Universe of Light Featuring DC Super Heroes at Gaylord Texan: A Whimsical Experience for All Ages That Sparks Imagination and Family Bonding #VisitGrapevine

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind summer experience that delights kids and reconnects parents with the iconic characters of their own childhood, Gaylord Texan’s Universe of Light featuring DC delivers something truly unforgettable. This brand-new attraction—the first-ever DC Super Hero-themed lantern show in the United States—is a must-visit destination for families seeking something fresh, immersive, and filled with awe-inspiring moments.

Running from May 23 through September 1, 2025, this event transforms the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, TX into a glowing world where classic comic book stories meet world-class artistry and innovation.

 
Here is Some of What You’ll Discover at Universe of Light

Nearly 1,000 Handcrafted Lanterns
This isn’t your typical light show. These intricate, glowing creations are handcrafted by skilled artisans from Zigong, China—renowned worldwide for their lantern-making traditions. Using hand-drawn blueprints and time-honored techniques, these artists have brought nearly 30 iconic DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains to life in vivid, larger-than-life displays.

Immersive Scenes and Iconic Showdowns
Guests walk through 12 immersive scenes, each telling part of a larger story from the DC universe. Witness Superman’s clash with Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman’s battle with The Cheetah, and Batman’s mysterious Batcave glowing in the dark. You’ll see The Flash mid-sprint, Harley Quinn with her signature flair, and end the journey at the Fortress of Solitude and Hero’s Walk of Fame. Each step is filled with color, detail, and nostalgia—making it just as meaningful for parents as it is exciting for kids.


Interactive Features for All Ages
From a life-sized lantern Batmobile to interactive elements scattered throughout the experience, there’s plenty to engage the senses and ignite curiosity. It’s a space where families can walk together, slow down, and take it all in—whether you’re capturing the perfect photo or simply pausing to admire the craftsmanship.

Incredible Stats Behind the Scenes
If you typically visit Gaylord Texan at Christmas to enjoy the thousands of twinkling lights and many tons of hand-carved ice, you know that they do everything BIG! The scale and detail of Universe of Light featuring DC are truly remarkable. Here are just a few fun facts that bring the scope of this event to life:

• Nearly 1,000 handmade lanterns
• 28 semi-trucks used to transport the attraction’s materials
• Over 3,000 LED lights illuminate the displays
• More than 50 tons of steel support the framework
• Lanterns made from over 10 miles of silk fabric
• Artisans from Zigong, China spent months creating the displays using traditional techniques and hand-drawn blueprints
• The life-sized Batmobile lantern alone spans nearly 30 feet
• 12 immersive DC-themed scenes, including the Fortress of Solitude, the Batcave, and iconic battles

These stats aren’t just impressive—they reflect the craftsmanship and passion poured into every inch of this magical experience!  

As a mom, I enjoyed the nostalgia that I experienced at the event, and watching how magical it was for my children.  I loved that the attraction catered to their big imaginations and kept them in awe!  I won't spoil too many surprises, but I will share that it's a unique experience and we've never encountered anything like it before.  

I also have to highlight the DC Super Hero themed foods since good food makes any experience better!

The Golden Lasso Pretzel was my personal favorite!

My oldest son will tell you that the Gotham City Slider was his favorite! You'll find full size burgers with waffle fries in the restaurant.

Our event had these adorable and delicious slider versions of the Gotham City Burger!

My youngest was all about this delicious layered dessert with lemony goodness!

Of course, I have to mention the gift shop that is packed with all of the DC Super Hero gear from capes to keychains!

My youngest fell asleep peacefully and I'm pretty sure that he was dreaming about the magical experience!

Plan Your Visit

• Location: Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, TX
• Dates: May 23 – September 1, 2025
• Duration: The walk-through typically lasts about 30–45 minutes, but you’re welcome to linger and enjoy the displays at your own pace
• Tickets: Available now at Gaylord Texan Tickets

Make It a Full Getaway
For those wanting to extend the magic, Gaylord Texan offers family-friendly accommodations and on-site amenities, including dining, shopping, and seasonal activities. It’s the perfect way to turn a special evening into a memorable overnight stay. Plus, staying on-site makes it easier to enjoy all the resort has to offer without feeling rushed. They also have many other Summer Fest activities to keep you busy such as the Paradise Springs Water Park, DC Super Hero Academy Live Show, Character Dining, DC Super Hero Sightings, Battle for Justice Light Show, DC Super Secret Menu, and more! You are sure to stay busy in the Gaylord Texan universe!

 
Why It’s Worth It
Universe of Light is a rare opportunity to experience beloved DC characters in a completely new format. The glowing lanterns, expert craftsmanship, and interactive elements combine to create a memory that feels both magical and meaningful. It’s the kind of family experience that leaves an impression long after the lights go out.

Make sure to get your tickets early—this limited-time event is expected to sell out quickly. Reserve your tickets here!  

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Recipe: Crepes with Maple Chicken, Apple, and Brie

Recipe: Crepes with Maple Chicken, Apple, and Brie

Ingredients:

•  1 pound of chicken
• 2 Tablespoons of maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
• 6 to 8 Crepes
• 1 apple, sliced into thin pieces
• 12 to 16 thin slices of brie that are each approximately 1.5" long

Directions:
1. Add the chicken, syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a plastic freezer bag. Shake well so that the olive oil and seasonings coat the chicken well. Allow to marinate for a minimum of 1 hour.

2. Grill the chicken over medium heat until thoroughly cooked and then chop into thin slices.

3. Prepare your crepes.  If you need a recipe for crepes, click here.

4. Layer the slices of chicken, brie, and apple on each crepe.

5. Roll each crepe and optionally drizzle with Balsamic glaze.

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Recipe: Toffee Fruit Dip

Recipe: Toffee Fruit Dip
This recipe is great for after school snacks, play dates, and parties. It is a great way to entice everyone to eat their servings of fruit for the day. 

Ingredients

• 8 oz. of whipped cream cheese
• 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1/2 cup of crushed toffee candy bars
• Optional: 2 Tablespoons of crushed toffee candy bars for garnish
• Optional: Serve with apples, grapes, and your favorite fruits

Directions 
1. Add the 8 oz. of whipped cream cheese, 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/2 cup of crushed toffee candy bars to a medium size bowl or container and stir until thoroughly mixed.

2. Serve the Toffee Fruit Dip with your favorite fruit. 

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Recipe: Greek Lemon Potato Wedges

 

Recipe: Greek Lemon Potato Wedges

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 3 to 4 large lemons)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 3 pounds large Russet potatoes
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425-degrees.

2. Wash and chop the potatoes into wedges or fries.

3. Toss the potato wedges in 2 teaspoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Optionally, toss with a teaspoon of lemon zest.

4. Spread the potato wedges in a deep baking dish.

5. Pour the lemon juice and then olive oil over the potatoes.

6. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, flipping every 15 or 20 minutes to promote more even cooking. Be careful because there is liquid in the pan.

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Tips for Visiting the New PEPPA PIG Theme Park in Dallas/Fort Worth!

Peppa Pig fans, get ready for unforgettable happy childhood memories! We were thrilled to attend a special media event for a sneak peek into the brand-new PEPPA PIG Theme Park in North Richland Hills, TX, and now we're sharing our best tips for making the most of your visit!

Let's start with the location of the PEPPA PIG Theme Park in DFW, TX:

• Location: 8851 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, TX 76180

My son has been a huge Peppa Pig fan since he was a toddler, and he was over the moon about this new park! From thrilling rides to splash-tastic fun, playful games, and even dining at Mrs. Rabbit’s Diner, the entire experience was pure magic! Here’s everything you need to know before you go!

Tip #1: Get Your Tickets in Advance

PEPPA PIG Theme Park offers single-day tickets, annual passes, and special deals—so be sure to check the official website before your visit! Booking ahead will save you time and ensure a smooth entry into Peppa’s world.

