Author Archives: Jill Adler

How To Get Tickets For Oogie Boogie Bash 2021

oogie boogie bash entrance

I had no intention of going to Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash. I did Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas at Disney World some years back and thought it was pretty much a waste of money. The store bought cookies were stale and there wasn’t nothing extra special about the event except a couple of lame dance parties. There was nothing I couldn’t experience with a normal ticket. I forever after I wrote off the overpriced “special events”. The trouble was that this year I had promised Sage a trip to Disneyland in 2021 and, with the early winter coming, the year was running out.

Sage at Disneyland 2018

I purchased Hopper tickets thinking we would spend a day at Dizzyland after visiting my mom for Fall Break. Surprise. I couldn’t find an available reservation date except for Tuesday Oct. 19; the same night as The Bash. Just like skiing last year. You can buy a ticket but you can’t actually go unless you get a reservation for a particular date. With a hopper ticket, you start at one park and you can “hop” to the other at 1:00 p.m.. Here’s the rub. Depending on crowd levels, Disney may decide for you which park you can start your day in. This Tuesday, I would have to start at Disneyland and could only go to California Adventure after 1:00 p.m. Because the Bash starts at 6:00 p.m. at California Adventure, we would be forced to leave unless we had the special ticket. That’s only five hours at DCA when it is notoriously crowded because of the new Avengers Campus setting.

That’s just not worth a regular ticket. If I was going to spend $150 but not be able to to stay all night what’s the point? I might as well postpone those tickets as they are good until next December and join the party.

What Is This Oogie Boogie Bash??

Oogie Boogie Bash happens three nights a week (Tues, Thurs., Sun.) from 6 p.m- 11 p.m at Disney California Adventure from mid-September to October 31. You can’t attend without a separate special ticket. Regular Park guests are pushed out at 6 p.m. but Bash ticket holders can enter the Park at 3 p.m. They actually get three extra hours of the normal rides and attractions before the party starts. After 6 p.m., Oogie Boogie welcomes guests to explore 10 treat trails where you get to collect gobs of candy, see “villains” like Cruella, The Evil Queen or the Mad Hatter improv and chat with guests, ride attractions with half the wait times, watch a special Halloween Parade, take photo ops with a free Photo Pass download and stroll through a forest filled with spooky lights, sounds and smells. Yes, it’s totally different than a normal day at the park but with the price of admission, it doesn’t make sense to buy a regular ticket and a Bash pass. Sleep in and go to DCA in the afternoon.

Oogie Boogie Bash tickets cost $114-$169. Tickets went on sale on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, and sold out in mear weeks. If you ask most people they’ll tell you it’s impossible to get a ticket once they’re sold out. However, consider this: if you are buying something in July for an event in October, what are the chances that everyone in your party is still going to make it? Disney gets this and doesn’t want to deter people from plunking down huge amounts of money for something they might not use. They personally won’t give back your money, but you are free to recoup how you see fit. The Bash tickets are fully transferable up until the date they are activated and used. Ticket holders are permitted to pass any unused ticket to a friend or family member so they can assign the spares to anyone if they want.

How I landed two Oogie Boogie Bash tickets for the night I wanted in less than an hour


You can first check eBay, Craigslist and a site called Ticketswap. Nothing was available for Sunday October 17, but I had seen people make pleas on Facebook group pages. I searched “oogie boogie 2021” on Facebook and came across three pages that I needed to join- Disneyland Secret Society, Discount Disneyland Tickets and Oogie Boogie Bash 2021. I posted on all three that I was looking for two tickets for October 17. As I read through the comments on the pages, I saw that scammers were out of control. People lamented paying for tickets and never receiving valid ones. I myself was immediately contacted by three scammers. One even began to threaten me after I said, “I’m sorry but you appear to be a scammer and I’m not interested, thank you.” Luckily, a very nice member of one of the groups took me under her wing and showed me what the OB scams looked like and how to find a legit sale.
The same member had created her own page- the Oogie Boogie Bash 2021 one. She said she uses the Discount Disney page to identify the scammers and block them from her page. There, another very nice lady responded to my post that she had tickets.

