Month: August 2009

Our stay at the Country Inn and Suites Port Hueneme



This past weekend we had the opportunity to spend a couple of days up the coast in the Ventura /Santa Barbara area and we had such a great time. The wonderful people at Country Inn and Suites by Carlson invited us to stay at the Country Inn and Suites Port Hueneme and we couldn’t have stayed at a better place. Our stay was incredible.

We were greeted with a friendly smile and fresh chocolate chip cookies. The kids were in heaven!!
We headed up to our spacious room. We had a suite which featured a separate living area room with a pull out bed, a kitchen area and a fireplace. The kids immediately claimed the whole room. I don’t know what it is about kiddos but it seems every kid I know loves to stay at hotel rooms. We were also greeted with a fun welcome gift basket, filled with plenty of goodies.

What I love about Country Inn and Suites is that they cater to families. Every morning you can head down to the breakfast area and take in a delicious and hot breakfast buffet and it’s included with your stay. The hotel also features a complimentary evening reception with free drinks and snacks. This can mean huge savings for a family. There is also a Read it and Return library which allows the kiddos to check out books during your stay.

I almost forgot to mention that our hotel was only about a block and a half away from the beach. Point Hueneme State Beach is a really nice beach that was practically empty. If you like nice, clean and uncrowded beaches this is the place for you.

We loved our stay at the Country Inn and Suites Port Hueneme and I can’t wait to head back!

A late edition of Disney Sunday- All you ever wanted to know about FASTPASS!

I know I’m a little late with my Disney Sunday post but I still wanted to squeeze in a Disney post before the end of the week. In this week’s installment I wanted to write about Disneyland/Disney’s California Adventure FASTPASS.

Basically a Disney FASTPASS allows you to cut your wait time at certain attractions by standing in line for you electronically. The FASTPASS system is included with your admission/annual pass and one that you will want to use whenever you are heading over to the Disneyland resort.

Here is how it works- You head over to one of the rides(I included a list at the end of the post) that uses the FASTPASS system. Once you are there look for the distribution area near the entrance of the attraction. Check the return time (be sure to get your passes early because on very busy days they run out!) and insert your ticket or annual pass into the FASTPASS machine. Once you insert your ticket/annual pass a ticket will print out with your return time. When it’s time to return to the attraction enter through the FASTPASS line/queue and you will avoid the long wait. It’s simple, painless and will save you time!Once you have your ticket in hand head out to enjoy the other attractions. We usually grab a FASTPASS and catch a show or ride an attraction with a minimal wait line.

Here are two things that you should also know about FASTPASS.

  • You can only have one FASTPASS ticket to one attraction at a time. This means you can’t head over to Splash Mountain and pick up a FASTPASS then walk over to Big Tunder Railroad and pick up another while you wait. You can grab another FASTPASS as soon as your return time comes up.
  • Your FASTPASS tickets don’t expire. I met my sisters at the park a little late last week only to find them complaining about their FASTPASS tickets expiring. There is no such thing. Your recommended time is printed on your ticket but you are always welcome to come after that time on the day of your visit.

Here is the list of attractions at both parks that utilize the FASTPASS system.

Disneyland
Autopia
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Indiana Jones
Haunted Mansion(holidays)
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
Splash Mountain
Space Mountain

Disney’s California Adventure
California Screamin
Grizzly River Run
Mulholland Madness
Soarin Over California
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Have a terrific rest of the day and use a FASTPASS next time you are heading over to the parks!

Legally Blonde The Musical

I had the opportunity to attend Legally Blonde The Musical last week and I can’t recommend it enough. I love fun and fast paced musicals and Legally Blonde definitely hits the mark. The music is catchy and you will find yourself singing some of the songs for days after. What I loved about the show is that it’s perfect for the family. If you have little girls that love the movie they will definitely love the show.
The best part is that tickets are affordable. My sisters and I are planning on returning tomorrow since we can pick up some tickets for $20 with the discount code. The show will play until September 6 – so you still have time to make it. Just remember to make sure to purchase your tickets before August 22nd. All you have to do is use is special offer code OMGX2 when you purchase tickets and you can save up to $20. You can purchase tickets
OMGPhone: 800-982-ARTS (2787)
In Person: Pantages Box Office
6233 Hollywood Blvd.,
open daily 10am-6pm
The Discount applies to evening shows on Tue, Wed or Thu.

Have fun!!