• Published on

    Holiday Fun at The Queen Mary Chill 

    Chill Queen Mary
    Image description
    Today we have our udpate from the always fun holiday event, Chill at The Queen Mary. 

    If you've visited Dark Harbor you'll kind of see this as bizarro Dark Harbor but with Holiday Cheer and family fun all around. 

    Enjoy! 
    Written by Scott Linder
    Welcome to Chill!! 
    Picture
    Picture

    Just a little over a month ago this was scary looking

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    All of the buildings have been re-themed for Chill

    Picture

    Amazing Holiday singers

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Lots of fun walkthroughs are always in the dome, this year themed to Alice in Wonderland

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Kitty

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Need to do this in our living room

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Fun with perspectives

    Picture
    Picture

    Meow

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Lots of great props in the walkthrough

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Let's play some chess

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    And of course, no event would be complete without lots of fun stuff to buy

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Fooooood!

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Ice Skating fun just outside The Queen Mary

    Picture
    Definitely a fun event as it is every year. We did kind of miss the "chill" part with the lack of ice sculptures this year but it's definitel a fun holiday event for the entire family. 
    ​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below
  • Published on

    Holidays Around The (Walt Disney) World - Part 1 

    Candlelight Processional Disney Parks Disney Springs Downtown Disney EPCOT Food And Wine Festival Holidays Around The World Walt Disney World World Showcase
    Image description
    What's the best part of living in Central Florida or Southern California in the Theme Park "offseason"? That's right, our theme parks don't close. While some go to weekend only operation those of us in CA and FL can literally visit a theme park every day of the year. 
    And when you're incredibly local that means you can visit a few times over the span of a couple of weeks and experience a plethora of different experiences. And that's just what Renée has been doing over the past few weeks, so we have great stuff from so many of the great Holiday happenings at Walt Disney World that we couldn't dream of fitting it into one update.
    ​And we still have a few weeks until the Holidays are over so who knows where our adventure is going to take us next. 
    ​Written by Renée Girard
    Cast previews for Disney's Rivers of Light begins tonight. No photos or video allowed but we'll be there! Hoping for a great show!
    Picture
    Getting ready for Rivers of Light to start in 30 minutes! ​
    Picture
    Got our seats and beer, let's do this. ​
    Picture
    Picture
    ​No photos tonight. Excited to see this much anticipated show! 10 minutes till it starts.
    Picture
    ​We loved Rivers of Light! Beautiful show, amazing technology, and a million times better than Jungle Book.
    ​This week we're spending some time at the Epcot area resorts. The Boardwalk is great all year round but it's perfect for the holidays!
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Right next door at the Boardwalk, the Flying Fish restaurant has recently been renovated. It looks beautiful!
    Picture
    ​Everything was delicious! I enjoyed the frittata with a caffe latte. Everyone else had egg dishes as well, and pancakes, all equally yummy.
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    ​One of Disney's newest themed bars, Abracadabar, on the Boardwalk. It's a small space packed with lots of unique detail. Open 4pm-midnight.
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    ​It wouldn't be Disney without a hidden Mickey! The one in Abracadabar isn't so hidden but still very cool.
    Picture
    ​Looking around at some of the holiday decorations at the Epcot resorts too. Over at the Beach Club, there is the gingerbread carousel.
    Picture
    Picture
    Christmas tree in the lobby of Disney's Yacht Club resort. 
    Picture
    ​Having some drinks at the Crew's Cup Lounge at Disney's Yacht Club resort. What a cool, cozy little bar this place is!
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Dinner tonight is at the Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney's Yacht Club Resort
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Had an amazing meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse! Definitely highly recommended by everyone in our party! ​
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    And of course, any dinner near EPCOT would be incomplete without the "Peace on Earth" finale of IllumiNations 
    Picture
    Picture
    Goodnight from Disney's Yacht Club resort!
    Picture
    ​We are starting our day with breakfast at the Captain's Grille at Disney's Yacht Club resort.
    Picture
    Picture
    ​You can order regular breakfast menu items at Captain's Grille but we're going with the buffet.
    Picture
    ​New this year, Captain's Grille is offering the Candlelight Processional dining package. It's a great deal and guaranteed seat for the show!
    Picture
    Tonight we will be celebrating the Holidays Around the World at Epcot! ​
    Picture
    One of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit is to see the Voices of Liberty sing. ​
    Picture
    Picture
    ​There are a lot more Food & Wine-ish offerings for the holidays at Epcot. Looking forward to trying some later!
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    But first we will be attending the Candlelight Processional narrated by ​
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Some of us are attending the show, with one performing in it. Nerves are starting to set in, even tho this is my third year doing it! Eek!!
    Picture
    Showtime in 30 minutes! Always a joy to share the stage with the legend....ary Neil Patrick Harris! ​
    Picture
    And we'll leave you waiting for part two to see what happens at the Candlelight processional. Did Renée ​fall off the stage? Run off with Neil Patrick Harris to raise babies in the Haunted Mansion? 

