Los Angeles Vacation Giveaway Magic Castle Review And Giveaway!

The Bucket List. Otherwise Known As “a list of things to do before you die”. I have a bucket list and although it isn’t well put together, there are things on there that mean a lot to me. One of these things was visiting the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. I was so glad when they invited me out not just one night, but two. Then when they agreed to be part of the Los Angeles Vacation Giveaway I was over the moon!

The Magic Castle is the private clubhouse to the Academy of Magical Arts. Basically I refer to it as The Magician’s Headquarters Of The World, but that is totally my explanation so don’t go using it around. Every night magicians come to the castle to put on shows for the guests. Not just anyone can come to the Magic Castle either, you must be invited by a magician, be a member, or stay at the Magic Castle Hotel. If you stay at the Hotel there is a fee to get inside the Castle and you also must purchase dinner at either the bar or the dining room.

When I recently stayed at the Magic Castle hotel I was able to visit the Magic Castle twice. Once on a weeknight and once on a weekend night. Each night had its pro and cons. But both nights we had to follow a strict dress code. I realize that this isn’t always appealing to everyone, but I loved it. Men in suits or even tuxedos and women in gowns, you just don’t see have the chance to dress up this way anymore. Be sure to check out the Dressbarn giveaway, which is a part of the Los Angeles Vacation giveaway so you can purchase a gown for the special night.

We arrived on Monday night and had dinner at the bar. Although it was a bit of a tight squeeze at the table, the hamburger which is only available on the bar menu was delicious as were the fries. We sat in Invisible Irma’s piano room and she played us many a tune. Although you can’t see her you can always communicate with her. Just say “Irma, can you play (name a song)” and she will either begin playing it or she will give you a sad two key “no”. A big pro about the bar menu is it’s much less expensive than the dining room.

Once we were finished with our meal we were able to catch every show in the castle. For some we had to sit in the back but for most we had great seats and were even treated to being included in the acts. There was no rush to make it to a show and the entire night was really laid back.

Then we visited on a Saturday night. It was SO crowded. You had to push through people in the bar areas in order to get anywhere. The lines for the shows were either really long, or already closed. The entire night I saw one show and my guests saw 2. This was because we had tickets for one, and I waited in line for the 2nd while they were in the first. Make sense? We were able to sit at a private table and receive a show in the bar which was a really great experience. A pro about weekend nights is that there is an extra show which was my favorite show of all! It would be different every week of course but just know that there is that extra option.

The food in the dining room wasn’t as great as the bar menu. I ordered the vegetarian dish of the evening which was quinoa in a roasted tomato, it was kind of tasteless and left me wanting more. However my friend Jen got the Beef Wellington and loved it, she ate most of it which is saying something since it was huge and she is not. My other friend Meredith ordered the chicken and was happy with it as well. I highly recommend the Magic Castle Three Cheese Garlic Bread and any of the desserts. Seriously, any of them. Big yum!

Although the busyness of the Castle on a weekend was disappointing, I will say that because of how many people were there, we saw more of the Castle than we had the time before. It was just easier to see where to go when people were going everywhere. I didn’t even realize they had a museum which was really interesting, we spent a lot of time in that area. There were also more bars we never knew about and other things to look at.

The shows were just spectacular. Some had lights and effects and some were just up close magic. None of them were boring. They don’t just cover one type of magic either. The nights we visited there were jugglers, card tricks, science magic, effects magic and so much more! I tend to be a fan of the guy who can pull doves out of thin air but my friends were a huge fan of the juggling magician! So what I’m trying to say is, there is something in it for everyone! Well, everyone over 18 that is. The Magic Castle only allows children for Sunday brunch and at classes.

The Magic Castle Owl Mascot

This review is already really long so I guess I need to stop rambling. All I can say is that the Magic Castle was “freaking awesome” and lived up to my bucket list. I want to go back every single time I visit, and I plan to! There will undoubtedly be something new to see each and every time.

Right now, if you win the big Los Angeles Vacation Giveaway, you’ll get 2 passes to enter the castle free of charge. You’ll still need to cover your dinner but I promise, it’s worth it!

Extra Entries (worth one separate entry each you do. Be sure to leave ALL CONTEST ENTRIES AT THE ORIGINAL POST! Don’t leave any entries on this post!!! ):

1. Visit http://www.magiccastle.com and look around. Tell me what you’d be most excited about! Don’t leave your comment entry here.

2. Follow Official Magic Castle on Facebook. Come back and tell me who you are. Remember, all entries need to be left at the original post. Don’t leave your comment entry here.

3. Follow Magic Castle on Twitter. Come back and tell me who you are! Remember, all entries need to be left at the original post. Don’t leave your comment entry here.

That is an extra 3 entries into an awesome contest. But remember, you must go to THIS LINK to leave your comments. DO NOT LEAVE COMMENT ENTRIES ON THIS PAGE!!! All disclaimers are located on this original post.

*No pictures are allowed to be taken past the entryway of the castle. Please excuse the stock photos which I had permission to use.

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