Muppet Time!!

I am a huge Muppet fan.  I grew up watching the Muppet Show, have seen every Muppet movie released and have most of them on DVD.  When I heard that they were releasing a new movie I was super excited and knew that we would have to make a special trip to the El Capitan Theater to watch it in style. My excitement was boosted even higher when I found out that (for an extra fee) we could attend Disney's Most Sensational Muppet Party prior to the movie.  I have had my tickets for both since August, and the movie poster has been on my refrigerator as I counted down the days.  The big day finally arrived last Sunday.

Our day started at the Muppet Party, which was held at Disney's Soda Fountain located next door to the theater.  We were pleasantly surprised to find out that the party was open to a very limited number of people which made a relaxed atmosphere for the attendees.  A light lunch, Muppet trivia, games and cupcake decorating put us all in a great Muppet-mood and got us even more excited for the movie.

After the party we headed over to the theater.  As I mentioned in a previous post,  The El Capitan  turns watching a movie into an event, and this time was no exception. The afternoon started with Kermit and Miss Piggy live on stage leading a holiday sing-a-long.  Everyone had been given a jingle bell bracelet as we entered the theater, and the kids loved singing and jingling the bells along with the Muppets. It even snowed in the theater as we all finished singing.  Then came the main event.  The movie was as great as I had hoped.  It kept my husband and I laughing throughout, and kept my kids' attention as well.  I love movies that we can all enjoy together.  But the day was not over when the movie ended...the El Capitan has a whole display of Miss Piggy's wardrobe and props from the movie that we were all invited to walk through before we left.

This was such a fun family outing.  Even going to the movie at the El Capitan without adding on the party would make a wonderful day trip.  My kids are still talking about it, and the poster is still up on my refrigerator, reminding me of what a great time we had.

Event: The Muppets movie and party at the El Capitan Theater

Dates: Nov 23, 2011-Jan 8, 2012

Cost: General Admission is $15.00 per adult and $12.00 per child. There is also an additional $2.00 fee per ticket. VIP tickets and party tickets are available for an extra charge.

Location: El Capitan Theater, 6838 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 

Parking: The El Capitan Theater will give a partial validation for those who park in the Hollywood and Highland center, located directly across the street from the theater. The maximum daily charge in that lot is $10.00

More Info: http://elcapitan.go.com/index.html

Cars 2 Movie and Attraction

This past Sunday is a day that brother has been counting down to for many weeks. The day we went to see Cars 2. Brother has been in love with Cars for several years (and he's only 4!) so we knew this new movie would be a big deal for him and we wanted to make it special. Luckily we live fairly close to Hollywood and decided that a trip to the El Capitan Theater was in order. The El Capitan is not just a plain old movie theater. It's the place to go when you want to make watching a movie into an event.

We had pre-purchased our tickets, so when we arrived (they recommend arriving 45 minutes to an hour early) we jumped in line and were quickly given our 3D glasses and our wristbands which would allow us access to the World Grand Prix Attraction after the movie was over. We didn't have to wait too long before we were allowed to go into the theater and find our seats. In true Disney fashion, they offered popcorn, candy and drinks all in Cars themed containers and complete with special surprises such as toy cars on the top of the cups. We don't always buy those things, but we wanted to make this a special day and came prepared to spend a little bit (ok, a lot) of money doing so.

Brother absolutely loved the movie and even cried at the end because it was over. Luckily, our day of fun was not. We were escorted in a large group over to the Hollywood High School field, where the Grand Prix attraction was set up. As we entered we took pictures with McQueen and Mater (sister's favorite). Once inside we had the chance to experience all sorts of car themed "rides" (such as a giant slide and a bungee jump) and activities. Brother and sister especially loved climbing on the giant tower of tires and painting a real car in the "paint and body shop".

By the time we were ready to leave, we were all hot and tired, but we had had a great time. And, judging by the fact that brother hasn't stopped talking about it since we got home, I think we made a great childhood memory!

Event: Cars 2 Movie and Grand Prix Attraction

Dates: June 24-Aug 28, 2011

Cost: General Admission is $22.00 per adult and $18.00 per child. There is also an additional $2.00 fee per ticket. VIP tickets are available for an extra charge.

Location: El Capitan Theater, 6838 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

Parking: The El Capitan Theater will give a partial validation for those who park in the Hollywood and Highland center, located directly accross the street from the theater. The maximum daily charge in that lot is $10.00

More Info: http://elcapitan.go.com/