Tip #2: Must-Visit Attractions for Peppa Fans

This park is designed for young children, with adorable rides, interactive experiences, and plenty of space for free-range fun! Here are some top attractions you won’t want to miss:

• Grandpa Pig’s Boat Ride – A relaxing, slow-paced boat ride through gentle waters with fun surprises along the way. My son absolutely loved this one!
• Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster – A beginner-friendly coaster with just the right amount of twists and turns for little thrill-seekers. My son's favorite!
• Peppa’s Balloon Ride – Soar high above the park in colorful balloons for a magical bird’s-eye view of Peppa’s world.
• Carnival Games at the Fun Fair – Classic fair-style games where kids can win prizes and have a blast. My son couldn’t get enough of these!
• Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure – Ride a dino through an adventurous prehistoric setting—perfect for little explorers!
• Muddy Puddles Splash Pad – Bring swimsuits and towels for this fun water play area, inspired by Peppa’s favorite activity!

The carnival games are included with your admission! There are no extra charges to play the games.

Tip #3: Plan for a Peppa-Themed Meal at Mrs. Rabbit’s Diner

All that fun will definitely work up an appetite! Mrs. Rabbit’s Diner serves adorable and delicious Peppa-themed meals, perfect for little ones.

Don’t miss the Muddy Puddle Milkshake—it was my son’s absolute favorite treat and the perfect sweet ending to our trip!

Tip #4: Take a Break in the Play Areas

If you need a break between rides, check out these fun interactive spots:

Peppa’s Treehouse & George’s Fort – Climb, explore, and let kids create their own Peppa adventures.

Peppa’s Musical Garden – A hands-on space where kids can step on musical notes and create their own tunes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a Peppa-loving parent or a kiddo ready for a day of fun, this park is the perfect place to create oink-tastic family memories!

So grab your wellies, get your camera ready, and prepare to jump in muddy puddles—Peppa Pig and her friends are waiting for you at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas/Fort Worth!

Want to learn more? Check out the official website: PEPPA PIG Theme Park - Dallas/Fort Worth.

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(Review) The Husqvarna Automower is a Game Changer in the Texas Heat!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Husqvarna. All opinions are 100% mine.

This post is sponsored by Husqvarna. They recently sent us an Automower product to review.

My husband and I used to mow our own lawn. It's one of our least favorite chores, especially with the Texas heat and humidity.  Our first house together was almost an acre. We quickly learned that we did not like maintaining a large yard. When we had the opportunity to relocate for new jobs, we purchased a home on a smaller lot with .25 acres. We later realized that we would prefer an even smaller yard and we moved yet again to a villa where front yard maintenance is included in our HOA fee and we only have to maintain our small backyard that is hidden by fences. The space is approximately 1,000 square feet. We've mowed it for several years, but we finally decided that we have had enough and began researching alternatives such as artificial grass, hiring someone to help, or a robotic lawnmower. 

Many of our neighbors feel the same way about yard work. As I mentioned, we live in a villa where the HOA maintains our front yards and then we are responsible for our small backyards. The majority of our neighbors hire landscapers.  This is nice, but it's expensive and we don't like the idea of giving landscapers a key to our yard.  The typical cost of weekly mowing for our small backyard is $75 to $100/week.  We mow our lawn for approximately 7.5 months per year, so it's not trivial to spend over $3,000/year to hire landscapers to mow our backyard. As a Mom and an Engineer, I can't help but calculate the cost for multiple years and notice how quickly the expense accumulates. After five years, the cost adds up to around $15,000.

Several of our neighbors have artificial lawns. Some of them got together in small groups to negotiate a bulk discount, but it was still very expensive. An example of a neighbor's yard is shown below. It looks nice, but it was outside of the budget that we wanted to put toward our yard. Plus, with young children, we didn't want to worry about the cost of replacement down the road.

Only recently did we come across the Husqvarna Automower as an option to help mow our lawn. I wish that we would have known about it sooner. We looked into it and ran the numbers to figure out whether it could make sense for us.  Specifically, we looked into the Husqvarna 115H Automower that is priced at $1,599.99 with installation.  At this price, we felt like it was a cost effective solution to mowing our lawn that is cheaper than hiring landscapers to mow.  I searched for reviews and people seemed happy, so I reached out to the company to ask if it would be possible to collaborate and to send us review a unit.  They agreed! This was a highlight of my blogging year, especially if you consider the temperatures in Texas right now and how much we dread yard work. Of course, we were excited because the perks of this robotic lawn mower are amazing, but I also felt like it was a special opportunity to gain and share an experience that people are curious to know more about.

