FUNKY POLKADOT GIRAFFE
Showing posts with label SoCal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SoCal. Show all posts

Friday, July 28, 2017

Great Wolf Lodge SoCal: Beyond the Water Park || Entertainment and Dining #GWLSoCal

Growing up in the Midwest, everyone knew about the amazingness of the Great
Wolf Lodge and it's hotel resort combined with a fantastic indoor water park
that you can enjoy year around. So, when I heard that the Great Wolf Lodge
was coming to Southern California I have been dreaming of taking my kids there
to experience the wonder of what General Manger Phil Cunningham has called
little Las Vegas! It truly is Las Vegas for the little people in your life. With a
water park, bowling, character meet and greets, magic wands, dragons, delicious
food and so much more - there's not much you can't do or experience at the
Great Wolf Lodge in Southern California.


{ROOM SUITES}
If you're looking for an amazing place to stay while you're in Southern California
or looking for a great staycation destination, the Great Wolf Lodge has you
covered! With 600+ suites and a variety of room options - you will love staying
at the Great Wolf Lodge. Be sure to sign up for the email list to get great offers
on room prices. Right now they have the Early Saver promotion where if you 
book at least 60 days in advance you can save up to 40% on a one night stay and 
up to 50% on two or more night stay midweek. AND if you find a better price 
for your stay at Greatwolf.com, they'll match it at no charge! 

When you stay at the Great Wolf Lodge there are three different suite options:

Isabella fell in love with the KidCabin Suite. It features an in-suite log cabin 
that doubles as the sleeping quarters for the kids. The log cabin has bunk beds & 
a day bed in the main living area features a queen bed and a full-size sofa sleeper.

To meet the overwhelming interest of families wanting a themed suite that could
accommodate the needs of larger families, the Great Wolf Lodge has
added 18 Deluxe Wolf Den King Suites. These deluxe suites include a wolf's
den with bunk beds, a king-size bed in a private adjoined room, and a queen bed
and sofa sleeper in the main portion of the suite! 

And now ONLY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA kids can activate special
animations in their Wolf Dens using the magic wand they use for MagiQuest 
and the plush Great Wolf Kid they use for Clubhouse Crew. So cool!


{ENTERTAINMENT}
Now that you're settled in your suite and ready to explore all that the Great Wolf
Lodge has to offer, lets check out the great entertainment options the resort
has beyond the famous indoor water park. On the first floor of the resort (also
known as Main Street) they have a lot of fun attractions that, unlike the water
park, are available to everyone - not just hotel guests.

{MagiQuest}
MagiQuest is a live action game where you choose a special wand and then set
off on a quest in Vellera, the realm of imagination, to help the Guardians protect
realm portals. You complete the quests all over the resort using your magic wand
to activate interactive screens and spots that are found throughout the resort.

MagiQuest FAQs

How much does it cost?
Each game costs $14.99 and there are three game options
Wands range in price from $17.99 to $23.99 (required to play)
Wand Toppers range in price from $15.99 to $19.99 (optional)

How long does it take to play?
Each quest takes 15-30 minutes to complete and players can complete as many
quests as they'd like during their stay. Our MagiQuest guide said that to complete
an entire game takes between 6 and 8 hours.

Can I use my wand again on my next visit?
YES! Be sure to take your wand home with you and bring it back on your next
visit to the Great Wolf Lodge. Your wand will remember all your completed
quests and pick up where you left off.


{Northern Lights Arcade}
My kids are always drawn to the arcade. The bright lights, the fun games, and the
chance to WIN IT BIG and take home a fun prize gets them every time. The 
Northern Lights Arcade at the Great Wolf Lodge is gigantic and kids of all ages
will find something to do there. Purchase points for your Paw Points card, swipe 
at your favorite games, and you're ready to play.

Arcade FAQs

Do my Paw Points expire?
No! Keep your card and use them on your next visit.

Where can I win the most tickets?
This is totally our opinion, but Fish Bowl Frenzy has the chance of winning 600
tickets!!! So play it! JT hit the mother lode and treated his sisters to a prize of
their choosing!

