SoCal Fun Archives - Page 21 of 24

SoCal Fun

Knott’s All Day Dining Plan

August 2, 2016 / Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun

We recently enjoyed a “Sunday Funday” at Knott’s Berry Farm and were there from park opening to park closing. There’s just so much to see and do there, especially right now during their 75th Anniversary Celebration of Ghost Town. Have you been yet? If you haven’t, you must make it there before September 5, when it all ends.

When you spend that long in the park, you’re going to eat more than one meal there. Did you know that Knott’s offers an All Day Dining Plan? It’s a great deal because for only $31.99 per person, you can enjoy one select entree and one side (drink not included) from any of the participating dining locations in the Park.

Here’s a list of the participating dining locations and the meal choices:

Sutter’s Grill (located in Ghost Town) – Cheeseburger, Buffalo Style Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, Western BBQ Bacon Burger, Caesar Salad
Bigfoot Broiler (located in Ghost Town) – Cheeseburger, Foot Long Hot Dog, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Caesar Salad
Grizzly Creek Lodge (located in Camp Snoopy) – Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders, Jumbo Hot Dog, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza Wedge & Side Salad, Caesar Salad
Boardwalk BBQ (located on the Boardwalk) – Cheeseburger, Jumbo Hot Dog, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza Wedge & Side Salad, Caesar Salad
Coaster’s Diner (located on the Boardwalk) – Cheeseburger, Southwest Burger, Chicken Tenders, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Caesar Salad
Hollywood Hits (located on the Boardwalk) – Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza Wedge & Side Salad
Cantina (located in Fiesta Village) – Tostada Salad with beans & rice, Grande Burrito with beans & rice, Two Tacos with beans & rice, Caesar Salad

The easiest way to add the All Day Dining Plan is to purchase yours online, before your visit. After you purchase the option online, you print out your voucher and take it to one of the participating dining locations, where you’ll receive a wristband. During operating hours, the wristband entitles you to dine every 90 minutes if you desire. Wouldn’t it be fun to spend an entire day at Knott’s, just eating every 90 minutes? Ok, I’m just joking. The All Day Dining Plan doesn’t include drinks but I need to share one of the best drink deals in the Park with you! You can purchase a 2016 Souvenir Bottle for only $14.99 and get free drink refills the entire day! It’s a great deal and we used it in between meals to carry around ice water, which they’d also refill for us. It’s almost always hot outside in Southern California so having the option to get a cold, icy drink constantly refilled was a life-saver. Also, if you purchase it online before your visit, it’s only $10.99! For more information about Knott’s All Day Dining Plan or general park information, go here.

Connect with Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to visit Knott’s and received media tickets in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Halloween Time at The Disneyland Resort Begins September 9 + Mickey’s Halloween Party Dates

July 14, 2016 / Disney, Disney, Disneyland Resort, Lifestyle, Orange County, SoCal Fun

It’s hard to believe that another year has almost gone by since Halloween was here! Here it is, the middle of summer and I’m absolutely giddy about the arrival of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort and this year it begins September 9th! I can’t even tell you which part of it I’m most excited for because there is so much going on at the Resort during that time of year. Plus, it also begins the entire Holiday Season! Mickey’s Halloween Party
So, let’s first talk about Mickey’s Halloween Party, because that’s what Disney lovers of all ages look forward to during all year, right? The event requires a separate ticket and takes place on 17 select nights, beginning Friday, Sept. 23, inside of Disneyland. Entry to Disneyland Park before the party is included with a Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket. Guests have the opportunity to play in Disneyland park for three hours before the party starts, and then go trick or treating , for candy and healthy treats, in the ultimate Disney neighborhood.

