Over The Top Mommy

Travel

Plan Your Fall Getaway to Big Bear Lake’s Oktoberfest

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Have you visited Big Bear Lake before? Located in the mountains of Southern California, Big Bear Lake is just a couple of hours by car from Los Angeles and Orange County and about few hours away from San Diego or Las Vegas.Big Bear Lake is  a beautiful vacation destination for families, couples, and even large groups. The area offers a variety of seasonal activities to its visitors including:

  • fishing
  • water sports
  • hiking
  • mountain biking
  • horseback riding, tours
  • winter sports

and more!When planning your getaway to Big Bear, it’s important to have peace of mind you’ve secured a clean, reliable and affordable vacation rental. With more than 350 properties, ranging from single-room cabins to entire lodges, Big Bear Cool Cabins Vacation Rentals has the perfect lodging for your adventure.Did you know that each Fall, Big Bear has its very own Oktoberfest?  It’s a festival like no other that runs from September 8 through October 27. Guests in attendance are treated to “Knockwursts” direct from the German butcher, and enjoy the very same beers poured at Munich’s Oktoberfest for more than 150 years! If you haven’t been before, it’s the perfect time to visit Big Bear.Big Bear Cool Cabins is the Official Lodging Partner for the 48th annual Oktoberfest! They offer have multiple packages for visitors to choose from for 1, 2 and 3 night stays, as well as the ultimate way to Big Bear’s Oktoberfest: The Burgermeister Party Pack!  Keep reading and you’ll find a special discount code below that you can use when you book your own Oktoberfest package. First let’s take a look at what each package includes and the discount it’s offered at.

  • Oktoberfest 1-night stay packageThis Exclusive Package includes a 5% discount on 1-night lodging, discounted Oktoberfest tickets, 2 free 2-hour bike or kayak rental from GetBoards and 10% discount on Scenic Sky Chair or Golf.
  • Oktoberfest 2-night stay packageThis Exclusive Package includes a 10% discount on 2-night lodging, discounted Oktoberfest tickets, 2 free 2-hour bike or kayak rental from GetBoards and 10% discount on Scenic Sky Chair or Golf.
  • Oktoberfest 3-night stay packageThis Exclusive Package includes a 15% discount on 3-night lodging, discounted Oktoberfest tickets, 2 free 2-hour bike or kayak rental from GetBoards and 10% discount on Scenic Sky Chair or Golf.
  • The Burgermeister Party Pack – Available for visitors 21 years and older, the Burgermeister Party Pack includes Oktoberfest admission both Saturday & Sunday, an annual commemorative 16 oz. beer stein, one beer ticket, one German meal ticket, and a set of party beads.

The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest offers a complimentary shuttle that runs from the downtown Big Bear Village to Oktoberfest on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you have a little too much Oktoberfest fun, let O’Douls do the driving. The O’Doul’s Complimentary Shuttle begins running on Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. and provides door to door service anywhere you are staying within the Big Bear Valley throughout the night. I love that you don’t have to worry about driving and can fully enjoy Oktoberfest.

The special discount code for these packages is OKTOB1, which you should apply at checkout. To book your own Oktoberfest package with Big Bear Cool Cabins Vacation Rentals please go HERE. You can also call or text them directly at 909-219-9681. For visitors who speak Spanish, se habla español y se puede llamar a 909-217-3144.Connect with Big Bear Cool Cabins on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To see if they are offering any additional discounts right now, please go here.

Images and logos are property of Big Bear Cool Cabins and used with permission. 

Plaza de la Familia Returns to Disney California Adventure With a Musical Celebration from “Coco”

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

Guests at the Disneyland Resort can, once again, enjoy special seasonal experiences this fall, inspired by Día de los Muertos, at both Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park. The festivities and displays, now available through November 4, are a celebration honoring loved ones who have passed and honoring familial bonds that last forever. At Disney California Adventure Plaza de la Familia returns for a limited-time festivity. The area, located at the Paradise Gardens area of the park, celebrates Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family.
Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia will enjoy an immersive celebration that includes:

  • Live entertainment with storytelling
  • folklórico dancers and mariachi musicians
  • delicious Mexican fare

and interactive experiences such as the new craft where guests make colorful masks like
the ones seen in the “Coco” film.

