Summer Fun Archives - Queen Bee Latina

Enjoy New Experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood

As my minions prepare to go back to school, Carlos and I decided to surprise them with a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood! My son has never visited the park, so you can only imagine the excitement he felt the morning I woke him up to give him this exciting news. We love the minions so much we decided celebrate the day in despicable fashion.

Universal Studios Hollywood is always evolving and adding new incredible experiences to the park. The kids and I put together a list of highlights you don’t want to miss on your next visit.

Thank you Universal Studios Hollywood for hosting us at your theme park. All opinions are my own.

Experience the Secret Life of Pets 🐶

Get ready to go off the leash! On this all-new ride we met our favorite characters: Max, Duke, Gidget and Snowball on a journeyed through the streets of New York City.

This ride was colorful, the pets were playful, and the animatronics were extraordinary. We embarked on this canine adventure twice because it was so much fun!

Make sure to download the official Universal Studios Hollywood App for free before you arrive. Plus, it’s easy to stay connected while you’re here with free WiFi throughout the park and Universal CityWalk.

Access Contact-Free Features:

Get a Virtual Line experience return time for select attractions
View digital menus from select restaurants
Purchase tickets
Check wait times, show times and interactive maps

Eat at the NEW Minion Cafe

We ate at the yummy NEW MINION CAFE! 💛
We spent a mischievous afternoon in the Super Silly Fun Land to work up an appetite.

We tried the Minion Sugar cookies, Chocolate Banana Pudding, and the Felonious Float! 🍌🍌🍌

**Shown: Felonious Float – a raspberry slush beverage swirled with banana frozen yogurt, topped with whipped cream and banana candy. Sooo good!**

See some of the menu items below:

Classic Grilled Cheese

Meatball Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Gru’s Rotisserie Chicken

El Macho Nachos with Chicken:

Despica-Bowl Ramen

Chicken Caesar Salad:

No restaurant in the Park is complete without some unique and tasty treats for dessert. Minion Cafe will have a sweet mixed fruit cup, adorable sugar cookies, and a decadent white cake with buttercream rainbow frosting that we’ve appropriately dubbed the Unicorn Cupcake. It’s Agnes’s favorite, obviously.

And of course, a mug of delicious Chocolate Banana Pudding featuring hazelnut spread, cocoa butter, and vanilla wafer cookies. We’ll try to save some for you, but the Minions just can’t stop eating it.

Jurassic World 🦖 The Ride

This ride featured the NEW Indominus Rex! We entered an immersive land and came face-to-face with the new creature as she stalked us through the jungle. It was EPIC!

Are you brave enough to ride?

This ride never disappoints, and I always feel a little scared to go back in time to encounter these ferocious carnivores.

“Jurassic World—The Ride” features the spectacularly realistic new dinosaur, Indominus rex

Isla Nu-Bar

Do you like Piña Coladas?

While exploring the park, we worked up a thirst. It was about 90 degrees outside and we decided to stop at Isla Nu-Bar to enjoy a fresh Piña Colada. We loved the collectable tiki cups, and the cold cocktails were satisfying on this hot summer day.

Enjoy a selection of tropical inspired refreshments at the Isla Nu-bar with a tiki cocktail beneath the shady thatched roof.

See parents… The fun is not just for kids. We can enjoy the park too!

NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood

NBC Sports Grill & Brew Now Open on CityWalk! 🍺

After our long day at the park, we hit Universal City Walk. My hubby wanted to watch the game and enjoy a cold brew. SCORE! T^his eatery / bar was the perfect spot to watch the game, unwind, enjoy some delicious food, and talk about our adventurous day at the park. Oh… and the people watching was fun too!

There’s no better place to catch your favorite team in action because the food here is in a league of its own!

How hilarious is this GIGANTIC Duff Beer Carlos picked up from the park?

A True Game Changer

Check it out!

