Level Up with Power-Up Bands at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Level Up with Power-Up Banda at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Who is else is counting down the days until SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17? My family seriously cannot wait for this new park addition! Here’s the latest deets on the Power-Up bands that will be available during your visit.

With the grand opening date quickly approaching, here’s a topline overview of the Power-Up Band and its functionality. These wearable wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s official free downloadable app and function as a complement to the land’s many interactive elements. The Power-Up Band is available for purchase in six design options with character themes, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad and Princess Daisy; choosing a particular character also defines which Team guests will be a part of.

With the use of a Power-Up Band, guests can elevate the overall experience by competing against other teams to achieve the highest score throughout the day by collecting the most digital coins. To see who’s in the lead, guests can check their personal and team scores by linking the Power-Up Band to the app or by referring to the Checkpoint Screens located within the land.

When riding “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” guests are encouraged to tap their Power-Up Band on the ride vehicle’s steering wheel. By doing so, they can track digital coins collected as well as gauge their ranking against friends and family, when synced to the official Universal Studios Hollywood app. The Power-Up Band will enable guests to enjoy “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” over and over again in an attempt to beat their best scores.

The Power-Up Band also unlocks additional gameplay activities and experiences, such as collecting digital coins and stamps when completing milestones within the land. Checkpoints positioned within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will enable guests to track their status against others. Guests can also amass keys after winning Key Challenges from Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, Piranha Plant Nap Mishap and Thwomp Panel Panic – collecting at least three of them will ultimately allow access to the final boss battle with Bowser Jr.

While meet and greet interactions with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach are accessible to guests visiting the land, the Power-Up Band may provide an enhanced experience with the characters. The Power-Up Band, however, isn’t a required purchase to enable guests to enjoy SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and guests are welcome to download the official Universal Studios Hollywood app prior to visiting so the fun can start from the moment they warp into the land via the giant green pipe. The Power-Up Band will be available for purchase, beginning February 17, at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located in the theme park and on CityWalk.

The February 17 grand opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD marks its official arrival to the United States. The all-new, innovative, immersive and highly-themed land debuts as a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at the Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be an inspiring addition to the world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood theme park.

LEGOLAND Opens Duplo Playtown

Written By: Clarissa Camacho

My adorable nephew whispered in my ear, “I’m so excited. ” Off we went to Legoland, California. Jack sang the lyrics to “Catchy song” from the LEGO movie 2, while his brother jammed out next to him in the car on our drive up. As we arrived, their little faces lit up. Almost immediately, they ran to Duplo Playground. The updated play area is bright, colorful , and the perfect place where toddlers can let their imaginations roam free.

DUPLO®Playtown includes more than ten whimsical playhouses that feature hands-on activities, slides and interactive elements that encourage kids to use their imagination and creativity while playing. Children can explore a barn, fire station, grocery store, hospital and maze complete with an interactive scarecrow.

The rides were meant for parents (or tias) to bond with their little loves, which made the experience even more memorable.

Kid Power Towers stands tall in the middle of DUPLO®Playtown – kids and parents alike can ride to the top of one of three towers to get an incredible view of the entire Park and enjoy a thrilling “free-fall” down to the bottom.

The boys and I pretended to be nurses, train conductors, gardeners, and artists. They lived in their own little worlds- and it was lovely. As I took pictures of them, I realized I would have to bring them to Legoland more often, because they offered so many toddler friendly stuff things to do! And the memories? Priceless– 

The new area is a great option for families with toddlers and the perfect place to let younger children play and experience their first theme park ride on the LEGOLAND®Express Train Ride. 

Your little ones will love the new and improved Duplo playground!

Holiday Guide To Planning Your Visit At Knott’s Merry Farm Open Now Through January 6th

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The holidays have arrived and my kiddos are counting down the days to winter break!

Knott’s definitely knows how to put the Merry in Christmas, and there is just so many incredible things to do during this joyous celebration. It was a magical experience to see how our beloved theme park has transformed into a winter wonderland. Merry Farm is open now through January 6th, and is a great spot to visit during the holiday season with your entire family.

Spend the most wonderful time of the year with your family at Knott’s Merry Farm enjoying thrilling attractions, live entertainment, a Christmas crafts fair, festive food, lavish holiday decorations, and nightly snow in Ghost Town.

Here’s a holiday guide to help you enjoy your visit to Knott’s Merry Farm to the fullest! 

Thank you Knott’s Berry Farm for inviting my family to Merry Farm. All Opinions are my own.

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1. Take a stroll in the park and enjoy the holiday decorations!