Who Do You Trust?

At this point I was wary. I was instructed to ask whoever offered to sell tickets to video chat with me because most scammers won’t be willing to go live. They’ve stolen somebody else’s profile. They would need to show the email confirmation for the Oogie Boogie Bash tickets which has a very specific header and instructions. They would need to hold it up and raise a pinky or something so that I would know it’s not a photo that they’ve copied from someone else.

Sherry and her husband immediately called to video chat. They said they saw that I was from Park City and they immediately knew I wouldn’t be scamming them. They had lived here and owned property all over town. We spoke for nearly an hour. I felt safe as well. They asked for the face-value of the tickets just to recover what they paid because some in their party couldn’t make it. We didn’t use ticketswap (which takes a fee). They emailed their vouchers and I Venmoed their money. The next morning, I connected the tickets to my Disneyland app.

Not only was it a safe experience but it was also fun! I look forward to running into this couple tomorrow at my inaugural Oogie Boogie Bash. I hope this tale helps you find tickets if you really want to attend.

Signs you are being scammed


They won’t video chat
They want you to pay cash up front or half up front.
She says she’s a mother and just wants to spread good karma.
They get belligerent if you ask for details or a photo of the confirmation letter
Their name comes up in other comments and people call them scammers.
They’re trying to sell their ticket for well below face value.
They don’t have a profile or their profile doesn’t match the photo that they send to you when you chat

Playing it safe, being cautious and suspicious, doesn’t make you stupid, it makes you human. Those Oogie Boogie Bash tickets aren’t cheap and who wants to be swindled out of $300 or more because of a 5-minute snap judgment with a dirtbag?

Ready to Go? Disneyland Increases Ticket Prices

I will be taking my campervan there and back so I don’t need a hotel but if you have big plans for Anaheim and Disneyland, talk to the ladies at Get Away Today. They’ll be able to hook you up with some great deals.

BTW, Disneyland just announced a last minute price increase on their theme park tickets. Yep, WAY WAY LAME. It’s not like they didn’t just raised prices. But if you hurry, you can still get last week’s pricing through Get Away Today.

By buying with them now, you can save up to $45 per ticket. Here are the details so you don’t miss out:

  • Save up to $45 over gate prices by booking your Disneyland tickets with Get Away Today by November 3, 2021 – If you know you’re going to go to Disneyland between now and Dec. 2022, don’t wait. Buy now.
  • If you don’t know when you’re going, you’ll just need to enter a general date to purchase your tickets. The date that you enter will be the date that Get Away Today sends your reminders to make theme park reservations, which are required. The date you entered is not tied to a theme park reservation and the dates you choose are flexible.
  • Get Away Today’s tickets are refundable, have no blackout dates (subject to theme park availability) and you can make theme park reservations 120 days in advance.

Here are the exact savings based on ticket type over current gate pricing:

5-Day Park Hopper: $45 Savings

5-Day 1-Park per Day: $40 Savings

3-4 Day Park Hopper: $30 Savings

3-4 Day 1-Park per Day: $25 Savings

2-Day Park Hopper: $27 Saving

2-Day 1-Park per Day: $22 Savings

Book now here: 

If you are planning a trip to the House of Mouse anytime before the end of next year, stock up on tickets

Yosemite Kills Temporary Reservations System

Couple looking at landscape in Yosemite National Park in the Yosemite Valley, California. Photo by Anneliese Phillips

Yosemite National Park’s temporary reservations system for day-use vehicle comes to an end on Friday, October 1. Good news for fall travelers hoping to explore Yosemite Mariposa County in full. That’s one less thing to worry about in your trip-planning process.

The expiration of required reservations which went into place during the pandemic comes at a great time as lodging prices drop for fall and into the winter and Yosemite National Park remains open at all entrances. Also dropping are the temperatures, which means that Yosemite will be wide open for the best time to hike the park’s hundreds of miles of trails. 