Mickey’s Halloween Party has some extra thrilling surprises around every corner and treats party guests to some unforgettable experiences including:

The eerie atmosphere along Main Street, U.S.A., animated Halloween images (ghosts, bats, pumpkins and skeletons) appear and disappear mysteriously on the facades of buildings throughout the evening
The ghoulish Cadaver Dans quartet performs Halloween tunes aboard a drifting graveyard-themed raft, on the fog-filled Rivers of America in New Orleans Square and Frontierland
The sensational “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, which is a guest favorite presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party and is hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington.
A family-friendly dance party to rock out to at Tomorrowland Terrace
Disney Villains at select locations for photos and character greetings
Mickey Mouse and his pals dressed in their Halloween costumes
Nearly all the favorite Disneyland rides and attractions will be open to party guests, plus Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.
New for Mickey’s Halloween Party in 2016, The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow rides his ghostly black steed and carries his flickering jack-o-lantern through the heart of Disneyland, heralding the arrival of Mickey’s Halloween Party character cavalcade, (The character is from Disney’s animated feature, “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.”)

Adults and children are encouraged to dress in costume for the party as they trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland for a scary good time. For costume policy guidelines, please check http://www.Disneyland.com for prior your arrival, so you don’t have any surprises. Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* go on sale for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa card holders on Thursday, July 21. General public ticket sales begin Thursday, July 28.

What Else To Expect During Halloween Time
Now let’s talk about Halloween Time in general at the Disneyland Resort. Whether you are going to attend one of the ticketed Mickey’s Halloween Party Nights or just visiting the Parks during Halloween Time, you’re going to be in Halloween awe! Some of the temporary Halloween offerings include:

Jack Skellington makes his annual appearance in Disneyland to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring Haunted Mansion Holiday back to New Orleans Square. Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” and transforms the Mansion with a collision of Halloween spookiness and Christmas cheer. Oct. 3, 2016 marks the 15th anniversary of this special attraction’s premiere in Disneyland.
Guests in search of Halloween chills may “drop in” to visit the ghostly full-time residents of The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror in Disney California Adventure. Here, in the remains of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, dwell the spirits of hotel guests who disappeared during a “supernatural” event on Halloween Night in 1939.
Spooky Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland draws guests back again and again during the Halloween season. The unique Halloween-themed experience launches voyagers into a haunted section of the universe, where ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music.
On select, non-Mickey’s Halloween Party nights, guests visiting Disneyland will enjoy a special treat: the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks spectacular. In addition, the dynamic “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” will march down Main Street, U.S.A., each day throughout Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.
Also, in Frontierland, the traditional Dia de los Muertos is observed through Tuesday, Nov. 1, with a holiday skeleton display in the plaza near the entrance of Rancho del Zocalo.

Ticket Information and Purchases for Mickey’s Halloween Party
Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* may be purchased online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party, as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check for availability for the 17 nights: Friday, Sept. 23; Monday, Sept. 26, Wednesday, Sept. 28; Friday, Sept. 30; Monday, Oct. 3; Wednesday, Oct. 5; Friday, Oct. 7; Monday, Oct. 10; Wednesday, Oct. 12; Friday, Oct. 14; Monday, Oct. 17; Wednesday, Oct. 19; Friday, Oct. 21; Monday, Oct. 24; Wednesday, Oct. 26; Saturday, Oct. 29; and Monday, Oct. 31, Halloween night.

Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount on select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $89 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 31, are $99 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking will be permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland main entrance. Please note: Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event. Parking is not included in the ticket price, and parking fees will apply.

For more information about Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, please visit here. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice. Also, don’t forget that Guests may currently enjoy the Disneyland Diamond Celebration which continues through Labor Day, Sept. 5!

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Some images are property of the Disneyland Resort.

Family Guide to Knott’s 75th Anniversary of Ghost Town

June 17, 2016 / Knott's, Knott's, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

Summer is here and there’s never been a better time to visit Knott’s Berry Farm! This year marks the 75th Anniversary of Knott’s Ghost Town and in honor of this milestone, they’ve got a whole lot of special things going on in the Park this summer, now through September 5th! I was invited to a media day at Knott’s a couple of weeks ago and I had the opportunity to experience all the fun! I actually can’t wait to go back again with my family! I think one of my most favorite parts about Ghost Town right now is the all-new interactive experience called Ghost Town Alive! Park guests get to step inside of this little Old West town and interact with the residents there. Whether it’s the Barbershop, The Sheriff’s Office, The Post Office, The Mayor’s Office at Calico Town Hall, or Goldie’s Place, you’ll be totally engaged with the people of Ghost Town. Whether you visit , you’ll feel like you’re “too modern” to even be there. (Ok not really, I’m just kidding). Seriously though, I could’ve spent the entire day in Ghost Town! Some of the Ghost Town Alive! experiences include:

