Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Last night we celebrated k’s 13th birthday at Medieval Times in Buena Park, CA. Medieval Times is a fun place to celebrate because it seems like everyone there is celebrating something. This makes the atmosphere very lively and energetic.
The holiday decorations added another layer of charm to the castle.
The Tournament
The arena is just the right size so everyone has a good view of the action. Little kids do not have to worry about having their view blocked by an adult in front of them, so that is nice.
The show itself is action-packed. It includes trained horses, a falcon, jousting and sword-fighting, along with some humor for good measure.
A Meal Fit For A King (Or Queen)
The Bill of Fare (aka menu) includes:
Tomato Bisque
Toasted Garlic Bread
Roasted Chicken (large portion, we needed a to-go bag)
Sweet Buttered Corn
Herb-Basted Potato
Dessert of the Castle (small cup of vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce)
Beverages (choice of Pepsi (reg. or diet), Sprite, or water)
Coffee (reg. or decaf)
It is fun eating without utensils, but a small wooden spoon is included with the ice cream!
Our waiter was courteous and prompt and provided great service. Be prepared to leave a cash tip at the end!
Discount Code
Medieval Times has nine locations across the United States:
Buena Park, CA
Dallas, TX
Baltimore, MD
Orlando, FL
Atlanta, GA
Lyndhurst, NJ
Myrtle Beach, SC
Chicago, IL
Scottsdale, AZ
Save 40% on Adults & 20% on Kids when you use code USF4020 at www.medievaltimes.com.
Enter Giveaway to Win 4 Tickets to Medieval Times!
Medieval Times is giving away 200 tickets! Five random winners will be selected monthly through September 2020 for a total of 50 winners. Enter giveaway here: https://woobox.com/ajdqrz
Winners will be notified via email during the first week of each month. Tickets will be emailed within two weeks. Not valid Saturdays at the Buena Park, CA castle.
Disclosure: I received compensation in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
It is amazing how much some movie theaters have upgraded the movie-going experience. With more people opting to skip going to movie theaters and watching movies at home, movie theaters realize they need to improve in order to attract audiences. The Century Stadium 25 and XD Theatre in Orange, California has met that challenge!
Yesterday we went as a family to watch Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker during a morning showing. It started at 9:10 a.m.! The time was perfect for our early riser family. It was easy to purchase tickets online and reserve seats weeks ahead of time here. The Century Stadium Theatre is located in the Stadium Promenade just around the corner from the Honda Center.
We made a stop at the concession stand even though it was early in the day. I think movie popcorn tastes good any time of day, right?
The 25 auditoriums are furnished with Cinemark Luxury Loungers – electric-powered, plush, oversize recliners with footrests, cup holders, swivel trays and heat-controlled seats. I do not think there is a “bad” seat in the house!
The swivel trays came in handy to hold our snacks. No more trying to balance a bag of popcorn in your lap! The picture quality and sound were both quite impressive and we had a great time. This is the movie theater to go to in Orange County if you want the ultimate movie experience!
The Century Stadium 25 and XD theatre is located at 1701 W. Katella Ave., Orange CA 92867 within the Stadium Promenade. For more information on showtimes, click here.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Medieval Times. All opinions are my own.
If you are looking for family-friendly entertainment this holiday season, Medieval Times is an excellent choice. Our family has been to the Buena Park, CA location a couple of times, and it is quite a memorable experience. Whenever we visit, there always seems to be a lot of celebrating going on–birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. I can see why people choose to celebrate at Medieval Times. The atmosphere is lively and fun, the food is delicious, and the live-action show is always exciting.
Enter Giveaway to Win 4 Tickets to Medieval Times!
Medieval Times is giving away 200 tickets! Five random winners will be selected monthly through September 2020 for a total of 50 winners. Enter giveaway here: https://woobox.com/ajdqrz
Winners will be notified via email during the first week of each month. Tickets will be emailed within two weeks. Not valid Saturdays at the Buena Park, CA castle.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Feld Entertainment.