Visiting Yosemite Mariposa County this autumn and winter means you’re supporting tourist-based businesses, some of which have created Special Offers to show their gratitude and help make a trip even more affordable.

Even with the end of the reservation system, trip planning is still a key component of making a vacation a memorable one for all the right reasons. There is so much to see and do that planning an itinerary in advance is key to having a great experience. Arrive at the park’s gates early and stay late to maximize your time in this natural wonder and enjoy stunning sunsets from places like Taft Point and Glacier Point.

Landscape of Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park, California. Photo by Public Domain.https://www.goodfreephotos.com/

The Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau urges visitors to travel safely by wearing a mask, social distancing and respecting Nature’s Rules while in Yosemite Mariposa County and all outdoor destinations.

In Other Parks

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park has a 50-mile scenic drive called Going-to-the-Sun road. Driving this road is one of the most popular activities in the park and as of now it will still cost you a $2 reservation per vehicle. The rest of the park is unrestricted.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park still has a reservation system to prevent overcrowding through October 11. 

The timed-entry permit system offers two kinds of permits. One gives you access to the entire park, including the Bear Lake Road Corridor. The other lets you enjoy all park sites and excursions except the Bear Lake Road Corridor. 

They base reservations on parking capacity. When the lots hit 85 percent, they stop letting people in.

Cool Pet Programs For National Dog Day

National Dog Day Deals

With National Dog Day just around the pond on August 26, We thought it would be cool to highlight some of the ways businesses are taking care of our four-legged friends with exciting new “paw-tastic” offerings and special programs.

HOTELS and MORE FOR YOUR DOG

Dog Beach on Dog Day

Pasea Hotel & Spa – Huntington Beach, CA

Dining is for the dogs this August. On Aug. 26, a special “Pawsea Puppy Hour” will be available from 3-7 p.m. on Tanner’s patio featuring specialty menu items like the “dog bowl” with chicken breast, veggies and brown rice, as well as homemade peanut butter and banana dog treats. Additionally, Pasea just launched a new pet package which features a three-course doggy meal, take home gifts like toys and leashes, a bed, waived pet fees and more. In addition to the special offerings for Dog Day, the property is conveniently located less than two miles from the famed Huntington Dog Beach where dogs can run leash-free. Guests can also enjoy access to the 1,100 square foot outdoor pup play area, outfitted with a lifeguard station dog house and decorated with a local artist-commissioned wall mural.


Boozehounds – Greater Palm Springs, CA



Boozehounds in Palm Springs is a new pet-friendly dining, bar and co-working concept featuring a vibrant design and a welcoming atmosphere with a unique food and beverage menu, including options for dogs. Opened just in time for the summer, pet-lovers can grab a happy hour cocktail or bite daily from 3-5 p.m. Boozehounds offers globally-inspired and locally influenced dishes including classics with a twist and daily fresh fish selections, with gluten-free and vegan options.  Inspired by the restaurant’s proximity to the San Jacinto Mountains and the city’s access to the great outdoors, Boozehounds combines desert influences and midcentury design with a laid-back California Atmosphere.


Hotel Haya– Tampa, FL

One of the destination’s newest boutique properties, Hotel Haya embodies everything special about Ybor City’s exuberant Cuban, Italian, and Spanish influences. Up to two pets are allowed per room and upon request they will have treats, beds and bowls waiting. Tampa Bay has been called Florida’s most dog-friendly destination and for good reason. The city has the highest rates of dog parks per capita in the country, for example, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park , Water Works Park, and Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. There are also dog beaches including Davis Islands and a little farther south, Picnic Island that has space for picnics as well as pooches.