Getting a handlebar or walrus mustache “shave” at the Barbershop
Trying your luck at a game of cards with the sneaky Sheriff
Meeting the prospector and his trusty burro, Brutus
Locking up the bandits in the town patty wagon
Voting for the Mayor in the town election
Drawing up hand-made wanted posters
Visiting the Livery Stable to meet the friendly equestrian team of horses (Brutus the burro is there also.)

Another fun daily event in Ghost Town that you shouldn’t miss is the Hoedown held right in front of the Bird Cage Theater! The whole town shows up and park guests are encouraged to join in! Just inside of Ghost Town, stands the tallest, longest and fastest wooden rollercoaster on the West Coast…GhostRider! GhostRider is a Knott’s fan favorite! After undergoing a recent resoration, GhostRider is now open with a complete wooden re-tracking of the entire 4,533 ft. long track. So, of course, I braved a ride on it myself with a friend! It was amazing! I mean, it was beyond scary, and she kept her eyes shut the entire time but it’s supposed to be scary right? Let me just add that the new cars and track are so smooth! You’re going to love it!

Some of the other fun things I recommend doing while you’re at Knott’s 75th Anniversary of Ghost Town this summer are:

Visit the new(ish) Starbucks location outside the Park for a Boysenberry Latte or Boysenberry Frappucino. (also available inside the Park at the Gourmet Coffee Hut)
Check out the all-new Wild West Stunt Show in the Wagon Camp.
Grab a funnel cake from Ghost Town Grub
Take in a performance of the all-new “Circus of Wonders” on the new Calico Stage.
Have lunch or dinner in the sparkling new Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
Rest your feet (and enjoy air conditioning) while you watch a performance of “Blockbuster Beagle…On Ice!” over in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre.
Pan for Gold
Visit the Calico Saloon to watch the Calico Saloon Show and enjoy a cool beverage. I stopped by with my friend to enjoy a Sarsaparilla.

All of the fun I experienced at Knott’s as part of their 75th Anniversary Celebration is part of regular admission to the Park and will continue until September 5th! I highly suggest you get there sooner, rather than later, cause you don’t want to miss all the fun! Also, try to keep yourself out of Knott’s Jail whilte you’re there. (unlike me)

For more information about Knott’s Ghost Town 75th Anniversary Celebration, visit http://www.knotts.com. Connect with Knott’s Berry Farm on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I was invited as a member of the media to a day at Knott’s in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

See ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,’ a New Stage Musical, Now at Disney California Adventure Park

May 27, 2016 / Disney, SoCal Fun, Travel

Today’s the day! It’s finally here! “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” a new theatrical
adaptation based on Disney’s animated blockbuster film, opened today, at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park in Southern California. This new theatrical interpretation for the stage immerses audiences in the beloved world of Frozen and takes audiences on the heartwarming journey of Anna and Elsa, with all of the excitement of live theater. Under the direction of Tony Award® nominated Director Liesl Tommy, the show features elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, and show-stopping production numbers. An exceptionally large production, the show features an opening cast and crew of more than 200, six full musical numbers and a 2,200 square foot video wall which combine for an unforgettable theatrical experience. Disney Creative Entertainment, the arm of Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for live
theatrical entertainment at Disney Parks, has produced this new stage interpretation of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” with all of the creativity and resources of its predecessor “Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” which ran for a remarkable 13 years at the 2,000 seat Hyperion Theater.As would be expected from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Parks, new technologies –
especially with projections, fabrics and special effects — will delight audiences in new and
unexpected ways. Guests are immersed in the world of “Frozen” from the moment they enter
the theater and are surrounded by a specially lit “Aurora” curtain. As the musical unfolds, the scenic design and large moving set pieces create a cinema-style energy enhanced by state-of-the-art projections that create dynamic environments for the performers. Custom sound design envelops the audience in music and audio effects. And, of course, there will be snow throughout the interior of the theater.” – on stage and over the audience. “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios “Frozen,”
which is the number one animated feature of all time. It is the winner of two Academy Awards
(2014) for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

