Disney Holiday Magic

Disney On Ice

Presents

Worlds of Fantasy

Believe it or not, I have never been to a Disney on Ice show. My family and I are very excited to see tonight's opening show at The Honda Center. Our family has made this a Christmas gift!This holiday treat is an event we will be sharing with grandma, cousins, aunts and uncles. There is a princess pre-show that starts at 6:30pm. The feature show begins at 7:30pm and is 2 hours long with an intermission.

Disney On Ice Worlds of Fantasy will be at The Honda Center, Anaheim, December 22-27; Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, December 30- January 3; and The Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, January 6-10, 2010.

Special promotion for HappyHourMom readers use the

coupon code MOM when ordering tickets.

You will receive 4 tickets for $44.

Order online www.disneyonice.com or www.ticketmaster.com

or by calling (800) 745-3000

*Opening night all tickets are $12. (all seats excluding front row and VIP)

Tickets prices are $16.,$20., $25., $45., $65.

Disneyland's Newest Princess

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from The Princess and the Frog are coming to Disneyland. To meet and greet the Royal couple, check the Times Guide when you arrive at Disneyland Park

Click here to read about Tiana's Showboat Jubilee!!!

Special Offer for Annual Passholders~

Visit Disneyland before November 22 and receive a free movie ticket voucher to see

Walt Disney Pictures

The Princess and the Frog

at a participating theater near you only between 12/11/09 and 12/31/09.

Wicked Fun for Everyone!

Wicked Family Fun ~ Disney Style!

I love looking back at our Halloween memories year after year... remember these? (click here)

This was Kaia Rae's first official year Trick or Treating... as she toddled to each candy station instead of saying trick or treat she would ask "pleeease"- so sweet!

Nick collects candy with a character from Meet the Robinsons.

~Fairies of all ages are still granted permission to find their inner magic~

"Oh, look at the sky Mom!!!! How did they do that????"

My response "Disney thinks of everything," of course!

"SPOOKY SKY"

Disney's Halloween Time Starts TODAY

Psst...

Wanna know one of the best-kept secrets of the Disney Parks?

Although summer vacation and Disneyland go hand in hand, there's a time to visit when you can see a whole different side of the Disney Resorts -- autumn. Have you ever seen their decorations? Living in So. Cal. we often miss out on a real fall season... not at Disneyland! The parks are transformed with fall decorations that turn the park into a autumn wonderland. Can you tell this is my favorite time of year? Starting today, the weather is often nicer than summer, the crowds are mostly gone, and the Parks are bustling with special events and harvest fun.

Halloween Time Fun starts by clicking here!

At Disneyland Park, there's the much-beloved Haunted Mansion Holiday, which transforms the spooky attraction into Jack Skellington's "Nightmare Before Christmas" domain, this year's Halloween Time brings some new twists. Space Mountain has had a spine-tingling transformation into Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy – a spooky twist that's truly out of this world! There are also the brand-new fireworks extravaganza "Halloween Screams," hosted by Pumpkin King Jack Skellington himself.

Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party at Disney's California Adventure Park is an extra special treat– with live music, candy to collect, games to play, and more. Even the youngest Disney fans can run-a-muck through candy corn acres and enjoy all the fun with none of fright! This special limited-admission event only happens on select nights and sells out every year, reserve your spot at the party.

I have to admit, making this a tradition was a total accident, but we all look so forward to it, we wouldn't miss it!!! Check out all the fun we had last year (click here)

Photo Album 2006-2008

P.S. HappyHourMom and family will be at Mickey's Trick or Treat Party on October 2, hope to see you and your little goblins too!

~Trick or Treat~

Halloween Time ends November 1

Entertaining Your Kids - Summer Series - The Greatest Show On Earth Part II

When asked if my family would like to go to the Circus, we adjusted our clown noses and "stepped right up". As I shared before (read more) I haven't been to a Ringling Brothers Circus since I was nine, now that Nick is nine the timimng couldn't be more perfect. Our day started early as we watched the elephants eat breakfast and have a bath a "Pachyderm Scrub Down", if you will. We met and chated with Libby Morris, senior animal specialist. Libby, mother of 2, spends so much time with her "other kids, the elephants" they have become a part of her family. Thanks Libby for spending time with us!!! And thanks Jennifer for giving my son memories he can share with his children. This was a very special day!