{Ten Paw Alley}
 
No rental shoes here! Wear your own shoes and play 10 frames with
your family and friends on the half-length lanes with 5-pound balls. There are
bumpers on the lanes and everyone can have a great time.

Ten Paw Alley FAQs

How much does a game cost?
The price per person is $6 for 10 frames. There is a maximum of 6 persons
per lane.

{Howl at the Moon Glow Golf}
Have you ever played glow in the dark miniature golf? You haven't! Well,
you will love playing 9 holes at Howl at the Moon Glow Golf. We all loved how
our clothes (and teeth!) glowed in the black-light-illuminated course and it was
easy and fun for us all to play.

Glow Golf FAQs

How much does it cost?
The price is $7 per person, per game.

How long does it take?
You move at your own pace, so you can go as quickly or as slowly as you'd
like. Parties that are moving at a slower pace are asked to let those moving
more quickly to play through.

What happens if I get a hole in one on the ninth hole?
The wolf will howl for your victory!!!


{Scooops Kid Spa}

Scooops (yes, there really are 3 o's) is a girly-girls dream come true! This sweet
retreat combines ice cream-themed fizzy soaks, sherbet scrubs and yummy nail
colors! You can even book a Mommy & Me pedicure for a fun day with your
favorite little girl.

Scooops FAQs

How much does a pedicure cost?
There are a variety of options and price points. They start at $44.99 and go
up from there.

Do I need an appointment?
They aren't required, but if you'd like to make sure you get the time and
date you want during your stay contact the Scooops Spa directly at
714.530.9653.

{DINING AT THE GREAT WOLF LODGE}
One of the most amazing things about the Great Wolf Lodge - besides everything
I've just shown you - are all the dining options!!! Executive Chef  Hany Ali
creates food that is not only delicious, but the presentation is beautiful! I also
love how friendly they are to families with food allergies. Chef Hany says that as
soon as you notify the resort that you have a specific allergy or dietary
restriction, a specific chef is assigned to make sure all your food is safe for you
to eat. They also do not serve any peanut or tree nut products.


During our visit we ate at the Lodge Wood Fired Grill and tried out their summer
menu items. Chef Hany changes the menu seasonally to make sure he is using
fresh ingredients and most are all natural and organic.
We had Butternut Squash Soup, Arugula and Peach Salad with balsamic 
vinaigrette, Chilean Sea Bass served atop risotto, and a 24 hour braised veal 
cheek served on top of cheese grits (that was my favorite!)

The kids enjoyed corn dogs, gluten free chicken tenders, mac and cheese, 
fresh veggies and a variety of dipping sauces. My kids can be picky (as most kids
usually are) and they gobbled up all the food that Chef Hany and his staff 
thoughtfully prepared for our visit.


{Great Wolf Lodge Dining Options}
Lodge Wood Fired Grill
refined dishes from the renowned culinary team

Hungry As a Wolf 
pizza, pasta, salads, and more


The Loose Moose Family Kitchen 
a sumptuous buffet

Bear Paw Sweets & Eats
fresh-baked pastries, cupcakes, ice cream, fresh fruit and more

Dunkin Donuts
donuts, coffee, various breakfast items, and sandwiches

Buckets Incredible Craveables
(located in the water park)
burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, veggies, ice cream

Grizzly Jack’s Bar and Grill
 poolside dining that offers regionally motivated cuisine and seasonal selections


The Great Wolf Lodge in Southern California really is like a cruise ship on land. You'll find everything you need to have a wonderful vacation under one roof and everyone will love the deluxe accomodations. General Manager Phil Cunningham continues to grow and enhance the resort's offerings and amenities. This summer they've added a Wine Down Service for parents, weekend family flicks in the outdoor pool, and a knighting ceremony for MagiQuest.

Still to come this year the resort will add the Great Wolf Lodge Candy Company which will feature a wide assortment of packaged chocolates, along with a mix and match offering collection of favorite sweets. The Lodge Wood Fired Grill will expand the bar area with additional seats to accommodate the growing popularity of this family favorite restaurant. 

