05/15/2013 6:35 am
Have you been to Knott’s Soak City? We actually haven’t ever, so the kids are beyond excited to soak up the scene, particularly with the toasty temps lately. If you’re interested in going, I have the scoop on what’s ahead.
Of all the things to do with kids in Southern California, water parks top the list with kids (and without Wild Rivers around this year, OC kids will be high and dry looking for water fun). So what’s to do at the Park? Lots!
Knott’s Soak City, a 13-acre water park adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park, offers a wave pool or you can chill in the lazy river. For adventurers, there’s 17 slides (speed, tube, and body), or you can amp up the thrills at the Pacific Spin, which drops riders into a 75 foot, six story funnel. OMG, I know my wild childs will drag me on this.
And you may want to consider a Season Pass. With a Knott’s Soak City Season Pass, you’ll have unlimited visits during the 2013 season. You can go for the day or stay for an hour.
Prices below, or click here to buy your Knott’s Soak’s City season pass.
Knott’s Soak’s City season pass:
Adult Season Pass $59.99 – or 6 payments of $9.99
Jr/ Sr Season Pass $56.99 – or 6 payments of $9.49
Finally, if you can’t make Opening Weekend May 18, you can watch it all unfold as it happens, by following #SoakCityOC on Twitter for parkgoers’ tweets and pics. It’ll give you a look at all the kinds of fun you can have ahead there. My family and I will be a part of the soaked social scene May 19 for sure @DebLavdas.
Enjoy this fantastic weather!
More happenings ahead from me here, or keep up with me at DebbieintheOC.com, on Facebook and Twitter.
03/15/2013 10:45 am
This weekend, March 16-17 Festival Ballet Theatre performs the divine ballet of Don Quixote at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.
It’s the flavors and rhythms of old-world Spain, fiery gypsy spirit and passion and a culture of honor and chivalry–the essence of Don Quixote.
Based on Cervantes’ heroic novel and set to Ludwig Minkus’ memorable score, this classic is a ballet lover’s favorite. A must see featuring spectacular guest artists, professional company dancers and a boisterous cast of many, Festival Ballet Theatre revives its colorful production for the Irvine Barclay Theatre’s intimate stage.
American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Hee Seo and Cory Stearns will be joining the Company for these performances of Don Quixote.
Here’s a look at some of the splendor that awaits!
Performance Dates and ticket information:
Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 7:30pm
Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 2:00pm
* Special Pre-Show Lecture on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 6:30pm in the theatre.
Tickets: $40 adults, $36 seniors, $30 children. Click to buy tickets.
If you’ve yet to experience a Festival Ballet Theatre, you don’t know what you’re missing. Performances are inspired shows of art and culture for families and those with aspiring ballerinas. Founded by Salwa Rizkalla in 1988 and named Outstanding Arts Organization of the Year in 2001 by Arts Orange County, Festival Ballet Theatre Company has become one of Southern California’s most vibrant and accomplished regional ballet companies. FBT celebrates more than 20 years of artistic service to Orange County.
Enjoy the show!
02/19/2013 4:27 pm
Did you know Knott’s is having a Spring Fling at the park March 23 through April 7? They’ll be celebrating the coming of spring in a fresh way with live entertainment, interactive games and a food and wine event starting March 23. From Ghost Town to the Boardwalk the park will be buzzing with a Spring slant.
What’s in the making? The season festivities will include the following:
-The Search for the Easter Beagle that will have kids (3-11) scurrying across the park to find images of the famous beagle.
-The Peanuts characters have a new interactive live show: “Peanut’s Party in the Park” in Charleston Circle. The musical revue includes some of today’s top ten tunes.
-The Knott’s Boardwalk area will have family game night to the extreme, as everyone becomes oversized game pieces in some of their favorite board games—from dominoes to tick-tac-toe.
-At the Grande 3-D Art Show at the Silver Bullet midway, where guests can step into life-size drawings of some of nature’s most beautiful spring scenery for fun photo opps.
-The park will also be filled with giant interactive displays that scream “Spring.”
This is just part of the fun you’ll find during the Spring Fling at the Knott’s Berry Farm Southern California amusement park. All of the Knott’s Spring Fling activities will be included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, which also offers a full day of coasters and family fun rides. Knott’s will have extended hours, from 10 am to 10 pm for families to take advantage of all the Knott’s Spring Fling entertainment offerings.
