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Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood

/ SoCal Fun

I was invited to spend a day in the park with my family guests of Universal Studios Hollywood. All opinions are my own. 

I get excited about all things holiday-related, so when our family was invited to spend a day out at Universal Studios Hollywood to experience their take on the holidays, I couldn’t wait. As you walk up to the front of the park, you can see that the whimsical spirit of the holidays has transformed it into a winter wonderland, bringing merriment and cheer to all who visit from now through Sunday, December 29, 2019 and it’s included in the price of your park ticket.

Celebrate Grinchmas in Who-ville
I was most excited to stop by Who-ville for Grinchmas™ first. I grew up loving Dr. Seuss books and one of my favorites to read as a child was “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”. Well, I was amazed when I first walked into the area and spotted the giant, the topsy-turvy “Wholiday” tree! Oh my goodness! It’s so beautiful.

Twisting and turning over 55 feet in height, the tree is adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of white and multi-colored LED lights, which are choreographed to music, when it’s lit up.

In Who-ville, there’s an area set up for guests to write a letter to Mr. Grinch. You can “grow your heart 3 sizes” by writing to him & sharing about 3 good deeds you’ve done recently.  After you finish your postcard, you can drop it into the Who-ville Post Box, too! For every postcard sent, Universal Studios Hollywood’s Discover a Star Foundation will make a donation to School on Wheels.

If you’re hungry while you’re visiting Who-ville, you’ll find plenty of Who-bilicious treats and Wholiday confections. I couldn’t resist taking a few of them home, too. How cute are these Grinch cotton candy bags and this giant Grinch donut?

While you’re in Who-ville, you can meet and take a photo with The Grinch, himself. Just across the way from him, you can also visit “Max” and get a picture taken with Who-ville’s favorite furry friend!

Once nightfall hits, you can attend one of the nightly “Wholiday” tree lightings. (weather permitting) I especially loved the finale, which was accompanied by a snowfall flurry, bringing the story to life! It’s a really special experience and will definitely get you in the holiday spirit!

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
As night falls on Hogsmeade village, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle” illuminates Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with colorful imagery and impressive dimensional animations that dance across Hogwarts castle in tandem to a musical arrangement from the Harry Potter movies.

“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” adds holiday warmth and cheer to this beloved land as the quaint town of Hogsmeade village is enchanted with seasonal décor uniquely themed to each of the individual storefronts and a dazzling light projection spectacular brings the iconic Hogwarts™ castle to life. Enjoy musical performances from the a cappella Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant throaty frogs, entertain guests with their harmonized holiday themed songs and fill the land with holiday cheer. Holiday-themed fare and hot Butterbeer further complement the overall experience.

Other Merriment in the Park 
Spirited holiday décor and festive whimsy is also present throughout the theme park, bringing a crew of very merry and mischievous Minions to “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” to gleefully spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.

Know Before You Go

  • Grab a park map as you enter the front gate. Inside you’ll find attraction and showtime information, food choices and locations and
  • I highly recommend dressing in layers for your visit, as Southern California weather often goes from cool to warm (or hot) this time of year, but then back to cool by nightfall. You’ll want to bring along a jacket if you’re planning to stay for Who-ville Tree Lighting and Hogwarts
  • If you’re planning to watch one of the Who-liday Tree LIghtings or the nighttime spectacular at Hogwarts, get there early for best spots.
  • Consider purchasing your tickets online before your visit to save time waiting in line at the ticket booth. You can save some money this way, too!
  • If you’re looking for a sit down meal, check out the restaurants located in Universal CityWalk, which is adjacent to the park, and call ahead in the morning to book a reservation that day. It was so easy for us to leave the park to go eat and then return afterwards, as it’s a very short walk.

Holiday Offerings in Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk’s spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree will once again glisten with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season as the magic of the holidays comes to life in the “5 Towers” outdoor plaza along with a slate of free concert performances and an eclectic ensemble of talented street performers.

CityWalk’s iconic, dancing water fountain with over 230 individual power jets will continue to mesmerize guests when it projects streams of choreographed water into the air complemented by red and green LED lights and an array of holiday-themed music.

Holiday Gift Idea: a 2020 Universal Studios Season Pass
With so much to see and do at Universal Studios Hollywood, the California Neighbor Pass makes the perfect holiday gift, providing guests with the opportunity to experience 175 days of fun for $149 when purchased online. For more information about passes and to see all of the ones they offer, please visit http://www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for more details. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

 

All-New “Magic Happens” Parade Will Debut at Disneyland Park on February 28, 2020

/ Uncategorized

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

Any day an all-new parade is announced is an extra exciting day!Jan.17. Also at
Disneyland, the “Magic Happens” parade debuts on Feb. 28 with multiple floats including one
inspired by the blockbuster film, “Frozen 2,” and a “Moana” sequence that includes Moana on
her voyager canoe, followed by her pet pig, Pua, and legendary demigod, Maui, on his own
magical island.