“While our production of ‘Frozen’ stays true to the heart and soul of the film, we have adapted it for the stage so it’s truly a musical theater production that befits our beautiful Hyperion Theater. The goal of this creative team is to take all audiences, including those who know the film, and those new to these characters, on this exciting and touching adventure with Anna and Elsa. We know that for many in the audience, adults and children alike, this production will be a first or rare theater-going experience, and we want to make it as magical as possible. – Dana Harrel, creative entertainment executive with Walt Disney Imagineering

The new adaptation features music and lyrics by the creators of the film score, Kristen
Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Up Here”) and Robert Lopez (“Avenue Q,” “The Book of
Mormon,” “Up Here”), and is adapted from the screenplay by four-time Tony Award® nominee Chad Beguelin (“Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” at Hyperion Theater; Broadway: “Gotta Dance,” “Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Elf”). “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is directed by Tommy, who was recently nominated for a Tony Award® for her Broadway show “Eclipsed.” The choreographer is Christopher Windom and this is his seventh collaboration with Tommy. The musical supervisor/arranger/adaptor is Jason Michael Webb, whose Broadway credits include “The Color Purple,” “Motown: The Musical,” “Violet,” and “Memphis.” Clint Ramos, the principal costume designer, was also nominated this year for a Tony Award® for his work on “Eclipsed.”

“I am approaching ‘Frozen’ as I would any new work – to search the story for what resonates most emotionally, which is the story of the relationship between Anna and Elsa, their coming of age and conquering their worst fears. It’s what made the movie so intensely satisfying and fresh. The theatrical version of ‘Frozen’ that my designers and I are creating for the Hyperion builds on the film’s emotional intensity using beautiful performances, thrilling choreography and the most cutting-edge design elements.” – Liesl Tommy, Director

A great amount of creative energies have been employed to bring “Frozen – Live at the
Hyperion” to the stage. Harrel and Tommy have assembled a team of creative talent from both Broadway and Disney to create this production. The principal designers are Robert Brill (scenery), Charles Lapointe (wigs), David Weiner (lighting), Aaron Rhyne (projections) and Broken Chord (audio), and Ramos (costumes). The challenge of bringing the animated non-human characters of Sven and Olaf to the stage was assigned to master puppet designer Michael Curry, who co-designed with director Julie Taymor the animal creations of “The Lion King” on Broadway, the magic mirror in “Snow White: An Enchanted Musical” at Fantasyland Theatre, and many other Disney parades, shows and projects, as well as projects for Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera. Curry’s intricate designs created for Olaf and Sven allow the performers to connect with the characters and bring them to life on stage in new ways. More exciting news surrounding “Frozen” is that an entirely separate two-act Broadway production of “Frozen” is currently being prepared by Disney Theatrical Productions and is slated to join Disney Theatrical’s New York productions of “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” for spring 2018 at a theater to be announced. It will have a pre-Broadway engagement starting in summer 2017 in Denver!

To locate daily performance times and Fast Pass information for “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,”, visit here.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. All photos are property of the Disneyland Resort.

2016 Great Wine Festival on 5/21 + Enter to Win 2 VIP Tickets

May 3, 2016 / SoCal Fun

It’s almost time for the 2016 Great Wine Festival! Now in its 6th year, the Great Wine Festival blends the OC lifestyle with the wine country experience. This year’s fun event will take place on Saturday, May 21 from 2pm-5pm, with an option to add 1-2pm with a VIP ticket.