Crossroads Hotel– Kansas City, MO

Crossroads Hotel has tapped local artists and designers to share their talent and creativity throughout the hotel making it the perfect place to bring your stylish pup. Your pets will find a comfortable bed, treats and other amenities that will make this hotel the perfect place to call home for the night. Kansas City’s exceptional dog parks include West Terrace Dog Park in Downtown KC and Waggin’ Trail Off Leash Dog Park in North Kansas City. A must-visit is Bar K Dog Bar; it serves as a dog park, restaurant, coffeehouse and bar—a harmonious synthesis designed especially for people and their furry companions.


MC Hotel – Montclair, NJ

At the intersection of culture and community in the heart of Montclair’s thriving artistic community is the MN. With an impressive on-site art collection and home to the town’s only rooftop bar with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the MC Hotel has become a Northeastern hospitality icon. A stone’s throw from NYC, MC Hotel offers relief from the hustle and bustle of the city and provides a truly relaxing getaway. Be sure to visit the Brookdale Park  that offers a separate small dog area, agility equipment, running water, waste bags, and gravel mulch.


Daxton Hotel – Birmingham, MI

The 151-room Daxton Hotel, located just 30 minutes north of Detroit, bring refined sophistication to the charming town of Birmingham incorporating some of the finest art, wellness, dining and retail that hospitality can offer. The luxury hotel pampers pooches with specially created dog treats from renowned Executive Chef Garrison Price. The Daxton, with its collection of over 400 original artwork curated by Saatchi Art from artists in over 40 countries, provides for an avant garde and sophisticated resting space for cultured pets. In addition to Chef Price’s artisanal treats, pets receive a bed and bowl as part of the $75 pet fee and can enjoy the many parks and Birmingham dog run just steps away.

The Wilson Hotel – Big Sky, MT

Wilson Hotel Front

Don’t leave anyone behind the next time you’re traveling to Big Sky. At The Wilson Hotel, the pet-friendly guest rooms are built with the comfort and safety of both you and your furry friend in mind. With vast forests, towering mountains, and never-ending outdoor activities, make this the perfect spot for your pup. The hotel is conveniently located near many top-notch parks and trails including Yellowstone National Park. The Dog Days in the Mountains Package includes a doggie arrival welcome amenity, with treats, a chewing toy, a rawhide bone, a travel water bowl, an exclusive Wilson Hotel bandana, pick-up bags, and the use of a dog bed during your stay and a $10 gift certificate to Beehive Basin Brewery for yappy hour – dog friendly, of course! They also offer maps featuring local dog-friendly hiking trails and cross-country skiing trails. $25 of your nightly rate will go towards Stafford Animal Shelter in Livingston, MT.


Detroit Foundation Hotel – Detroit, MI

After opening its doors to guests in 2017, the Detroit Foundation Hotel in downtown Detroit has been regarded as a catalyst for the city’s resurgence and culinary prominence. A pet friendly hotel, the Detroit Foundation Hotel welcomes all pets and service animals, ensuring guests with furry friends have an unforgettable experience. In fact, the hotel is just steps away from the Detroit Riverwalk that stretches more than three miles along the scenic Detroit River, making it an ideal recreation spot for those on four legs or two! Visiting the revitalized Motor City is a treat for pups and people alike as Detroit has something to offer everyone. Take a dog walk down the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy for five miles of river views, join the cult behind the beloved regional favorite Coney Dog, or take a visit to the pooch-friendly Belle Isle, the 982-acre island park with stellar views of the Detroit skyline.


Hewing Hotel – Minneapolis, MN

The reclaimed former farm implement warehouse and showroom is located in the bustling North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. Paying homage to the Minnesotan setting, the rustic and refined meld together with exposed timber and brick, tall ceilings and original industrial elements mixed with high-end interiors to create an original and inviting experience. Dogs are welcome in the Bar & Lounge as their humans enjoy Chef Nyle Flynn’s creations that pay tribute to the region’s strong Scandinavian roots with a menu influenced by rural Nordic practices of foraging, butchery and fermentation techniques and heavily driven by seasonality. A $75 pet fee has dogs howling for Hewing Hotel with thoughtful dog amenities including BarkBox memory foam dog beds and list of other dog-friendly outdoor dining, local attractions and dog parks. Treat pooches to a True North experience in the Twin Cities. From the over 100+ dog-friendly breweries, 66 dog parks and hundreds of restaurants open to pets the options are endless.