That is Nick feeding the elephants!!!

They were so gentle and playful.

After feeding the elephants, they were best friends with Nick!

The show was fantastic....

Yes, even HappyHourMom had to get into the act

with this cutiepie~wink. (no comments please... hubby took the picture)

So.... any other circus people out there?

Share your memories of the circus with us. I want to hear about it, and if you've never been....what are you waiting for???

Entertaining Your Kids - Summer Series - Sea World Summer Nights

We love Shamu!!!
Which is why when we got an invitation to experience
Sea World's Summer Nights

we jumped at the chance! Our last visit to Sea World was a once in a lifetime memory maker.... (read about it here)

We had never been to Sea World after dark. We usually get there early and head out at sunset, with wet clothes. The boys love the water rides there. This trip we planned on staying into the night and I'm so glad we did. We headed to the car and changed into warmer (dry) clothes. They have lockers near the enterance, but the parking is so convienent (we always upgrade $5 to prefered parking and park really close) we don't even need the lockers. Parking close is a lifesaver when little legs get tired after a long day!

Click here for a slide show of our wonderful summer staycation at SeaWorld

After exploring Sea World's website at http://www.seaworld.com/ I am so impressed... If you were on the fence about making Sea World part of your vacation this summer visiting their website, hearing the music, watching the beautiful slide shows makes you want to get in the car and go now~ Another totally unique feature Sea World has on their website is the ability to share the Sea World photos of your personal family trip. Easy to use, follow the instructions to upload your Sea World photos and watch as they are displayed with other families' memories online. It's a gem of an idea! And the music is a nice Sea World touch!!!



Living in L.A., San Diego is just a hop, skip, and a jump away which makes for the perfect little weekend getaway. There are many family friendly hotels to choose from...... more on that later.

Entertaining Your Kids - Summer Series - The Greatest Show On Earth

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, oh my!!!

Or should I say Clowns, Elephants and a Human Cannon Ball, wowzers!!!

I have such fond memories of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. My grandparents took me in July 1982, for my ninth birthday. I was mesmerized from the minute we got there until I fell asleep in the car on the way home. I remember looking through the program for weeks after and I had my first ever "flashlight spinning wand thingy" to remind me of that magical night called the Circus!

I can't explain my excitement when I heard:

"The Circus Is Coming To Town"

The timing is perfect, my son is nine. My husband and I can hardly wait to share the magic of the circus, it's a family event that happens at least once in everyone's lifetime!!! The Circus promises an "experience that will surprise and delight Children of All Ages, rendering us speechless and reminding us that the magic of The Greatest Show On Earth® lives forever in our hearts and imaginations."

This sounds like the kind of memories I want to make with my family this summer.

Now more than ever, the Circus will be part of my families'

"Staycation Summer 2009"

Share the magic with your family this year...
as an added value I have been given a discount code to share with your family:

A SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOU!
Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44

by logging onto http://www.ticketmaster.com/

and entering the coupon code: MOM*

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls...Southland Performance Schedule
Los Angeles – Staples Center, July 8-12
Wednesday, July 8th 7:30pm
Thursday, July 9th 7:30pm
Friday, July 10th 12:00pm & 7:30pm
Saturday, July 11th 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sunday, July 12th 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

Orange County – Honda Center, July 15 – July 26
Wednesday, July 15th 7:30pm
Thursday, July 16th 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Friday, July 17th 10:30am & 7:30pm
Saturday, July 18th 11:30am, 3:30pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, July 19th 1:30pm, 5:30pm
Tuesday, July 21st 7:30pm
Wednesday, July 22nd 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Thursday, July 23rd 10:30am & 7:30pm
Friday, July 24th 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Saturday, July 25th 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sunday, July 26th 1:30pm & 5:30pm