Every year, wine lovers and foodies alike enjoy an afternoon of relaxation, live entertainment, and all-inclusive tastings from 30+ wineries, breweries, spirits, and restaurants while supporting this wonderful fundraiser for the Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC), a non-profit dedicated to providing civil legal services to some of our community’s most vulnerable populations: veterans, the homeless, low-income families, and the elderly. LASOC has been serving Orange County and southeast Los Angeles for over 58 years. Each day, LASOC provides free and low cost civil legal services to more than 200 people.Delight in the wine country experience in your own backyard without the long drive, traffic, or parking headaches.The Great Wine Festival is conveniently located in the heart of Orange County and will be held in the newly renovated Hangar 244 at the OC Great Park, the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century. Citrus plantings, native shade trees, and the iconic Great Park Balloon serve as the backdrop to the event. So, come soak up the warm SoCal sun, breathe in the coastal breeze, and enjoy superb wines, brews, spirits, and cuisine – all in flip flops and a tank top. Have you grabbed your tickets for this year’s festivities yet? If not, click here to do so. Also when you order your tickets, here’s a 10% discount code just for my readers. Just enter “OTTM” at checkout. (Note: discount not valid for Designated Driver tickets.) Well, what are you waiting for? I hope to see you at the 2016 Great Wine Festival. Don’t miss out!

I’M GIVING AWAY TICKETS, TOO!
I’m also hosting a giveaway right here on my blog for one (1) pair of VIP Tickets to this year’s event! All you have to do is comment on this blog post and tell me what your favorite part about the Great Wine Festival is? If you’ve never been, let me know that this would be your first time attending. Contest open to local residents only, 21+ and older and will close at 11:50 p.m. on May 14. I’ll choose a winner via Random Number Generator and announce it by noon on the 15th. Tickets will be emailed to the winner. Thanks for reading and entering my giveaway!

Connect with The Great Wine Festival on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. Images and logos are property of Great Wine Festival and The Legal Aid Society of Orange County.

Capture Your Memories at Knott’s With FunPix Photo Service

April 12, 2016 / Knott's, Knotts, Orange County, SoCal Fun, Travel

This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to spend a day in the Park in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

We were super excited to kick off our Spring Break this year with a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm! Spending a day in the Park together is the perfect way to create new memories. It’s also a chance to capture your lasting memories in photos. On our visit to Knott’s, we had the opportunity to try out the all-new FunPix service, which is a fun and easy way to capture, collect and share professional-quality photos of some of your favorite moments at the park. For one low price, you’ll have access to unlimited downloads of your in-park photos, almost instantly after they’re uploaded into the system, as well as receive discounts on merchandise. Also, it’s very simple to share your photos with friends and family, either via email or text or even on your social media channels. FunPix is an incredible value for all that you’re getting! How is FunPix priced?
FunPix photo services are offered at a great price! There are 2 different options to choose from which include:
A Single Day Digital Photo Pass – For just $29.99 + applicable fees and taxes, park goers have the option of purchasing this package. It allows them to download provides the user with unlimited photo downloads for up to 30 days, plus day-of discounts on prints and photo souvenirs available for purchase at the theme park or online.
The All Season Digital Photo Pass – This option is only available for Knott’s Berry Farm Regular, Gold, and Platinum Season Passholders and is $39.99 + applicable taxes and fees. It provides unlimited downloads for the entire 2016 season plus discounts on prints and photo souvenirs all season long. How Do You Get Started With FunPix?
Purchase Your FunPix Photo Card – You can actually purchase your FunPix package online, before your visit to Knott’s. If you don’t do this, you have the option to purchase a FunPix photo card near the Front Gate FunPix booth, located at the entrance to Ghost Town or at any ride photo location. *Note: If you purchase yours online, bring your printed out voucher to any booth to receive your FunPix photo card. Set Up An Account – You can set up an account to access and download all of your photos by visiting http://www.myfunpix.com or by downloading the Knott’s Berry Farm park app to your mobile device.

Get Your Photographs Taken in the Park – There are FunPix photographers located throughout the park, as well as certain attractions that have cameras installed. Here are the locations you should look for:

FunPix Front Gate Photo
Peanuts Meet & Greet (character availability and hours vary)
FunPix Rides: Timber Mountain Log Ride, Pony Express, Silver Bullet, Xcelerator

I love taking family photos whenever we’re out and about but I will fully admit that I have the tendency to focus a little too much on taking the perfect pics. By using FunPix on our visit, I could actually avoid constantly grabbing for my phone to snap pics and only use it when I wanted to download the FunPix photos from the Knott’s app to share on my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. .I loved getting to use FunPix while we were in the Park. I highly recommend it as an add-on to your day out at Knott’s! For more information about FunPix, visit http://www.knotts.com.