Want to know more about the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park?




Tuesday, September 9, 2014

TOO Cute Tuesday: Linky Par-Tay! #203

Disclosure: I received tickets to Walking with Dinosaurs for review purposes.
We have had a full week of back to school and fun things!
This weekend we got to see Walking with Dinosaurs at the Honda Center
and it was so cool!
If you're in Southern California, you need to catch it at the Staples Center
before it leaves!
Seriously awesome!

Walking With Dinosaurs
STAPLES Center
1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles
Thursday, September 11th 7:00 pm
Friday, September 12th 7:00 pm
Saturday, September 13th 11:00 am, 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 14th 11:00 am &  3:00 pm
Tickets at ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000

Now onto TOO Cute Tuesday!

What did you make this week that is TOO Cute??
Come link up!

Rules:
  • Must be made by you.
  • Link up to the specific post - not your main blog.
  • No Etsy shops or giveaways please :)
  • Please post the button or link back here so more people can join in the fun.
  • Visit some of the other participants and leave them some LOVE!
TOO Cute Tuesday will be open Tuesday-Saturday.
On Saturday or Monday I'll highlight some of my favorites
and then we'll start over on Tuesday!





This post brought to you by:


 
I changed the linky party so that the most recently uploaded project will show up as number one. This way everyone gets a chance on top. So, look in the first spot for your project, not at the end. Thanks!!!


Friday, September 5, 2014

Family Dinner at Sessions West Coast Deli: {Giveaway}

Disclosure: We were provided dinner for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

sessions west coast deli

Last week were squeezing every last bit out of our summer and I shared
with you about the fantastic dinner special Sessions West Coast Deli
was offering to help locals finish out their summer.
Since the waves were supposed to be HUGE down at "The Wedge" in
Newport beach, we packed up the family and headed down to check them out,
but first we stopped at Sessions to pick up the dinner they had prepared for us.


I think that everyone in Orange County had the same idea, 
so traffic down to the beach was CRAZY!
So, when we got to Sessions, we made a new game plan and
decided to dine al fresco outside Sessions.
It had such a cool, laid back vibe that we decided we wanted to enjoy
our delicious food instead of fighting the locals down to the beach.

Sessions Naked Dog

The food was AMAZING!!!!!
JT had the Naked Dog and he dug right in.
He just went on and on about how delicious it was 
and he loved the poppyseed potato roll.
I liked this option because it meant he could have it his way - mustard and ketchup.
I think if I were to order a Sessions gourmet hot dog, I'd go with the Mad Dog,
because it's got guacamole.
Yum! 

Sessions Naked Dog

Isabella went with the Pie Zano flatbread pizza.
It was like a flavor explosion in your mouth!
Isabella was so taken with the fresh potato chips that she 
couldn't even eat a quarter of the pizza,
but don't worry, daddy finished it off for her.

Sessions Pie Zano

Sessions West Coast Deli

JJ and I went with one of Sessions gourmet sandwiches - the Sloppy Barney.
Totally delicious and I loved the So Cal Slaw and pickle.

Sessions is reasonably priced, provides a great SoCal atmosphere, inspired
by the local surf and skate culture, and offers amazing palate pleasing food.
Sessions West Coast deli features 20 hot and cold sandwiches, 
yummy housemade sauces and a variety of sides, salads, and soups prepared daily.
The bread is freshly baked and the veggies are locally grown - you can't beat it!

Sessions Sloppy Barney Sandwich

What's better than a cold Diet Coke and delicious pasta salad
on a warm California evening?
Not much.

Sessions Sandwiches

So grab your beach blanket and the family and head to Sessions West Coast Deli
to squeeze out the last bit of summer that Southern California has left!

Sessions West Coast Deli
2823 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach
and is open daily from 7AM to 10PM.
You can keep up with Sessions West Coast Deli on:

GIVEAWAY!!!! The rad people at Sessions have given me a $25 gift certificate
to giveaway so you can enjoy their delicious menu for yourself!



