Acclaimed celebrity chef Curtis Stone, Disneyland Resort, Marriott International, the San Diego Padres and Napa Valley’s Carneros Resort and Spa have joined Visit California’s “Dreaming On in California” weeklong celebration of 2020’s missed milestones.
In anticipation of the Golden State’s projected June 15 reopening, Visit California is calling upon locals and visitors to share their stories of postponed dreams, skipped plans and cancelled celebrations from 2020 at VisitCalifornia.com/DreamingOn for the chance to make them come true this year — California style.
Set against California’s striking backdrops, chosen participants will receive once-in-a-lifetime, statewide experiences featuring jaw-dropping, dream-worthy partnerships and appearances. Taking place June 21-25, the experiences range from an unforgettable meal prepared by acclaimed celebrity chef Curtis Stone, to behind-the-scenes access at a San Diego Padres game, a magical Disneyland Resort vacation, a luxury road trip with stops at Marriott International properties across the state, and a series of fairytale weddings at the luxurious Carneros Resort and Spa, and much more.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with such iconic partners and the highest caliber of talent to commemorate the safe reopening of California and host these once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California. “California has always been a place of endless possibility, and the state’s unmatched scenery will provide the perfect backdrop for these long-overdue celebrations.”
The Dreaming On in California experiences:
- The week kicks off on June 21 with award-winning chef, author and television personality Curtis Stone preparing a sunset dinner of signature dishes for 10-15 couples who missed an anniversary or other special milestone. The Australian chef is known for embracing the seasonality of California ingredients in his menus. Stone’s TV credits include “Take Home Chef,” “Top Chef Masters,” “Top Chef Junior,” “Field Trip with Curtis Stone,” and the forthcoming “Crime Scene Kitchen” on FOX. In addition to helming his own restaurants – the Michelin-starred Maude and Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant – Stone is a New York Times bestselling author and has become the best reviewed and top-selling culinary brand for his line of products on the Home Shopping Network. During the pandemic, Stone pivoted both of his Los Angeles-based restaurants into neighborhood marketplaces to serve the community and keep staff employed.
- The “Magic is Here” at Disneyland® Resort, where three families of four will receive an ultimate theme park experience in Anaheim. The celebration package, ideal for helping making Disney dreams come true, includes a two-night stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, three-day Park Hopper®tickets to Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park, a one-day Disneyland Resort VIP Tour, a welcome basket and a $100 Disney dining card. While celebrating at the Disneyland Resort, winners may experience a land of Super Heroes at the all-new Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park or experience great adventures in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park, along with other memory-making lands and attractions throughout both parks, as well as unique shopping and dining in the Downtown Disney® District.
- On June 23, two families will receive a special night out at a San Diego Padres game to reunite and make up for lost time together. As the Padres battle in-state rival Los Angeles Dodgers, the families will be treated to amazing seats and a private, exclusive pre-game behind-the-scenes tour of Petco Park. This experience will also include suite accommodations at Omni San Diego Hotel, the only hotel in the U.S. connected to a major league stadium.
- Customized luxury road trips will be set up for two groups who will receive everything they need to hit the Road Trip Republic in style, from luxe rental cars to exclusive experiences. Luxury accommodations will be set up along the way by Marriott International and each road trip will cover a different region of the state. A Southern California trip will include stays at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, the new JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort, and THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego. A Northern California trip will include stays at Monterey Marriott, JW Marriott San Francisco and San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf.
- The week will culminate on June 25 with 10 individual micro-weddings (up to 20 guests each) or milestone vow renewals over the course of 10 hours at Napa Valley’s magnificent Carneros Resort and Spa, which will also mark the debut of the resort’s newest wedding venue, Hilltop Lawn. Nestled atop 28 acres, the new space overlooks the region’s iconic vineyards and rolling hills, making for a truly stunning backdrop to say “I do.” Additionally, each couple will enjoy a two-night stay at a local resort so they can enjoy a true dream destination wedding experience and soak in Napa Valley’s approachable luxury.
To submit your story, visit VisitCalifornia.com/DreamingOn to take a short survey, including what major milestone, celebration or other life event you postponed or lost in 2020, why it was important, and with whom you planned to share those special moments. Submitters are encouraged to upload photos and share their social handles or links to videos that tell their story and must agree to the contest rules.
The Dreaming On portal is open for submissions through 11:59 p.m. PDT May 24. Selected recipients must be able to be in California for their experience the week of June 21. Details, including location and duration, will be revealed by June 1. Selected recipients will receive complimentary hotel stays. Airfare is not included. Other restrictions apply to each of the experiences and their elements.
Future visitors are encouraged to share how they’re “Dreaming On” with post-pandemic travels by posting their California travel plans on social media using the hashtags #DreamingOn and #VisitCalifornia.
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ABOUT VISIT CALIFORNIA:
Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor's Guide, go to www.visitcalifornia.com. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to media.visitcalifornia.com.
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