I have to give credit to Sesame Street for playing a big role in my early childhood education. I can remember watching the television show with my sister and being excited when our favorite characters, songs or segments came on.
Sesame Street makes learning fun, and it is not just ABCs and 123s. It also does a great job teaching social and emotional skills, showcasing occupations, and exposing children to different life situations. Sesame Street has been going strong for about 50(!) years, which is amazing in an age when most kid shows come and go in a flash.
Even though my own kids are now past the Sesame Street stage of life (*sniff!*), I am excited to share some information about the Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic show that is currently touring throughout the United States.
Everyone’s invited on an amazing journey with Elmo to discover the “power of yet” in Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magicwhen it comes to Ontario and Long Beach this Fall! Building on a successful tour with Feld Entertainment’s inaugural Sesame Street Live! show last seasonin partnership with the non-profit educational organization Sesame Workshop, this production features favorite Sesame Street pals Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie, Monster, Big Bird and more in a brand-new, magical adventure live on stage.
Elmo is inspired to learn a magic trick when he meets magician extraordinaire Justin, who has come to Sesame Street to perform a magic show. But there’s one problem…Elmo doesn’t know how to do magic! Through Justin’s encouragement to practice, work hard and never give up, Elmo embarks on an extraordinary journey. He learns that it’s okay to make mistakes and that magic can be found anywhere when you believe in yourself and the power of what’s yet to be. Cookie Monster and Gonger uncover the science and fun of baking while Abby Cadabby experiences the transformative abilities of caterpillars. Big Bird learns about the magnifying magic of shadow puppetry while Rosita orchestrates a rhythmic beat using everyday objects around her. And artist Grover mixes up the pigment power of the three primary colors. With high-energy dance numbers and a soundtrack that’s sure to get everyone out of their seats, Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is an inspirational introduction to live theater and the art of illusion that the entire family will enjoy.
During the Sesame Street Live! pre-show experience, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and take photos with Elmo and two of his furry friends before the show right in their own neighborhood! At this unique, up-close-and-personal experience offered at an additional charge, families can tour the on-stage neighborhood with special surprise visits from Elmo & Friends for photos; participate in a scavenger hunt and receive a special prize upon completion and experience up-close magic tricks from a roaming magician.
Sesame Street Live! Is Coming to Southern California This November
O N T A R I OToyota Arena (formerly Citizens Business Bank Arena)
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Show Time: 2:00 PM
Pre-Show Experience from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM*
Show Time: 5:30 PM
Pre-Show Experience from 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM*
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Show Time: 1:00 PM
Pre-Show Experience from 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM*
Show Time: 4:30 PM
Pre-Show Experience from 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM*
L O N G B E A C HTerrace Theater
Friday, November 8, 2019
Show Time: 6:00 PM
Pre-Show Experience from 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM*
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Show Time: 10:30 AM
Pre-Show Experience from 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM*
Show Time: 2:00 PM
Pre-Show Experience from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM*
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Show Time: 2:00 PM
Pre-Show Experience from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM*
Sesame Street Live! Ticket Information & Discount
Tickets start at just $20 each! Pre-Show Meet & Greet Experience Pass available for $25 per person. (*Pre-show pass must be accompanied by same day show ticket)*Prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply.
Tickets now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the venue Box Office; all seats are reserved.
Save 20% on tickets by using offer code: MOM20 (Expires 11/11/19)
Giveaway Time!
Enter to win a giveaway for four tickets to either of the following Sesame Street Live! performances:
Tuesday, November 5 at 2pm – Toyota Arena
Friday, November 8 at 6pm – Long Beach Terrace Theater
Disclosure: I received compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
Our Family’s Experience At The Costa Mesa Harvest Festival Art & Craft Show
This past weekend, my family and I had the opportunity to visit the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show in Costa Mesa. The event took place at the OC Fair & Event Center. This was our first time, so we were not quite sure what to expect.
