Over The Top Mommy

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Disneyland Resort Announces Limited-Time Ticket Offers for Kids Everywhere and SoCal Residents

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

It’s back! Once again, for a limited time, Southern California residents can visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks for $67 per day with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day ticket. (Park Hopper options also are available.) The tickets are available for purchase Jan. 7 through May 18, 2020.

Eligible guests may purchase up to five tickets per person, per day, and prices are the same for adults and children. This special ticket also includes one Magic Morning, which gives admission to select attractions on select days at Disneyland park one hour before the park opens to the general public. Southern California residents may redeem their tickets on any three separate days through May 21, 2020. These special tickets may be purchased HERE or through a travel agent.

Special Ticket Offer for Kids Everywhere
For families visiting from outside of Southern California, there’s a special value for kids. For a limited time, guests can save on Disneyland Resort park tickets for children ages 3 to 9 for $67 per day with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day ticket. Park Hopper options also are available. The tickets are available for purchase Jan. 7 through May 18, 2020. Guests may purchase up to eight tickets per person, per day. This special ticket also includes one Magic Morning, which gives admission into select attractions on select days at Disneyland park one hour before the park opens to the general public. This three-day ticket expires 13 days after first use or on May 21, 2020, whichever occurs first. Purchase these special tickets may be purchased HERE or through a travel agent. Do YOU have a visit planned soon to the Disneyland Resort? If not, why not plan one around these great offers?

*Characters image property of Disneyland Resort and used with permission. 

Disneyland Resort’s Lunar New Year Celebration: the Year of the Mouse January 17 to February 9, 2020.

This is not a sponsored post All opinions are my own. 
This Lunar New Year, Disneyland Resort will celebrate “the Year of the Mouse” at Disney California Adventure Park from January 17 through February 9, 2020. The 24 day, multicultural celebration, will have exciting live entertainment and musical performances, including “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” and the return of the heartwarming “Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration” prior to the “World of Color” nighttime spectacular, for guests to enjoy.This unique Lunar New Year celebration comes alive with a touch of Disney magic as transformative Asian celebrations dedicate the new year. Guests will experience inspired food, music and entertainment with loved ones as they celebrate the Year of the Mouse together. Lunar New Year, traditionally celebrated within Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, celebrates the celestial journey of the sun and the moon on their journey towards another year. Highlights of the Lunar New Year celebration this year at Disney California Adventure include:

  • “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” is a celebratory parade led by Mulan that honors Lunar New Year and dedicates the new year’s blessings to family and friendship. As a special treat for the Year of the Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse join the procession in new celebration attire, along with Goofy in his “god of Good Fortune” attire and Chip ‘n’ Dale in their red vests. Talented performers bring dance, martial arts and drumming to enhance the beautifully colorful procession. “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” will run several times, daily.
  • “Hurry Home – Lunar New Year Celebration”, is a heartwarming nighttime water show at Paradise Bay prior to “World of Color” which tells the tale of a little lantern’s quest to reunite with family for the annual celebration of good luck and fortune. Guests will be delighted to see Mulan as a part of the little lantern’s journey.
  • Beloved characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will don new festive Lunar New Year attire this year as they greet guests at Paradise Gardens. Other characters guests may find in this area include Mulan, Pluto, and the Three Little Pigs who also join in the Lunar New Year celebration.
  • Guests will enjoy four festive marketplaces to experience delightful food and beverages inspired by Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures, including the new smoked beef bulgogi short rib and the peach sojito, as well as many other new and returning favorites. The popular Sip and Savor pass* is available for any guest to purchase if they wish to get the best value as they taste their way through the festive Asian marketplaces, Longevity Noodle Co., Lucky 8 Lantern, Prosperity Bao & Buns and Red Dragon Spice Traders.  A special Lunar New Year menu at Paradise Garden Grill offers items inspired by traditional Asian fare, plus a Festival Cart inside Paradise Gardens and special food options at Lucky Fortune Cookery in Pacific Wharf.
  • Live, daily performances by authentic Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese dancers and musicians will take place throughout Paradise Gardens Park.
  • Enjoy areas for guests to try complimentary arts and crafts. One area features a complimentary dragon’s pearl coloring craft, and another features Chinese calligraphy with local artisans. Plus, new face painting opportunities have been added to the Lunar New Year celebration, available for purchase.
  • A Lucky Wishing Wall, located in Paradise Gardens, is where guests may write down wishes and tie them to the wall in hopes for a prosperous future.
  • The educational art walls provide guests with information about the festival, including fun details such as “What Year Are You?” as well as the unique story of Lunar New Year in each culture that celebrates the sun and moon festival.
  • Inspiring Lunar New Year décor symbolizes good luck, fortune and happiness in bold red and brilliant gold. Guests will see ornamental lanterns and banners wishing guests a Happy Lunar New Year in English, Chinese, Korean and New Lunar New Year merchandise inspired by different cultures of East Asia will be available for purchase. This year, guests will find all-new spirit jerseys, fun bobble-head figures with Chip and Dale, a traditional red envelope set, themed Minnie Mouse ear headbands and more.

In addition, the Disneyland Resort is offering special hotel offers during the Lunar New Year celebration, making this an ideal time for guests to visit Disney California Adventure. Guests may find more information at Disneyland.com.

