Universal Studios Offering California Neighbor Pass! On Sale NOW... #UniversalStudios

Wow!! What a Fantastic Deal on Universal Passes....

There are a lot of new exciting things coming to Universal Studios in the next few months and year... perfect timing!

 

PC: Universal Studios Hollywood

 



Popular California Neighbor Pass Returns to Universal Studios Hollywood Offering Guests Over 175 Days of Fun for $149

 

 

Starting today, Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular California Neighbor Pass returns, inviting guests to enjoy over 175 select days of fun for $149.

The California Neighbor Pass is a must-have for anyone looking to enjoy limitless entertainment exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood, including the all-new “Dark Arts at Hogwarts™ Castle” at “The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM” this April and the highly-anticipated “Jurassic World—The Ride” opening this summer, as well as the theme park’s many exciting thrill rides and attractions.

With lots of theme park neighborhoods to explore, the California Neighbor Pass allows guests to easily travel from Springfield and “The Simpsons Ride” to Gru’s house at the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride, from Hogsmeade village within “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” to the Universal backlot sets aboard the world-famous Studio Tour.

The California Neighbor Pass enables guests to choose any day for their first visit and return to enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood for more than 175 days over nine months, including select weekends, for $149 when purchased online.

 

Special discounts on general admission tickets for friends and family to the theme park along with the popular “Halloween Horror Nights” and special events are included in this season pass program. Additionally, pass members can enjoy sweepstakes opportunities and discounts at participating CityWalk locations.

More information about the California Neighbor Pass and other Annual Pass options, are available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets

Blackout dates and restrictions apply.

Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter. 

Legoland Castle Hotel Tour & Opening Date Announced!! #Legolandcastlehotel #LegolandCA

Here Ye Here Ye... Gather Round for the most Legotastic News!!

We know that 2018 will be filled with a lot of Lego Surprises, additions, expansions and more for LEGOLAND California.

But... April 27th can not come soon enough! Are you ready?



 
Hot off the press.. well hot off the walk through of their hard hat tour - here is all the info and the deets on all things LEGOLAND Castle Hotel being built right now at LEGOLAND CA!
 
I recently had the privilege of attending a hard hat tour at the new site of the Castle Hotel at LEGOLAND.



 
The awesome efforts that the designers, builders, master builders and staff put into this amazing kid inspired hotel is just jaw dropping!
 
Before I get into all the details let me just say that there will be something for everyone at the new LEGOLAND CA Castle Hotel.



Our Knott's Peanuts Celebration Favs & Tips to Use Plan A Day for Autism or Special Needs Ease

The Peanuts Gang Is Celebrating at Knott's Berry Farm!

 

Visit Knott's Berry Farm weekends and President's day now through Feb 25th to experience Knott's Peanuts Celebration.



 

It's time to join the festivities and not only ride your favorite rides but get the historical 411 on all the Peanuts.

 

From Camp Snoopy to Ghost Town, your favorites are out and about, even Pig Pen makes his first appearance ever at Knott's during Peanuts Celebration!!

 

Here is the fun scoop on what you can experience too at Knott's during the Peanuts Celebration... oh and a few tips on how to make the most of your day if you need an assistance pass for special needs/Autism.

 

Our family favorites and Plan A Day for Special Needs Assistance...

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train Ticket Info #Giveaway

Happy Holiday Family Fun Prep!!

IRVINE PARK RAILROAD’S 22ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TRAIN - 2017

If you are like me... you plan Holiday fun in advance. Not just because I'm OCD... but because our favorite things always sell out or book up early!

PC: IPRR

To kick off the Holiday Cheer we've teamed up with Irvine Park Railroad for an awesome Christmas Train Giveaway!

Great Wolf Lodge Attractions for Everyone To Enjoy - PLUS Tips for Your Visit! #GWLSoCal

HOOOOWLLLLL! I mean.. Wow!

 

Did you know there is so much more to Great Wolf Lodge in addition to the amazing indoor Water Park!?

 

 



 

The hottest non water attractions around & we were privileged to explore them all thanks to Great Wolf Lodge Southern California!

 

Oh I totally surprised my daughter with 10th birthday festivities with this one! (Thank you for the invite to explore more attractions at GWL)

 



 

Everyone always wants to hit the Waterpark when they visit Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove... we always do too!

 

But... have you ever taken the time to slow down your visit and explore the attractions around you open early & that close late?!

Lido Theater a Blast From the Past Must Vist Movie Theater #LidoTheater

Come One, Come All, to the Magnificent Lido Theater in Newport Beach!

 

Okay now pretend I said that in my best announcer voice from the theater cage at the entrance of the Lido Theater Box Office .... yes that iconic moment is what I felt as I walked up to the one manned old fashioned beautiful ticket booth.