    You may never know ... or you know, just find out on Thursday in part II of our epic adventure. =) 
    ​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below
  • Published on

    Reindeer Romp 2016 at The LA Zoo!

    LA Zoo
    Image description
    Today we have an update for those of you with kids on the younger side as we had Adam, Shawnda and Lucia head out to check out the Reindeer Romp at the Los Angeles Zoo a couple of weeks ago. 
    ​
    See what it's like to experience this great holiday event with a 2 year old in tow.  For more info on Reindeer Romp click here. 
    Written by Adam Sizemore
    We had such a great time at the Reindeer Romp. There was so much to do along with the regular attractions, that we almost didn’t get to see everything!
    Picture
    Picture
    Most parents know the value of a nice long walk at the zoo to tucker out your little one. That’s why the zoo is the perfect place to take your child to learn, observe and explore.
    Picture
    Our daughter Lucia is the perfect combination of curious, genius and insane? Well, she is two after all. The Reindeer Romp included a meet and greet with the lovable, fuzzy delivery guys themselves. That’s right. The reindeer made an appearance out of their busy schedules to say hello the kids!
    Picture
    ​There was a crafty make your own antlers station.... which I’m not sure who enjoyed more..... the kids or the adults. There were plenty of festive decorations celebrating Christmas, Quanza, Channukah as well as festive musical entertainment performed by the Andrew Sisters...ish Beverly Belles!
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    ​There was a puppet show, and other holiday activities as well. All of that along with the Zoo’s furry, featherly, scaly cast of characters we already know and love!
    Picture
    ​​Last but, not least we got to see the big guy himself...Santa Claus! Luckily we were able to get a couple photos in before Lucia burst into tears! Good times folks and highly recommended! 
    Picture
    -Adam Sizemore (Shawnda & Lucia too!)
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below
  • Published on

    Holiday fun at the first WinterFest at California's Great America

    California's Great America Cedar Fair Winterfest
    Image description
    Last week the inaugural WinterFest at California's Great America kicked off and from all indications it was a great openining for what will hopefully become an amazing annual holiday event in the Bay Area. 

    Be sure to check out all of the amaznig pictures below and let us know what you think. Click here for more information on WinterFest 2016. 
    Written by Andrew Cunningham 
    ​California’s Great America rolled out their very first WinterFest event last week, and we happily showed up to experience this great seasonal addition to the park.
    Picture
    ​WinterFest includes a huge variety of holiday lights, some special activities that are exclusive to the event, and limited rides and attractions. Overall, there are nine uniquely themed areas throughout the park: Snowflake Lake, Celebration Plaza, Orleans Plaza, Coca-Cola Polar Bear Plaza, Crafter’s Corner, Planet Snoopy, Candy Cane Lane, Toyland, and Hometown Square.
    Picture
    Picture
    ​When you enter the park, you immediately find yourself at Snowflake Lake. The park’s iconic front entrance has been converted into an ice skating rink, and the neighboring observation tower has taken on a new theme as The North Pole.
    Picture
    Immediately behind Snowflake Lake and The Carousel Columbia is the park’s enormous Christmas tree. The tree anchors Celebration Plaza and is one of the most popular photo spots of the event.
    Picture
    ​To fit the new holiday theme of Celebration Plaza, the nearby Gold Striker gift shop was rethemed into a Christmas shop, complete with some (awesome) unique park merchandise and holiday displays.
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Moving on from Celebration Plaza, Orleans Square was completely covered with very colorful lights.
    One thing worth mentioning: Flight Deck and Gold Striker are the only two major thrill rides operating at WinterFest, and both had very long queues. I hope that Patriot will be added to the lineup next year to help spread out the crowds :-)
    Picture
    Coca-Cola Polar Bear Plaza takes up the area in front of FireFall. This area was featured a variety of nostalgic Coke advertisements, a meet-and-greet with a Coca-Cola Polar Bear, and a ton of red and white lights.
    Picture
    Picture
    ​Sitting just beyond the Coke Plaza is Crafter’s Corner, an area dedicated to local Bay Area merchants. There are a series of booths set up in front of Mass Effect, each selling uniques gift items. We took a look at some grilling spices, soaps that look and smell like desserts, and some funny drink coasters.
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    ​The park has a backstage corridor, Candy Cane Lane, setup to connect Crafter’s Corner to Toyland, since the back loop of the park is not open past Planet Snoopy. This was a fun little area with cool gingerbread displays.
    Picture
    Picture
    Closing the loop back to the front of the park, Hometown Square was covered with more traditional Christmas decorations.
    Picture
    Picture
    Underneath Patriot, the park had live Reindeer for guests to interact with. This seemed like a very popular attraction for the kids in attendance!
    Picture
    Picture
    ​That just about does it for my trip around WinterFest at California’s Great America! Many thanks to the park for inviting us out to check out the event. The event is off to a great start and I definitely recommend checking it out!
    Picture
    ​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below
  • Published on