  • A Musical Celebration of Coco – This festive show by the entertaining Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia celebrates the popular songs from the film “Coco”, including the Oscar®-winning Best Original Song “Remember Me”. As the lead storyteller Mateo recounts Miguel’s fantastical journey into the Land of the Dead, guests are immersed in the story of “Coco.” New this year, Miguel appears as a whimsical, hand-animated dimensional figure, joining a musical gathering that brings together a lively troupe of singers and Folklórico dancers dressed in beautiful costumes accompanied by the Grammy® Award-winning Mariachi Divas. A Musical Celebration is performed several times daily.
  • At the Paradise Gardens Bandstand, guests will enjoy an uplifting and moving family celebration featuring beloved Mariachi music and traditional songs that touch the hearts of all.
  • The World of Coco, an evocative art exhibit, allows guests to rediscover their favorite characters and settings from the film “Coco.” The immersive exhibition features framed imagery that showcases the depth of imagination that went into creating the Land of the Living and Land of the Dead.
  • Guests also will encounter a three-dimensional “ofrenda” inspired by the remembrance altar seen in “Coco.” In the film, Miguel, the 12-year-old lead character, builds an “ofrenda” in honor of his idol, the legendary late musician Ernesto de la Cruz. “Ofrendas” traditionally are created by friends and family members to honor relatives or loved ones who have passed away.
  • Guests are invited to take commemorative photos in front of the iconic Mexican “Árbol de la Vida”, or Tree of Life. The Tree of Life at Plaza de la Familia celebrates the everlasting bonds of family and friends. Guests will be able to add a remembrance note on the Memory Wall to honor the many loved ones who have been − and will forever be − part of their lives.
  • Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia can design their own paper “alebrije” (spirit guide) mask as part of a new craft activity.
  • Mexican Food Menu: The Mexican menu at Paradise Garden Grill features delicious offerings such as the traditional Día de los Muertos Pan de Muerto, Mole Verde con Pollo, a scrumptious Pan Dulce Conchita and a special “Coco” cake.

More Día de los Muertos in Cars Land
Guests who cruise into Cars Land will find that Ramone, one of the citizens of Cars Land, also pays tribute to Día de los Muertos at Ramone’s House of Body Art. Ramone celebrates this time when families gather to remember their loved ones with a traditional “ofrenda” display honoring the gone, but not forgotten, Doc Hudson.

At Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park continues to offer its traditional Día de los Muertos display at Zócalo Park in
Frontierland. This immersive setting features marigolds and papel picado, along with a traditional “ofrenda,” sugar skulls known as “cavaleras” and an iconic figure of La Catrina. Nearby Rancho del Zócalo Restaurante offers delicious Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner.

For more information about these special festivities and more, please visit Disneyland.com.

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

Book a Stay at Great Wolf Lodge For Their Annual Howl-O-Ween Celebrations

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

As summer is coming to an end, we are getting excited for the arrival of fall and the start of the holiday season! First up, HALLOWEEN! Are you ready? We are! And so is Great Wolf Lodge! They’ll kick off kick their annual Howl-O-Ween festivities with seasonal celebrations all month long for guests staying at the resort. There’s nothing like 105,000 square feet of water park fun and Halloween-centric activities for the whole family. Throughout October, families can find special complimentary guest programming from a Howl-O-Ween House in the lobby to nightly Howl-O-Ween themed dance parties, Haunted Hustle scavenger hunts, boo bingo and more. How fun is that?

