiences with interactive elements and a new ride featuring the key characters from the NINJAGO universe.

LEGOLAND-California-entranceThe new NINJAGO area will be included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. To find more information and tickets prices, click here.

Connect with LEGOLAND California Resort on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images property of LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGO®.

LEGOLAND’s Limited Time Ticket Offer (Save Up to $20 PLUS 2nd Day FREE) and New Reserve ‘N’ Ride!

latestHave you heard the latest exciting news coming from the LEGOLAND® California Resort? For a limited time only, they’re offering $20 off a Resort Hopper ticket, PLUS a 2nd day free, when you reserve 7+ days in advance. (Save $5 PLUS a 2nd day FREE when you book 2-6 days in advance.)

This special pricing is offered exclusively online to guests.

resort_hopper

The Resort Hopper includes admission to: 

  • LEGOLAND® California
  • SEA LIFE®Aquarium
  • LEGOLAND Water Park

Hurry up and grab this offer though, before time runs out! Click here to purchase your Resort Hoppers!

Note: Date of visit must be selected in order to receive savings. Ticket must be used on date selected at time of purchase. Discount varies by date selected. 2nd day free valid only when pre-purchasing this offer online. 2nd visit must occur within 9 days of 1st visit.

reserve-n-rideThere’s something else cool happening at  LEGOLAND® California called Reserve ‘N’ Ride service! It allows you to reserve your seats on 12 of the Park’s most popular rides. It can either cut down or even completely eliminate waiting in line, depending on what level of device you opt for.

reserve-n-ride-deviceWith Reserve ‘N’ Ride you can make one ride reservation at a time and the device will let you know when it’s your turn to ride! Reserve ‘N’ Ride is waiting in line FOR you, so you can come back sooner. Plus, depending on the level of device you choose, it’s actually cutting down that wait time – Express by 25%, Deluxe by 50%, and Ultimate by 90%. The three levels of service vary in price range. This means you can get on more rides with less waiting! Awesome!

FullSizeRender (28)Here’s how Reserve ‘N’ Ride Works: 

  1. Choose your ride from the attractions list on the device and confirm your reservation.
  2. Receive your ride time on the Reserve ‘N’ Ride device screen.
  3. Explore all the Resort has to offer while the Reserve ‘N’ Ride device counts down for you.
  4. When your device beeps and vibrates, it’s your turn to ride!
  5. Go to the special Reserve ‘N’ Ride entrance at your time or any time after.
  6. Show your device to the attendant to be validated.
  7. Enjoy your ride!
  8. Repeat these steps to enjoy your next ride.

Here are some other things you’ll want to know about Reserve “N” Ride:

  • Each Reserve “N” Ride device is good for up to 6 people
  • You can buy your device online
  • When you hear a buzz, you can head to your ride anytime after that
  • Pass Members get 10% off

For more information about Reserve ‘N’ Ride, click here.

These are some great savings and options to consider on your next visit! Connect with LEGOLAND® California on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. Some images are property of LEGOLAND California.

LEGO Friends Heartlake City Is Now Open at LEGOLAND California Resort and It’s Adorable!

now-openHave you heard the exciting news? LEGO Friends Heartlake City is now open at LEGOLAND California Resort! The newest area at the resort is a must-see for all LEGO fans of all ages! As soon as you walk through the entrance to the city brought to life straight out of the “LEGO Friends” TV show,  you can meet your favorite LEGO friends, Mia, Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie and Emma and get a glimpse inside of their LEGO lives!

my-lego-friendThroughout Heartlake City there are several clever LEGO brick creations and life-sized figures of each of the LEGO friends. There are lots of great photo opportunities there.

fun-experiences

  • Mia’s Riding Camp: Guests can experience an adventure on a carousel that’s perfect for riders of all ages and heights. Take a horseback ride atop one of 60 carousel horses (both moving and non-moving. Guests can also opt to sit inside one of the stationary jeeps on the carousel. mias-riding-camp
  • Heartlake Stables: Inside of this shaded stable area, guests can enjoy LEGO brick building activities and learn a little bit about horses. There’s plenty of seating here for adults to rest their legs while watching their little ones play. You’ll also want to take advantage of the cute photo opportunity to sit on one of the horses in the front area of the stable! (As a convenience, your photos are available for purchase inside the park) heartlake-stables
  • Heartlake Fountain: This heart-shaped fountain is a focal point in the center of the city. Guests are welcome to play in the water, which is especially perfect on warm days. If you plan to have “splash time” on your visit, you might want to bring an extra change of clothes.heartlake-fountain
  • Friends Forever Stage: Mia, Olivia, Andrea, Stephanie and Emma perform their “LEGO Friends to the Rescue” show live on stage. Guests can sing and dance along with them. There are also opportunities to meet the LEGO Friends sometimes, if you hang around after the show. To check for showtimes, click hereheartlake-stage
  • Heartlake City Boutique: Guests can shop til they drop here for LEGO Friends toys and a bunch of adorable items. Once you head into this boutique, I can guarantee you won’t come out empty handed! You’ll also find the LEGO Friends Hot Air Balloon in the center of the store. let-the-shopping-begin
  • The LEGO Movie Experience: Experience a bit of movie magic as you get a behind-the-scenes look at a real movie set! Step onto the LEGO Movie soundstage, check out movie footage and explore some of the awesome models which helped inspire the new and completely original 3D animated adventure THE LEGO MOVIE. You can even find characters from the LEGO Movie to take pictures with!