*Sip and Savor Pass entitlements may only be redeemed during regular Lunar New Year celebration operating hours, and the Pass expires on February 9, 2020. Each coupon may be redeemed for one (1) food or nonalcoholic beverage item at a participating Marketplace location. Excludes novelties including souvenir tumblers. No discounts apply. Nonrefundable, nontransferable, may not be redeemed for cash (in whole or in part), no substitutions and no change given. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required.

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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. 

Celebrate the Season at Knott’s Merry Farm Beginning November 22

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. 
It’s almost time to celebrate the merriest of seasons at Knott’s Berry Farm as the park wondrously transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm, a Christmas celebration for all ages. You can come spend the most wonderful time of the year with your family at Knott’s Merry Farm enjoying thrilling holiday attractions, live entertainment, a Christmas Crafts Village, festive food, lavish holiday decorations, and nightly snow in Ghost Town, all beginning November 22!

I feel so lucky to live in Southern California where I can celebrate the holidays while still enjoying the beautiful sunny weather outside. I am all about making the most of this time of year with my family and Knott’s Merry Farm is an annual tradition for us. I’m not even sure if I’m most excited about the festive treats, the special holiday entertainment, visiting Santa (because he is there, too.) or just going on all of my favorite rides? Also, I get so excited to see what’s new each year.

Here are the special entertainment offerings you’ll find this year at Knott’s Merry Farm:

“Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” Ice Show (in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre) -Snoopy, the Peanuts, and a cast of world-class ice skaters perform in the spectacular ice show, “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre. During the show, filled with whimsy and spectacular skating, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season, including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival, and attending the festive Christmas Ball! “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” is performed on select days.“Home for the Holidays” (at the Calico Mine Stage) -Home for the Holidays is a joyous music review filled with singing, dancing and merriment of Christmas days of yore, including some of the best-loved perennial holiday tunes including, “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bells,” “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and many more. The Calico Mine Stage depicts a Winter Wonderland directly out of a Currie & Ives painting and is the ideal version of an old-fashioned holiday dream. The year is 1915 and the sounds and feelings of the holiday season surround the air. Home for the Holidays is the story of family, friends and holiday traditions.

“A Peanuts Guide to Christmas” (at the Camp Snoopy Theater) – The Peanuts Gang offer their take and unique wisdom on surviving the holidays, while singing you a mashup of their favorite holiday tunes. After the show, head right next door to the Peanuts Meet and Greet Area to take a picture with your favorite character.“Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol” and “Marley’s Wings” (in the Bird Cage Theater)- Knott’s melodrama company brings to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Marley’s Wings performances available on select dates during Knott’s Merry Farm. In Marley’s Wings, the Ghost of Jacob Marley returns to a wonderful new holiday musical that is destined to become a classic! One year ago, Marley appeared and appealed to Ebenezer Scrooge to mend his ways lest he suffer eternal torment in the form of chains forged by a life of greed and avarice. If Scrooge could truly change his ways for an entire year, Marley would not only be free of his chains; he would also gain his bona fide Angel’s Wings! On the surface, Ebenezer seems to have seen the light and made the necessary adjustments, with one glaring exception. Scrooge is struggling with finding and holding the true meaning of Christmas in his heart. He must grasp this essential message by midnight, or Marley will be grounded for all eternity. The Bird Cage piano will come alive with great new songs like “Raise the Rafters,” “Christmas in Heaven,” and “The Bah Hum Bug” to name a few. Marley is on a mission! With the help of this wonderful new musical score and audience energy, Scrooge’s transformation unfolds before our eyes. Will it be soon enough to deliver Marley’s wings? The clock is ticking…

Calico Saloon Christmas Show (Calico Saloon) – Cameo Kate and Dakota Dan invite you to their musical turn of the century holiday celebration. Head into the Calico Saloon, grab a boysenberry beer or sarsaparilla and watch a classical Old West revue show. Get ready for plenty of laughs and audience interaction in this toe-tapping, knee-slapping journey.

Snow and Glow Show (in Calico Ghost Town) – Every night during Merry Farm, when the sun sets on the Farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town’s Main Street and School House Road are filled with glow and snow! Thousands of sparkling lights dance to the beat of Christmas music while snow gently falls in this spectacular one-of-a-kind moment.

Calico Carolers (strolling throughout Ghost Town) – Be transported back in time to a Victorian Christmas by the Calico Carolers, Knott’s own vocal quartet, as they perform the songs of the season throughout Ghost Town. Warm up your vocal chords and join in on the fun by singing along to both classic and contemporary Christmas music presented in a timeless way.

Festive Eats and Treats at Knott’s Merry Farm
Every holday season, it seems like the Knott’s culinary team steps up their festive treats game even more. At Knott’s Merry Farm, you’ll not only find traditional favorites such as Mrs. Claus’ milk & cookies, hot cocoa with candy cane topping, roasted nuts, and but there are also offerings such as tamales, Christmas pizza, and candy cane churros!Knott’s is the perfect place to spend many a day together with friends and/or family creating new memories together, which is a great reason to grab a 2020 Knott’s Season Pass. They make great holiday gifts and include one free visit to Knott’s in 2019, unlimited visits in 2020 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise,  and access to exciting year-round seasonal events.For more information about Knott’s Season Passes, including information about their payment plans, please visit knotts.com.