The Disney Parks Egg-stravaganza Was SO Much Fun!

March 20, 2016 / Disney, SoCal Fun, Travel

We were super “egg-cited” to fit a trip to Disneyland Resort into our schedule this weekend, specifically to do the 2016 Egg-stravaganza Easter Egg Hunt! This family friendly, hunt for special hidden “eggs” , themed to Disney characters, is another fun way create memories on your visit to the Resort. As you discover each egg, you record your findings by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed Egg-stravaganza map (which are available for purchase) to represent that location. At the end of your hunt, you may return to any redemption center with your map and collect your special Disney “surprise”. This year, there are 3 different Egg-stravaganza maps (and hunts) to choose from at the Resort. Maps, which come with the stickers, can be purchased for $5.95, plus tax. There are no discounts for these. You can find the 2016 Egg-stravaganza maps at the following parks and locations:

Disneyland park – Disneyana, Disney Showcase, “it’s a small world” Toy Shop, Little Green Men Store Command, Pieces of Eight, Pioneer Mercantile and Stromboli’s.
Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co., Humphrey’s Service & Supplies, Off the Page, Oswald’s, Sarge’s Surplus Hut and Treasures in Paradise
Downtown Disney District – Anna & Elsa’s Boutique, D Street, Disney Pin Traders, WonderGround Gallery and World of Disney Store
Hotels of the Disneyland Resort – Acorns Gifts & Goods, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; Mickey in Paradise, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel; and Fantasia Shop, Disneyland Hotel

We opted for the one inside Disneyland Park. I purchased 2 maps. Our plan was to use one of them and keep the other as a souvenir. That’s what huge Disney fans like us do.I’m not going to post a ton of spoilers because that would take away all of the fun for you, I’m just going to list some tips to help you plan a little, in case you’re attempting to fit one of these hunts into your day. The hunt takes you on a search around a good part of Disneyland. It was fairly crowded on the day we visited, since it’s Spring Break, but we had no problem navigating our way around to find the eggs. Although we brought an Easter basket full of mini Tsum Tsums, as backup support, you don’t need one in order to do the hunt. However, it does make for cute pictures, don’t you agree? My daughter insisted we find every single Easter egg, so it probably took a couple of hours, total. She’s 10 years old and was really “into” it so, as you can see, the hunt is a great activity for kids of all ages. The “hidden” eggs are all really cute and we got excited every time we discovered another one! This Tink egg is the only egg I”m going to post a picture of because it was my favorite one! (I’m not a fan of spoilers!) Whether you choose to hunt for eggs or not, just return with your map to one of these redemption locations: Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park; Disney Showcase in Disneyland park; World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort before April 2 to pick up your surprise. There are 6 different “surprises” to choose from. (These are the 2 that we chose.) Oh and YES, they let you keep the map afterwards! Yay!

I recommend getting there to participate sooner, rather than later, as the maps are only available until March 27, or when supplies last! Have you participated in the Disney Parks Egg-stravaganza before? If not, are you planning to do so this year? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

My Perfect Celebration: A Disney Birthday Button and Dinner at Steakhouse 55

March 8, 2016 / Disney, SoCal Fun, Travel

One of my most favorite annual birthday traditions is to get a Disney birthday button and celebrate my day at Disneyland Resort. The most special part about getting to wear one of a birthday button around the parks and the Resort, is that Cast Members everywhere will continue to wish you a “Happy Birthday”! Some may even catch you by surprise when they call you out by name! This year, my birthday was a little different though because we had to be out of town (for a cheer competition) on my actual day. My daughter was so sweet as she insisted we stop by the Resort on our way out of town, just to grab my button and spend a little time in the parks. We only had a few hours to do so, but we made every minute count and got to:

grab my 2016 birthday button
go down Main Street and give a bunch of High 4’s to Cast Members
ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds
hang out with Farley the Fiddler
grab a Matterhorn Macaroon for the road

As we drove away from Disneyland Resort that morning to get on the road, my daughter said, “Mommy, I’m sorry we barely got time to celebrate your birthday in the parks today.” Little did I know, just as soon as we returned home from our road trip that Sunday afternoon, I’d be swept away from home and back to do some more celebrating! This time, we had a reservation at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel! Wow, what a special birthday treat!