Ontario – Citizens Business Bank Arena, July 29th-August 2nd
Wednesday, July 29th 7:30pm
Thursday, July 30th 7:30pm
Friday, July 31st 7:30pm
Saturday, August 1st 11:30am, 3:30pm & 7:30pmSunday, August 2nd 11:30am, 3:30pm & 7:30pm

*Use promo code MOM when purchasing tickets at Arena Box Offices, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter code in the “MC Promotion Box” on Ticketmaster. Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Not valid on VIP, Front Row and Circus Celebrity seats or combinable with other offers. Service charge, facility fee and handling fees may apply.

The KidBlogger is Born

The adventure begins...

School is Cool

but

"RECESS ROCKS"
The good, the bad, and everything in between....

The average life,

of a not-so-average nine year old.

a kidblogger's adventure

with a little help from his "HappyHourMom"

Food And Wine Festival - Wines Down

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?

Saturday and Sunday June 6th & 7th is your last chance to sip some wine in the warm California sun at the "Food And Wine Festival Ala Disney"

My hands-down favorite is Chef Jamie Gwen

Saturday June 6th ~ 6pm-11pm

Disney's Food & Wine Festival
At California Adventure

Bob Brassfield had lots to share about his wine.

In 1940 Heart O' The Mountian was purchased by renowned director Alfred Hitchcock. In 1978, Bob and Judy Brassfield acquired the Heart O' The Mountain estate located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Read more....

Heart O' The Mountian

A special thank you to HappyHourMom's Mom!

You are officially a "HappyHourGrandMom" It was a perfect day!

I love you, cheers to us!!!!!!!

Food and Wine Festival Ala Disney

The Fourth Annual Food & Wine Festival at Disney's Callifornia Adventure
is in full swing and continues through June 7th.

This years' 45-day "World Celebration" spotlights the flavors, people, cultures and traditions from around the world.

This unique event is not something I'd expect at any Disney Resort and pleasantly caught me off guard.


California Adventure had me at "hello" the minute I heard I could get a Margarita from Mickey there. Add a Food & Wine Festival... "Mama Like!"




This is my first year visiting the park during the Festival to enjoy the all the activities (drink, drank, drunk) giggle~



This would make a perfect "Girl's Night Out", or "Date Night". If you have a pass it is an absolute "Disney Must Do". So go ahead get a sitter and head on over to California Adventure's Food & Wine Festival-

Tell them HappyHourMom sent you~

Beach Chair: Bummer In The Summer

What is this world comimg to.... Folding Toy Beach Chairs Recalled by Build-A-Bear Workshop Due to Laceration Hazard.

Laceration Hazard?

You have got to be kidding me! Well, to bad for my Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton Bears, no more beach chairs for you. Stick with the towel... can't go wrong there.

*Please Note: Towels- might save your limb, not nearly as posh!

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-

Pour me another margarita...

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Mickey Goes Green

Happy Earth Day Friends!

We have a few plans to celebrate Earth Day. First today, we will head over to our local Disney Store... have you heard???

Disney Store locations nationwide will host a plastic bottle recycling program called “Recycling is Magic.” To help educate children on the benefits of recycling, Disney Store is inviting everyone to bring in empty plastic bottles and toss them into a unique recycling bin. On April 22, while supplies last, guests can exchange three empty bottles for a free commemorative Earth Day reusable water bottle.

Recycling=free present from The Disney Store sounds like fun to me!

Next, my whole family will be going to see the movie Disneynature earth. Even Nick's 3rd grade class is going to see Earth together. Watch the trailer. For Tickets to The El Captian Theater call 1-800-Disney6 . Want to see Earth with your friends? Save 40% on a group of 20 or more at The El Captian Theatre by calling (818) 845-3110. Additionally, for every ticket sold for Earth during the first week of it’s release, Disney will plant a tree in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered rainforests in the world.

Plus- Wildlife experts showcase exotic animals from around the world, LIVE only on the El Capitan Stage!!!