Upon arrival, we saw that there were two large halls with vendors selling a wide variety of products. (Unfortunately, there was a sign prohibiting photographs of the merchandise, so I cannot post any pictures of the booths). There were vendors selling a wide variety of unique handmade products. We saw everything from massage pillows to baked goods to wreaths to clothing and jewelry.
Between the two halls there were food stalls and family entertainment.
The booth that ended up catching our eye (or maybe it was more like our nose?) was Thru The Garden Window. This company sells lovely handmade wreaths, garlands, and potpourri with dehyrdated fruit, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks. We ended up purchasing an Orange Blossom Garland. I love how it adds a touch of fall to our staircase, and the warm citrus/spicy scent is an added bonus.
Shopping at arts and craft shows like this is a great way to support local artists. Plus, they offer products that you will not find at the big box stores. Keep this show in mind if you want to kickstart your holiday shopping!
Ventura Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show Is Coming Up October 4-6!
For the real deal in handmade handiworks, don’t miss the Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show at the Ventura County Fairgrounds October 4-6, featuring more than 24,000 original creations from hundreds of trend-setting artisans and crafters.
Festivities will be in high gear for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Ventura showcase, a treasured tradition recognized as the west coast’s largest and most prestigious indoor showcase, with live entertainment, strolling performers, mouth-watering foods, a Kidzone and pumpkin patch, contests, crafter demonstrations, and more.
Live entertainment adds to the festivities with entertainer Captain Jack Spareribs and the Hyjinx Band, joined by the Jack Kalvan Jugglers and other strolling performers.
Rancho Ventura Conservation Trust hosts a nature interactive in conjunction with the pumpkin patch, co-sponsored by Green Thumb Nursery. The Ventura County Star is the official newspaper. The annual Grand Prize Giveaway is a $200 Amazon gift card (register to win on site at the event).
General admission tickets are $9, Seniors (62+) and military are $7, Youths ages 13-17 are $4, and kids 12 and under are FREE. Tickets are good for the entire weekend. Hours are Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm; and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
It has been a while since I have done a vacation post. Well, last week we went on a road trip with stops in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas during spring break. That means I have a lot to share!
We left early in the morning on what was coincidentally n’s 10th birthday! Our first stop was Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve because I had heard you could see some Superbloom action there.
We arrived before 8:00 a.m., and the parking lot was pretty empty. Nothing like the crowds in Lake Elsinore!
There is a small visitor’s center, but we did not go inside. There was a friendly volunteer/docent who directed us on the main path to McCallum Pond. He told us that if we went just past the pond, we would see a lot of flowers (toward Moon Country).
At the beginning of the trail there was a boardwalk. k noted there was a small placard showing that it was an Eagle Scout project–nice!
I have never seen such massive palm trees!
During our hike, we came across this small patch of flowers. I could not believe how they look like a bouquet that was put together by a florist!
McCallum Pond is where the palm trees are, off in the distance.
McCallum Pond
We continued on the path as directed and found the Superbloom!
Happy birthday, n!
Not sure why D is doing the tough guy pose.
I was not planning on hiking as much as we did, but it was good for us since we were about to spend another six or so hours in the car.
On our way back to the 10 freeway, we drove by this amazing field of flowers and I had to ask D to stop so I could take a picture. Superbloom 2019 is for real!
We continued our drive along 10-E. It was much more picturesque than usual thanks to the flowers that were blooming along the highway. We also found ourselves in the midst of the Painted Lady butterfly migration. Several smashed right against our car as we were driving, leaving bright yellow stains on our windshield and wings in our grill–yuck. Soon we would arrive in Tuscon for the first night of our road trip…
My family and I were able to watch our first Disney On Ice show last year. The show wowed us with its level of skating, artistry and creativity. Disney On Ice is returning to Southern California with a new show called Worlds of Enchantment. This show will feature the gang from Toy Story, Cars, Frozen, and Little Mermaid!