Great Wolf Lodge’s Howl-O-Ween festivities include:

  • Howl-O-Ween House in the lobby
  • Nightly Trick or Treat Trail from 5:30pm – 7:30pm
  • Nightly Howl-O-Ween themed games in the lobby including Witch Hat Ring Toss, Mummy Bowling, Feed the Monster, Boo Bingo, Candy Corn Guessing Game + more.
  • Howl-O-Ween themed dance parties
  • Haunted Hussle Scavenger Hunt and a Spooky Walk, replacing the Wolf Walk
  • An UnBoolieveable Character Meet, Greet & Treat
  • Howl-O-Ween themed Character Breakfasts

This all sounds like a lot of fun! Great Wolf Lodge’s Howl-O-Ween For more information and to book your family’s Howl-o-ween stay, please visit here.

Some images and video are property of Great Wolf Lodge and used with permission. 

Fall in Love With Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel by the Sea

I was provided with accommodations in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

Do you ever feel like you need to get away from the “hustle and bustle” of your hectic everyday life? I’ll admit I often feel that way. So, when I received the invitation for our family to visit Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel, California, I was ecstatic!

“Carmel-by-the-Sea, this charming, seaside town’s full name, is located on the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California. The drive from Los Angeles is about 6 hours, so we had the opportunity to take in some beautiful scenery on our drive up north. Just thinking back on our stay there makes me miss it and I truly long to go back there sometime in the near future. I absolutely fell i love with Hofsas House Hotel. Hofsas House is the cutest place to stay! It’s painted pink, which is my absolute favorite color, and the Bavarian-inspired theme and decor of this family-run boutique inn were what reeled me in immediately. I also loved all of the beautiful landscaping around the premises, especially the flowers.  Guests can book a stay in any of the 38 spacious, one-of-a-kind rooms at Hofsas House. Guest rooms include amenities such as fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars, kitchens, and patios and free WiFi. The shower/tubs have been upgraded nicely and you’re going to love the complimentary toiletries like shampoo,, body wash, makeup remover wipes and body lotion.
I think one of my favorite things are the pink Dutch doors in every room. They allow the ocean air into your room and make for a great photo opportunity. Don’t you agree? (Please note: room amenities vary per location on the property) Hofsas House also offers large suites, which are perfect for newlyweds or larger families. The hotel also features a swimming pool and dry saunas. If you’re a dog owner, or even a dog lover, you’ll be so excited to know Hofsas House is DOG FRIENDLY! Oh my goodness! Although we currently don’t have a dog, it’s great to know that when we do, we’ll be welcome to bring ours with us to stay. Also, if you aren’t a “dog person” please know that only certain rooms are reserved for guests bringing their pets, so there are plenty of rooms which haven’t had canines stay in them. This year, Hofsas House is celebrating seven decades of European hospitality. Guests will admire all of the personal touches around the property, including the beautiful welcome mural, on the wall in the driveway. This mural was painted by artist Maxine Albro, when she was commissioned to paint it back in the 1960’s by Hofsas House founder, Donna Hofsas,There are several other personal touches to discover around the property too. Another artist and photographer by the name of Fred, created the mosaic coats of arms which can be seen on the front of the hotel. Their Latin words translate into English as “Leisure with dignity”, These words described our stay there perfectly.

Our Accommodations
The room we stayed was a Deluxe Suite. This spacious 2-room, 2-bathroom (bathtub/shower with vanity area) suite included a king bed in one room and a sitting area furnished with either two day beds in the other room, as well as a wood-burning fireplace. The wet bar area features a microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker and sink. The private balcony overlooks the Carmel pines, and has a private outdoor barbeque. *For a nominal fee, you can add another rollaway bed to make way for another person. Part of the Hofsas House hospitality is their daily continental breakfast, which is complimentary. Guests can stop by the office each morning and pick up French Roast coffee, tea, juice, fruit and fresh pastries, delivered from a local bakery.  You have the option of sitting in the hotel’s lobby to enjoy your breakfast or taking it back to your room. (Trays, mugs, and baskets are provided for carrying out.)  With such a beautiful ocean view from our balcony, we opted to enjoy ours out there. It was a wonderful way to start our day together.Let’s Talk a Little Bit About the Town of Carmel 
Since we’d never visited Carmel before, I didn’t know where anything was. Luckily Hofsas House is located within walking distance to anything you could possibly want to do in Carmel. It’s just a short walk to shops and restaurants and shops and art galleries. It’s also not very far from the beach, which is a must-visit on your trip. I loved being able to park our car there and not have to even think about driving anywhere until we checked out. Carmel is the kind of town where your kid will be so happy, she’ll skip down the sidewalk! Hofsas House is just minutes away from Monterey, Pebble Beach, Big Sur and Pacific Grove. I did enjoy parking our car and just walking everywhere for 2 days, It’s also convenient to be that close to other points of interest and be able to reach them with just a short drive.