The all-new “Magic Happens” parade will come to life for guests at Disneyland, beginning Feb.
28, 2020. “Magic Happens” will feature an energetic musical score and a new song, cocomposed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall. Celebrating awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories, this new daytime parade will feature stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” and “Moana,” plus “Coco,” “Sleeping Beauty” and more, all led by Mickey Mouse and his pals.Traveling down Main Street, U.S.A., “Magic Happens” will remind guests they don’t need wings
to fly, that shooting stars were made to wish upon, and that magic doesn’t stop at midnight.
Highlights of the parade include:

  • From “Frozen 2,” Anna and Elsa explore the mysteries of an enchanted forest protected
    by Nokk, the mystical water spirit, as their friends Kristoff, Sven and Olaf tag along.
  • On her voyager canoe, Moana journeys forth on the crest of a towering wave, inspired
    by beautiful koa wood carvings, and inset with dazzling, animated glimpses into the
    magic the ocean holds.
  • Guiding Moana on her journey is Maui, who travels along on his own magical piece of
    the islands with Moana’s adorable pet pig, Pua.
  • Miguel appears in person for the first time, celebrating the magic that happens when he
    strums the guitar of Ernesto de la Cruz in the Disney and Pixar film “Coco.” This
    spectacular float bridges the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead with vibrant
    marigolds, and fantastical alebrije spirit animals join the procession, along with Miguel’s
    dog Danté.
Set to debut Feb. 28, 2020, at Disneyland Park in California, the new “Magic Happens” parade will come to life with an energetic musical score and a new song co-composed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall. The parade will feature stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters. Depicted in this image, guiding Moana on her journey is Maui, who travels along on his own magical piece of the islands with Moana’s adorable pet pig, Pua. (Disney)

The regal grand finale of “Magic Happens” celebrates magical moments from several
classic Disney stories, including the happily-ever-after scene from “Sleeping Beauty”
with a trio of fairies and Princess Aurora’s gown shimmering between hues of pink and
blue.

For more information, including showtimes and tickets, please visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com/

Images are property of Disneyland Resort and used with permission. 

Build-A-Bear Launches New Subscription Box: A New Surprise Delivery Every Season

/ Lifestyle

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
Build-A-Bear is now bringing exclusive furry friends and Build-A-Bear-themed items to doorsteps as a new seasonal subscription box. The Cubscription Box by ​Build-A-Bear ships quarterly with an assortment of exclusive products that are not available anywhere else. Each box contains a 12-inch exclusive bear and 5-8 items that will have cubscribers twinning with their new best friend. The Build-A-Bear-themed items include kids’ apparel, accessories, stationery, and more!Items in the Cubscription Box by Build-A-Bear are made by the subscription box experts at CultureFly, who have developed a mix of fun, functional products and uniquely Build-A-Bear. Each box is produced in limited quantities exclusively for subscribers, or Cubscribers.
Build-A-Bear is excited to reveal the adorable, exclusive Build-A-Bear furry friend and coordinating kids’ apparel, accessories, and more in the Winter 2019 Cubscription box. The inaugural Cubscription Box by ​Build-A-Bear for Winter 2019 is themed “Magical Winter.” Subscriptions are open with the first box shipping in early December 2019 just in time for the holidays. Subscriptions are $29.99 per box. Those who subscribe to an annual plan will get a special FREE Birthday Box that will be delivered just before the subscriber’s birthday.

Subscriptions are open now at Cubscription.com. There is a limited supply so make sure to sign up for yours right away!

Images are property of Build a Bear Workshop and used with permission. 

Lazy Dog Restaurant’s Partnership with Habitat for Humanity This Holiday Season

/ Food, Lifestyle

I was invited to dine as a guest at Lazy Dog Cafe in exchange for this  post. All opinions are my own. 

This holiday season, Lazy Dog Restaurant is partnering with Habitat for Humanity on a very special project, in hopes of making the season a little bit brighter for those in need. From now through December 31, you can stop by your nearest Lazy Dog location and ask for one of their festive gingerbread house kits, which can be built at at the table, while you enjoy your meal. This adorable activity is just $5.95 and the best part is that 100% of net proceeds will go toward building homes in the Habitat for Humanity communities.Every day, Habitat for Humanity strives to help folks build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Assisting families in communities across the U.S. who are in need of decent places to live, Habitat for Humanity helps put a roof over their heads and give them a home for these and all the other holidays. Santa Claus himself couldn’t imagine a better gift.

“For me and my family, the best part about this time of year is being able to slow down and spend time around the table. At Lazy Dog, we’d love nothing more than to be a place where you and your family can do the same.” – founder and CEO Chris Simms said while announcing the partnership with Habitat.

Of course these little gingerbread houses are fun to build and delicious to eat afterwards (or as you build them) but they’ll also make you feel content knowing you’re doing it for a good cause.

For more information about the partnership between Lazy Dog Restaurant and Habitat for Humanity, and to find the Lazy Dog Restaurant nearest you, please visit HERE.

Some images are property of Lazy Dog and borrowed with permission. 

 

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.