Wow, 2013 is almost here! Have you been making New Year’s resolutions? Is Funderland on your list of goals for the coming year? How about: “Visit Funderland once a week.” Or something like that. Of course, the most economical way to do that is to purchase a 2013 Season Pass. Aside from unlimited access to the park, there are some other cool perks. Did you know season pass holders get a 10% discount on food and birthday party packages? Plus, there are ‘Bring a Friend for Free’ days as well as special events and discounts. So add some fun and sparkle to the new year by becoming a season pass holder today!\n\nComing up in January:\nAre there any mystery buffs out there? Well, then you might know that Sherlock Holmes’ birthday is January 6th. And in honor of the great man we’re having a Mystery Writing Contest throughout the month of January. It’s for kids 11 years old and under. The only requirement is that the mystery must contain a squirrel (in honor of our mascot, Happy). The winner will get his or her story posted on the website AND a photo opp with Happy when he returns from his trip.\n\nThat’s right, Happy the Squirrel is on his way home. You’ve seen pictures of him around the park, but the squirrel himself will be returning in the the spring. So be on the lookout and stay tuned for arrival times and details!\n\nWe look forward to seeing you in the new year!\n\nWinter Park Hours*:\nJanuary 19\nSat. – Sun. 10 am – 5 pm\n\nFebruary\nFri. 11 am – 5 pm\nSat. – Sun. 10 – 5 pm\n\n* Weather permitting.
Month: December 2012
Happy Christmas Eve!
Yes, the big day is almost here. Are you still out and about scampering for last minute gifts? Or maybe you’ve played it cool this year, and all the goodies are under the tree. And now there’s nothing left for you to do but nestle in front of the fire, hot cocoa in hand, and listen to Bing Crosby croon White Christmas.\n\nAnd speaking of … we were running through some of our favorite Christmas movies the other night and bouncing around some of our favorite lines. Here’s a few we came up with; see if you recognize them.\n\n“Remember, George: No man is a failure who has friends.” – Clarence, It’s a Wonderful Life\n\nRalphie [to department store Santa Claus]: “No! No! I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred Shot Range Model Air Rifle!”\nSanta Claus: “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.” – A Christmas Story\n\n“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.” – Doris Walker, Miracle on 34th Street\n\n“You’re a foul one, Mr. Grinch\nYou’re a nasty, wasty skunk\nYour heart is full of unwashed socks,\nYour soul is full of gunk, Mr. Grinch\nThe three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote: Stink, stank, stunk!” – How the Grinch Stole Christmas\n\n“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” – Elf\n\nYukon Cornelius: “This fog’s as thick as peanut butter!”\nHermie: “You mean pea soup.”\nYukon Cornelius: “You eat what you like, and I’ll eat what I like!” – Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer\n\n“God bless us, every one!” – Tiny Tim, A Christmas Carol\n\nWhat are some of your favorite Christmas movie lines?\n\n** Looking for a gift for the whole family? It’s not too late to take advantage of our 2013 Season Pass Christmas Sale. You can still purchase a season pass for only $64.95!
Behind the Scenes: Earning Our Fun Degrees
Did you know that every year Funderland management takes off on an exciting adventure to IAAPA to learn more about the latest and greatest in the amusement park industry?\n\nIAAPA stands for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and it is truly a sight to behold. Imagine if you can, a trade show floor filled with all of the fun things that make up amusement parks and fun centers around the country: coasters, 6D experiences, new food concoctions, bowling, arcade games, haunted houses, zip lines, carnival games, laser tag, bounce houses, water rides, you name it.\n\nNow, imagine (if you can), that all of these things are free and unlimited; imagine there are no lines.\n\nImagine men in business suits drinking ICEE’s and holding meetings on zip lines. Imagine grown women in bounce houses. Imagine an entire arcade of grown-ups hovered over pinball and air hockey for hours while scarfing down Dippin’ Dots and funnel cakes. Imagine yours truly spending 3+ hours perfecting the art of claw machines. If you can imagine all of these things, you’re getting close to the spectacle that is IAAPA.\n\nYou know how your entire impression of school changes when someone says “Hogwarts”? Well, IAAPA is sort of the Hogwarts of trade shows. It’s magical.\n\nBut we don’t just go to have fun and remember what it’s like to be a kid, we also go to learn from some of the best in the industry: Sea World, Disney, Six Flags, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and others! They all show up to tell us the new things they’re working on and the great success stories we can take back and implement in our own parks. We also get to learn tips and secrets of the trade from other people around the globe who work in amusement parks very similar to our own.\n\nThere are sessions on amusement park food, new rules and regulations we’ll need to abide by, being great managers, hiring the right staff, generating buzz, having educational programs, creating integrated marketing campaigns, implementing new technology, and more! In other words, it’s a one-stop-shop to learn about all the new things going on in the industry!\n\nSo, now you know a little bit more about we do behind the scenes to stay on top of changes in our industry as we continue to improve our little world of fun here in Sacramento, CA.\n\nPhoto Credit
Of Cocoa and Carousels
This morning I’m starting the day with a frothy cup of hot cocoa. There’s nothing like nursing a hot cup on cold mornings. Today I topped it off with peppermint shavings in honor of the season. And I’ve been doing a little holiday decorating as well. It’s always such a joy to get out those traditional little keepsakes. So many good memories of people and times gone by.\n\nI know it may seem late to some of you, but I’m beginning my gift hunting this week too. I know, I know, I have friends that have already finished. So if you’re in that camp, congratulations! I always have good intentions, but you know how that goes.\n\nSo at some point this week, we’ll be hitting Arden Fair Mall. And, aside from shopping, a trip to the mall means a stop at the Carousel. Did you know Funderland operates and manages the carousel in Arden Fair? Indeed, we do.\n\nCarousels have a long and colorful history, and I believe the first one to appear in the United States was in the early 1800’s. They’ve developed over the years, of course, with state of the art technology, but they still thrill young and old alike. The carousel in Arden Fair Mall is a custom-made Barrango built in San Francisco in 1992. At the time, it cost a whopping $250,000! Marcy Friedman, one of the owners of Arden Fair Mall, was instrumental in the design and painting of the animals. It’s a beautiful little piece, hand-painted and brightly colored. Just the sort of thing to bring the imagination to life! So if you’re in the mall this season, be sure to stop by with the kids and take a spin. It’s a perfect break from the frenetic mall pace!\n\nOh, and if you’re still looking for the perfect family gift, why not purchase a 2013 Season Pass? During the month of December, you can get $15 off the regular price! Plus, it’s a gift that lasts all year long. How’s that for some holiday magic?!\n\n* Photo Credit: Peter V. Hernandez (Creative Commons)
December Delights
We love December, a month flowing with grace and gifts. Full of bright lights, cool nights, and warm kitchens. Not to mention good food and fellowship as we celebrate with family and friends. It warms our hearts and tickles our toes just to think about it. Yeah, it makes us a little silly too!\n\nSo what’s going on in our wide, wintry world? Or more specifically, what’s going on in our little neck of the woods this season?\n\nWell, the park is closed this month, the weather being too cold and unpredictable. But we continue to work behind the scenes planning, building, and improving. We hope to have some great events and surprises for you in 2013, so stay tuned!\n\nAnd in case you’re wondering what to get the little ones, you can make their whole next year merry and bright by buying them a 2013 Season Pass. That’s right, even though we’re closed this month, you can still purchase a 2013 Season Pass online. And at a discounted price–only $64.95! So why not give a gift that’s fun for the whole family and lasts all year long? Fah who foraze, as they say down in Whoville!\n\nAnd, of course, there’s a plethora of holiday activities and festivities going on around town this month. Here are a few staples of the season guaranteed to cheer your heart.\n
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- Hands-on-History: Christmas and Candlelight Tours at Sutter’s Fort on December 8
- Old Sacramento Living History Holiday Ball and Pony Express Holiday Ride on December 8
- A Christmas Carol at Sacramento Theatre Company November 28 – December 23
- The Nutcracker performed by the Sacramento Ballet December 7 – 23
- Free Admission Day at Fairytale Town on December 24
- Free Admission Day and PJ Party at The Sacramento Zoo on December 24
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\nLooking for more fun activities? Check out our friends at Sacramento365 and Sacramento Sidetracks. They highlight enough family fun for everyone. So get out there and deck those halls!\n\n