Saturday, August 30, 2014

Coming Soon! Disney LIVE! Mickey's Musical Festival

disney live

It's almost time for Disney LIVE! Mickey's Musical Festival
to debut in Long Beach!
Mickey Mouse and his friends - Minnie, Donald, and Goofy - will be performing
in a music mash-up of mega proportions that you don't want to miss!
You'll enjoy the greatest hits from the blockbuster movies Aladdin,
The Little Mermaid, and Toy Story remixed to rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz and country.

LONG BEACH
Terrace Theater
300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach
 Saturday, September 13th 1:00PM and 4:00PM
 Sunday, September 14th 1:00PM and 4:00PM
Tickets Start at $25.00
To order tickets by phone call (562) 436-3636
  or online at www.ticketmaster.com

HOLLYWOOD
Dolby Theatre
6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Friday, September 19th 4:30PM
Saturday, September 20th 10:30AM, 1:30PM, and 4:30PM
Sunday, September 21st 1:30PM and 4:30PM
Tickets Start at $25.00
To order tickets by phone call (323) 308-6300
or online at www.ticketmaster.com



Use the discount code MOM to get
a Family Four Pack for $80!!!!

Expires 9/21/14




Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Menchie's Laguna Nigual Grand Opening: Giveaway!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by myself for Menchie's Laguna Niguel. All opinions are my own.

menchies laguna niguel

If you've been craving delicious frozen yogurt and you live in South Orange County,
you're in luck because the new Menchie's Laguna Niguel is open!
The kids and I had the opportunity to attend a VIP event last week and find out more
about this delicious frozen yogurt store.
The franchise owners are a father-daughter team and they are excited about
bringing such a high quality frozen yogurt product to Laguna Niguel.

I had the opportunity to talk with the store educator about Menchie's and find out
more about the company's background and philosophy.
Some of the things that impressed me most were:
  • Menchie's yogurt comes from Scott Brother's Dairy in California and only uses "SMILEY" cows that have not been fed artificial growth hormones.
  • The Menchie's Private Label collection is made with their exclusive custom blend of flavors that you won't find anywhere else.
  • Creating an atmosphere where customers can come and enjoy a cup a yogurt and conversations with one another is important.
  • SMILES are important and Menchie's employees receive education on how to create an environment that breeds smiles for the customers.

My kids were full of smiles at the Menchie's Laguna Niguel VIP event.
They loved meeting Menchie and tasting all the delicious flavors.
The flavors offered can differ between each franchise, and change on a continuous basis.
However, every franchise will offer the monthly featured flavor and will always
have a sorbet option, a no-sugar added option, and the signature tart.

menchies

I loved grabbing a couple of tasting cups and trying out all the fun flavors
that Menchie's Laguna Niguel had to offer.
My favorites were the Dole Pineapple Sorbet, Island Mango Sorbet, Rockin' Salted Caramel,
and this month's featured flavor - Heath Bar!
Isabella was crazy for the Milk Chocolate Mania and JT love Peachy Keen.

menchies
 
There were so many topping options!
I settled on the Dole Pineapple Sorbet and the Mango, so I was excited
to see that they had my favorite toppings - mochi and popping boba!
Isabella was a purist and didn't have any toppings and of course, JT went crazy.

menchies

Menchie's Laguna Niguel had it's Grand Opening July 12th
and is celebrating all week with a different special each day.
Be sure to head over, try the featured flavor, and catch one of the great
specials and help Menchie's Laguna Niguel celebrate!

Menchie's Laguna Niguel
30211 Golden Lantern, Suite A
Laguna Niguel, CA 

You can keep up with them on:
{FACEBOOK}
{TWITTER}
{INSTAGRAM}
Menchie's Laguna Niguel
30211 Golden Lantern, Suite #A
Laguna Niguel, CA 
(949) 441-7505
- See more at: http://www.letsplayoc.com/2014/07/menchies-laguna-niguel-grand-opening.html#sthash.dUwOpUn6.dpuf
Menchie's Laguna Niguel
30211 Golden Lantern, Suite #A
Laguna Niguel, CA 
(949) 441-7505
- See more at: http://www.letsplayoc.com/2014/07/menchies-laguna-niguel-grand-opening.html#sthash.dUwOpUn6.dpuf
Menchie's Laguna Niguel
30211 Golden Lantern, Suite #A
Laguna Niguel, CA 
(949) 441-7505
- See more at: http://www.letsplayoc.com/2014/07/menchies-laguna-niguel-grand-opening.html#sthash.dUwOpUn6.dpuf

menchies laguna niguel

The fantastic owners at Menchie's Laguna Niguel have given me a $20
gift card to give away to my readers! With over 350 locations around the world,
I bet you'll be able to find a franchise near you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Menchie's Laguna Niguel
30211 Golden Lantern, Suite #A
Laguna Niguel, CA 
(949) 441-7505
- See more at: http://www.letsplayoc.com/2014/07/menchies-laguna-niguel-grand-opening.html#sthash.dUwOpUn6.dpuf

Friday, June 20, 2014

Summer 2014 at Pretend City and a COUPON!

pretend city coupon

This summer is full of exciting things at Pretend City.
First up is a $2 coupon off admission which is valid 6/21-9/1.
Be sure to print it off and take it with you the next time you visit Pretend City.


You won't want to miss the Pretend City Summer Kick-Off this Saturday, June 21st.
There will be live musical performances by surprise guests, limbo contests,
beach ball volleyball, sand castle building contest and a special guest in the morning
that will teach the kids about a summer career with a sweet side.


And great news - the Ultimate Recycling Machine has had its stay at
Pretend City extended through August!
This hands-on experience combines engineering, collaboration, and sustainability.
The challenge is to design and build a machine that transports a plastic bottle
into a recycling bin.

We had the opportunity to experience the Ultimate Recycling Machine first hand
and the kids had a blast working with their team and the Pretend City staff
to build their machine.





Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Summer Fun at Knott's Berry Farm

Disclosure: 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.


It's time for summer fun at Knott's Berry Farm!
First up are three all new rides in the fun-filled Camp Snoopy.
It's Camp Snoopy's 30th anniversary and Knott's is celebrating with
a complete restoration of the entire land.
The new rides include:

*Linus Launcher*
(replaced Charlie Brown's Speedway)
On this exciting right you lay on your stomach on one of 12  "blankets"
and fly around and around.
*Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies*
(replaced Log Peeler)
Riders can board their very own all-terrain vehicle for a spinning,
bouncing, bumpy ride around the High Sierras.

*Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer*
(replaced Snoopy Bounce)
This high-flying adventure takes riders 18 feet above the ground
to soar about the land's winding paths and babbling streams. 


We were at Camp Snoopy about a month ago and these two were excited
to see that the new rides were almost open.
JT has decided that his first ride of our next trip will be Linus Launcher
and Isabella is excited about Charlie Brown's Kite Flyer.
The Calico Mine Ride received a top-to-bottom refurbishment this year
and reopened this week! The update includes dozens of  new
animatronic figures, state of the art lighting, audio and special effects.
I can't wait to see the update and see which lucky miner is finally able
to strike it rich with gold!!


There is also some exciting entertainment coming to Knott's Berry Farm this summer.
The new entertainment includes:

*Snoopy . . . Unleashed!*
The spectacular ice skating production includes the Peanuts characters,
professional ice skaters, and Snoopy - who is off his leash and ready for action.

*Boom Town*
This Wild West show returns this summer with a Cirque performance
that brings to life what it was like to live in the small town of Calico in the 1860s.

*Charlie Brown's Happy Campers*
This new show takes place inside the newly renovated Campy Snoopy Theatre.
Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, their friend JT and Snoopy create a show
that is sure to make an outdoorsman out of anybody.


We're excited for all the fun and exciting things happening at Knott's Berry Farm
right now and we can't wait to experience them first hand.



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