P.S. You can download Earth Educational materials for free at www.disney.com/earth. There is a super cool 8 page Earth activity guide and a 58 page Earth's educator's guide.

Places To Take The Kids For Spring Break (series)....Hannah Montana The Movie, Starts Today!

Ever since we saw her first concert, Miley Cyrus won me over! She performs like a rock star singing her heart out and gives each show her all. And after meeting her, I was convinced Billy Ray's real talent is in raising his daughter... not singing or haircuts!!! I personally am excited to take Nick and his friends to see this kid flick. I am anticipating an "afterschool special" type of message. Wouldn't that be nice?

Here's a peek at the movie and the Let's Get Crazy music video.

As for where to see it... There's only one place to be*

I'm a big fan of The El Capitan Theatre...

You may remember as I've posted before.

*Side Note- Do you remember the Jonas Brothers Movie? Well, it played here and opening weekend they made a top secret live appearance before the movie to the "thrill" or should I say "shrill" of their fans. Not that I've heard Miley will be at the theatre.... I'm just saying.

This special theatre is a history lesson, Old Hollywood style. It's not just going to the movies it's an all day event. My son loves the "Hollywood Scene". I wonder where he gets it? All I have to do is say the word and he's ready to go in his coolest jeans. "How do I look Mom?", turned into "will you get me an agent?" Yes, he keeps asking. (I just might have to look into it)

Upcoming Events on the Marquee:

April 10th-21................Hannah Montana The Movie
April 22nd.................Disney nature earth

Check showtimes .

Tickets are available at the El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), online at http://www.elcapitantickets.com/, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6.

Special group rates for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110.

Wii Are Getting Fit Together

We are on Spring Break this week. I have been planning activities to keep us busy and yesterday we had no plans. I started to panic. Would boredom set in? Nope, we have Wii!!! My son grabbed the bag we keep our Wii games in and spread them out the length of the couch. "Wow Mom, which one should we play first???" Then he began to do the ennie-meenie- minenie- moe thing. Five minutes and 16 verses later he had picked Wii Fit. We played, um I mean exercised for almost 2 hours laughing, jumping, hula hooping and even managed to break a sweat... Exercising disguised as fun with your children what can be better than that, I ask you?

Then it got really good, I actually have my own personal trainer. I feel like a "star" or at least "The Biggest Loser". The trainer is all part of Nintendo's Wii Fit. You have your choice between a nicely toned woman with flat abs, or a hunkie kind of a guy. I surprised myself by choosing the girl, but after 2 days of her I think I will be switching to him... let's call him "Ken" as in Barbie's stud. Did I mention there's Yoga? Yep, Yoga!

5 things I love about getting Fit with Wii:

1. I don't have to brush my hair (or teeth) before I workout, my personal trainer "Ken" doesn't even mind.

2. Doing Yoga in my living room with my son is a good thing.

3. Jogging around an island without leaving your house.

4. No monthly gym memberships. YaY!

5. The built in scale, BMI Calculator and graphs helps you set goals and automatically tracks your progress.

How it is:

After only 1 day of Yoga (30 min.) I woke up sore, not bad but I could feel it. And that means it working right?

Today was day 2 and it felt really good to "Salute the Sun". Who knew "tree" would require so much control? It sounded so innocent, ouchie.

This "working out" in my living room thing is really "working out" for me!

I heart Wii Yoga

Places To Take The Kids For Spring Break (series)... Universal Studios

A Spring "Break" that Lasts

ALL Year long!

There's so much to share, I don't really know where to begin...

The Entertainment Capital of L.A.,Universal Studios gives you a rare glimpse into the world of movie making. Taking a Tram Studio Tour through one of the world's largest working movie and studio lot makes Universal Studios a one of a kind experience. *Trams go Hi Def in June, 2009 with new flat-screen HD monitors installed in each Tram car.

Finally, a place that caters to the tween/teen crowd and adults will enjoy it just as much or more! A perfect example of this is the walk through attractions House of Horrors. This Mom considers this a "wet your pants" kind of scary. The Revenge of the Mummy Ride is for the hard-core thrill seekers (and it goes backwards) Awesome! Being that I lost my hat on that ride, (bummer) I highly recommend you use the lockers provided for everything, even glasses!

