Klaus | Official Trailer | Netflix

It's officially the holiday season!  In 51 days, good ole' Saint Nick will come to town. Shopping centers are being decorated, stores are full of holiday trimmings and restaurants are taking reservations for your holiday party. Yes, Christmas is coming soon! The amazing part of this holiday season is a wonderful new holiday movie that everyone in the family will enjoy. "Klaus" is a lovely story sharing the origin of Santa Claus with an incredibly original twist.  This isn't the old "Santa Claus is coming to town" story line. Klaus is coming to select theaters November 8th and on Netflix November 15th; what a way to start the Holiday movie season.

Official synopsis:

"When Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) distinguishes himself as the postal academy’s worst student, he is stationed on a frozen island above the Arctic Circle, where the feuding locals hardly exchange words let alone letters. Jesper is about to give up when he finds an ally in local teacher Alva (Rashida Jones), and discovers Klaus (Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons), a mysterious carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys. These unlikely friendships return laughter to Smeerensburg, forging a new legacy of generous neighbors, magical lore and stockings hung by the chimney with care. An animated holiday comedy directed by Despicable Me co-creator Sergio Pablos, KLAUS co-stars Joan Cusack, Will Sasso and Norm Macdonald."

Klaus will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will be a new tradition to watch with your family each and every holiday season.  The movie is host to a full line up of very talented actors/actresses bringing a solid story line and heartfelt theme.  Director and Co-Creator, Sergio Pablos, brings his talents and leadership through in this 2D hand drawn Christmas story.  Veteran animators mentored and developed younger artists across 22 countries to bring you a truly incredible entertainment experience!  There is no CGI in this film however the use of color and graphics to present the emotion and chemistry of the characters is brilliant.

We were invited to the Netflix offices in Hollywood for a pre-screening of this incredible story. All of us left feeling uplifted and looking forward to the holidays. We can't wait to watch it again and again. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

TED Talk - What makes a good life? by Robert Waldinger

What makes a good life? This TED Talk (Technology, Entertainment, Design) shares a 75 year old study conducted by Harvard University. Take a few minutes to find out what happens when you have great relationships in your life.

More TED Talks...

Happiness- What your mother didn't tell you.

Back-to-School teacher donations through Donors Choose.

Welcome Back-to-School! This year please consider helping local teachers. There are thousands of teachers signed-up through Donors Choose requesting funding for specific projects. All you have to do is look-up your city and a list of teachers will appear. Donate $5.00, $10.00 or more and then tell others to do the same. Watch your community help teachers and students get the supplies they need. It will transform your community. 

This year our community has several schools participating in the program. There are elementary, middle and high schools requesting donations. Teachers are requesting books, history supplies, furniture and art supplies. All of the items will benefit children in the classroom. 

Jeffrey Trail Teachers 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  Margaret Mead

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and ideas are all my own. Photos and information gathered from the Donors Choose website.

The Broad Museum in Downtown Los Angeles.

The Broad Museum is one of our favorite places to visit. It is located in downtown Los Angeles, California.  It is a great place to see and feel creativity. The museum offers free admission by ordering online in advance or waiting in line at the door.  We visit the museum a few times per year to get inspired. There is something about the art pieces at The Broad that brings extreme emotion to the surface. For example, the art piece named "Under the Table" evokes extreme feelings of joy for us. The piece reminds us of fun times in our younger years. This piece is by Robert Therrier, who is known for bringing  regular, everyday items to life while allowing us see them through a different perspective. It is a must see piece. Please see the video by The Broad Museum on this piece of art. 

Alternatively, there is the Jeff Koons collection with bright colors and full of happiness. His pieces are like going to a party in the next room in which you have been invited. We really enjoy visiting the Jeff Koons collection.  Make sure to spend time there because it will make you giggle.

