Holidays at Disneyland: A Family Tradition

Going to Disneyland for the holidays is something that our family has done for a long time. It's a family tradition and in my family, ya don't mess with tradition!

It's something that we can all count on each year. We know that no matter how crazy things get, how hectic and busy our lives become that we will all come together and meet for a family date at Disneyland during the Christmas Season.

There's so much to see and do there that we actually have to go a few times during the holiday season just to get it all in. Thank god for annual passes. And even then, we still end up missing a few things - how is that even possible? But one thing we never miss is the Haunted Mansion Holiday, which is taken over by Jack Skellington and his friends! It's perfect for kids of all ages, and the whimsy of it all makes it a lot less scary.

This year was no different and we all planned a day to visit the Merriest place on earth. We attended the family media day and had some really special photo ops at the reception. The fact that our youngest daughter had quality one-on-one time with some of her favorite characters is absolutely priceless. I mean how many kids can say that they've played tag w/ Pinocchio?

It was an amazing day and we made a lot of family memories that I know I will treasure forever. That's one of the biggest reasons that moms love Disneyland, knowing that when you spend a day in the magic kingdom you're going to take with you a whole new set of moments. By the time we got to take our family photo at the ginormous tree on main street the youngest one was already asleep in the stroller. Oh well, looks like we will have to try again next year!

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are not to be missed, so you must visit by January 8th to catch all of the festivities. For more info on all things Disney Holidays check out the WEBSITE. And when you visit the park, be sure to take one of those silly, crazy, awesome JUMPING pictures, like the one below! PRICELESS!!!!

Disclosure: I was not paid for this post. I was given passes for me and my family to attend a media preview day. The opinions on this blog are 100% mine and 100% fresh!

Merry Grinchmas To All, And To All A Goodnight!

You'd think living in Los Angeles and working in the Entertainment Industry that I'd be jaded with all things Hollywood, but it's actually the opposite. I love LA and anything that has to do with making movies, music and television - Enter in Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park where movie making comes to life! This past weekend I attended a special media preview at Universal Studios Hollywood. I was excited, because it's been over 10 years since I've been. Plus it's literally like 5 minutes away from my house which is a total bonus! All of the other So Cal amusement parks that we frequent are much further away.

Their holiday, or should I say Who-liday Celebration opened this weekend and goes thru January 8th. It centers all around the Grinch from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." It's more the Jim Carrey version then the Dr. Suess cartoon version, but it's great all the same. They roll out the red and green carpet just for their guests. There's a meet and greet with the Grinch and his dog Max (Cutest Dog Ever) in a designated area to play with real snow, which is quite a thrill for these Southern Californians.

They also have a wide varieties of characters represented all over the park in shows like Shrek 4D and play areas like The Adventures of Curious George which is great for younger guests like my daughter. But they also have big rides for my older kids and husband like Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic Park: The Ride.

Then there's the world famous "Studio Tour" which is now hosted by Jimmy Fallon. It has all of the old classics that I remember like the flooding, Jaws and the Bates Motel. There has also been newly added features such as King Kong in 3D, Fast and the Furious Cars and a tour of Wisteria Lane on the Desperate Housewives set. Our 4 year old got scared on a few parts of the tour (I'm talking to you King Kong 360 3-D) so make sure to use your own discretion when it comes to the younger children in your group.

We finished the day with a reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by overnight YouTube sensation, Greyson Chance and the Wholiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Show. Which is take your breath away gorgeous and it snows too! Not real snow, but the fake soap bubble snow, ah the magic of Hollywood!

We really want to get season passes, and with the current deal they are offering of buy a day, get all of 2012 for free it makes it to good to pass up. So Cal click HERE for that great deal! They also have a Front of the Line Pass and an All You Can Eat Pass if you're interested. Check them out on Twitter @UniStudios for all of the latest info. See ya on the set! *ACTION*

Full Disclosure: This is not a paid post. I was given passes from Universal Studios for me and my family to enter the park. The opinions on this blog are 100% mine and 100% fresh!