Desert Chica

Southern Arizona Blogger

  • Travel
  • Crafts
  • Food
  • DIY Costumes
  • Disney

Guide To Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disneyland Halloween Party

byKaren•June 11, 2019

Halloween themed balloons at Disneyland

The school year is over and summer is heating up, but I have Halloween on the brain already! That’s because Disneyland recently announced an all-new Halloween Time event is heading to the parks this year.  The fall is my favorite time to visit because the Disneyland Resort consistently offers special Halloween events in September and read more »

Leave a Comment

Best things to do in Las Vegas With Kids

byKaren•May 28, 2019

You may not think of Las Vegas as a family friendly location but that isn’t true. There are plenty of fun things to do in Las Vegas with kids. We spent our family vacation during spring break exploring a few of the kid-friendly things to do in Las Vegas. Things to do in Las Vegas read more »

Leave a Comment

Toy Story Scavenger Hunt at Disneyland

byKaren•May 15, 2019

Toy Story Scavenger Hunt at Disneyland for fun ideas on your next Disney Trip

I love Woody and Buzz and all their Toy Story friends, so I am pretty excited about Toy Story 4 coming out this summer! To celebrate the return of Andy’s toys or rather Bonnie’s toys to the big screen, I created a fun Toy Story scavenger hunt at Disneyland.  I spent time at the Disneyland read more »

2 Comments

How to trade Minifigures at LEGOLAND

byKaren•March 25, 2019

One of the coolest activities at LEGOLAND is trading Minifigures with LEGOLAND employees (aka Model Citizens). For the Disney fans, it’s a very similar process to pin trading at Disneyland or Disney World. Check out these tips on how to trade Minifigures at LEGOLAND. How to Trade LEGO Minifigures at LEGOLAND We like to think of read more »

6 Comments

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland

byKaren•March 12, 2019

Star Wars Land at Disneyland Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

The most eagerly anticipated Disney parks expansion is almost here. I’m excited to share all the Disneyland Star Wars Land update information I know with you, starting with the Star Wars Land opening date! Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Opening Date Disney just announced the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge opening date for both Disneyland and Walt read more »

Leave a Comment

Yurt Camping Near Yosemite

byKaren•February 25, 2019

Amazingly tall trees right next to our Yurt at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

Visiting many of the iconic National Parks with our kids is one of our travel goals. We took our first trip to Yosemite National Park last summer and had a blast. The park was amazing but we also loved our experience yurt camping near Yosemite with our partner Thousand Trails. Yosemite Lodging Options When I read more »

Leave a Comment

Spend Rodeo Break 2019 at Disneyland

byKaren•February 14, 2019

Meet Jessie and Woody at Disney California Adventure during Rodeo Break

My favorite time to visit Disneyland is on weekdays during the low season. I love how relaxed the resort feels when we aren’t competing with a million other families. When my kids were really little we’d always visit in the fall when most kids were in school. My kids are older now though, so the read more »

1 Comment

Never Buy A Universal Express Pass Online

byKaren•February 1, 2019

Plan the best 2019 Universal Orlando itinerary using these tips and secrets to save time and possibly money when utilizing a Universal Express Pass. See what Universal Studios and Island of Adventure rides and attractions are included in these special front of the line tickets including Harry Potter rides and more. Learn how to get a free Universal Express Pass for everyone in your family from certain hotels and how to avoid wasting money buying Universal Express Passes unnecessarily as I did! Universal Studios Orlando Tips | Universal Studios Orlando Secrets | Universal Studios Orlando Planning | Universal Orland Tickets

So, why you should never buy a Universal Express Pass online? Let’s start with a clarification to that extreme statement. I would buy a Universal Express Pass online in certain circumstances but highly recommend you read about our $300 mistake before you automatically do the same. After reading about our $300 Universal Express Pass mistake, read more »

Leave a Comment

New at Disneyland in 2019

byKaren•January 9, 2019

What's new at Disneyland in 2019. 2019 will be a huge year for Disney Parks with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening at Disneyland in the summer of 2019 and at WDW in the fall of 2019. Disneyland will also host some cool events like the Disneyland Food and Wine Festival and open new attractions on Pixar Pier! Check out all the cool details! #Disneyland #DisneylandResort #Disneylandtips #Disneyland2019 #Disneylandstarwars #StarWars #GalaxysEdge #PixarPier

I’m always excited to talk about what will be new at Disneyland each year and 2019 is no exception. This year the big news for Disney Parks is the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge but there are some other new additions and celebrations to look forward to at Disneyland as well. Captain Marvel With read more »

Leave a Comment

New at LEGOLAND in 2019

byKaren•January 6, 2019

Check out all fun new things to do at LEGOLAND California in 2019. Including free admission for kids to celebrate LEGOLAND's 20th birthday, LEGO Movie Days, new LEGO Friends show and a LEGO 4D Movie. Plus don't forget about the new fun from 2018 including the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel and new ride, LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride. California Travel | LEGOLAND California Tips | LEGOLAND California Secrets| Lego land California

With the new year, comes fun new events, activities and attractions at LEGOLAND! My boys are always up for a trip to LEGOLAND, check out what we will find new at LEGOLAND in 2019! New at LEGOLAND in 2019 LEGOLAND California is celebrating it’s 20th birthday this year and as a result, there will be read more »

Leave a Comment

Tween Activities Onboard Symphony of the Seas

byKaren•October 10, 2018

Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas Cruise Ship in port on Mediterranean