Steakhouse 55 is one of my favorite places to dine at the resort. The menu offers so many delicious choices but I’m such a creature of habit that I always end up ordering practically the same meal, beginning with a celebratory glass of wine. I can’t get enough of the Steakhouse 55 Wedge Salad. It’s topped with cherry tomato, bacon lardons, candied pecans, and the most amazing blue cheese vinaigrette. Although I’ve never actually asked for it, I’ll bet the recipe for the dressing is a secret! The Center-cut Filet Mignon at Steakhouse 55 never disappoints. Neither do the sides you can order to compliment your meal. We went with some Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, which are topped with traditional brown gravy and green onion, and some Steamed Local Asparagus, complimented with olive oil hollandaise and Maldon-flaked Sea Salt. By this point, I was extremely content and almost too full for dessert…almost! I felt extra special when our server, Cast Member David, brought out a special dessert just for me. Mickey was right there on top, along with a single candle to make a birthday wish. I can’t tell you what I wished for because it won’t come true, but let’s just say it was Disney-related! My birthday dinner at Steakhouse 55 was so Magical. I’m happy that my family closed out my birthday weekend by surprising me and taking me there! It was delicious and the service was wonderful. Have you gotten to eat there yet? If not, I highly recommend making a reservation soon!

{Giveaway} Knott’s For The Cure: Buy a “Pink Ticket” For a Good Cause

February 6, 2016 / Family Fun, Knott's, Lifestyle, Orange County, SoCal Fun

The opinions in this article are my own. I do not work for, or with, any brand mentioned in this article, nor do I have any official relationship with them. I have a relationship with GigaSavvy, for whom I create original editorial content, All opinions are 100% my own. Some images and logos are property of Knott’s Berry Farm. .

If you haven’t heard already, Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County are partnering up again, for a third year, to raise money for breast cancer awareness during “Knott’s For The Cure”! The partnership, which began in 2013, will once again align two prominent organizations in raising awareness and vital funds for local breast health and breast cancer services for women and men. In 2014 and 2015, the theme park helped raise $230k for Susan G. Komen Orange County!

75% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen are used to provide local services throughout Orange County for:

Breast cancer detection and treatment education
Information and support for breast cancer survivors and families
Funding for free mammograms for uninsured and underserved women via the Knott’s sponsored Alinea mobile mammography van.

25% of the funds raised for Susan G. Komen support national research to discover the cure for breast cancer.

I had the honor of being invited to attend the kickoff for their partnership last year and got to hear my dear friend, Jaime, speak about her own breast cancer story! I got to spend an inspirational morning with Jaime and a huge group of breast cancer survivors. I even got to participate in their victory ride on “Jaguar”. Breast cancer patients and survivors are some of the strongest people you’ll ever meet! From January 4 through March 18, Knott’s is offering a special “Pink Ticket”, a limited edition “Pink” t-shirt, and other special “Pink” merchandise for purchase, with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen Orange County. The 2016 campaign will focus on the promise that Komen founder Nancy G. Brinker made to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen: that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Special rides and landmarks inside of the theme park will glow pink in honor of the promotion. Knott’s Berry Farm and Susan G. Komen Orange County invite guests to share their “for the cure” promises during the charitable promotion at knotts.com/promise and join in on the conversation on their social media platforms using #KnottsPink. Knott’s is committed to helping Susan G. Komen get one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Won’t you help too by joining in and showing your own support by purchasing a “Pink Ticket” and visiting the park during the promotion? Click here to purchase your ticket online for only $40! That’s a $32 discount for buying it in advance and online! What an amazing deal for an entire day of fun in the park! Come out to Knott’s Berry Farm For the Cure!

I’m also giving away a pair of tickets to Knott’s for one of my lucky readers! All you have to do is enter below in the Raffecopter! Be sure to read the instructions carefully! Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway