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*** The following is a sponsored collaboration between The Museum of Illusions and We Like L.A. ***

Love is just an illusion. But at least it comes with some great savings.

This week The Museum of Illusions in Hollywood is offering a special promo for scorned lovers: Bring a printed photo of your ex and you’ll get 50% off tickets, which include access to the mind-blowing 3D illusions and Upside Down House exhibits.

They’re calling the special Valentine’s deal Cut ‘em & Forget ‘em, and we think it sounds like a bit of necessary catharsis. Plus, you’ll get to bank an awesome L.A. experience in the process.

Now, a couple things to keep in mind:

• The picture HAS to be printed.
• The offer runs from Feb. 10-14 only.
• Tickets must be purchased at the front desk.

If you’re newly single, take this as the perfect moment to cut your ex out (literally) and put yourself out there. Plus, we all know Instagramming well is the best revenge.

The Museum of Illusions is located at 6751 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Get tickets here.

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

* * * * The following is a sponsored collaboration between OUE Skyspace Los Angeles and We Like L.A. * * * *

Want to make the jump into 2020 extra special? Ring in the New Year at Los Angeles’ highest venue during OUE Skyspace’s New Year’s Eve 2020!

Enjoy two floors of entertainment from three DJs, two open-air terraces, four-hour open bar, appetizers and unlimited Skyslide rides. Plus, you’ll take in the night with panoramic views of DTLA and beyond.

VIP Booths are available on both floors and include admission for eight people, plus two bottles (one bottle of Absolut Vodka, one bottle of G.H. Mumm Champagne with mixers and garnishes) and three prix fixe appetizers for eight people.

Remember this is a 21+ event only!

Grab your tickets here.

The following is a sponsored collaboration between Mission San Juan Capistrano and We Like L.A.

A holiday spectacle is back at one Southern California’s most historic locations, and the Christmas cheer runs straight past the new year. Capistrano Lights at the Mission San Juan Capistrano opened with a special presentation on Dec. 7, and continues nightly (with just a few exceptions) through Jan. 6, 2020.

Each night at 5 p.m. a 30-foot tree at the base of the Great Stone Church lights up the Mission, accompanied by a 15-minute musical program. Families can explore the historic Serra Chapel, California’s most significant chapel, open after hours, pose for pics under a the 10-foot wreath, and view the community Christmas trees located throughout the grounds.

Parents can take advantage of some of the special programming that runs along with Capistrano Lights, especially as they look for fun activities to the kids busy over the winter break. Coming up this weekend (Dec. 21-22) guests can hang out for selfies with Santa Claus himself or purchase an add-on for a Holiday Do-It-Yourself Crafts program with an AR Workshop in the Soldiers Barracks. Plus, sweet treats and hot beverages will be available for purchase from 3:16 Bakery Shop.

This weekend’s crafts programming kicks off Winter Break: Crafts and Activities for Kids, which runs daily from Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, to Sunday, Jan. 5. All craft programs can be added on for a nominal fee. Weekday crafts and activities are offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m and weekend crafts and activities are offered from 1 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafts and activities include adobe brick making, arrowhead necklace and an alternate craft.

Tickets to Capistrano Lights are $10 for Adults non-members (ages 12-59) $9 for Seniors (60+), and $7 for Children (ages 4-11). The event takes place daily through Jan. 6 except Dec. 24, Dec. 25, and Dec. 31. The Nightly Christmas Tree Lighting at is at 5 p.m., and the Mission grounds close at 6 p.m.

You can purchase tickets here!

*** The following is a sponsored collaboration between OUE Skyspace LA and We Like L.A. ***

Take the whole family to OUE Skyspace with the Family Funday package! Valid every day from 10:00am to 4:00pm and includes admission, Skyslide rides, drink vouchers, and more for 4 people. Savings of $75!

Each Family Funday Package includes:

• 4 General Admission Tickets
• 4 Rides on the Skyslide (unlimited rides for kids 12 and under)
• 4 Drink Vouchers*
• $5 off a purchase of $25+ in our Gift Shop
• $5 off a Memory Maker Photo Package provided by Hot Shots

Get tickets now!

*** The following is a sponsored collaboration between The Original Lobster Festival and We Like L.A. ***

This weekend the Original Lobster Festival returns to the picturesque Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach for a three-day event you won’t want to miss!