Surety Hotel – Des Moines, IA

The modern, grand hotel in Des Moines’ downtown district welcomes four legged friends. The preserved twelve-story, Beaux-Arts gem opened originally in 1913 has been reborn while retaining heritage design elements and architectural touches. The hotel welcomes up to two dogs per guest room and ensures treats, bed and bowl for your pet in-room upon arrival. Make this Midwestern city the ultimate destination for man, or woman’s, best friend. For playful pups and teaching old dogs new tricks, Des Moines offers a host of activities for pets. Pick up treats and supplies at Bone-A-Patreat or visit the multiple dog parks including the Riverwalk Dog Park. Sip seasonal and experimental beers at dog-friendly microbrewery Confluence Brewing Company and peruse the farm fresh delights and offerings at the Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Hotel Treats For Dogs


The James New York – NoMad – New York City

Guests can experience sanctuary and scene at The James New York – NoMad, located on the corner of 29th Street and Madison Avenue, near iconic Madison Square Park and the Flatiron District. Visitors step into the calming energy of The James and leave the hustle and bustle behind in this urban retreat, including man’s- and woman’s-best-friend with dog-friendly amenities such as plush beds, water/food bowls and calming spray/natural paw balm. The 337-room luxury boutique hotel is infused with local culture and intuitive touches inspired by the community it calls home. With its convenient and central location, visitors can leave for the best of the city including Madison Square Park and Eataly, Macy’s Herald Square, The Flatiron Building, Union Square and wonderful restaurants and world-class shopping.

Kimpton Cardinal Hotel – Winston-Salem, NC

Your guest room mini bar is stocked with “Bowser Beer” for pups and a special puppy ice cream available on request year-round. For the month of August, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant, The Katharine Brasserie & Bar, has a pet-friendly patio offering pups free “Puppuccinos on the Patio.”

Kimpton George Hotel – Washington D.C.

The George and the Kimpton Monaco Hotel (Penn Quarter) are encouraging furry friends to strike a pose on their “Pet, Step & Repeat” available the entire month of August. The doggy backdrop will be set up in each hotel’s lobby with a selection of pet props and costumes. Pet parents can snap pics of their pups to hang in their personal portrait gallery. Hotel Monaco’s cocktail bar & restaurant, Dirty Habit DC, also has a pet-friendly patio with water bowls to accommodate four legged companions.

DOGGY HOTEL ESSENTIALS

Built Nightsafe Leash– Built sturdy, with clean lines, this leash has what you need and want for walks around your hotel or trail. You’ll love the swivel clip attachment that you can use with the matching collar and the D ring on top you can uses to hook a poop bag, but the best feature is the extra handle that allows you to shorten your hold for extra control. Both padded handles feel great in your hand and the patent pending NightSafe™ reflective webbing adds a touch of style and glow when you need a late night outing. 

Ruffwear Bivy Collapsible Dog Bowl – Never trust that the ice bucket or bowls will be in your hotel room when you need them. Carry your own collapsible bowl for Fido. As cool as those little bowls are that pack into their own pouch, you gotta love a sturdy bowl that doesn’t flop around while your dog is drinking. The Bivy’s height adjusts depending on how shallow you want it and then it collapses flat for easy packing.   

Travel Dog Bowl

Free Country Dog Rain Coat – It’s not that you need to worry about your dog getting wet but everything around him that will get drenched and smelly when he gets back to your room. Now you can protect him with this waterproof rain jacket and hood. It even has a cozy butter pile lining perfect for colder days. Hook-and-loop fasteners ensure the right fit for Fido, and quick access leash port make it easy to take on and off.