 

 

Perfectly located at the entrance to Newport, along a row of foodie options, untouched and iconic landmark is the grand Lido Theater.

Spring into fun this Spring Break with Great Wolf Lodge at Springapalooza

Spring-a-Palooza Is In the Air at Great Wolf Lodge

Always a HOWLING good time at Great Wolf Lodge in SoCal!
 
Before we get into the deets on the Spring Break fun, I wanted to share some tips from our visit, hope they help in your family fun planning.
 
Great Wolf Lodge Family Fun Tips:

* We stayed one night and two days - Honestly I would have loved to stay 2 nights and 3 days. There is so much offered as part of your stay in addition to the water park play, that you really need just that extra time to soak it all in, I mean who wants to miss the evening story time or the morning yoga? So much more too! I would have loved to take it a bit slower to really do all we could at no extra cost. There is always something going on or being celebrated to take part in too!
 
* Cabana Rental - I know this sounds silly since you may have a room on site but some just need that extra quiet or comfort zone for quick breaks. For Cabana in the action of it all I would suggest one in the main area or toddler area so that small and big can be seen and play. For a quieter moment for sensory breaks (we need those at times with my sons ASD) the outdoor cabanas are perfect and less of a crowd too. Not to mention they are cozy and private too.
 
* Autism Friendly - There are lifeguards all over and attentive... thank goodness since I am on top of it but my boy is all over the place at times. He just enjoys life and wants to run wild with everyone and everything. He actually needed First Aide and they took the best care of his scrape and he was ready to play again a few hours later after a snack. At 5yo he LOVED everything about Great Wolf Lodge. He was able to take it at his own pace with smaller water rides as well as keep the life vest tat is provided if needed on hand all day. Mikey really enjoyed the outdoor pool ply area as well as the family tubing. We loved that too. It's fun to have your kids watch you scream laugh... yes that's what I do! 
 
* Staff - The Team at GWL is amazingly friendly and very customer service savvy! Everyone wants to see you having fun safely. I loved how sweet everyone was to the kids all over the water park with patience and empathy to the indoor arcade friendliness. Great training on your staff GWL. SO great that my brother in law has an interview to Lifeguard there... good luck Richie!
 
* Girl Time - This is where that third day would have been great. First two days do all there is for family fun and even relax and take it slow. But... I would like to try the Salon on our last day on our way out so that my daughter and I can really feel refreshed and bond over nails for a bit. How cute and fun!
 
There really is so much to do and a lot of family entertainment to be had at Great Wolf Lodge. My husband agreed we needed more time, he didn't want to leave either!! Win Win! Local Staycation Perfection for us.
 
Okay enough about our visit, below are all the details about the upcoming Howling Fun of Springapalooza!!
 
Hot Off The Press Friends....

Exciting Groundbreaking News for LEGOLAND CA Resort in 2017

RAISE YOUR SWORD AND SHIELD AS LEGOLAND®CALIFORNIA RESORT BREAKS GROUND ON FIRST LEGOLAND CASTLE HOTEL IN NORTH AMERICA!

There are so many changes coming to LEGOLAND CA in this new year!

2017 is going to bring massive bricktastic fun, additions and so much more to the love of all things LEGOLAND CA...

Are you ready?

Here is what we know so far...

HOLIDAY FUN AT LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA RESORT 2016

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA RESORT

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, TWINKLING LIGHTS AND FESTIVE CHEER AWAIT AT HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA RESORT!

The winter holiday season is always a special time of year and the family theme park is gearing up for its holiday celebration: Holidays at LEGOLAND® California Resort! 

  

Beginning Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, children and their families can get in the festive spirit at the annual winter holiday celebration and enjoy festive lights, live entertainment, the world’s largest LEGO® Christmas tree, snow flurries and more!

Insider Look - Remodel, Revamp and Rebirth of the Grand Legacy at the Park - Staycation Perfection

We Love Family Time Spent at The Grand Legacy at the Park!

Perfect Staycation Location in Central OC! I've got the scoop on all the new additions coming with in the next few months!

Formerly knows as Ramada Main Gate at the Park, The Grand Legacy at the Park, has been working extremely hard towards a revamp, refreshed and remodeled look for 2016! They even have a new sign up that has a star that changes color and are so proud of the date Feb 2, 2016, when they officially became known as the Grand Legacy at the Park!! I am so excited for them all too.

We have stayed at the hotel a few times and each time is a blast. (You can see my reviews and experience in previous blog posts by searching Ramada Main Gate and Grand Legacy) 

We usually hit the Disney Parks as a given when we stay at the Grand Legacy, but this time decided to hit the parks on day 2.

Did you know that they offer annual pass discounts and also early check in?! Love it!