Sitting on our balcony at dusk enjoying some wine and cheese, taking in the beautiful ocean view and cotton candy sunset was amazing and just what I needed! In addition to a variety of guest rooms to book at Hofsas House Hotel, they also offer special add-on packages to enhance your stay. To learn more about this charming property, please visit their website hereA very special thank you to Hofsas House for their hospitality. It was such a treat to stay there and we hope to be back soon. 

What to Expect When You Attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

You know you love Disney when you start planning for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party during the early months of summer! As a Disney fan who lives close to the Disneyland Resort, this party is something I’ve never gotten to experience nearby in my “home park”, because it’s held at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World.Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a specially ticketed event that has been on our family’s “Disney Bucket List” for some time now. This holiday season we’re headed to Florida to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! I am ecstatic and have been doing my research to find out what to expect and how to maximize our time at the party!On the official Walt Disney World site, I found this year’s party dates are as follows:

  • November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27 and 29
  • December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21

Guests attending the party can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4 p.m. but the official party begins at 7 p.m. and ends at midnight. Tickets are already on sale and are available for select nights, starting at $105.00. By the way, you can purchase your event tickets here.There are so many things we can’t wait to experience at Mickeys’ Very Merry Christmas party. I got chills just reading this short description from the Walt Disney World site:
When Mickey celebrates the season, Magic Kingdom park lights up with excitement for Guests of all ages. Cinderella Castle shimmers. Joyful music fills the air. Disney Characters don their most festive attire. Favorite attractions take on a holiday theme. And enchanting surprises lie around almost every turn!Here are just some of the unique holiday offerings and experiences you can expect to find at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Some of these are exclusive to the party nights.

Character Experiences & Santa 
You can find some of your favorite classic Disney Characters decked out for the holidays. With over a dozen Disney Characters spreading holiday cheer around the party, guests are able to get autographs and take memorable photos with them too. Be on special lookout for Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Scrooge McDuck, too! Characters and locations are typically published in the official party guide which is handed out to guests when they enter Magic Kingdom.Treats and Special Holiday Eats
Guests attending the party will find several locations throughout the park where they can grab complimentary “yuletide sweets”. Some of these include seasonal beverages and treats. I read that the treat stations set up around the park are open until midnight and there are even alternative healthy and gluten-free options available upon request.In addition to these complimentary treats, there are also limited-time holiday eats which are items offered exclusively during this time of year and at the party.