As you walk into the park the streets and buildings are covered in lights. It’s remarkable!

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2. Stop At Wilderness Dance Hall For a Treat and a Picture with Santa

Santa’s warm cookies and milk are always a special treat during the holidays… Indulge in one-of-kind seasonal treats like mouthwatering pastries, exquisite chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick, seasonal craft beers, gourmet hot chocolate with marshmallows and hot spiced holiday wine, plus much more.

Don’t forget to visit Santa and take a pic!

One of my favorite things to do is EAT at the park. Check out the holiday treats

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3. Enjoy A Delicious Holiday Treat

One of my favorite things to do is EAT during Merry Farm! Here is  a photo recap of some tasty treats I tried at our media preview night.

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What?! Yes… Tamales are now available at Knott’s during Merry Farm. ¡Que rico!

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4. Watch a Holiday Show

Guests of all ages can embrace the joy of Christmas at Knott’s Merry Farm, with classic shows like the Holiday Ice Show featuring Snoopy, the Peanuts Gang and a cast of world class ice skaters, the nightly tree lighting ceremony and The Christmas Carol. Plus stroll through the merry streets of Calico for unique seasonal treats, Santa’s Christmas Cabin, traditional live Christmas Carolers, a Christmas Crafts Village, an enchanting Snow and Glow show with nightly falling snow, and so much more.

Here is the official show schedule! 

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5. Go to the Calico Tree Lighting Ceremony Located in Calico Park

The Calico Tree Lighting Ceremony is a memorable experience. Christmas carolers invited the audience to sing along to Jingle Bells and other holiday favorites…

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6. Head to Ghost Town For Some Holiday Shopping

I found some unique gifts at Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village and fell in love with these adorable Christmas Tree ornaments.

Ghost Town transforms into a shopping wonderland filled with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts. Can’t-miss highlights of the Village include artist demonstrations of chainsaw wood carving and elegant glass blowing.

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7. Let It Snow In Ghost Town! 

Every night during Merry Farm, when the sun sets on the Farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town’s Main Street and School House Road are filled with glow and snow! Thousands of sparkling lights dance to the beat of Christmas music while snow gently falls in this spectacular one-of-a-kind moment.

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In between the holiday shows get on the rides, enjoy some holiday treats, and enjoy the park to the fullest!  I hope you enjoy your time at Knott’s Merry Farm as much as we do…

Happy Holidays to you and your family! XO

Queen Bee Latina

The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale!

The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale. A new 2019 Season Pass includes one free visit toenjoy Merry Farm in 2018, unlimited visits in 2019 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to Knott’s Berry Farm and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2019 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Now at the lowest price of the year, Regular Season Passes start at just $95.00 or eight easy payments of $10.00 after initial payment and Gold Season Passes are $115.00 or eight payments of just $12.00 after initial payment. These offers endJanuary 6, 2019. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.

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8 Awesome Reasons To Take Little Kids To Knott’s Spooky Farm

 

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Last weekend my family headed to Knott’s Spooky Farm to enjoy a spooktacular day at one of our favorite theme parks. Halloween can overwhelming and bit be hard on a little kids. There’s the costumes, loads of candy which are fun, but there’s also the ghastly gory stuff that can be a bit much for little ones. Not fun, especially for sensitive children…

Every year when Halloween rolls around, my son old feels completely left out of the Halloween loop, and he feels limited to the events he can participate in. They are just too spooky for him and or not age appropriate. Oh and the sadness he experiences when mom and his older sisters head to Knott’s Scary Farm…

I am always looking for kid friendly Halloween activities that my son can participate in, that won’t end with him sleeping in my bed or waking us up with a nightmare. I don’t want him to miss out on the spooky fun, and I want all my kiddos to have an awesome Halloween experience!

We hit some pretty awesome spots in the theme park that I want to share with you!

Thank you Knott’s Berry Farm for Inviting my family to #KnottsSpookyFarm. All opinions are my own.

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Photo credit to Knott’s Berry Farm

About Knott’s Spooky Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm offers a daytime non-scary event of cheer rather than fear with activities all geared for young kids ages 3-11. Both children and parents LOVE  Knott’s Spooky Farm, and the admission is included when you purchase your Knott’s Berry Farm entry. Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 29 – Oct. 28, and Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018.

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1. Timber Mountain Log Ride

Oooh!

The Timber Mountain Log Ride (my personal favorite), converts into the Halloween Hootenanny. Knott’s has added a new  friendly twist to this awesome ride. Every year the citizens of the Timber Mountain invite the creatures that live out in the woods and caverns of the area to join them as they celebrate the season at the Halloween Hootenanny.

