Queen Mary's CHILL, Alice in Winterland!
We were recently invited to the Queen Mary's CHILL, Alice in Winterland and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to go because I’ve never been to the Queen Mary! Crazy isn’t it, having lived in LA majority of my (born in NYC) life, even lived in Newport Beach for 18 years and never ventured off to the Queen Mary. What a sight to, the ship in all it grandeur is spectacular lit up. Located in Long Beach right off the 710 freeway, this wonderful holiday extravaganza shouldn't be missed, the entire family will have a blast. Bundle up and get ready to go down the time-honored tradition, the rabbit hole.
The Alice in Winterland lights up the night, you and your littlest ones follow Alice down the rabbit hole. It’s a holiday inspired re-imagination of the classic Lewis Carroll story brought to life through the magic of an interactive, immersive 14,000-square foot experience. We enjoyed the vibrant presentation featuring stunning larger than life lanterns, you’ll follow Alice and her adventure in spectacular fashion with stops at the Hall of Doors, the White Rabbit's Kitchen, Mad Hatter's Workshop, the proverbial Tea Party, the Hedge Maze and visits from the Caterpillar and the all new Queen of Diamonds!
When you’re done chasing Alice through the maze and most importantly if your head is still in tact after seeing the extremely frightful Queen, make your way over to the ice skating rink. It’s located in front of the ship and it's built with real ice, this is a another great photo opportunity, your back drop is the stunning Queen Mary in all her glory. A sense of exhilaration overtakes your entire being when skating in a 6,000 square foot outdoor ice rink, you’ll feel the crisp Pacific Ocean air against your face and in the background yuletide carolers, it's truly a white Christmas.
Are you speed junkie like I am? I love sports that give you a zest for life, if you’re the same, you are going to LOVE Ice Tubing. Hold on to your tube, you’re in for a wild ride. It’s cold. It’s fast. It stands 2 stories tall and 100-feet long. And it’s made entirely out of ice. While the view from the peak of the ice slide may be dazzling, the real thrill occurs on the way down. You’ll grab an oversized tube and feel the chill as you’re barreling down at bone-chilling speeds. Reach the peak of excitement in this brrr—eath-taking adventure. SIX DEDICATED lanes of fun! To say it was terrifyingly fun is an understatement!
Not to fret, if you’re not into barreling down the Ice Tubing, make your way over to Holly Grove for a ride on the Curiouser Carousel. Don’t miss the Gingerbread House, decorating gingerbreads with Ginny. Decorate Gingerbread with Ginny Gingerbread and The Singing Baker inside their life-size cozy Gingerbread House. Once you’re done decorating cookies, make sure to experience snowfall in Southern California without the drive to the mountains, the Snow Zone is amazing. Visit Claus Cottage for photos with Santa and the patio for story time with your little one. Next, visit Tinsel Toy & Paint for Paintball experience. Interactive twelve-position paintball shooting gallery featuring The Mountaineers animated North Pole expedition, mega fun.
Once you've ventured thoroughly through Holly Grove next stop is North Pole Village. Get into the Victorian spirit by exploring a charming, Dickens era village. Enjoy Illumination: Build -a-Candle Experience plus Enchanted Forest holiday light labyrinth revealing "The Largest Rocking Horse in the World." While you are in North Pole Village, make sure you visit the Post Office where kids can write and send a letter to Santa. The Stocking Craft Shoppe you can build more than stockings, you’ll build a lifetime of memories sitting side by side with your little one creating magical stockings. Mrs. C’s sip and stories you’ll enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while sitting down with Mrs. Claus for Storytime. Candy Lane bounce house the kiddos can bounce their little hearts delight.
Now if you’re in need for a little eggnog cheer head over to the Looking Glass (where the Ice Skating Rink is located) you can go Down the Rabbit Watering Hole Lounge and Bar. The Lounge and Pub where adults can enjoy a beverage while kids are skating throughout the day. Next up is the Swingin Sleigh Ride that swings you high above the frozen ground of CHILL's ice skating rink at at a high speed on their swinging sleigh ride! Word of advice, take this ride first, do not eat or drink anything before this ride if you’re prone to getting dizzy. Want to feel on top of the world? The World's LARGEST Rocking Horse is standing at over 15 feet tall, 24 feet long and 8 feet wide, this horse guarantees a supersized fun. The World's Largest Rocking Horse is a fully functional rocking horse that can accommodate 4 riders at a time.
In addition, troll along the festive Promenade Deck and get in the spirit of the holidays by enjoying caroling along the Promenade of Trees. While you’re strolling I hope you run into the CHILL family! Ginny Gingerbread, try to catch Ginny if you can! The magical gingerbread girl returns! You can find this yummy kid and her house of goodies in the magical holiday forest. The Singing Baker, who's in the house with Ginny Gingerbread this year. Meet one of their newest CHILL family members, who may even sing a tune or two for you. The Magic Toymaker is here to bring cheer, watch his magic shows in the village and see if you can learn his wild tricks. Forest Fairies are darling fairies of the Enchanted Forest Hedge Maze that will delight your entire family. Captain Teddy whom you’ll swoon over this giant teddy bear and is the captain of the Queen Mary bounce house. Last but not least, Snowflakes a new lovable character, Snowflakes, exudes frosty fun but will warm your hearts!
Queen Mary's CHILL presents Alice in Winterland is truly a family affair, I hope you have as much fun as we did. Happy Holidays, xo