Special Entertainment for Mickey’s Very Merry Holiday Party

A Frozen Holiday Wish Show
We can’t wait to get swept up in the holiday spirit when Queen Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle. Featuring appearances by Anna and Elsa, along with rugged mountain man Kristoff and the lovable snowman Olaf, this merry-and-bright seasonal show culminates in Queen Elsa using her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom, transforming Cinderella Castle into a sparkling, icy centerpiece for the celebration.Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
Christmas fun awaits as Mickey invites his pals over for an unforgettable party.
During Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, you’ll feel the holidays come alive during a jubilant stage show that fills the air with music, dancing, laughter and shimmering snowflakes! This joyous performance is the perfect yuletide treat to share with your family. You’ll hear favorite Characters ring and sing in the holidays with carols old and new—more than a dozen delightful songs in all! You’ll witness the splendor of Cinderella Castle, aglow with enchanting and ever-changing holiday illuminations. This unforgettable performance is Christmas-wrapped up in one sensational, snowy, show-stopping finale.
Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
Wave to Disney friends during a holiday parade brimming with magic and cheer! Festive gingerbread men, elves and others dance down Main Street, U.S.A. alongside Disney Characters. I’m super excited to watch this parade live as I’ve only see it on TV before when I’ve watched the DisneyParks LIVE! specials.“Holiday Wishes” Fireworks Spectacular 
This holiday fireworks spectacular over Cinderella Castle is will fill the air with something magical. Hosted by Jiminy Cricket, the Holiday Wishes fireworks spectacular features dazzling pyrotechnics, transformational lighting on Cinderella Castle, holiday-themed projection effects and seasonal, classic songs.In addition to all of the above, guests can also enjoy many of their favorite Magic Kingdom attractions. Be sure to save time to take a ride on “The Jingle Cruise” which is a festive version of the Jungle Boat Cruise! Don’t forget to stop by all of the shops to grab holiday merchandise too. As you can see there are so many reasons to be excited about attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year. We are definitely counting down the days until our trip. Have you been to the party before? If so, do you have any special tips to share with me? If not, why not grab your tickets for this year’s party?

*Please note: all entertainment experiences, character greeting experiences and attractions are subject to change without notice.

Spooky New Experiences Added to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom

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

Every summer, I get excited at the first signs of Halloween! Some people totally disagree with that. I just love to plan ahead. When the Disney Parks Blog announced the dates for this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park, I began planning our next trip to Walt Disney World. (because that’s how a Disney Mom’s mind works.) Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will take place on select nights August 17 – October 31, 2018 and is a separate ticketed event. Last year we had the chance to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for the very first time and it was SO much fun.
We loved dressing up in costumes, experiencing the park decorated so beautifully after dark, trick-or-treating together, character & other photo opportunities, exclusive-for-the-party entertainment, spooky treats, and more. After attending though, I realized that there is so much to do that you should almost consider attending two different nights, just so you don’t miss anything!This year when we go, we’re going to hit the ground running, and be way more prepared to maximize our experience during the party. Even more excited was reading about the new additions to this year’s party! More Halloween fun? Yes, please!Here’s what’s been added to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for 2018:

  • The Mad Tea Party will take you for a colorful ride as new lighting and effects give a new spin on the night. Depending on the color of your costume, you too could transform under the new dancing lights.
  • New pirates will invade Pirates of the Caribbean, interacting with sailing guests who will join the search for “Gunpowder Pete.” Arrrgh!
  • Space Mountain will be transformed into a new adventure for its explorers with a new soundtrack and special effects.
  • Storybook Circus will be transformed for the party into Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam! This dance party will feature some of everyone’s favorite Disney Junior Characters! Even Doc McStuffins!

Have you experienced Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party  before? If so, what did you think? If you haven’t, do you have plans to attend this year? Share with me in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts!For more information about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties, please go here or call (407) WDISNEY (934-7639).  You can also purchase your tickets here.

Some images are property of Disney Parks. 

My 5 Toy Story Land Must-Dos + $250 Disney Gift Card Giveaway

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

Let’s talk about my 3 most favorite words of the summer: Toy. Story. LAND! Have you been to experience it all yet? I haven’t, but I’ve definitely enjoyed all of the coverage online.

On June 30th, opening day of Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios actually reached capacity and closed. I don’t think Hollywood Studios had seen that much traffic in a very long time and although I’m not a fan of big crowds, I had total F.O.M.O…you know, Fear of Missing Out. My upcoming visit to Walt Disney World Resort can’t come soon enough! Here are my 5 Toy Story Land Must-Dos for my trip: 

  1. Ride Slinky Dog Dash
  2. Ride Alien Swirling Saucers
  3. Find Woody, Jessie, and Buzz and hug them!
  4. Eat one of everything at Woody’s Lunch Box.
  5. Take photos at the Toy Story Land Block Wall and the Popsicle Stick Wall

In honor of those of us that haven’t gotten to Toy Story Land, but are planning to get there soon, I’ve got a great giveaway! I mean, even if you have already been there, you can enter too! Who couldn’t use a little extra Disney money for your visit to Andy’s backyard? To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter below. But first, take a look over the giveaway rules. 