    Knott's Merry Farm 2016 at Knott's Berry Farm

    2017 Attractions Calico Mine Ride Camp Snoopy Cedar Fair Knott's Berry Farm Knott's Merry Farm
    Image description
    Today we have our update from the always amazing "Knott's Merry Farm". This year the event is back and better than ever with a plethora of amazing shows, the always amazing food and of course everything else that makes Knott's Berry Farm one of the best theme parks in the country. 
    Unfortunately on the day we visited it was a bit rainy so we opted to not ruin the DSLR so these are all iPhone pics, but we will be back soon and will get more pictures and see more of the shows. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Welcome to Knott's Merry Farm!! 

    The tree looks great in it's new location where the stage used to be. 
    Picture
    Merry Moo
    Picture
    It was my daughters boyfriends first visit to Knott's (yes, ever) so we had to have some fun with Sad Eye Joe, who was pretty surprised it was his first visit too. 
    Picture
    Which obviously meant experiencing some of the classic Knott's attractions (shucks). ;) 
    Picture
    Christmas on the Calico Railroad is always fun
    Picture
    Love the cold rainy weather
    Picture
    Picture
    We also had to check out Santa, who was on a break the first time we stopped by. You can get lots of yummy snacks too that were left behind by those Red Barn folks. ;) 
    Picture
    Picture
    Brief interlude for a construction update 
    Picture
    Ooooooh ... Aaaaaaah ... New Boardwalk BBQ coming in 2017. 
    Picture
    No trip to Knott's Merry Farm is complete without seeing "Merry Christmas, Snoopy" ... On Ice. 
    Picture
    Feel free to check out the slide show from this amazing performance. It gets better every year. 
    Unfortunately due to the rain "It's the Merriest Christmas Charlie Brown" wasn't showing that night. We'll be back soon to check it out. 
    Picture
    Rain at Knott's means that pretty much every ride was shut down, but it was awesome just walking around and enjoying the park. Would have made for some nice DSLR pics if I wanted to get it wet. ;) 
    Picture
    We checked out the caves in Camp Snoopy, I remember them being bigger. ;) 
    Picture
    Back in Ghost Town, all the lights are on. (we sadly missed the snow too) 
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    SANTA!! I KNOW HIM!! 
    Picture
    Love the tree, it really fits in this spot. 
    Picture
    Picture
    Thanks to Knott's for having us out for Merry Farm, we will be back at some point over the next two weekends for more holiday fun, more shows, better pics, and obviously more food. 

    For more info on Knott's Merry Farm click here. 
    ​If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below
  • Published on

    LA Zoo Lights 2016 at the Los Angeles Zoo

    LA Zoo Zoo Lights
    Image description
    This year the LA Zoo "Zoo Lights" is back for another year of holiday fun. If you've been to the event the last couple of years you know what this event is, just a great 90 minutes to 2 hours of Holiday Fun. 
    ​
    This year they've added some more live music and of course the amazing Reindeer. 
    Written by Gregg Condon
    Picture

    Welcome to the Los Angeles Zoo

    Picture

    Always love their tree

    Picture

    Dancing Monkeys

    Picture

    This was actually really cool

    Picture

    We've got big balls

    Picture

    Always impressed with the improvements the Zoo has made over the last decade. It looks great all lit up.

    Picture

    Zoo Power

    Picture

    This has changed up a bit since last year

    Picture

    Reindeer chilling out before heading to the North Pole

    Picture

    Hey buddy

    Picture

    Still want to do this with our trees at home

    Picture

    You can also bring toys to donate

    Picture

    Light up Meerkats

    Picture

    Finally they stand still to take a picture. ;)

    Picture

    Flaming O's!!

    Picture

    The elephant light show is back

    Picture

    Disco Christmas

    Picture

    Ribbit

    Picture

    Tunnel O' Lights

    Picture

    Totally didn't realize the colors changed until we were going out in pictures

    Picture

    The zoo is celebrating their 50th anniversary!!

    Picture

    Hooray for Hollywood Lights

    Picture

    Hanging out under a canopy of lights

    Picture

    Insert Joke Here

    Picture

    These were trippy

    Picture

    More cool lights

    The LightScapes Water Show is back this year and is a lot of fun 
    Picture

    Some new lights this year

    Picture

    And a cool fountain show

    Picture
    Overall Zoo Lights is another amazing event that keeps getting better each year. We would like to see more changed next year though as most of the props have been around for 3 years now. But overall just an incredibly fun night as always. 

    ​For more info on the LA Zoo lights be sure to check out all of the info here. 
    If you enjoyed this update please share with your friends and make sure you "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

    If you have any comments, please share them below