The Broad has paintings that will pull your heart out, with feelings of varying emotion.  This painting births a great deal of sadness in us and for this reason we do not have the name of the piece from rushing past it. The painting depicts a woman under water reaching for a hand while vast amounts of maritime articles are sinking to the ocean floor.  Immediately, I realized, "She is drowning."  I took a deep breathe and caught myself feeling overwhelmed with sadness. The painting brought out feelings of helplessness. We could feel her struggling for help. Hands are reaching down to pull her out as she grasps for help. In an instant, you realize she isn't alone underwater. The whole scene is in black and white. The piece is terrifying representing how in one instant things change. On the other perspective, one could say it is the power of human compassion that will save her from this tragic event. Regardless of our race or beliefs, we are all human capable of love for one another and allowing her to eventually forget this horrible event. This painting will leave you with questions while pulling at your heartstrings.   

The museum is full of beautiful and thought provoking art pieces that will touch your creative side. We highly recommend you arrive early and take your time walking through each room because they are all so different.

Must do's and don't at the museum. Do have fun with your eyes not your hands. Visitors are not allowed to touch any of the art pieces. There are no exceptions. 
There is no eating inside the museum, please all your food and drinks outside. 
Be respectful and use your inside voice. NO FLASH photography is allowed. For more information reserving tickets, please go to https://www.thebroad.org/visit

MUSEUM HOURS

Tuesday & Wednesday | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.Thursday & Friday | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.Saturday | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.Sunday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day

The standby line closes 60-90 minutes before the museum closes and may close earlier on busy days.

Parking is available directly beneath The Broad in the museum's parking garage. Enter on 2nd St. between Hope St. and Grand Ave. The garage opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 1 a.m.
Parking Garage Rates:

• $15 for 3 hours on weekdays with validation from The Broad (after 3 hours, an additional $5 each 15 minutes, $25 maximum)
• $15 after 5 p.m. on weeknights
• $15 all day on weekends

Additional parking is available at other adjacent garages and lots around Grand Avenue.
Please note that The Broad does not provide validation for any other parking garages or lots.

Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post. Video belongs to The Broad Museum. Images are all our own and can not be copied or used for personal, business or distribution use. This a personal blog. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Southern California OC Fair Discounts

The OC Fair is in town from July 12th through August 11, 2019.  We want to help you save on your summer fun.  There are several ways to save on your admission and the rides. With careful planning you can save money, help the community and have fun all at the same time. Keep reading to find out how to save!

DAILY SAVINGS:

Active-duty military and veterans receive free OC Fair admission and are eligible to purchase half-price general admission tickets. Promotion is valid all 23 days of the OC Fair. Military ID is required. Free admission is not applicable for spouses or dependents. A maximum of six half-price general admission tickets may be purchased. This offer may not be combined with any other offers.

San Diego / San Bernardino / Indio / Ventura & OC Fair Bounceback 

Save your San Diego County Fair, Riverside County Fair, San Bernardino County Fair, or Ventura County Fair ticket stub for one FREE admission at the OC Fair, July 12-Aug. 11.  Ticket must be surrendered at the gate to redeem offer.

Save your 2019 OC Fair admission ticket for one FREE admission at the 2020 Riverside County Fair (Feb. 14-23).

Read & Ride

Bookworms ages 5-11 can read two books to earn three free carnival rides!

Download the book report form. Completed book report forms can be redeemed for ride tickets at the Kidland Information Booth during Fair hours. Tickets are valid July 12-Aug. 11, 2019, only. Excludes Titan ride.

Super Pass

The 2019 OC Fair Super Pass is available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com and at the Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office. 

General (13-59)     $40

Senior (60+)          $33

Youth (6-12)           $33

Wednesday Drives (12-3 p.m.)

We Care Wednesday's offers an opportunity to donate to help our community and visit the OC Fair. 

Donate on the specified dates listed below for FREE general admission to the OC Fair and one carnival ride per person. Offer valid noon to 3 p.m. General admission tickets may not be used on any other day. Donations are accepted at public entrances (Blue Gate, Yellow Gate or Green Gate). Donations are not accepted at Gate 5 off Arlington Drive, and FREE admission will not be honored after 3 p.m.