Dog in a raincoat

2026 Winter Olympics Adds Skimo

skimo

 

There’s surfing and and rock climbing for the summer games so why not young up the Winter Games with some ski mountaineering (Skimo)? The International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously approved to add Ski Mountaineering to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.  

From the President of the US Ski Mountaineering Association (USSMA), Ram Mikulas, “This is fantastic news!  We are very excited to hear about the announcement to include ski mountaineering in the Milano Cortina 2026 winter Olympics.  We are very thankful to the IOC, International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), Italy and everyone that helped make this possible.”   

Alrighty Then, What the Heck is Ski Mountaineering?

Ski Mountaineering is a competitive winter sport where skiers race up and back down challenging mountain terrain while passing through a series of checkpoints. The events include multiple race formats of individual, vertical, teams, sprint, and relay races.  

The inclusion of ski mountaineering on the 2026 program will consist of:

  • Five new medal events: two men’s events (sprint/individual), two women’s events (sprint/individual) and one mixed-gender relay event.

  • An athlete quota of 48 (24 men/24 women) falling within the overall quota framework of 2,900 athletes.

The races ascend between 4,300 to 6,200 vertical feet, depending on the category, and typically lasts around 1.5 – 2 hours in duration. 

Let’s just say you won’t catch me participating. Uphillers are nuts and in crazy good shape. 

The Sprint race is a short fast-paced fixed course format consisting of an uphill ski section, a booting (on foot hiking) section, and a descent around race gates. The races ascend up to 262 vertical feet and typically last around 3 minutes in duration.  The format consists of a time trial to establish seeding into a bracket in which 6 racers compete against each other in rounds to keep advancing and racing to the final 6, to determine the podium.

The Relay race is a format based on the Sprint, which consists of a team of 3-4 athletes taking turns to complete the course in a continuous circuit.  

Skimo Worldwide

While ski mountaineering took off in Europe years ago, its recent rise in popularity in the U.S. and other countries, nabbed Olympic attention.

“The USSMA has already been working with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and we look forward to further engagement as we prepare for the Milano Cortina 2026 winter Olympics.  This will begin a new chapter for the sport of Skimo and we look forward to preparing and propelling US athletes to the top ranks.  We are currently working on organizational and high performance development plans and will be stepping up funding efforts soon” says Mikulas.  

Summer Fun With Your Pup

Dogs having summer fun

With Covid-19 cramping everyone’s social style last year, it seemed simple to find things to do at home with your best friend. However, as the country begins to awaken, the possibilities for summer fun with your pup abound. Here’s a (brief) list to get your mind churning and your booty moving for these upcoming dog days of summer. 

Summer Fun Ideas

  1. Give him a bath. This may not sound like fun but when it’s 80+outside, you’ll be laughing and appreciating those moments when he showers you with soapy water and smells clean and fresh for the rest of the activities on the list! BTW, a firm hand on the scruff of his neck will prevent him from shaking off. 

    1. Invite all your dog parent friends to meet you at the park for a playdate.
    2. Grab a dog hike book and start ticking off trails in your hood. My favorite ones in the Wasatch include Spiro Trail, Stewart Falls, Fifth Water Hot Springs, Smith and Morehouse Trail, Fehr Lake.
    3. Mix up the path you take on your daily walk.
    4. Go for a swim. Some local parks have ponds for dogs while some cities even allow dogs in pools!
    5. Spoil your dog with homemade treats
      Dog treat shaped like a paw
    6. Teach your pup a new trick. Not only does it show off his smarts but keeps their brain healthy and active.

    7. Go for a ride. It may not be safe to let them hang their heads out a window but your dog loves a change of scenery as much as you do. Just don’t leave them alone in a hot car!
    8. Spend a night under the stars at a dog-friendly campsite. Unless you are in a national park, most campgrounds allow dogs but always double check.

      YETI Trailhead Dog Bed

    9. Check out a dog-friendly restaurant, brewery or coffee shop.
      Dog sitting at a restaurant table
    10. Play a game of fetch with a new ball or frisbee.
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