The Rules:

  • One winner will be awarded a $250 Disney Gift Card (e-gift card to be delivered via email)
  • Winner will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen
  • All winning entries will be verified
  • Must be 18 years of age or older to participate
  • Open to residents of the United States and Canada
  • Giveaway starts on July 5 and ends at midnight on July 21

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Over the Top Mommy has teamed up with 9 other Disney-loving bloggers to bring you this magical giveaway:

  1. Post 50 RX
  2. The Creative Stay at Home Mom
  3. Redhead Baby Mama
  4. Motherhood & Beyond
  5. Oh Sweet Disney
  6. The Farm Girl Gabs
  7. Adventures in Familyhood
  8. An Open Suitcase
  9. A New Dawnn

Good Luck, Everyone! Thanks again for reading! 

After Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom

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

If you’re a fan of Happily Ever After Fireworks at Magic Kindgom, you can make the experience extra magical by adding on the After Fireworks Dessert Party to your night. It’s a specially ticketed event that will enhance your evening with a special standing viewing of the enchanting fireworks show, followed by a feast of sweet and savory treats in Tomorrowland Terrace.happily-ever-after-dessert-party-cinderella-castle-at-duskOur family recently experienced the Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party which takes place before the fireworks. (Read about our evening here.)happily-ever-after-dessert-party-photopass-family-photo Now, this additional, new offering allows park guests to save their dessert for last. First, guests can arrive at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant starting 90 minutes prior to Happily Ever After—the most spectacular fireworks showcase in Magic Kingdom history. As showtime nears, Cast Members escort guests to a prime location in the Plaza Garden for priority fireworks viewing. Watch in amazement as the skies ignite and Cinderella Castle glows with enchanting illuminations.happily-ever-after-dessert-party-cinderella-castle-1After the fireworks, guests are escorted back to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where they can feast on freshly prepared treats, seasonal fruits and flavorful cheeses. This bountiful buffet may also include such favorites as:

  • Ooey gooey toffee cake
  • A s’mores station
  • House-made mini taco eggrolls
  • Spinach dip with crackers
  • A cookie table with assorted cookies
  • Chocolate cupcakes

happily-ever-after-dessert-party-sparkling-apple-ciderRaise a glass of your favorite beverage to toast your day of theme park adventures—and the enchantment to come. Drink selections at the dessert party include:

  • Sparkling cider
  • Hot chocolate
  • Signature lemonades
  • Coffee
  • Tea

happily-ever-after-dessert-party-drinksAdmission for this special offering is $69 per adult and $41 per child (ages 3 to 9) including tax. (Gratuity is not included or required.) A separate Magic Kingdom park admission is also required. For more information about the After-Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom or to make a reservation, please go here.happily-ever-after-fireworks-dessert-party-elated

*Please note that the fireworks experience may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

Guide to the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND® California Resort

Our family was invited to stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in order to share about our experience. All opinions are 100% my own. 

The LEGOLAND®Castle Hotel recently opened at LEGOLAND® California Resort and we were lucky enough to get to stay there for a night! It’s North America’s only hotel and is located right at the entrance to LEGOLAND California.legoland-castle-hotel-exterior-1This hotel completely immerses guests into a castle experience from the moment they walk in.  A royal LEGO statue marks the entrance and is just one of more than 2,100 LEGO models created out of more than three million bricks. As guests enter the Grand Hall, they are greeted by a towering LEGO wizard conjuring up spells to protect the Castle from the bad knights and dragons.legoland-castle-hotel-signlegoland-castle-hotel-wizardWe had the opportunity to stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel right when it opened and I want to share all about it with you!us-at-legoland-castle-hotel-grand-openingThe rooms
The hotel features 250 premium LEGO Castle themed rooms, with 20 suites. Whether you’re a knight or a princess, you’ll love staying in any of the 3 different themed rooms they offer. You can book a Royal Princess, Knights and Dragons, or a Magic Wizards room. Each one is beyond adorable with its details.