The process for ordering the Husqvarna Automower was nice because they ship the Automower in a package that arrives on your doorstep. They then connect you with an installation expert who sets everything up for you.  For instance, check out the photo below that shows my package on our front porch.  I took the photo from a distance so that you could notice that it's a large package, but still a reasonable size for me to carry on my own.

Here is a closer view of the package.

We were so excited about our new best friend that we couldn't help but to peek into the package to see it before the installation company arrived.  The package was comprehensive and included everything that I needed to get started.

The day before the installation company arrived, we mowed our lawn to the desired height.  This is something that you will want to do before your installation as part of the customization process.

Lambert's Landscape Company installed the boundary wire and charging station. In the Dallas area, we are very lucky because the pros at Lambert's know the ins and outs of the Husqvarna Automower. The Director of Fleet Services and Facilities installed our Automower. He manages a fleet of them and even runs two Automowers in his own yard. He is knowledgable about landscaping and Automowers. He was really nice about answering our questions and giving advice. The installation for our yard went by quickly. He installed the boundary wire with a machine that buries it rather seamlessly. I was relieved to know that the boundary wires would be buried so nicely, especially since I have energetic children who aren't even able to see the buried wires.  Here is a photo of him installing the boundary wire.

I also made a video and encourage you to watch it because you'll get a better idea of how quick and seamless it was for him to install the boundary wire.

After he installed the boundary wires, he finished setting up the charging station and updated the software. This is the home for our new best friend, the Automower! He also helped us to get the app which helps us to monitor the status of our Husqvarna Automower. For instance, here is a photo from when we set it up.

Here is another photo of the app which shows statistics about the number of hours that it has spent on our lawn.

The Husqvarna Automower is smart and able to adapt to many variables such as different yard sizes, slopes, grass types, and more. Personally, our yard is around 1,000 sq. ft. and relatively flat with only slight sloping around our French drains.  We have Bermuda grass which is a southern grass that grows in warm climates. It has a narrow leaf blade which I think is aesthetically pleasing. It grows quickly and is also quite resilient. You'll find it at many golf courses and athletic fields since it's relatively good for high traffic areas.  Our yard is a breeze for the Husqvarna Automower that quietly works its magic on our lawn.  

The Husqvarna Automower spent the first couple of days exploring our yard.  My family enjoyed watching our curious little friend move around to learn the lay of the land! 

After the initial exploration, the Automower used its advanced technology to mow our lawn on a more scheduled basis.  The technology is actually more interesting than we initially expected. Not only does this little robot mow our lawn, but it also improves the health of our lawn. That was an unexpected bonus for us!   We just wanted a break from yard work, so it was even cooler to realize that the Automower could further improve the health of our lawn too. The way that it works is different than our old process. We used to go through with a loud electric lawn mower.  The Husqvarna Automower is more advanced. It uses several blades to finely mulch the grass.  Instead of rushing through like we used to do with a lawn mower, the Automower takes slower and more frequent passes which provides a noticeable difference to the health of our lawn.

Another big difference between our old mower and the Automower is the noise level. Our old mower was loud.  Our Automower is pretty quiet. I tease my husband that it has such good manners with how quiet it is. It even runs past my bedroom at night while I am sleeping without me noticing.  I also appreciate that it has safety features to stop if it bumps into something unexpected. For instance, my youngest son dropped his teddy bear outside. The Automower skillfully avoided it which is an important feature that we appreciate since our children play in the yard and don't always clean up after themselves.

The Automower may be scheduled to run at any time. We prefer an evening schedule so that our children aren't outside. I would actually be okay with my boys around it since it has safety features, but my children sometimes play soccer or have water balloon battles, so I figured that evening runs were better. Plus, as I mentioned earlier the Automower is quiet enough that I don't even notice it when it goes by my bedroom windows in the evening.