High-definition screens inside and out immerse you in a stream of sports coverage so you won’t miss a single goal, basket, homerun, touchdown, perfect 10.0 or checkered flag.
The menu is a mix of tasty classics and incredible new creations including burgers, ribs, steak, chicken and more.
Plus you’ll find 20 draft beers on tap and another 20 bottled brews to choose from.

Be Safe! Wear Your Mask, Use Hand Sanitizer, and Practice Social Distancing.

CDC NOTICE
The State of California strongly recommends that when you visit Universal Studios Hollywood you be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, obtain a negative COVID-19 test result prior to visiting, or wear a face covering. Guests who are not fully vaccinated should wear a face covering during their visit. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear face coverings indoors. Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit. Review Important Safety Guidelines

Happy summer friends! Make your way to Universal Studios Hollywood to experience all the fun for yourselves! I’d love to hear what your family loves about the park as well.

Thank you Universal Studios Hollywood for our incredible Minion adventure! We can’t wait to visit again.

Boomers In Irvine Now Open!

OC friends!

I am thrilled to announce that Boomers in Irvine is NOW open!

Boomers is one of our favorite local spots to take the kids. My family loves to spend time together, and this is one of the few places that we can do something that we all enjoy.

Last week, we took Boomers celebrated the reopening and we were thrilled to be a part of it . Our summer just got better…

Disclosure: Thank you Boomers in Irvine for inviting us to your reopening celebration. All opinions are my own.

Drew kept wiggling from excitement when we made our way up into the park entrance. Ok maybe I was too. lol

Yay! Andrew has graduated from the rookie kart track to the big boy Go Karts!

This is our first time back to boomers and Drew was ecstatic that for the first time he is able to ride the Thunder Road Go Karts on his own.

This kiddo was all smiles after he killed it on the course! Priceless…
!

Attractions you don’t want to miss:

The Arcade
Flame Thrower
Lil Thunder Rookie Go Karts
Lazer Tag
Batting Cages
Bumper Boats
Miniature Gold
Tea Cup Ride

Safety Measures:

Boomers Parks are setting the highest safety standards in the Family Entertainment Center industry. They follow the strictest CDC protocols for Covid-19 to implement Clean, Safe Fun. With eight parks around the nation, their team has daily meetings to review safety measures for cleaning and sanitizing. Boomers attractions have checklists for every aspect of a guest’s safety and security.

If you are looking to throw a private party, don’t forget to inquire about their NEW V.I.P. cabanas.

Perfect for company team building, birthday parties, celebrations or just because!

Grab a Bite, Watch the Game, and Unleash Fun!

Check out Boomers Backyard. It is a dedicated outdoor space with flat screen TVs. Enjoy exclusive food and drinks while lounging at one of our fire pits.

Happy summer friends!

If you are looking for something cool to do before back to school, take your fam to Boomers in Irvine!

Queen Bee Latina XO

Directions

3405 Michelson Drive

Irvine, CA 92612

(949) 559-8341

Knott’s Berry Farm Reopens and Celebrates 100 Years

Oh how we have missed you Knott’s Berry Farm!

It’s been over a year since we have visited one of our favorite theme parks… Knott’s in Buena Park has reopened with a bang, as it celebrates 100 years of boysenberry magi!

The anniversary celebration runs through September 6, 2021. In accordance with current state guidelines, capacity will be limited and available to California residents only with reservations required for both single-day visits and Season Passholders.

Disclosure: Thank you Knott’s Berry Farm for inviting us to celebrate a 100 years with you. All opinions are own.

We were thrilled to be part of this historic event!

Knott’s Berry Farm, commemorates its 100-year anniversary with a grand summer-long anniversary celebration paying tribute to the Knott family’s rich history and legacy of family fun for all.

Many of my best childhood memories were spent at Knott’s, and I often feel nostalgia when I visit.

This unique anniversary celebration features festive park décor, themed food items, unique entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and special surprises along the way…

We all gathered at Calico Mine stage for a welcome home celebration, and to enjoy a kick-off ceremony with special announcements and guests.

An All-New 4-D Interactive Dark Ride — Now Open!

Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair” takes guests on an exciting journey through reimagined show scenes from the original dark ride, including the Boysenberry Pie Factory, Frog Forest, Fortune Teller Camp, Thunder Cave, and Weird Woods, culminating in a celebration at the County Fair.

The rides, food, music and summer nights at Knott’s are like no other. That’s why we love and enjoy it every time we visit.

It was so wonderful to reunite with our Knott’s family and friends. Don’t miss out on this one in a lifetime celebration! Now through September 6th.

Happy Anniversary Knott’s Berry Farm! We love you...

The Perfect Family “Daycation” in Marina Del Rey California

Seize the day! Sun, sand, and family fun…

Last week, we explored a SoCal travel gem in Marina Del Rey, California. We didn’t have to travel far for this fabulous mini getaway! In fact, it was only an hour drive out of OC for the perfect family “daycation.”

This adorable and colorful beach town combines a picture perfect marina, excellent waterfront restaurants, and numerous summer activities.

It was so nice to just get a away, disconnect, and feel like we are somewhere abroad…

Disclosure : A special thanks to Marina Del Rey CVB for hosting our wonderful family daycation. All opinions are my own.

We started our day at 7:15 a.m. at dock 52, for some sport fishing with Spitfire Sportsfishing! (it was easy to find parking in the early am).

We told the staff we were newbies at fishing, and were extremely patient and helpful with hooking our bait and casting our lines.

Here are some helpful tips if you plan on fishing with Spitfire Sportsfishing:

A California fishing license is required. (it can be purchased on the boat)
You can bring your own ice chest to pack your “catch of the day”
Pack your own food and drinks
Pack jackets- it can get really cold in the marina
Carry cash on hand. No credit cards or debit cards are accepted for the excursion
Delicious & fresh food is available on boat (cash only)
Fishing equipment included in price of excursion
Fish can be cut and cleaned for $1 dollar a fish

About Spitfire Sportfishing

Conveniently located in Marina Del Rey, CA. The 65’ x22 ft. United States Coast Guard inspected Vessel Spitfire runs daily, year round out of Marina Del Rey Sportfishing . Built in the mid 1990’s the Spitfire is a fast ,modern, roomy fishing vessel with state of the art fish finding electronics and large bait capacity. The grade A galley seats 25 comfortably and serves hot and cold meals as well as ice cold beer and soda.

Within minutes of arriving at our ocean destination, we felt our lines tug. My son’s smile was ear to ear when he caught his very first fish. “Look mom, I did it!” ~ Simply priceless.

The ocean breeze and the crisp air was refreshing. Oh and the views were simply stunning!

It was so nice to see my girls disconnect from their devices, laugh, and just spend time as a family.

Check her out! In no time, we were catching 2-3 fish at a time…

By the end of our fishing tour, we caught about 50+ fish! Never in our wildest dreams, did we think we could catch so many. It was a wonderful bonding experience and we can’t wait to do it again!

Next… After our fishing trip, we decided to eat brunch at Beachside.

To our bellies delight, Beachside offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. It was difficult to decide on breakfast or lunch, because everything on the menu sounded so good. So we ordered both!

We sat in front of the marina, and enjoyed the sensational view. We could see families on the sand playing and laughing. The sea breeze kissed our cheeks. It was sooo nice!

These Crab Cakes Benedict (above) were covered in a rich cream sauce. They sat on garden fresh arugula.

About Beachside

Located on waterfront in Marina del Rey, the newly redesigned Beachside Restaurant & Bar offers fresh California cuisine and innovative creations for a savory menu in an unparalleled beachfront setting. Executive Chef Victor Morales takes Marina del Rey seafood restaurant to the next level by creating decadent and thought-provoking dishes, using only the best seasonal ingredients available, providing a truly unique culinary experience for patrons to dive into.

My Tori daughter devoured her Lobster Pasta within minutes. The al dente pasta was prepared in a rich sauce, and was delectably garnished with lobster tails, and fresh peas.