The Original Lobster Festival prepares fresh, live Maine lobsters in the world’s largest cooker, which steams up to a thousand pounds of lobster at a time—so there’s plenty to go around! And if that’s not enough, you can find all things lobster from lobster rolls to lobster mac and lobster tacos, lobster bisque, and even lobster surf ‘n’ turf!

This year’s festivities offer TONS of activities for guests to enjoy. Dance away the calories to a variety of popular artists throughout the day, enjoy tasty eats in the food court, kick back in the VIP Lounge, take a Free Souvenir E-Photo, or check out the local artisans.

You can also catch sports action at the Live Sports Tent, explore the live reptile exhibit, sip on adult beverages (beer, wine, specialty drinks — infamous Signature drink “Screaming Lobster” and Margaritas), and sing a tune at the Karaoke Lounge with a Live Band (Friday and Saturday night) or hang out at the complimentary whiskey tasting lounge. There is something for everyone, including a Magic Show (as seen on America’s Got Talent), Face Painting, Games and Inflatable Bounces for kids.

Admission is  $5 Friday,  or $13 Saturday/Sunday (Kids 12 under Free).

Hours are Friday 5 to 10 p.m, and Saturday/Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

Get more info and tickets at www.originallobsterfestival.com

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

The following is a sponsored collaboration between Hilton and We Like L.A.

Every year millions of people make a summer pilgrimage to the happiest place on earth. As two thirty-somethings who haven’t been to Disneyland® Resort since their teens, a trip to the mecca of the mouse is as much about reconnecting with childhood memories as it is about exploring new attractions. And to be 100% honest, with so much to see, so many options available, and so many people all in one place at one time, it can all be a bit overwhelming.

But if you go at your own pace, prioritize what you want to do, and take advantage of some of the premium services offered, it truly is an experience you won’t soon forget.

This is how our perfect day of Disney unfolded.

Planning

As an adult couple visiting the Disneyland® Resort without kids, our plan probably deviates a bit than most park guests, but one thing that helps everyone is planning ahead to maximize your visit. Summer is a popular time to visit Disneyland, so using all the tools at your disposal makes a world of difference.

This is probably the biggest the reason we decided an overnight stay made sense. We wanted the flexibility to hop from park to hotel and back if need be, and have the peace of mind to know at the end of a long day we could simply crash out just a few minutes away rather than drive another hour to get back to L.A. That’s where Hilton has a great hookup.

If you book at least 2 nights in 2019 at participating Hilton hotels in Southern California you can receive a Magical Discount on your park admission to Disneyland® Resort. Guests who book this special offer will have the opportunity to purchase single-day and multi-day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Tickets and Disney MaxPass at a 5% discount off the non-discounted price of the same ticket at the Disneyland® Resort Main Entrance Ticket Booth.

For our visit we arrived before 8 a.m. at the Homewood Suites in Anaheim, had the front desk hold our bags, and then headed off for our day of Disney. The hotel is adjacent to the Toy Story Parking Area, so we simply walked five minutes to the free shuttle and we were on our way!

Something New

Nostalgia was a big theme for the day, but to begin we wanted to see what was new, which meant our first destination within the park was Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It did not disappoint.

The star attraction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. The experience puts a crew of six park guests into an immersive arcade-style ride where you ‘borrow’ the Millennium Falcon as part of a cargo heist. It’s a lot of fun, but of course there’s more to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge than just Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.

Guests can snap a selfie with storm troopers or rub elbows with bounty hunters at Oga’s Cantina while trying an expansive menu of exotic concoctions suitable for adults and children. If you’re hungry grab some Outpost Mix from Kat Saka’s Kettle or fuel up on galactic provisions at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo housed in a working hangar bay.

Rides, Rides, Rides

After Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge our goal for the next four hours was to get through as many rides as possible. In order to make this happen, we enlisted the help of Disney MaxPass.

Disney MaxPass costs $15 to add to our one-day Park Hopper® tickets (that’s $15 per ticket – but remember, you can get 5% off when you book with Hilton), and it was money well spent. The service allowed us to make reservations using the Disney FASTPASS® service directly from a phone, meaning we could plan out and book reservation windows on rides even as we were in line for others. There were a bunch of old-school rides on our to-do list: Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and more. Fortunately we were able to get to just about all our targets with the help of Disney MaxPass. 

