Have you lost the “magic” feeling about the holidays, did your ship sail away from you? Its time to dock your boat and CHILL out, literally!
The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA presents CHILL. The enchantment begins November 22nd until January 5th. I forgot what it must be like to see things through the eyes of my boys and have the delight they feel when they experience such holiday joy! My boyznberries and I were invited to preview this event. My teenager and I were more like the GRINCH. We went along for his brother/my middle son. Everyone says they have something the whole family will love ….well the two of us were skeptics.
From the moment we walked inside it was if we really left Southern California and were at the North Pole. It was like I was 9 years old again the twinkle in my eyes were brighter than that of my boys. My heart probably grew two sizes too! My teenager, you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face and my middle son was so entranced. We made our way through the North Pole Village where we left a note for Santa. We then walked across to Candy Lane we had to spend a moment to frolic in this wonderland. OH my frosting…they even have cupcakes in candy lane!!!!
I am not sure who was more excited as we twirled in the brisk night air around Frosty’s Funland. We found were Santa gets his workout in reigning in all those reindeer. I had to experience this first hand at the Bucking Reindeer. “On Rudolph, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen!” I sure felt like a pro after that. The boys jumped in the world’s largest snowman bouncy.
After that we were so excited we could hardly contain our joy, we were ready to explore as we arrived at the Holiday Village. OH MY WORD….. every food you could think of was in this place! Corn-dogs practically the size of your whole arm, chicken kabobs, gelato, deep fried oreos and snickers, candy apples, funnel cakes, garlic french fries, pizza, and so much more. No wonder Santa is so jolly! We had to try something at each place, Candy Cane Lane, Grinch’s Grill, Sugarplumb’s and Saint Nick’s Sliders Sweets!!!
As we walked around in this unforgettable enchanted village we approached The Ice Kingdom. Filled with two million pounds of ice that were used to create larger than life, hand carved ice sculptures. Featuring scenes from the Nutcracker from life sized reproductions of Clara and that evil Mouse King. Can you hear me clapping my hands? Get ready to see battle scenes, sugar plum fairies and the Nutcracker himself and a real walk-through castle and three ice slides off a 30′ high replica of the Queen Mary.
The boys were braver than I, as they took an inner tube and went down the Glacier Glide. I really enjoyed the fresh cool air as it hit my nose as I took to the ice for some iceskating. Looking up at the stars as I held tightly to my blue sled as I called it. How enchanting indeed to skate outside and make a wish on a star. All my wishes came true that night, no need to put a present under my tree this year Santa!
Pricing starts at $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids, and includes The Ice Kingdom and choice of Ice Skating or Ice Tubing. Additional tickets for either Ice Skating or Ice Tubing are available for purchase and start at $12.95. Ice Skating Season Pass is available for $29.95. Lodging packages are also available. CHILL will be open Tuesdays through Sundays beginning Nov. 22 through Jan. 5. For more information, including hours or to purchase tickets online, visit http://queenmary.com/chill/.
Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever
