Tiny Oranges – Fresh, fun blog for OC moms

“It’s a small world” re-opens today after being closed for a one year renovation and let me tell you, it was worth the wait and more magical than ever!  This attraction has been my favorite ride at Disneyland since I was a child, so I was interested to see what kinds of improvements were in store.    

The ride for the most part looks and feels the same as the one we loved growing up, with bright new sparkly paint and exciting additions to appeal to our children’s generation.   Throughout the ride, you will (VERY subtly) be able to spot 29 of your favorite Disney and Pixar characters like Ariel, Nemo, Jasmine and Aladdin, Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland in the countries where their stories take place. In fact, they are so subtle, that it is fun to ride it multiple times to see which new ones you notice each time.  The new characters are designed with the same bold, childlike features modeled after the original dolls created by Disney Imagineer Mary Blair, so each one blends right in with the overall style and design as the one we know and love. 

It was the first time my daughter had experienced “it’s a small world.”   Her eyes were twinkling the entire time.   There really is nothing like experiencing the magic of Disneyland through the eyes of a child.  It is such a treat to experience this wonderful, beloved ride again with your kids.   I hope you get the opportunity to take your families to see it firsthand!

Have a great weekend everyone!  See you on Monday!

Visitors to the Bowers Museum can enjoy FREE ACCESS to the museum, Kidseum, and all activities on the first Sunday of every month, thanks to the Target Corporation.   So, if you are not into the Super Bowl this weekend, this might be a fun outing for the family!  

Bowers Kidseum is fun-filled space where kids can explore the world around them – and beyond!  With hands-on exhibits Kidseum engages kids ages one to ten in an environment unlike any other.   With activities like international dress-up, tribal instruments, and ethnic masks, kids can explore and have a culturally rich experience at the same time.  

Click here for hours and directions.

‘Tis the season everyone!  Can you believe December is here??  Usually I am soooo not ready for it, but this year I was actually EXCITED when the calendar turned yesterday!   

With me being in the holiday spirit and all, we hopped on the Christmas train early this year (literally) and took Emma to the Christmas Train at the Irvine Regional Park this past weekend.   If you haven’t done this before with your kids, it is a darling holiday activity.   Here are the details: 

IRVINE PARK RAILROAD’S 13TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TRAIN

December 5th, 6th, 7th & December 11th – 23rd  
5:00pm – 8:00pm 
$ 8 pp / kids under 2 are free 
Parking for Irvine Regional Park is $3/car weekdays and $5/car weekends (after 5:00pm parking is free)

New for this year, Christmas Train tickets may be purchased in advance to board the train at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00 or 8:00pm.   Get in line when it is your time and board the train.  If you don’t buy advance tickets, you can get in line when you arrive.  The trains come about every 15 minutes. 

When visiting the Christmas Train, remember to dress warmly, bring a camera and arrive early to avoid crowds!    The train will depart from the brightly-lit Train Station and drop passengers off at Santa’s Village.   At Santa’s Village, you can buy coffee, hot cocoa, popcorn or cookies while waiting to see Santa.  They also have space heaters throughout the line to keep you nice and toasty.  You can take your own pictures with Santa or you can purchase a picture taken by the Irvine Park Railroad.   After visiting Santa, hop back on the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights” and special snow show on the way back to the station.

In the Party Pavilions next to the station there are also other fun activities for the kiddos…story time with Mrs. Claus, a bounce house, cookie decorating, coloring and picture stands.       

Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869 

Hi ladies!  I just found out about this fun event this Saturday, December 6th.  Parenting OC is putting on an OC Baby Fair with lots of fun exibits and seminars at Saddleback Hospital from 10am – 3pm.   So if you are an expectant mama or new mama head on over to check it out!  These fairs are always so much fun. Only $10 per adult and kids are free.   

 
Are you looking for a great sitter?   MommyMixer is the hot new service that connects college students looking for fun babysitting jobs with busy families that need occasional help, and now MommyMixer has come to the OC.  Their fun events are a dash of get-to-know-ya, shopping and goodies!  There’s no better way to get hooked up with the babysitter of your dreams and have a little fun while doing so.    

MommyMixer OC has teamed up with No Rest for Bridget (a darling boutique) and invite you to join them for an exclusive this Sunday.  Here are the details:

Sunday, November 9th, 2008
1:00 – 2:30pm
No Rest for Bridget
250 East 17th Street
Costa Mesa, CA

If you can make it, go quickly (they only have limited spaces) and fill out this form & make your $100 payment to register.

OR, invite a friend and ONLY pay $50!  To receive the discounted rate, put your friends name in the event box as well as the date of the Mixer you are attending and your friend needs to register and put YOUR name down too!  Then, come to the mixer, find great babysitters and have a little shopping fun!

Have an awesome weekend everyone!  It is supposed to be beautiful!  See you back on Monday for another FAB giveaway!