This time since it was over Spring Break we decided to just go with the flow. What I mean to say is, take it slow, not rush through the beauty of the property itself and enjoy the things that are there for us to relax and do. 

Something fresh and fun...I had a lot of fun taking pics in the stand alone photo booth inside of the new classy lobby. 

Not going to lie, I could have sat there for an hour taking pics to post and send, but soon this fun way to share selfies at the Grand Legacy will be on their soon to be open Roof Top Lounge, The 5ifth!! 

Behind the Scene Hard Hat Tour of #NinjagoWorld - Opens May 5th!

Ninjago World Opens on May 5th! 

Get all the details NOW though since we were given a behind the scenes tour of the hard  hat construction area that will soon host the newest ride with the most cutting edge player participation technology!

PC LegolandCa

 Are you excited yet?! I was so thrilled to be able to walk the dirt and hear the details of all the ins and outs form the master builders and creators themselves. They are even more excited to bring us this new area in +legolandcalifornia that I could not stop smiling as I listened to, and then saw, their blood sweat and hard work be brought to life!

So here is what happened on our hard hat tour...

* Behind the scene tour of the ride itself on the track

* Short clip of the 4D action that each rider will face off with 

* Learned about the Triotech Technology that will make it possible to use just your hands to actually play the game with your movements!

* Will have an Asian Street food Inspired menu, It is delish and on point for the taste and flavors!

Here is some info from the press release that I want to make sure you all get to read!

Wearing a hard hat and standing on dirt as construction workers pound hammers in the background, LEGOLAND® California Resort’s General Manager Peter Ronchetti stood in front of media declaring May 5, 2016 as the opening date for LEGO® NINJAGO® World. “Years in the making, this one-acre new land features NINJAGO® The Ride which uses cutting-edge technology never used in any other theme park in North America,” said Ronchetti. He continued, “Knowing how popular NINJAGO is among our young guests, I’m excited to see them interact and engage as they train to be ninjas.”

NINJAGO The Ride enables guests to demonstrate their ninja skills by simply using their hands instead of a hand-held device. The Maestro hand gesture technology is manufactured by Triotech, the world leader in media based interactive attractions, and enables guests to throw fire balls, shock waves, ice and lightning to defeat villains. Riders collect points for their training and battle efforts throughout the ride and scores are displayed when their quest is completed. Effects such as heat, smoke and wind are incorporated throughout the adventure, giving guests the ultimate interactive 4D experience.

LEGOLAND California Resort’s Project Manager Chris Brzezicki demonstrated how the ride vehicles will glide through the ride prior to leading media along the vehicles’ route. “Every detail is designed to enhance the guest experience and immerse them into the adventure,” said Brzezicki. When referring to the theming, he stated, “The intent is to blur the line between the real physical theming and the virtual animated projection.”

Before guests board NINJAGO The Ride, they will have the opportunity to train like a ninja in four other attractions throughout NINJAGO World: Zane’s Temple Build, Kai’s Spinners, Cole’s Rock Climb and Jay’s Lightning Drill. All are designed to test guests balance, agility and speed. A new retail outlet, Wu’s Warehouse and dining option, Ninja Kitchen, featuring a special twist on Asian street food with Banh Mi sandwiches, are also new additions.

Several of the 22 new LEGO models going into NINJAGO World were also revealed today including Master Wu, ninjas Jay, Lloyd and Kai plus swords of the four elements. Other models include guardian dragons, a monastery and a 500 pound model of ninjas Nya and Zane created out of 73,600 LEGO bricks that took four Model Builders 550 hours to build. The model depicts Nya (ninja of water) hurling water at Zane (ninja of ice) who turns the water to ice in midair as part of their training.

PC LegolandCA

NINJAGO World is included in admission to LEGOLAND California Resort. For more information, log onto www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).

Irvine Park Railroad Turns 20 - Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Irvine Park Railroad!

This year +IrvineParkRailroad is celebrating their 20th anniversary.

We are so excited to celebrate with them all and visit as often as we can. 

I am sure this year's seasonal activities will be super special. 

There is so much to do at Irvine Park Railroad year round. Get all the details on the special events for Easter, Halloween, Christmas and more HERE!

Make sure you pick up a calendar and get your dates set for all the fun Irvine Park Railroad has to offer this year!

You can always check out our experiences on my blog - HERE.

Best wishes in 2016 everyone. Why not kick off 2016 with a train ride in nature!

My Kids Top 5 Must Do's at the Queen Mary CHILL!

We had a BLAST at CHILL !

Okay seriously QUEEN MARY CHILL was amazing. 

I was so excited to take my kids for so many reasons but the expectation was so beat by the reality of the actual experience. 