‘Not only does every room tell a story, every wall, floor, LEGO® model is designed to make guests feel like they’re in an actual castle.” – General Manager Frank Idris

You’re going to be enamored by the decor and features in your room. In the Royal Princess rooms, the princess is joining forces with her jester friend to sneak into the grand tournament and compete with the knights. In the Knights and Dragons rooms, the knights are on a mission to defend the king’s castle and protect his treasure. In the Magic Wizard rooms, the wizards are concocting potions and fireworks for the grand tournament.

Every room at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel includes:

  • A children’s sleeping area with bunk beds, a trundle bed, their own television, LEGO building station and shooting stars illuminating on the ceiling.
  • An adult sleeping area with an ornate head board with LED lights which could resemble a stained glass window, a canopy sparking with twinkling lights or shelves filled with potions and a magical bubbling illuminated cauldron.
  • A bathroom with quality toiletries, a blow dryer and plenty of space to get ready.
  • An in-room treasure hunt with prizes for the children
  • Complimentary WiFi

Here’s a short video giving a tour of the room we stayed in:

The lobby
As you enter the LEGOLAND®Castle Hotel, you’re not only greeted by a giant wizard, but your kids will most likely run straight to the LEGO building area and become immediately occupied with some serious LEGO building. Other unique, features in the hotel lobby include a fun little slide for guests of all ages and a knock knock door created to entertain guests.There’s also a hands-on LEGO building area. The Royal Courtyard
One of the kids’ favorite parts about the hotel was the Royal Courtyard area. Located in between the buildings, down the center of the hotel, this area boasts a giant play area with a huge play structure for “big” kids, as well as a smaller DUPLO play area for smaller children. There’s also a giant movie screen for nighttime outdoor movies and tons of seating around the entire area for adults to relax and watch their children play. The Royal Courtyard also has a stage area for live plays and shows. It’s truly unique for a hotel to have such an amazing area for kids to just be kids and I found that our kids never wanted to leave.The swimming pool area
The pool area features fountains and other interactive water features and a gradual incline pool and hot tub. With such great weather year-round, guests can always enjoy a swim in the heated pool or a soak in the hot tub, during the day or at night. (hours vary) There’s plenty of seating around the pool, cabanas are available for use, and towel service is available. Kids will love to play with the giant, floating LEGO bricks that are inside the pool. The pool bar and grill offers smoothies, sandwiches and salads prepared fresh to order.Dragon’s Den Restaurant & Bar
This amazing sit-down royal restaurant features an extensive, delicious menu featuring locally-sourced food. The restaurant has an open kitchen for guests to watch chefs preparing their food, Adjacent to the sit-down portion of the restaurant is also a bar area, as well as a patio. LEGO models and entertainers make this a unique dining experience, offering something for guests of all ages.legoland-castle-hotel-dragons-den-entrancelegoland-castle-hotel-lego-artGuests staying at the hotel are also treated to a free breakfast buffet each morning at Dragon’s Den restaurant. Feast on a variety of breakfast items from the buffet, as well as made-to-order items, all included in the price of your stay. It’s a great way to start your day before heading to the park.Early entry to LEGOLAND California
For guests who have park tickets or a season pass, you can gain early entry to LEGOLAND California by staying at the hotel. It’s a great way to get on a couple of attractions before the park is fully open to the public.legoland-castle-hotel-horse-statueHave you stayed at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel yet? If not, you’re going to love it when you do. For more information, including access to booking your own stay, please go here.