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These ghoulish gals were super friendly and photo ready!

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 My cute panda bear got his candy fix in Ghost Town! Kids ages 3-11 can participate in Trick-or-Treating throughout Ghost Town, and interact with  spooky but friendly Shopkeepers.

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3. Costume Contest 

Do you like to BOO-gie?

Head on to Camp Snoopy Theater to show off your best Halloween costume at the Peanuts Costume Contest and afterwards, join your favorite Peanuts characters in a fun Peanuts Dance Party!

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4. Creepy Critters of Calico

New this year!

Stanley Scarecrow has opened the Livery Stable for guests to get close and personal with the Creepy Critters of Calico.

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“La Catrina” greats parks guest in Fiesta Village.

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5. Dia de Los Muertos Celebration

In Fiesta Village, join the Dia de Los Muertos Celebration in the Fiesta Stage area. The themed area offers a walk through village filled with photo ops, educational activities and face paintings ( for a nominal fee). I love to see all the colorful calaveras (skulls) in the gift shop…

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Photo credit to Knott’s Berry Farm

6. The Monsters Are Coming Show

Families can watch the Peanuts Gang in “The Monsters Are Coming, Charlie Brown,” where guests can sing and dancing along to classic Halloween music…So much fun!

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7. Pumpkin Patch

Decorate your own pumpkin in Calico Park. Children can participate for a small fee. My son really enjoyed this activity!

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8. A Trip To Camp Spooky on The Grand Sierra Railroad

The Grand Sierra Railroad in Camp Snoopy transforms to a one-of-a-kind experience which takes riderson an adventure, along with the Peanuts Gang, to Camp Spooky with added special Halloween theming effects.

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Knott’s Spooky Farm is wonderful for little ones and mom approved … Don’t miss out on the fun!

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Don’t forget to pick up your Knott’s Spooky Farm T-Shirt!

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM SEASON PASS BENEFITS

A Knott’s Berry Farm Season Pass pays for itself in less than 2 visits,* making it the best value in Southern California. At Knott’s Berry Farm, we make fun easy! 2019 Knott’s Berry Farm Season Passes include unlimited visits during the 2019 season with no blackout days and special discounts on food & merchandise, hotel stays, and Knott’s Scary Farm.

Season Pass benefits webpage – https://www.knotts.com/tickets-passes/season-pass-benefits

 

Knott’s Berry Farm’s Hangtime Rollercoaster Is Now Open

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Do you enjoy a good adrenalin rush and extreme rollercoasters?

If so, you need to head to Knott’s Berry Farm to experience their newest ride, HangTime!

In celebration of the new ride, last week I headed Knott’s to celebrate the new rollercoaster’s debut.  It was a HangTime preview night and beach themed shindig! This new ride is the first and only dive coaster in Cali.  HangTime towers 150 feet over the Boardwalk area showcasing a beyond vertical drop that is the steepest in California, gravity-defying inversions, and mid-air suspensions. GULP… Yes it’s pretty insane. This new ride is NOW open to park guests!

I looked up at the ride and thought, am I actually going to do this? Then I figured, what the heck… YOLO! ( you only live once)

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Photo credit to Knott’s Berry Farm

For those of you that enjoy a thrill ride, your are definitely in for a treat!

About HangTime

HangTime will send riders up a vertical lift hill into a 15-story 96-degree drop-the steepest drop in California. The coaster’s train will come to a halt once the highest peak is reached, and will leave riders suspended at the crest for several seconds staring downward at a 60-degree angle, giving the illusion of a disappearing track. Then the train will suddenly descend in a beyond-vertical drop, through 2,189 feet of steel track and five gravity-defying inversion. HangTime will be only the second rollercoaster in the Western Hemisphere to feature a negative-g stall loop, which gives riders the sensation of floating.

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The new HangTime ride looks spectacular at night!

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The party was HangTime beach themed with live band playing Beach Boy’s tunes, and beach balls being tossed around the park … Knott’s Berry Farm definitely knows how to throw a party!

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These deviled eggs were decorated with colorful edible flowers. They were almost too pretty to eat!

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Guests can experience an entire season of fun including the thrill of HangTime with a 2018 Knott’s Season Pass, on sale now at the best price of the year. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are just $92 or nine easy payments of $10.22 and Gold Season Passes are $110 or nine payments of just $12.22. These offers end October 29, 2017. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.

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“Hey kids…Look at your mom, she’s a daredevil!”

Are you brave enough to ride HangTime?  If so, share you experience by using the #KnottsHangTime hashtag on Social Media.