food-options

  • City Park Crêperie: Enjoy sweet, delicious crêpes at this pop-up crêperie located in the center of Heartlake City. The menu features a sugar crêpe, a Nutella crêpe, a Nutella & bananas crêpe, and a berries crêpe. We tried a Nutella  crêpe this time but need to go back soon and try a different one. What a treat! nutella-crepe
  • Wok n’ Bowl Ramen: This gourmet Japanese style Ramen House features freshly prepared stir-fry dishes such as orange chicken and teriyaki and ramen noodles with pork belly, chicken, or vegetables. Kids meals are also offered here.

We had such a fun day visiting Heartlake City! When I asked my daughter what her favorite part about the day was, she told me it was getting to talk to Stephanie and Emma and seeing them perform on stage with the other LEGO Friends.

my-favorite-part

selfie-with-lego-friendsMy heart melts when I see her so happy. She also asked if we could return to LEGOLAND tomorrow. For me, it’s all about spending time together and creating new memories.  In LEGO Friends Heartlake City there’s the opportunity to do just that!

lego-friends-journalFor more information and to purchase tickets to LEGOLAND California Resort, click here. *Heartlake City is included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. Connect with LEGOLAND California on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

lego-friends-foreverA very special thank you to LEGOLAND California for inviting us to attend a special media day in the park and providing us with lunch. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Granny’s Apple Fries at LEGOLAND Are Delicious

If you know me, you know that my love for food is not something I’m shy about! If I see something posted on social media that looks yummy, it sometimes gets stuck in my head until I finally just have to try it. I recently saw someone tweeting about Granny’s Apple Fries from LEGOLAND California and I knew that I needed to try some for myself. The problem is that I don’t get to visit very often. So, when I had the opportunity to go to LEGOLAND for Holiday Snow Days, I was determined to try them!

excuse-me-but-where-are-the-apple-friesGranny’s Apple Fries is located on Castle Hill and we hit it up after coming off of The Dragon! (that’s a super fun roller coaster). My mouth was watering as we approached the window to order and I could see the apples!  Luckily there was a short line that day.

nom-nom-nomThey’re made with Granny Smith apples, lightly fried, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and served with vanilla cream dipping sauce! We shared one but I can’t tell you how badly I wanted to take the whole thing, run away, and eat them in a corner all by myself! That would make me a bad mom though, right?

we-got-emI miss LEGOLAND’s apple fries every single day (that’s not too big of an exaggeration either). I got really excited when my friend, Wendy (Yep, we have the same name!), posted her own copycat recipe for homemade apple fries a few weeks ago!  They look really easy to prepare and yummy too! I’m going to be making them soon!

So tell me…have YOU had the chance to try Granny’s Apple Fries at LEGOLAND? If not, you need to try them one day! Trust me, you’ll be hooked!

Spend a Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve This Year at Legoland California Resort!

If you are looking for a super fun way to spend New Year’s Eve with your kids this year, you need to see what’s going on at Legoland California! Our family hasn’t been there for New Year’s Eve before but we’re hoping to make it this year.  It looks like they throw a great party over there!

Ice Skating at Legoland's Holiday Snow DaysIf you DO make it that day, you can still enjoy all of the fun at their Holiday Snow Days. LEGOLAND is planning another very kid-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration this year, which includes an amazing lineup of performances by Recess Monkey, The Pop Ups, The Not Its, Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players, and Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band! It’s like a kids super concert!

Legoland New Year's Eve Entertainment 2014(photo credit: LEGOLAND California) 

There will also be a New York style “brick drop” at 6pm when LEGOLAND California re-creates the Times Square ball drop with a giant LEGO brick falling 22 feet in the air! A special celebrity will be leading the countdown. Guests are given festive hats for the occasion, as well as 3-D glasses for the spectacular fireworks display which follows the brick drop and illuminates the sky! What a great ending to an amazing year!

Here’s a clip from their celebration last year:
Seriously…how fun does that look? It’s literally San Diego’s largest Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party and you won’t want to miss it! For more information, to download the New Year’s Eve Entertainment Guide, and to purchase tickets, click here.

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I forgot to mention one more thing, one VERY important thing…. LEGOLAND’S gift to you this year is a free ticket offer to return in 2015. Receive a second-day return ticket to LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE Aquarium for FREE on the day of your visit when you present your one-day paid admission ticket at Guest Services or the Our Gift To You kiosk, inside the Park, any time between November 1, 2014 – January 4, 2015! You must request your second-day ticket on the day of your first visit. Your second-day ticket must be redeemed between January 5 – March 1, 2015. Other restrictions may apply. See the LEGOLAND website for details!