Security is an important feature to me. There is one loud thing about the Automower. That's the alarm. If someone doesn't know the pin number and then picks it up and tries to run off with it, the Automower has a very loud alarm.  You need to enter your pin number to turn it off. Depending on the model, you may also have GPS tracking. 

We've used our Automower for a few months now. Let me share a quick list of questions that people have asked us with our personal answers.

1. Is it as loud as a traditional lawn mower?  Answer: It is MUCH quieter than our old traditional lawn mower. In fact, we run it in the evening and it mows outside of my bedroom window without waking me. 
2. Does it break if it rains?  Answer: We have left our Automower out during several rainstorms without any issues. I just wipe it down with a cloth after the rain. (For reference, I also wipe down our patio furniture and grill after rain.) We moved the Automower to our patio for one storm because there were severe weather warnings. During that particular storm, you wouldn't have even wanted to leave your car outside.
3. What if children leave toys in the yard? Answer: My children have stress tested this feature. They have a bad habit of leaving toys in the yard.  Fortunately, the Automower is quite advanced and has avoided every toy left in our yard over the past few months.  One of them was my youngest son's teddy bear, so I was grateful for the Automower's technology to avoid their toys.
4. Could someone pick it up and walk off with it? Answer: Yes, but there is an alarm system.  It makes an obnoxiously loud noise that would make it hard for someone to casually pick it up in our yard and walk off with it. We are able to hear the alarm noise in our house. We have a pin number to turn the alarm off. Some models also have a GPS security feature.
5. Do you like it? Answer: We absolutely love it!  If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stop wasting time on mowing the lawn and to let an Automower take over the chore.  Seriously, the combination of Texas heat and humidity is the worst. The Automower is a total game changer that allows us to spend less time on chores and more time enjoying life.

Now that we have used the Husqvarna Automower for a while, we are very happy and wish that we would have adopted it sooner.  The time savings has been amazing. We no longer have to mow. We only have to do the edging. My husband has approximately 5 extra hours to spend with us every month. If you multiple this by 7.5 months, he has saved approximately 37.5 hours/year. That's almost an entire workweek out of the year for him! We have a small backyard that is under 1,000 square feet. I imagine that the time savings increases for Texans with bigger yards.

During the Coronavirus shutdown, the Automower was also a life saver because it mulches the grass into fine pieces and we do not have to bag and dispose debris. Our garbage collection company temporarily stopped the collection of lawn clippings.  Prior to the arrival of our Automower, we had garbage bags full of lawn clippings for weeks until they finally announced a special day when collection of lawn debris resumed.  I'm glad that we don't have to dispose of lawn debris after the Automower.  The mulching process is eco-friendly and convenient!

In summary, the Husqvarna Automower is an amazing application of technology that has improved the quality of our lives.  The experience has given us a healthier lawn, but more importantly, the gift of time. As busy parents, the ability to cross mowing the lawn off of our chore list was amazing! I know that we could have hired landscapers to mow weekly or invested in artificial grass, but those solutions were very expensive. The Husqvarna Automower is more cost effective for our situation. The Husqvarna design team deserves credit for the meticulous attention to detail that they put into the Automower!

Learn more on Amazon

We are part of the Amazon Affiliate program for bloggers.  If you order this product through one of our links, we receive a small referral fee that helps to keep our blog in business. It doesn't change the price of the item or cost you anything extra to use our link if you were going to order the Automower. We appreciate the support!

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Recipe: Endives and Avocado Dip

Recipe: Endives and Avocado Dip

This recipe is a slight variation of the Avocado & Endive Appetizer Recipe from California Endive Farms.
Ingredients:

• 2 medium sized avocados
• 1.5 Tablespoons lime juice
• 2 Tablespoons Greek yogurt
• .5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2.5 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 24 endive leaves

Instructions

1. Wash and cut fresh endives.  Set aside. 

2. Mash the avocados and set aside.

3. Combine the remaining ingredients, including the Greek yogurt, lime juice, ground cumin, and cilantro.

4. Slowly mix the avocados into the mixture from Step 2.

5. Spoon into endive leaves. 

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