July 17, 2019 - Bring School Supplies (NEW School supplies with receipt) to receive free admission. Value must be $5.00 or more. NO workbooks or color books. (Share out Shelves)

July 24th, 2019 - Bring (5) Cans of food to receive one free admission. (Second Harvest and OC Food Bank)

July 31st, 2019 - Bring (3) New or almost new books children's books. No workbooks, color books or audio books. (Think Together)

August 7th, 2019 - Bring (5) New or almost new clothing items. (Goodwill)

Please remember that the item above must be in almost new or almost new condition. With the school supplies they are requesting the receipt. Must arrive between 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.

$35 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Ride until 8 p.m., sold until 5 p.m. – includes 2 free games and 1 ride on the Titan; all other rides are unlimited.

THURSDAYS

$3 Taste of Fair Food (12-4 p.m.)

Enjoy $3 samples of select Fair treats. Valid noon – 4 p.m.

Kids Day

Children 12 & younger receive FREE Fair admission all day.

$35 Unlimited Ride Wristband

Ride until 8 p.m., sold until 5 p.m. – includes 2 free games and 1 ride on the Titan; all other rides are unlimited.

FRIDAYS

Seniors Day (60+)

$5 Senior admission plus FREE Ferris wheel and merry-go-round rides all day.

$2 Rides, $2 Games until 4 p.m. (Excludes Titan ride)

Ride the spectacular new Titan for ½ the tickets!

WEEKENDS

Best Deal Ever!

Half-price general admission ($7) and carnival rides are half the tickets to ride – from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday 

Sundays only: $35 Unlimited Ride Wristband available – ride until 4 p.m., sold until 1 p.m. Includes 1 ride on the Titan; all other rides are unlimited. 

FREE Off-Site Parking (Saturday & Sunday)

Free parking and shuttle service is available on Saturdays and Sundays from the Experian parking structure located off the Bristol Street exit of the 405 Freeway. Follow the signs to “Experian.” The shuttle operates from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday & Sunday only.

Wednesday–Friday Single-day admission General (13-59) – $12 Senior (60+) – $7 Youth (6-12) – $7 Children 5 and younger are free Buy Now

Saturday & Sunday Single-day admission General (13-59) – $14 Senior (60+) – $7 Youth (6-12) – $7 Children 5 and younger are free Buy Now

Disclaimer: All the information was gathered from the OC Fair website. Please go to their site for more information. https://ocfair.com/oc-fair/buy-tickets/admission/

Summer Field Trip - Blackberry picking in Southern California.

U-pick farms is one of our favorite ways to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. It is  also a great way to connect with nature. We visited Greenspot Farms this past weekend for an opportunity to pick blackberries. The season is just getting started, therefore, in the coming weeks there will be a lot more fruit on the vines. Address: 10133 Ward Way, Mentone, CA 92359 

Greenspot Farms has many activities for you and your family including a playground for your kids and farm animals to keep them occupied. Our kids absolutely loved feeding the animals and would love to come back. Our favorite area of the farm was its' little market. It had several fruits from the farm for sale and refreshments to help keep cool. We recommend wearing light clothing such as shorts, t-shirts and make sure you put on sunscreen.  The summer heat is coming, wearing light clothing will help you face the hot weather this summer.

The blackberry bushes are near the farm entrance. There are two sections of blackberry bushes that extend about 30 - 50 feet. You may have to bend down to find the sweetest, ripest berries. As you can see in this picture, the ripe berries are hiding under the leaves. Picking fruit is about being patient and using your detective skills. The bushes, as you know, have thorns and kids under 10 should be supervised to avoid getting scratched and poked.

This farm has a little of everything. We found avocado trees, Christmas trees, apple trees and plum trees. Their store sells locally grown oranges and honey as well. Bring cash to pay.  There is no cashier on site and based on the honor system.  In order to help keep this amazing farm open to the public, please make sure you pay the correct amount or donate a bit extra.

We got found ourselves just sitting by the picnic tables enjoying the sound of the birds and the gently blowing wind through the beautiful trees surrounding. The farm is really quiet and it was quite hot the day we visited. It was a really beautiful day on the farm.  We hope you enjoy your visit!

Greenspot Farm is located at 10133 Ward Way, Mentone, CA 92359. Can not make it to Greenspot Farm? Consider visiting the farms Listed below for raspberry and blackberry picking:

Julian Mining Company 

4444 State Hwy 78 - Julian/Wynola CA 92036

Telephone: (951) 313-0166

Underwood Family Farms

5696 Los Angeles Avenue, Somis, CA, 93066

Telephone: (805) 386-4660

Tips from Pick Your Own Org website and a few of our own:

1. Call before you visit. Times and availability might change at any time. So before you drive a distance call the farm and confirm they are open and have fruit on the vine.  
2. Bring cash. Some farms do not have debit or credit card machines. 
3. Arrive early because during the weekends the fields might be picked clean by noon.
4.  Never leave without sunscreen and water. Bring a snack or picnic lunch because picking your own fruit does work up your appetite.
5. Follow the farm rules. Most farms offer buckets or baskets to collect your fruit. Prices and picking rules are usually posted by the entrance. Please follow the rules and use the containers they provide.
6. Do not wash berries until you are ready to eat. 
7. Do refrigerate your berries and cover them to keep them fresh. 
8. Take lots of pictures and share your experience with friends and family. These small farms depend on word of mouth to keep them open. 

Always call before you go to the farm - And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!

image: http://pickyourown.org/strawberries/wabusyday.jpg

image: http://pickyourown.org/strawberries/wabusyday.jpg

Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!  

Most growers furnish picking containers designed for raspberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers. 
If you use your own containers, remember that heaping raspberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.

Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

Read more at http://pickyourown.org/raspberries.htm#AVbKW3bSRC453J7M.99

Ice Cream and Shave Ice dessert places to visit this summer.

ICE CREAM!!!!!  We are big fans of ice cream, shaved ice and frozen yogurt. Our summer goal this year is to visit fun dessert eateries that offer yummy frozen treats.  We love shaved ice with a scoop of ice cream or an ice cream taco dessert. Planning our visit to the creamery shops is a joyous family event because it is a sometimes food. This summer, we plan on having more scrumptious moments in the hopes of capturing the perfect ice cream experience. We are sharing some of our favorite places we have visited in the past and a few new places we will be visiting this summer. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get exclusive information as we go on the hunt for the BEST Ice Cream / Shaved Ice / Dessert place.

Places that we have visited and love:

Baskin Robbins - Baskin-Robbins has more than 1,300 ice creams in its flavor library, and also offers custom ice cream cakes, frozen beverages and the Polar Pizza™ Ice Cream Treat. They are located throughout Southern California.

Cauldron Ice Cream - They have the most beautiful designed Ice Cream Flower with a waffle. They offer locations in Chino, Convoy, Irvine, San Jose, Santa Ana, Temple City and Torrance. 

ColdStone Creamery  - The secret recipe for smooth and creamy ice cream is freshly handcrafted daily in each store, then, customized by combining a variety of mix ins on a frozen granite stone.

Creamistry - At Creamistry®, specially trained Creamologists use liquid nitrogen to hand-craft premium ice cream, one scoop at a time! They don’t make it until you order it – it doesn’t get any fresher than that!

Dairy Queen - Dairy Queen offers a variety of treats and products including burgers, chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, artisan sandwiches and the famous DQ soft-serve that is part of a variety of unique treats only found at Dairy Queen restaurants. They have been in business for over (75) years. Their best selling item is the famous "Blizzard". Try the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard treat.