A couple of tips we advise for using Disney MaxPass:

First, stagger your ride selections so you’ve queued up a couple with short wait times, and then another that might be a few hours away.

Second, bring a portable phone charger because having the app open all day will drain your battery fairly quickly. 

Dining at Disneyland® Resort

If you’re going to eat at Disneyland® Resort then Main Street provides the richest array of options. For something quick we’d advise a stop by Little Red Wagon located next to the Plaza Inn where you can get a hand-dipped corn dog. This corn dog is legendary at the park due to a super thick and delicious cornbread batter. You can also get the corn dog at Corn Dog Castle in Disney California Adventure® Park, which offers a cheese filled option as well. 

For something a bit more substantial, opt for a friend chicken plate at aforementioned Plaza Inn. Each plate comes with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a biscuit, and the portion is fairly sizable. We were able to share one fried chicken plate and add a couple of side salads and it squared out to a perfectly sized meal for two, at a cost of less than $30. It also left a little room for sweets!

Across the from the Plaza Inn is Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, where you’ll find the adorable raspberry rose Mickey macaron. Fresh raspberries and raspberry mousse are sandwiched between two Mickey macarons. It tastes as sweet as it looks.

As you make your way through Disneyland®Resort cool off with a DOLE WHIP® or a DOLE WHIP® Float at the Tiki Juice Bar, a counter outside of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room located in Adventureland. DOLE WHIP® is essentially a dairy-free pineapple soft serve. If you are looking for something more substantial to go with your DOLE WHIP® step inside The Tropical Hideaway located next to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. There you can enjoy a selection of baos from bulgogi beef to spiced vegetables and lime chicken. A variety of fresh fruit, sweet lumpia and an assortment of whip flavors are also available. 

The Disney Pop-Up Experience

After grabbing a bite we exited the park and headed over to Downtown Disney® District where we had afternoon reservations for Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration.

This pop-up experience is housed inside the former home of ESPN Zone, where the upstairs has been built out into a series of rooms featuring hyper-colorful displays, each showcasing Mickey in a variety of themes, from a look at the early years of Mickey to a Fantasia tribute and everything in between. The oversized backdrops and Instagrammable installations provide plenty of photo-ops, so if Mickey and the ‘gram are two of your favorite things, then Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration is a must. 

Tickets start at $30 for a weekday visit but keep in mind it’s open only until September 2, so if you want to visit, it’ll have to be before summer ends.

More Photo Ops

Some SoCal locals might have annual passes, while others visit Disneyland® once every few years. Still for others this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In almost every case, people want to take great photos to capture the memory. Here are a few suggested spots for such a shot:

• Sleeping Beauty Castle
• Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue
• The whimsical oversized teacups at the Mad Tea Party ride
• In front of the Millennium Falcon at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
• Outside of “it’s a small world”
• Next to one of the Main Street Vehicles
• Mickey’s Toontown
• Disneyland Forever®  fireworks in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle
• In front of the Pixar Pal-A-Round at Disney California Adventure® Park
• Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure® Park

Capping it Off

By late afternoon we were getting tired, so it was a great time to shuttle back to the hotel, check in, and catch a quick breather. A short while later we were ready for round two, and this time we were headed to Disney California Adventure® Park. 

There is no way to get through all of Disney California Adventure® Park in just a couple short hours, but we settled for a ride on the Incredicoaster, a walk on Pixar Pier, and a sunset view of the Pixar Pal-A-Round (formerly Mickey’s Fun Wheel). After the sunset photos it was time to go back to the Disneyland® Park for one last thrill.

By just after 9 p.m. a crowd had gathered in a column on Main Street with Sleeping Beauty Castle standing in the distance. Minutes later fireworks filled the night sky as a soaring medley of Disney’s most iconic scores played throughout the park. It was quite a moment, a culmination of experiences both past and present, calling back not just to things we’d seen that day, but also movies and experiences we’d had as children. And as we glanced around to the faces of those around us it was hard not to notice the awe and wonder captured in the eyes of both kids and adults. There really is something about this place, isn’t there?

** This post is a sponsored collaboration between Pacific Park and We Like L.A. ***

Few locations capture the iconography of Southern California better than the Santa Monica Pier. The beach. The sunshine. The thriving, pulsing crowds and energy. And it’s those exact features that make it a great date spot.