Recently I took my first cruise as a guest of Royal Caribbean on their newest cruise ship, the Symphony of the Seas. I brought my oldest son, Quinn and my dad along so we could thoroughly experience all the tween fun we could find and better understand cruising from multigenerational perspective. Symphony of the Seas Cruise read more »

Leave a Comment

Yosemite Road Trip Tips

byKaren•August 22, 2018

Mazda CX9 in Yosemite Valley on a Yosemite Road Trip

We had an epic summer vacation at Yosemite this year, one we hope to repeat again soon. No matter where you live, you’re likely driving at least an hour or two to get to Yosemite. I thought I’d share what we learned about driving there with these Yosemite road trip tips. Yosemite Road Trip from read more »

Leave a Comment

Marvel Superheroes at Madame Tussauds Hollywood Experience #InfinityWarBluray

byKaren•August 8, 2018

Make your own Thanos Infinity Gauntlet at Madame Tussauds Hollywood

During our Christopher Robin press trip we also spent a little time learning about the Marvel Avengers Infinity War Blu-ray and DVD release from Executive Producer Trinh Tran. The presentation was held at Madame Tussauds Hollywood which allowed us time to experience the Marvels Superheroes exhibit and also make our own Infinity Gauntlet. Madame Tussauds Hollywood My family read more »

Leave a Comment

The Best things to do at LEGOLAND this summer

byKaren•July 17, 2018

LEGOLAND Submarine Ride Construction visit

There are always new things happening at LEGOLAND California, this year the big new thing for my boys was opening of the new LEGOLAND Castle Hotel! Between checking out new things, and visiting old favorites there are always plenty of fun things to do at LEGOLAND! Best New Things to do at LEGOLAND This Summer read more »

2 Comments

LEGOLAND California Tips

byKaren•May 22, 2018

LEGOLAND California is located just steps from LEGOLAND Castle Hotel

My boys love LEGOLAND California. We’ve been several times over the past few years and have learned a few things in the process. Today I am sharing a few LEGOLAND tips and tricks to help make your trip to LEGOLAND California easier and more fun. LEGOLAND California Tips LEGOLAND Souvenirs LEGO Minifigure Trading Save on read more »

Leave a Comment

LEGOLAND Castle Hotel Review: Complete Guide To All The Royal LEGO Fun

byKaren•May 14, 2018

one of two thousand LEGO models at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel

We just go back from the grand opening of the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in California and I am so excited to share all the reasons you will want stay there, even if you splurge for just one night! We were invited to the media preview event which means we were one of the first royal read more »

2 Comments

Pixar Fest Scavenger Hunt at Disneyland

byKaren•April 16, 2018

FREE PRINTABLE Pixar Fest Scavenger Hunt at Disneyland

I spent 2 days last week attending the media preview and opening day of Pixar Fest at Disneyland. It was a whirlwind adventure with lots of Pixar fun crammed in. I will publish my Pixar Fest guide soon but for now, I wanted to share a fun Pixar Fest Scavenger Hunt.   Disney has created a read more »

Leave a Comment

Non-Foodie’s Guide to 2018 Disneyland Food and Wine Festival

byKaren•March 9, 2018

Off the Cob offerings from 2018 Disneyland food and wine festival

I spent last weekend exploring the 2018 Disneyland Food and Wine Festival with friends. We planned a fun girl’s weekend to coincide with the opening weekend of the Disneyland Food and Wine Festival, it’s just one of the awesome things happening at Disneyland in 2018. It was a whirlwind trip that involved yummy food, a read more »

1 Comment

Best Family Activities in Southern California

byKaren•January 19, 2018

The best family activities in Southern California include theme parks, dinner shows, and animal encounters. There are plenty of things to do from Los Angeles to San Diego with kids. When you plan your bucket list road trip to California, check out these activity suggestions for families.

Southern California is one of our favorite places to visit. It’s an easy drive or flight to San Diego or Los Angeles for Arizona families, making it an ideal weekend getaway. With so many family activities in Southern California, we could visit every week and find something new to do! I’ve partnered with Visit Buena read more »

Leave a Comment

5 Reasons Universal Studios Hollywood Is Better Than Universal Orlando

byKaren•January 13, 2018

Looking for secrets to planning a Universal Studios Hollywood trip with kids? Read my tips on why Universal Studios Hollywood Is Better than Universal Orlando & 1 reason it's not. You'll want to know if your Harry Potter & Simpsons fan will be happy with the rides & food you'll find in the Los Angeles, California park.

After visiting Universal Orlando a few times recently with my family, I was excited to head back to Universal Studios Hollywood so I could compare the two locations. I already knew Hollywood is much smaller having visiting in my youth. So there are a lot fewer attractions but more isn’t always better though. So I read more »

1 Comment

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 8
  • Next Page »
Connect button for Desert Chica
Facebook button for Desert Chica Twitter button for Desert Chica Pinterest button for Desert Chica Instagram button for Desert ChicaYoutube button for Desert Chica
KarenHeffren@gmail.com

Hi! I’m Karen.

I'm a mom to two boys, Arizona native, and travel lover. Desert Chica is my place to share a peek into our life and the easy and inexpensive costumes, crafts and desserts I like to make. “If I can do it, anyone can!” Learn more about me here.

Desert Chica

  • About
  • Policies for Desert Chica
  • back to top

Search This Site

WE ARE A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES.

Connect with me:

Facebook button for Desert ChicaTwitter button for Desert ChicaPinterest button for Desert Chica
Instagram button for Desert ChicaYoutube button for Desert ChicaRSS button for Desert Chica

© Desert Chica 2019 · Built on Genesis · Design by Melissa Belanger.

Copyright © 2019 · Desert Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in