Foster Freeze - The Banana Splits are super yummy. This store is located in Lake Forest inside the Wienerschnitzel. They offer a drive thru for parents who are in a hurry.  Drive Thru - 20652 LAKE FOREST DRIVE, LAKE FOREST, CA 92630

Eiswelt Gelato - Frozen Gelato treats are scooped and then formed into pigs, teddy bears, doggies. The dessert shop serves about 22 rotating flavors of gelato, including strawberry, matcha green tea, birthday cake and red velvet. The gelato is made in-house, nightly. Their shop is located at: 9605 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683

Honeymee - Kosher Dairy with a drizzle of fresh Raw Honey makes for a delicious summer treat. This cream shop offers delicious Ice Teas as well. They have several locations Southern California. 

Snow Monster - Snow Monster offers made-to-order and customized Macaroon ice cream sandwiches, Wild Cotton Candy, Thai Ice Tea in a fancy Monster cup, Shaved Ice and Boba Drinks. There are several locations throughout Southern California. 

Sweet Rolled Tacos - A thin waffle cone rolled into the shape of a taco with scoops of ice cream and toppings. This place is usually busy and there is a line, so plan ahead and go early.  Bring a camera because you will want to take an Instagram of this frozen treat. 

Thrifty's Old Fashion Ice Cream - Growing up my folks use to take me for a scoop of Thrifty's Old Fashion Ice Cream. The ice cream shop use to be inside the local drugstore. We would shop and at the end we would get a scoop to go. Now, Rite Aid sells Thrifty's ice cream inside their stores. It is usually very inexpensive and served the same way they use to many years ago. Some of the favorite flavors are Pineapple and Coconut, Strawberry and their famous Chocolate Malted Krunch. Everyone should try a scoop of this ice cream at least once in their lifetime. 

Ice Cream posts 

Creamistry - Please take a minute to find out about our first visit to Creamistry.
https://www.fieldtripmom.com/2015/03/creamistry-customize-your-ice-cream.html

Kream Kong- Food truck. Have them come to your next event and enjoy delicious Ice Cream.
http://www.fieldtripmom.com/2018/09/kream-kong-ice-cream-is-making-people.html

4th of July Public Fireworks for Orange County

Fourth of July is approaching fast. There are several places in Orange County that will be putting on a fireworks display. The Orange County Fire Authority has a list of places that have approved fireworks. Just click on the link to get a list of places to visit this 4th of July:  2019 4th of July Public Fireworks Displays

2019 4th of July Public Fireworks Displays

ALISO VIEJO Grand Park 

Aliso Viejo Community Association 2

6703 Aliso Creek Road 

LAKE FOREST 

Lake Forest Il Sun & Sail Club

24752 Toledo Way 

MISSION VIEJO 

Lake Mission Viejo 

BUENA PARK 

Knott's Berry Farm 

8039 Beach Boulevard 

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA 

Lago Rancho 

Santa Margarita 

Beach Club 21472 

Avenida de los Fundadores 

DANA POINT 

Dana Point Harbor 

Doheny State Beach St. 

Regis Monarch Beach Golf Club 

1 Monarch Beach Resort 

SAN CLEMENTE 

San Clemente Pier 

IRVINE 

Woodbridge Village Association 

31 Creek Road 

Irvine High School 

4321 Walnut Avenue 

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 

San Juan Sports Park 

25925 Camino del Avion 

SANTA ANA 

Centennial Park 

3000 West Edinger Avenue 

LADERA RANCH LARCS Founder's Park 

28275 Avendale Boulevard 

SEAL BEACH 

Old Ranch Country Club 

3901 Lampson Avenue 

LAGUNA HILLS 

Laguna Hills Community Center 

and Sports Complex 

25555 Alicia Parkway 

LAGUNA NIGUEL 

Laguna Niguel Regional Park 

28241 La Paz Road

LAGUNA WOODS 

Laguna Village Golf Club 
24112 Moulton Parkway 

TUSTIN 

Tustin High School 

1171 El Camino Real 

YORBA LINDA 

Yorba Linda Middle School 

4777 Casa Loma Avenue 

Disclaimer: All opinions are all my own. This is from the Orange County Fire Authority. Please check times with each each city to make sure there are not any changes to the schedule. 