Honorable Mention: Hubby's park favorite is Terminator 2: 3D.

There's also family fun with the Curious George water play area, perfect for a hot day, adults are encouraged to get wet too. You will also see newly escaped animals of Madagascar roaming about...

Hey, is that a Sponge with Square Pants????

The list of characters making appearances is long...

Shrek, Donkey & Princess Fiona

SpongeBob

Curious George

All of The Simpsons

Shaggy & Scooby Doo

Dora The Explorer & Diego

Alex the Lion and the Penguins from 'Madagascar'

and more....

Shrek 4-D was a fun flick you won't want to miss...

also a great place to cool off on a hot day.

D'oh

The Simpsons Ride

This ride is a "fly off your seat" adventure in true Simpsons style.

Next Stop: Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park-The Ride was the family favorite. We have introduced all 3 movies on DVD to our son recently so it was right up our alley. But I will say, this ride is so well done you will enjoy it even if you are not familiar with the movies.

*Insider info-
Buy a souvenir bucket of popcorn $4.99 & get unlimited free refills!
Buy a souvenir lidded cup w/ straw $7.99 & get unlimited refills for .69 cents.
Another deal worth looking into, the all you can eat Meal Pass.

If you're planning on visiting the park during the busy season or on a hot day, do yourself a huge favor and purchase the Front of the Line Pass Entry Ticket. Does it cost extra? Sure. Is it worth it? OMG, Every Penny!

View More Photos...

Universal CityWalk, located just outside the gates of Universal Studios features 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, and shops (admission is free).

*Parent Tips-
Visiting the park with a small child? Take advantage of the child switch program available at several rides. Built in (very nice) changing tables are available in every bathroom.

Places To Take The Kids For Spring Break (series)... Sea World

Start your day at Breakfast with Shamu. You'll get a seat next to Sea World's biggest star, plus enjoy an-all-you-care-to-eat buffet that will take care of even the biggest appetites well into the afternoon. *We didn't get a chance to do this, but I hear it's is one of the best kept secrets in the park.

It's Show Time!!!

Let's face it, Sea World is all about the shows and who doesn't love shows?

Our hands down favorite is...

The Shamu Show: Believe

We had the totally random good fortune to be asked if Nick would like to meet Shamu, talk about a once in a lifetime opportunity!!!

The music will choke you up and watching the way the trainers love that beautiful animal will give you chills. No matter how many times I've seen Shamu, it's like the first time all over again.

Click here to see more photos

of our magical day

The other can't miss shows are:

Pet's Rule! Jump roping dogs, a tight rope walking cat, and a pot belly pig... this is a show every kid must see!

Shamu Rocks (spring break and summer nights only).

Dolphin Discovery this is a great show with surprise spoof. The preshow musician gets the audience clapping and singing along.

Sea Lions LIVE is a silly show with lots of slap happy comedy.

Cirque de la Mer (Memorial Day through Labor Day) one-of -a-kind performances, you will want to see this magical show twice.

Be sure to check out the different discounts for residents of San Diego and Southern California. Sea World's Fun Card= Pay for a day, visit all of 2009 and you'll want to visit again and again during the many events they have planned during their year full of fun.

Read the Insider Tips before you go!

P.S. Don't forget your Shamu shaped Pretzel...

Places To Take The Kids For Spring Break (series)... Kidspace children's museum

Kidspace children's museum is a hidden gem nestled in the Rose Bowl area of Pasadena. An easy drive from most areas in L.A. and the O.C.

This hands-on museum is one-of-a-kind and will keep the attention of wide range of ages from 2-10. Admission is only $9. (the price of a movie) for several hours of learning disguised as fun! And that, my friends is the best kind!! I recommend bringing a friend for you and the kiddos, the more the merrier, right?!

There's always something great happening at Kidspace

check out the monthly calendar

P.S. Don't forget the sunscreen, the outside activities are just as enticing!