For information about the day you plan to visit and available discounts, call (714) 220-5200 or click on www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app for your smartphone. Other news to know? Season Pass holders now get a discount at all food locations inside Knott’s and the MarketPlace.
I’ll be checking out the Spring Fling ahead of time March 23. Follow me for the fun on Twitter @DebLavdas, or search #KnottsSpring.
“Coasters, here we come!”
More happenings ahead from me here, or keep up with me at DebbieintheOC.com, on Facebook and Twitter.
02/18/2013 11:48 am
Last month, our family visited Universal Studios Hollywood and we really had such a fantastic time. The kids had never been; they’d only longingly admired the park from afar, in commercials. With Spring Breaks ahead and the weather warming up, it’s a prime time to make plans to head north and play.
The biggest tip I can share with you is the Front of Line Pass that rocks! Seriously. The star-treatment passes are approximately $130 each (includes one-day park admission); you’ll have nearly no waits for any ride.
Our favorite ride was The Simpsons™ a revolutionary virtual roller coaster that was a riot. There’s also Revenge of the Mummy–The Ride, which is an actual indoor roller coaster. Plus, there’s Shrek 4-D™, the King Kong 360 3-D experience and much more. Some photos from our day below to put you in the mood.
Even my husband and I felt a bit like kids as we experienced the park with our kids. The last time he and I had visited was when we were in our early 20′s and just dating. So it was wild to be there, two decades later with three kiddos.
The kids got a big kick out of the legendary Studio Tour that offers an upclose look at how Hollywood movies are made. They also loved the Special Effects Stage that shows you the secrets behind the blockbuster movies.
After the day of fun, we wrapped the outing under the lights of Universal City Walk with a bite at Hard Rock Café.
I really can’t say enough about what a fun excursion the park was. Info below if you’re considering tickets or interested in more information. By the way, you can enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood all year long with their “Buy a Day and Get 2013 FREE” offering.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Boulevard,
Universal City, California 91608
(800) 864-8377
universalstudioshollywood.com
More happenings ahead from me here, or keep up with me at DebbieintheOC.com, on Facebook and Twitter.
02/08/2013 2:10 pm
Think San Diego sans kids for a fabulous date night, romantic Valentine’s celebration or carefree weekend away. TOAST is a fantastic, very quaint and cozy spot to dine downtown. If you’re a wine connoisseur or just discovering the love of vino, put it on your list. It’s also fun for a couples’ get-together.
TOAST Entoneca is the newest one-of-a-kind, authentic Italian wine bar that brings the world’s premier wines to the charming East Village neighborhood of San Diego’s famous downtown. Get reservations if you’re going, as the place is intimate at just 1,650 square feet, accommodating about 50 people inside.
The sophisticated spot is all about wines, but TOAST is also serious about cuisine. You have your pick of up to 300+ wines and 65 wines by the glass via tastings from state-of-the art wine dispensing Enomatic machines.
The authentic Italian food is designed to complement the wines. Chef Martin Gonzalez changes his menu every three months. February is the Chef’s Choice Surprise Menu (every Thursday). Enjoy three-courses, paired with three wines (3 oz. each) for $30 per person. The menu features dishes not ordinarily found on the regular menu as well.
Everything is really so delicious. When we visited, we were sure to try all the favorites. Popular starter menu items include the Assagio Di Formaggi cheese platter and the Insalata Di Cavolo Al Cachi E Pecorino (a light kale salad with persimmons and pecorino cheese in a balsamic vinaigrette). For entrees, consider the gluten-free Spaghetti or perhaps the unique Penne Di Carote Al Burro E Savvia (a carrot-infused fresh penne pasta in a butter and sage sauce). And the Gnocchi Americani Al Taleggio is a top pick (sweet potato gnocchi with a taleggio cheese sauce).
TOAST Enoteca & Cucina is the second concept from Martin Gonzalez, owner and executive chef of award-winning Acqua Al 2.
Toast Entoneca
927 J Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 269-4207
toastentoneca.com
01/28/2013 2:24 pm
Ty and I headed out for the night with joy in our step and anticipation in our minds, as we always do for a night at the theatre. We were off to dinner, then ready to settle in for the Broadway entertainment of War Horse.
This show was very, very different, however. Days after, I’m still haunted by it and have a heavy heart. It’s a very moving production—intimate, hard to watch, at times very emotional. (I’m glad we took this photo below before my mascara started running.)