California grows delicious CHERRIES!!!

We hit the road to Leona Valley this weekend. Our goal was to have some weekend fun picking cherries and eating them on the way back home. Yes, we hauled several pounds of freshly picked cherries and we ate lots of them on the way home. We wish we lived closer to the cherry farms because we would visit every weekend. It is so magical to pick and eat your own fruit. We hope that everyone reading this post gets an opportunity to experience the same fun day we had. Keep reading to find out where to go and how to get there......

CASH ONLY!!!!!!  The cherry farms are usually cash only so bring enough for $7.00 per pound. Some farms charge less others charge more but the average is $7.00. Due to the weather some of the smaller farms will be closing early while the larger farms will stay open until the end of June 2019. Most cherry farms have websites and Facebook pages where you can check on their availability. We highly recommend that you check their operating hours before you road trip.  From Orange County, you can bank on a 2 to 2.5 hour drive and dependent on your location in Los Angeles County 45 min to 2 hours.

Villa Del Sol 

6989 Elizabeth Lake Road Leona Valley, CA 93551

(661) 270-1356

Directions:

From Los Angeles:Take the 5 Freeway North to the 14 Freeway. Continue North and exit Palmdale Blvd. Turn West/left onto Palmdale Blvd. 

This turns into Elizabeth Lake Road.

Continue on 5-7 miles and watch for the "first cherry stop on the right".

Villa Del Sol is at the intersection of Elizabeth Lake Road and Godde Hill Road in Leona Valley, CA.

Copeland's Cherry Ranch 

9611 Leona Ave 

Leona Valley, CA 93551

Copelandscherryranch@gmail.com

Directions:

From Los Angeles, Take the 5 Freeway North to the 14 Freeway. Continue North and exit Palmdale Blvd. Turn West/left onto Palmdale Blvd (going west). 

Take Palmdale Blvd which changes to Elizabeth Lake Road at 10th Street West. Continue towards the country to 90th West (approximately 11 miles).  At 90th West (stop sign) turn left.

Turn right at the next stop sign - Leona Avenue

Copeland's is half a mile down on your right.

Rolling Thunder Cherry Ranch

U-Pick Cherry Ranch in Leona Valley, CA

Cherry orchard opening for cherry season June 21st.

6/21 and 6/22: 10am-3pm

6/23: 11am-3pm

$7 per lb. CASH only.

(661) 270-9688

Cherry Hill Farm 

39300 Bouquet Canyon Road Leona Valley CA 93551 us

https://www.cherryhillfamilyfarm.com/

From Los Angeles and the Valleys

5 FWY N to the 14 FWY N

Exit Palmdale Blvd Left

Palmdale Blvd turns in to Elizabeth Lake Road

Continue on Elizabeth Lake Road for about 8 more miles

Turn Left on Bouquet Canyon Road

Make a left after the first curve on Rogers Creek Road. Its a bumpy dirt road so go slow. About a half mile down you will see our orchard and sales booth on the right. Park on your left across from the sales booth.

WINDY RIDGE CHERRIES

9811 Leona Avenue

Leona Valley, CA 93551

(661) 270-9106

http://pickcherries.com/about-us/

Tip: When you exit the freeway there is an Albertson's Market where you can pick-up sandwiches and drinks to enjoy a picnic at the farms. We also suggest to use their restrooms there because the farms only have portable bathrooms. Safe travels!!!

Disclaimer: All opinions are all my own. Please do not use our photos without permission. Not a sponsored post. 

Universal Studios Hollywood is a great place to spend your staycation.