The crispy chicken and waffles was insane delcious! The bread was toasted to perfection, and melted in my mouth. The fried chicken absorbed the sweet syrup perfectly.

Last, we hit “Mother’s” Beach for a stand-up paddleboard experience with Pro SUP
Shop, located in the rental truck at the far end of the Jamaica Bay Inn parking lot.

Our friendly guide, showed us the beauty of Marina Del Rey, giving us a personal tour of the scenic views. Sea lions greeted us with their presence, and gondolas past us by. A very in love elderly couple held hands and greeted us as we paddled by. It was just beautiful.

About Pro SUP Shop

The calm flat water of Mother’s Beach, Marina Del Rey is the best place in the Los Angeles area to learn the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and kayaking, Pro SUP Shop’s professional ASI & WPA Certified Instructors will help guide you into the fastest growing water sport in the world! Everyone sent out at Pro SUP Shop receives a lesson of instruction and safety procedures.

Pro SUP Shop is located in the Jamaica Bay Inn parking lot right on the enclosed waveless beach for hassle free stand up paddle board and kayak rentals. We’ll have your board or kayak on the beach and ready to go in just minutes.

4175 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
1-310-989-4350; https://www.prosupshop.com

Marina Del Rey is a SoCal hidden gem, and our summer “daycation” was perfect. Our family will forever cherish this day in our hearts.

Marina Del Rey–Where living in the moment means paddleboarding to breakfast. Seizing the day can be a mid-morning sailing lesson, parasailing over the marina, or cycling to Venice Beach. Embracing an evening is toasting the sunset and dancing under the star-kissed sky on a harbor cruise. It’s all here … What will your Marina adventure be?

It’s ROASTING HOT! Cool Off This Summer At Knott’s Soak City In Buena Park

It’s 110 degrees outside and its ROASTING hot, YIKES! What am I going to do with the kids to keep them cool? AC is turned on, we’ve eaten way too many popsicles, and being indoors is the pits. My teen daughter is on her cell phone again, and I can’t get her off. Grrr… My son yelled, “MOM, I’m hot and I’m bored!” I thought for a few seconds and had a solution, “Let’s go to Knott’s Soak City!” Our favorite Waterpark re-opened with a BIG splash this summer, and it’s the perfect splash-tacular place to cool off in this scorchio heat.

We then headed to the park to chill out and play! Andrew rides the water slides, even the big scary ones. He’s a daredevil and has no fear. I sit with my big floppy hat, drink a raspberry sweet tea, and float on the Lazy River. I look at my pale legs and think, gosh I need a tan. My daughter lays next to me, a slurpee in hand, “THUS IS GREAAAT MAMA!” she says with a mouthful of ice. I laugh. This is sooo nice… I ask myself, “Why didn’t we come sooner?”

Disclosure: Thank You Knott’s Soak City for Inviting my family to cool off at your waterpark. All Opinions are my own.

The waterpark is bigger and better than ever before, and we love it!

Knott’s Soak City has added a 2-acre expansion and thematic renovation, new shaded seating areas, spacious cabanas and a newly remodeled Longboard’s Grill have been added to the water park.

Knott’s Soak City Park Tips

Arrive early to reserve a cabana or lounge chair
Each cabana can accommodate up to 8 guests and includes extra amenities like a table with umbrella, free tube rental, and waiter service
Inner tubes are available to rent for 10 dollars a day
Purchase a Knott’s Berry Farm’s Souvenir reusable cup to refill throughout your visit (3 refill stations are available)
Purchase your tickets to Knott’s Soak City online and save off the front gate price!

If you are looking for some summer fun, Knott’s Soak City Waterpark is the place to be!

Experience 7 new water slides!

Shore Break towers over seven stories high and offers six different thrilling water slide experiences. Four of the slides will have guests climbing into an exhilarating Aqua Launch chamber which will send riders on a vertical free fall through a series loops and curves.

The newest family raft ride, The Wedge, takes up to 6 riders on a thrilling and exhilarating trip navigating twists and turns and a few surprise drops down the slide tower.