I personally would never opt to see a theatre production about war, but I felt compelled to take my son, whose father is a former Marine who served eight years through the early 90’s. Ty is seven now and getting to that age of almost romanticizing about the uniform, the stories, and subliminally being lured by gun imagery, toy companies and naive friends play-acting, so I felt it important to go.
My son is a very sweet, tender boy and Vegetarian by choice since two years old, because he didn’t want to hurt animals, so seeing war through an animal’s eyes seemed a rare introduction and reality.
I had never seen the War Horse movie and didn’t read the book. I’d only heard about the play and the “amazing puppetry,” which it indeed was. The horse mechanics were so amazing, however, the puppetry became secondary to the acting and story. The horses became so real and your bond to them so remarkable, that most everything–as an ensemble–trumped the fascinating facts and specs of the puppet capabilities.
The story was riveting. The relationship between the mother and son was so genuine and palpable (I wanted to hug Ty and not let him go). The father’s flawed ways were ugly and heartless. The premise of the play is about a son and his horse. The horse is sent off to war in the early 1900’s to aid soldiers in fighting the Germans. There are many twists and turns, and it is all so wonderfully written.
Everyone I knew told me that I’d absolutely “love” War Horse. Did I? I don’t know. Did I love Hamburger Hill or Saving Private Ryan? (I know they’re movies, not theatre, but still)? I was riveted by both movies and profoundly glad I watched them, but I’d never say I loved them.
So, am I glad I took Ty? I am. I don’t think he’ll soon forget the story, moral or repercussions of war, for many reasons, but mostly because of the intimate venue in which it all plays out before you. That connection transcends a book or movie I could ever expose him to.
War Horse is an epic play, and how they were able to bring the horses essentially to life was grand. The lighting and effects were startling. And some scenes were graphic–leaving me shaking my head side to side at the horror of it all (I covered Ty’s eyes four to five times.)
I told my husband that he too must go, as he’ll of course appreciate it in a whole different way. Ray’s favorite movie of all times is Band of Brothers. When I asked Ray if he really “loved” that movie though, he said, “yes.” So there you go, to each is own.
Only you know your child best to determine if War Horse will be too intense or too haunting for them–or if it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t miss to teach your children upclose about the ugliness of war.
Will you take your kids? Go as adults? The show plays through Sunday, February 3, 2013.
War Horse
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2121
SCFTA.org
01/18/2013 3:41 pm
The How To Train Your Dragon live Spectacular is a never-before-seen U.S. production that opened Thursday and only runs for seven shows through Sunday at The Honda Center. We went, we saw, the kids were slayed (so to speak). Here’s a look from the night. In a nutshell: Poetic music. Cinematic visuals. Strong story. And the dragons were massive. This shot below is from the end of the evening, as the show wrapped.
The event, which was critically acclaimed in Australia and New Zealand, was produced by the storytellers at DreamWorks Animation, and Global Creatures, the masterminds behind the international phenomenon Walking with Dinosaurs, the #1 grossing world tour of 2010.
The show features more than a dozen dragons, some with wingspans of up to 46 feet, as well as Viking warriors and circus artists and acrobats.
Here’s a quick live look from the night (pardon the kid-head popping in frame):
Jan 18, 2013 | Quick live look from last night’s How To Train Your Dragon live @hondacenter #dragonsoc (view from suites) by DebbieLavdas on Keek.com
Now do I know how the dragons did all those wild puppetry movements and the technical wizardry of the magnetic floor and more? I haven’t the slightest. Which makes it all the more fantastical really. My kids also saw the Dinos Spectacular in 2010 and said that they liked this better–I think that’s because they’d seen the Dragon movie and could follow the story easily.
If you’re thinking about going, get on it, as the shows are selling out fast. They just added more seats yesterday, but who knows how long they’ll last.
Also, if you get a chance to catch the show, or any Honda Center events really, from the Suites there, it makes for a very fun evening with four families. We had the chance to sit Suite-side with the OC Family gang and the kids had so much fun all hanging out together. (Photo below courtesy from the lovely Shelby Barone, as her and Suz Broughton‘s girl and my daughter dressed my babe up.)
More OC ahead from me here, or keep up with me at DebbieintheOC.com, on Facebook and Twitter.