Well, doesn’t New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND sound fun? Hope to see you there!

Holiday Snow Days + Winter Nights November 22-January 4 at Legoland California Resort! #HolidaySnowDays

Disclosure: We attended a media preview of Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

I’m always excited for the start of the holiday season! Emily and I had the opportunity to kick ours off by spending a special day together at LEGOLAND California Resort to preview their Holiday Snow Days + Winter Nights!

Legoland Fun

It was a beautiful Southern California day and we enjoyed skating and playing in the snow, while wearing short-sleeved shirts and getting a little bit of a suntan!

making a snowballEvery day at LEGOLAND from November 22 through January 4 is a Holiday Snow Day! With a regular admission, park guests also get to enjoy a ton of fun activities! The Fun Town area is transformed into a snowy wonderland for the holiday season!

ready for snow tubingOn Holiday Snow Days, park guests can have fun:

  • Snow Tubing
  • Snow Play, including getting to build a snowman and throwing snowballs at fun targets
  • Watching live entertainment
  • Doing a Holiday Village Build in the LEGO Clubhouse
  • Enjoying special holiday treats available for purchase on the Fun Town Holiday Food Truck.

selfie with a snowmanAlso, enjoy the spectacular 30-foot tall LEGO Christmas Tree, made of more than 245,000 green DUPLO® bricks and adorned with ornaments made of LEGO bricks. Look out for special holiday characters like LEGO Santa, Lego Toy Soldier, and more. There are definitely lots of photo opportunities!

Legoland TreeAs part of Legoland’s Holiday Snowy Days +Winter Nights, the Winter Nights portion will take place on November 28, 29 and December 6, 13, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 from 5-7pm. Holiday Snow Days activities continue into nighttime and guests can also enjoy watching holiday entertainment, including The Big Test Holiday Show, and see the magic of holiday lights come to life after dark as the buildings, trees and the LEGO Christmas Tree twinkles along to Festive Holiday tunes throughout Fun Town. Guests can also enjoy Holiday Fireworks will at 7pm on December 26-30.

Lego tree and Lego snowmanNew this year…..Ice Skating! 

It’s so exciting that LEGOLAND California Resort has set up a real ice skating rink, between the ticketing booths and the Legoland Hotel! It’s was so fun to skate outdoors in the sun! Admission for ice skating is separate from park admission. Although you are welcome to bring your own ice skates, the cost of your ice rink admission tickets includes skate rentals and helmet protection for guests requesting extra head protection.

Legoland Ice Skating CollageGuests may also rent a “bobby”, which is a seal-shaped skate aid. A child or adult can push it in front of him to help balance. A small child can also sit on the front of the bobby while the adult pushes the bobby. I used one to push Emily around and it helped me avoid the embarrassment of falling down! I think the bobby was the best invention ever created!

On the iceWhen you purchase your ice skating ticket, you will be asked to reserve a specific time slot. Session are 90 minutes long and there are 6 ice sessions available each day* and there is limited capacity, so book your ticket now by clicking here. *There are only 4 sessions available on the following dates: Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17.

Ice Skating PricingSkaters must be ages 3 and up, and must be able to walk unassisted. All skaters (or guardian for under 18) must sign Release and Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement (fill out the waiver once for entire season). Go straight onto the ice by filling out the Ice Skating Waiver form in advance! http://www.smartwaiver.com/v/LEGOLANDiceskate

s'mores at Legoland collageAfter you spend time out on the ice, you can purchase a s’mores kit and head over to the fire pits to make your s’mores. They’ll even provide a long dowel so you can roast your marshmallows over the fire. This was one of our favorite parts about our day! I think everyone loves s’mores!

Mmmm! S'mores!

LEGO® Christmas Tree Lighting

This year, the official annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 1st. There will be a surprise celebrity guest who will help light the world’s tallest LEGO Christmas tree. Families in the park are invited to gather around the Lego Christmas tree in the middle of Fun Town at 5:30 pm. Other  opportunities to view the LEGO Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 5pm on December 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. Here comes a cool part….One lucky child has a chance to light the LEGO Christmas Tree December 4-Decemeber 24. Winners will be selected each night through LEGOLAND California Resort’s Facebook Page, so keep an eye on their page if you’re planning on visiting the park during that time.

Legoland’s Free Ticket Offer

special gift ticket offerLEGOLAND California has a very special gift for you. When you visit LEGOLAND  between November 1, 2014 and January 4, 2015, you’ll receive a FREE ticket to return between January 5 and March 1. You must present your paid admission ticket at the Our Gift To You kiosk inside the Park on the day you visit to receive a ticket to return to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Additional restrictions may apply. For more information, click here!

We had such a fun time at Legoland Calfornia Resort and can’t wait to go back again!