Are you brave enough to try these slides?

What to bring to the Waterpark:

Sunblock
Sunglasses, sun hats, or visors
Towels
Sandals/Shoes to walk around the park
Waterproof phone case (Knott’s Soak City now offers FREE wifi for guests)
Water bottles

*Lockers are available to keep your valuables safe.

Our family had a blast at Knott’s Soak City! I’m glad there is something for little kids, as well as the big ones…

Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM

LEGOLAND Deep Sea Adventure Is Now Officially Open!

It’s official… LEGO City: Deep Sea Adventure is now open at LEGOLAND California!

My little boy wiggled in his seat in the car and said, “MOM are we we there yet?!” This was millionth time he had asked in five minutes on our way to LEGOLAND in Carlsbad, California. Could I blame him for his excitement? After all, he was going to be one of the first to ride LEGOLAND’S amazing new submarine ride!

Champagne bottles were bursting with streamers and the crowd of media and special guests cheered as the submarines were christened for LEGO^® City: Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride at LEGOLAND^® California Resort. The interactive features more than 2,000 sea animals including several species of sharks, rays and other tropical fish amid new LEGO^® models all themed around a ship’s sunken treasure!

Andrew loves animals, anything Legos, and has always had an extensive collection of ocean toys. Making this ride, on the very top of his bucket list as soon as we read about it. We pulled up in the Legoland parking lot. “We’re here chicken nugget!” He paused for a moment, the excitement turning into a little dance.” Before I could blink, he was already en route to the ride with his little cousin. I ran to catch up to them, Andrew of course, already in the front of the line.

Thank you LEGOLAND for inviting my family to your new Deep Sea Ride Adventures celebration. All opinions are my own.

The boys screamed when we boarded the submarines! Stingrays, sharks and jaw dropping- tropical fish surrounded the side of the pothole. My entire family was quiet, we were all in awe with the wondrous animals in front of us. Little lego teams were showcased in the tour, identifying gems pearls, gold coins and more!

Guests can reach one of three levels during each ride: Junior, Senior and Master Explorer. Let’s just say….by the end of the day, Andrew wasn’t the only one who was a Master Explorer. That’s Queen Bee Latina Master Explorer to you!

This interactive treasure hunt, was so much fun!

Andrew his little cousin were in heaven, and I too couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the beauty of the sea creatures. “Mom, I want to be a scuba diver explorer one day.” he announced with a small grin.

The Apple fries are a MUST every time we hit the theme park!

Thank you LEGOLAND for hosting our family. We had a spectacular time!

After our wonderful sea voyage at LEGOLAND, we made our way to the water park to cool off!

Old Friends, Good Beer, And Fun Times At The Summer Suds Brewfest In Fountain Valley

Summer is officially here, and I started out the season at the Summer Sudfest in Fountain Valley!

This was their first event in OC, and I truly hope it’s not their last. Thirty-five breweries, live performances, and food trucks were all lined up for event goers to enjoy.

Beer lovers unite! The three hour unlimited brew tastings were endless, and it was difficult to choose which beer to try first.

Here is a photo recap of the event.

Hosted: Thank you Summer Suds Brewfest for inviting me to your event. All opinions are my own.

Pic with contest winner. It’s so much fun to chat with my readers!

The event kicked off with limited VIP admission for the first hour, giving early goers the first opportunity to taste and mingle with brewers before the masses.

Local wines were also available for tasting…

It was so nice to reconnect with old grade school friends!

The wide range of beers on tap were flavorful, zippy, and great for a hot summer day. Some were malty, roasty, coffeeish, caramelly, toffee-like, molasses-like, smoky, sweet, autumnal, rustic, and some were layered.

Festival goers enjoyed large party games and ate delicious food from local Southern California food vendors.

We had a blast at Summer Suds Brewfest and hope they come back to OC soon!

Wishing you all a wonderful summer… ¡Salud!

Queen Bee Latina xo