There's a CHILL in the air at The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary's Chill
The Queen Mary is all dolled up for the holidays and there's an extra Chill in the air! We were invited to a preview of the event's opening evening and it's definitely worth checking out.
Imagine being in a mountain resort town with all your favorite holiday treats and winter activities all in one place. This is Chill, but the beauty of it is no chains are required to make it to this location, it's smack dab in the heart of So Cal.
Entrance to The Ice Kingdom
Take a stroll through The Frozen kingdom as it retells the classic Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol. Each icy room you pass through tells the tale till the stories cold and bitter end. Before entering, grab a parka to use while inside. You will need it as the entire installation is kept at a chilly 9*. The ice sculptures are just amazing, as is the lighting that brings them to life. The entire space was created using 2 million pounds of ice.
Last but not least, take a ride down the ice slide on your way out, that's one way to get off the replica of the Queen Mary fast.
The Ice Slide
Oh and the green screen pics taken upon entering The Ice kingdom area a super fun souvenir to pick up after exiting, check them out in the gift shop after turning in your parka.
Looking for a little adult chill time, enter the Ice Bar, serving up some fun libations with a super frozen view.
Don't miss a ride down the Glacier Glide. It's made of a 10- foot tubing luge under the dome. Sweets anyone? Make sure to pick up a little something from one of the several confectionery shops. The gift shop has so many holiday trimmings and gifts too, definitely worth a look.
And so the story begins, A Christmas Carol
Some of the other fun and unique things not to miss:
- Rock away on a giant Rocking Horse or soar around on the swings with a sky high view.
- Feeling a bit competitive, take your best shots at the Yeti in the Polar Paintball tent.
- Feeling a bit Creative? Pop into Illumination to Build a candle by using an array of scents, pick your ingredients and they do the rest for you.
- Make a Gingerbread house to take home, they have all the fixings (or take it home to build later)
- Make sure to visit Santa's house. Get your picture taken with the big guy and drop a few hints on what you want for the special day. May also be a good time to convince him you've been nice.
- Sit back and enjoy a stage performances with the Claus's and The adorable Satin Dollz.
- Brave enough to take your chances at ice skating? Hop on a set of blades for one of the many sessions on the 6,500 Sq. ft. Ice Pond, skates and assists are available.
Rock the night away on the enormous Rocking Horse.
Bonus with your admission is entry to the Queen Mary. Look around, take a break with the spectacular view from above CHILL and if you have little ones make sure to see the 4D Polar Express experience filled with sights, sounds and smells plus one heck of a ride! Find it on the 4th level in the all new theater on board the ship.
Head to the Mrs. Clause Bakery for all your sweet fixes.
Chill has several fun characters your kids (and yourself) will want to see and snap a picture with!
Ginny Gingerbread: The magical gingerbread girl can be found near her house of goodies in the magical holiday forest.
The Singing Baker: Sharing the house with Ginny Gingerbread this year! Meet one of our newest CHILL family members, who may even sing a tune or two for you!
The Magic Toymaker: The Toymaker is here to bring cheer! Watch his magic shows in the village and see if you can teach his wild tricks!
Forest Fairies: NEW! The darling fairies of the Enchanted Forest Hedge Maze will delight your entire family!
Captain Teddy: You will swoon over this giant teddy bear who is the captain of the Queen Mary bounce house.
Snowflakes: NEW! Our new lovable character, Snowflakes, exudes frosty fun but will warm your hearts!
Captain Teddy put a smile on my girls face!