Worlds of Enchantment will be touring in Southern California next month:
April 18-April 21 @ Long Beach Arena
April 25-April 28 @ Citizens Business Bank Arena (Ontario)
Tickets can be purchased here. Use discount code MOM20 for 20% off tickets, expires 4/29/19. (Click here for more information.)
Enter below for a chance to win a family four pack to opening night at either Long Beach Arena (April 18, 7:30 p.m.) or Ontario Citizens Citizens Bank Arena (April 25, 7:00 p.m.)!
This was our third time watching the Harlem Globetrotters and they are always entertaining. Even though the kids have now caught on to the scripted nature of the “game”, they still enjoyed the showmanship. They especially liked the “4-point” shots, 30 feet from the basket (and there were a lot of them!)
This was a busy weekend for us. With k and n having multiple separate activities, we had to divide and conquer. Watching this show as a family was a great way to spend some quality time together. Look for the Harlem Globetrotters Fan Powered World Tour at an arena near you.
The Original Harlem Globetrotters are known for their amazing feats of basketball, humor, and acts of goodwill on and off the court. The Globetrotters have always been about the fans, but this year, everything they do will bring fans closer to the action more than ever before. Join them as they celebrate fans during the all-new Fan Powered World Tour! There will be over 20 occasions before, during and after the game where you have the opportunity to directly interact with Globetrotters stars. Our family has seen a couple of Harlem Globetrotters games, and they are always very entertaining. Don’t miss out!
Their schedule in Southern California is:
Walter Pyramid at Long Beach State University: Friday, February 15 at 7 pm.
Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario: Saturday, February 16 at 2 pm and 7 pm.
STAPLES Center in Los Angeles: Sunday, February 17 at 2 pm.
Pechanga Arena (on Sports Arena Blvd) in San Diego: Friday, February 22 at 7 pm.
Honda Center in Anaheim: Saturday, February 23 at 2 pm and 7 pm.
Valley View Casino Center in San Diego: Sunday, February 24 at 2 pm.
Last night we had the opportunity to see the dinner show in Buena Park. The last time we went to Medieval Times was about three and half years ago. Looking back, the kids seem so small! I knew this would be a whole new experience for them.
Parking is refreshingly free, and access in and out of the parking lot to the castle is really easy.
We arrived about an hour before our 6:00 reservation as recommended. This gave us time to take some pictures, soak in the castle atmosphere and not feel rushed. There are also “knighting” ceremonies that are kind of fun to watch. (*This is also a good time to use the restroom since it can be inconvenient to go in the middle of the show depending on where you are seated.)
As you can see by the color of our crowns, we were cheering on the Red Knight.
The menu is written on the napkins.
No utensils are provided so the fun part is eating with your hands!
Each person receives half of a chicken! It was amazing how all of the food was nice and hot considering how many people they had to serve at once. (I was unable to take a good picture of the potato and corn sides, but the kids liked everything.)
It is a lot of food, and the kids receive the same portions as the adults. However, they do provide to-go bags on request! (Be sure to bring cash so that you can leave a tip for the hard-working servers at the end of the meal.)
I thought the actors did quite a good job with their roles and dialogue.
Some parts of the show might be a little intense for really young children. There is a lot of sword play and “fighting” which makes it exciting. It is funny how some of the adult men are the ones who really get into it!
Even if your knight does not win, everyone ends up having a good time. I love that we were able to visit Medieval Times together as a family. I think it is experiences like these that bring us closer together because they provide such wonderful mutual memories. During the show they went down a list of everyone who was celebrating something special that night (birthday, anniversary, honeymoon etc.) and there was a lot of celebrating going on! Keep Medieval Times in mind for your next family outing.
Grab tickets now with a special holiday offer: 40% Off Adults & Teens & 20% Off Kids Code HOL4020