01/14/2013 11:10 am
It’s been almost three years since we visited Pretend City in Irvine, and I forgot how much fun it is for the little ones.
With my older kids now 7 and 9 (who are delving into the world of rollercoasters), Pretend City hadn’t been on my radar lately. But with Fox now 1 years old, I thought it would be right up his alley. And indeed it was. The exploratory city was like a wonderland for him at every turn.
And as a crazed and busy mom (like we all are), it was a blissful to let him “loose” and just go for it, from the fire station to grocery to library and water world. And it was charming for him to have a place all his own, made just for his size and interests. Usually, he’s strapped in a stroller when the big kids go have fun.
There were three other big kids playing with him all over Pretend City though: my husband, son and daughter. My girl wanted to steal Fox at every chance and pretend she was Mom, showing him all the sights.
If you haven’t been lately, and your kids are the perfect age, do visit and have fun exploring. We are so very lucky to have the City right in our own nearby city of Irvine.
Stay connected with Pretend City on Facebook to keep up with entrance savings and daily activities and monthly events. And enjoy the special years with your little ones and the wonder and magic of exploring–it goes way too fast.
12/26/2012 9:40 am
Looking for things to do over winter break? We just checked out CHILL at the Queen Mary on Christmas Eve and had so much wintery fun. They have a variety of things to do. The Ice Kingdom is amazing and chilled to just 7 degrees! There is also ice skating with the backdrop of the gorgeous Queen Mary (beautiful at night). And there’s ice tubing, too. It’s the first annual year of the festivities in Long Beach, and the only thing like it on the West Coast.
Having grown up in Ohio, I miss the cold temps and white scene during the holidays here in Southern California, but a trip to CHILL really made me feel like I was back home. The Ice Kingdom is a must-see. It’s 13,000 square feet of frozen tundra (they brought in two million pounds of ice to be exact) and awesome sculptures. Ice racing was a blast.
Be sure to wear the winter coats they offer you insode the Kingdom, as you will absolutely need them. The seven-degree temps go through your bones down to your fingertips. But it’s fun to be that cold in SoCal.
Inside, it’s a magical scene, with mooody lighting, igloos, animal ice art and more. (Love this shot above of my baby and husband–a winter wonderland.)
And definitely don’t miss the ice skating–our favorite thing of the night. The setting was spectacular with the Queen Mary behind us, and Michael Buble holiday tunes playing. Our whole family got out on the ice (even my husband who hadn’t been skating in 30 years). The night really brought out the kid in all of us. The rink is also a great place for new skaters to learn, as they have little orange toy seals you can push to help you get the hang of it, the rink is roomy and the skates are tight and secure (no laces, just buckles).
After all my years skating in Ohio, it was fun to know that “I still got it.” Have a great time if you go. I recommend arriving late afternoon, so you get a little of both the day and night fun. Start with the Ice Kingdom and wrap with the ice skating. Best buy is the combo ticket, which gets you in everything (CHILL combo ticket approx. $30 each, and you can get free access to walk on the Queen Mary too). Or you can just go for the Kingdom or skating. For more visit queenmary.com/CHILL, or call 877-342-0742. Happy holidays, everyone!
More OC ahead from me here, or keep up with me at DebbieintheOC.com, on Facebook and Twitter.
12/20/2012 6:48 am
Opening night of the Newport Beach Boat Parade was bigger than ever. Parade Chairman David Beek said, “Last year we had 72 boats which we thought was pretty impressive. This year we’re pushing 90.” If you weren’t sure about attending because of some of the dock-tax buzz and backlash, rest assured, the parade is all a-go.
More on the night in the cbsLA segment shot last night by KCAL 9; click to watch the video. My kids were giddy to attend. And as you’ll see, Zoe and Ty shared thier thoughts with CBS2/KCAL9 reporter Jeff Nguyen. Zoe said, “I like to see all the snowman and Rudolphs and Santas. It’s just cool to see all the lights.” Ty concurred. “I like the boat parade because it’s fun. It’s cool.”
If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll love all the blinking eye candy and imagination.
If you plan to go to the Newport Beach Boat Parade this year, don’t miss the Insider Tips I share on Debbie in the OC via the savvy insiders at Visit Newport Beach. We took in the night from the beautiful Balboa Bay Club & Resort since it was Media Night, but there are so many perfect spots to take in the parade.
Have fun, and enjoy the evening. The kids will definitely delight in all the decor!