We participated in a Staycation this Spring Break. It was so easy and relaxing. It all started one perfect Sunday at 8:00 AM. We drove to Universal Studios Hollywood, about an hour away from our home. The kids had never visited before and they were curiously excited to get on the rides. The minute we arrived and parked the car, it was clear, we would have lots of fun. We could see and feel the excitement of season pass-holders as we watched them running to the front entrance. Once we got inside the park, we immediately headed toward the Kung Fu Panda Adventure ride.  Continue to read this post to find how to get discounts on Universal Studios Hollywood admission prices.

The kids were excited when we used our upgraded Express Pass to enter the Kung Fu Panda multi-sensory attraction. It was our first time visiting Universal Studios and using express passes therefore we did not know what to expect. Quickly, we realized that EXPRESS was the way to go. 

This benefit is well worth the additional ticket price as we were able to save time in line allowing us to enjoy more of the theme park in less time. We highly recommend your family upgrade your ticket(s) to include the Universal Express Ticket. 

The ride invites you into a waiting area where Poe and all of his Kung Fu friends entertain you on screens above the main theater entrance. When we entered into the main theater, sat down and started the ride, we got a case of the giggles. The ride hit our funny bones as our seats swished and swayed along with the movie on the screen. The motion made it feel as though we were on a raft riding over waterfalls and fast moving river rapids. Water droplets sprayed us from the ceiling as Poe was guiding us down the rapid river. It was exhilarating. We laughed the entire time.

We exited the Kung Fu Panda Adventure ride and headed straight to the Harry Potter Wizarding World. There we splurged on candy, shopped the stores and drank Butter Beer. The Harry Potter section of Universal Studios is extraordinary because it makes you feel as though you are inside the movie. You have to see the picture below to understand what we mean. Our boys jumped on the Flight of the Hippogriff, Universals first outdoor roller coaster. We ended our tour with a stop to enjoy the Frog Choir, watching in amazement of some Wand Magic and taking photos in front of the train station. 

After taking in the view of the castle and all other things Harry Potter, we briskly walked to the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. My husband and I realized we had turned into teenagers as we were pointing and planning the next ride we would all enjoy. Minion Mayhem was my favorite because I really enjoyed the series of Despicable Me Movies. For this ride, we needed 3-D Glasses as we went on another adventure with Gru and his Minions attempt to turn us humans into Minions to help with his new thievery plan. 

Our visit continued with the classic and great experience of the Universal Studios Tour featuring a tram tour of the back lot where you can experience movie making at its finest. From an earthquake simulation to a speed expedition with Fast and the Furious, the Bates Motel of Psycho and Jaws, the tour gives you a detailed experience in movie making. Our day rounded out with taking rides on The Simpsons Ride, joining Optimus Prime and Bumble Bee for a fight against the Decepticons on Transformers the Ride 3D, a thrill ride on Revenge of the Mummy, experiencing movie magic in the Special Effects Show and rounding out our adventure at the highly exhilarating and absolutely adventure show, Waterworld! Unlike any other theme park, Universal Studios brings the fun to you with a completely different and exciting spin to adventure. 

The theme park is spread out over a very large area. We walked over 17,000 steps or the equivalent of 8.7 miles the day we visited. Honestly, there was so much to see and do, we really didn't notice until we looked at our step counter during dinner at Universal City Walk. The City Walk has a huge selection of eateries including Pinks, Panda Express, Pizza, Voo Doo Doughnuts and greats like the Hard Rock Cafe and much more. Retail stores line the City Walk for those that need to get their shopping in. Universal Studios has excellent and abundant parking structures and best of all, you can get a great evenings rest with the nearby Sheraton and Hilton Hotels. Enjoy one of the best vacations ever with a Staycation at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are all our own. Travel, Food and all other incidental items paid by Field Trip Mom. We were invited as part of media. We did not receive any compensation. 

Deals and Discounts:  If you are a Costco member, check out these two amazing ticket discounts for your whole family to enjoy.

https://www.costco.com/Universal-Studios-Hollywood-3-Visit-Ticket,-eTicket.product.100483504.html

https://www.costco.com/Universal-Studios-Hollywood-18-Month-Pass-eTicket,-California.product.100483582.html