I am so sad for ONLY one thing, my husband had to work and missed it. WHY? There was so many FIRSTS for my kids at CHILL, I kind of wish I cold re-live it with him there so he too could see why my heart is so full!

I should start by saying that I was able to take the kids and experience everything on behalf of CHILL. In all honesty it was amazing. 

My Kids top 5 favs and must do's:

* ICE SKATING - Special to me in many ways. My daughter went out on her own on the ice for the firs time and loved it. My son, who is on the spectrum does NOT like to do certain things. I was so excited and almost cried a little when I heard him say, "I skate too mama..." THIS WAS A FIRST!! Score!
I immediately got his skates on and a dear friend helped take him around until I got on the ice, he did not want to exit the rink. CHILL has plenty of dolphins to assist in the skating for anyone who needs it. There are specific times of skating so catch it early in the time slot for the fullest time of fun. Makes it much easier for my kiddo to maintain his sensory overload. Lockers available, cool, huh!

Ice Skating with a little helper!

* Walking on board the Queen Mary - CHILL tickets come with entry to the Queen Mary and it is well worth it to save a little time a the end of your evening to unwind walking on board and enjoying some of the historic facts. Make sure to catch a view of CHILL in it's entirety on level 2 or 4 of the boat on the right side and a view of the whole city of Long Beach and it's skyline from the left side. 

There are also "Quiet Areas" of the boat and they are labeled. This made is easy for me to know where to take the kids. Zoe is super quiet but Mikey not so much. Super Autism helper there!

* Polar Express 4D - BOTH of my kids enjoyed every moment of this 4D experience. It was very interactive and the 15 mins were a good representation of the movie and what the Polar Express is all about. It was special for me since my mom used to read the book to me, it was one of her favs and is now one of our traditions. Zoe has seen the movie and read the book and loved the snipit. Mikey has done neither and loved the 4D experience...again super fun for the sensory seeking.

He left the glasses on!!!!

* Largest Rocking Horse EVER - At first I was not sure that my son would get on this but the moment he saw his sister start climbing he too decided it was going to be fun. They rocked back and forth by hand and totally in control the whole time. They loved it and laughed the whole time. 

* Ice Kingdom - Once again BOTH kids were able to enjoy this completely. I was skeptical on how Mikey would do on the ice tubing since it is singe rider, He did amazing! He was not the best listener but the staff, just as they were all night, was patient and kind, helping him make it down. Zoe was fast to get down and in line to do it again since you can go as many times as you want to!

 Inside the Ice Kingdom you HAVE TO dress up in a parka - it is below 9 degrees and totally CHILLED over! The three of us loved the story of a Christmas Carol. Mikey looked a tad bit cold, a staff member noticed, he came over and gave Mikey a hand warmer and turned to Zoe to give her one too, the kids were so grateful and that was so awesome! Thank you CHILL staff guy who was super kind!

   

Overall the noise level and the crowd was perfect for Mikey and Zoe and that helped me enjoy it all as well. 

Oh also, for a little action break to thaw out after the Ice Kingdom...There is also Paintball that is super fun for all ages! We got there a tad bit too late since we got caught up enjoying the live music and spending some extra time on the boat but will try it if we go back with the hubs!

What to make sure you check some extra fun for all:

* Santa - His house is cozy and sweet and waiting to give a treat. 

* Gingerbread House Making - We were not able to do this but if we return we will totally make one together. They were not quite ready for us and we returned too late in the evening. 

* Variety of Foods too from Chicken, Brats to sweet treats too!

Fresh and Good 

* Ice Bar - this one isn't for ALL but is for adults. NOT to be missed, it is inside the Ice Kingdom. Walk into a fully ICED over BAR and enjoy a drink for as long as you can take the CHILL! Loved it.

ICE BAR

Santa came in  as the Christmas Tree light up - this of course was after Sky Divers made their appearance right in front of our faces! Seriously the best Tree Lighting I have seen!

Thank you to the Queen Mary and CHILL for such a wonderful time full of many first for my kids! 

Right now you can still get discounts for CHILL - Use code BLACKFRIDAY for 50% off tickets on select nights NOW!

Any questions on any specifics? Just let me know and I will let you know how it went for me, mom of 2, one on and one off the autism spectrum. It was perfect for all of us and we were all able to have the best night kicking off winter fun in SoCal. 

**HOT TIP** - We thought we would need to bring up the Fast Lane pass... I would check it out and see on the timing that you go the crowds as well. If it gets too much, check it out at that time. We did not need it and we went opening night! There is so much to do and so much space for everyone to do it in.  Happy Holidays everyone!

+The Queen Mary 

#QueenMaryChill #QMChill #FamilyFun #OCWinter #WinterFun #ThingsToDo