During the summer the beach is going to be the coolest (literally, by temperature) place to be in L.A. And the fact that there’s something for everyone makes it a blast… games, sweets, rides, or just good old-fashioned people watching.

So how do you plan the perfect date at the pier? We’ll break it down below.

Getting There

Let’s be real, parking in Downtown Santa Monica, especially on a weekend, can be a headache. Luckily, we have an entire article dedicated to planning a car-free day in Santa Monica, which is worth a read if you’re going to visit for a day and/or you’re new to the area.

In any case, we strongly recommend utilizing public transit (either the Expo Line or the Santa Monica bus system) if possible. That said, if part of your date involves driving, just make sure to account for the traffic times getting in and out, as well as the parking costs (they vary by day) associated with the Downtown SM lots.

Those Crowds

One of the best things to do at the pier (and that’s free!) is simply soak in the scenery. The throng of tourists, locals, performers, and purveyors can be a little overwhelming at first (especially if you walk up on a Saturday afternoon), but the upside is that there’s always something to see and discuss and laugh about.

A great date, at least in in our book, facilitates communication between the two principals. So don’t be shy, talk to each other!

Games, Rides, and Funnel Cake

Communication might be the foundation of any great date, but the bottom line is, you’ve got to have fun and make it memorable!

Pacific Park, L.A. County’s only admission-free amusement park offers twelve different rides, including the West Coaster, the only west coast, oceanfront, steel roller coaster located on a Pier over the Pacific Coastline. Plus there’s an awesome array of midway games (aka, chances to win your date a big fluffy animal).

Once you’ve hit your limit for games and coasters, be sure to follow it up with a sweet treat (we recommend the funnel cakes!), then cap it off with a ride on the Pacific Wheel. With the big crowd, privacy comes at a premium, so a ride on the wheel provides some much needed one-on-one time, not to mention a killer view of the whole pier.

More Things to do

The nice thing about the pier is there’s lots to do, no matter what your mood or inclination. You and your date could go head to head at skee-ball inside the Playland Arcade, take a flying trapeze lesson at Trapeze School New York, spot some of the sea life inside the Santa Monica Aquarium, or take in some live music at Rusty’s Surf Ranch. If all else fails, just head down to the boardwalk to enjoy a light ocean breeze as the day unwinds.

Stay for the Sunset

One final piece of advice: Make sure you pack a beach towel so you can make the most of magic hour. Right before sunset carve out a spot on south side of the pier and watch as the dusk sun fades and the neon lights up on the big wheel. It is, dare we say, pretty romantic.

Hopefully you’ve had a full (and fun-filled!) day, and if the plan has gone well, you’ve grown a little closer with the person you’ve shared it with.

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

*** This post is a sponsored collaboration between Midsummer Scream and We Like L.A. ***

For some folks, the scary season is the best time of year. The costumes, the haunts, the fun, the total immersion in the dark and macabre. But then again, who says have to wait until October?

Midsummer Scream, now in its fourth year, brings the world’s largest Halloween and horror fan convention to the Long Beach Convention Center this August 3-4. Some 30,000 guests are expected to attend, and 2019 promises to be the best edition yet.

This year’s event includes 350 unique vendors, the Hall of Shadows featuring over a dozen haunted attractions, educational workshops to sharpen your haunting skills, special presentations by signature SoCal haunts like Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights and the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, and plenty of live entertainment including a presentation of Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group’s Urban Death (a We Like L.A. favorite!). 

New for 2019, Midsummer Scream has added a Podcast Studio, where fans can watch their favorite podcasters interview industry icons and personalities live in a relaxed, fun environment all weekend long. 

Plus, make sure to stop by the Black Cat Lounge where you’ll be able to mix and mingle with adorable feline friends (and adopt!) as part of an ongoing partnership with Kitten Rescue Los Angeles.

All in all, there is no place that Halloween and horror-lovers can find a more authentic experience than in the heart of downtown Long Beach at the 2019 Midsummer Scream.

To get more information, and to purchase tickets now, visit MidsummerScream.org.

If you’d like to learn more about We Like L.A. sponsored posts and how we work with our partners, you can go here.

*** This post is a sponsored collaboration between Old Pasadena and We Like L.A. ***

Starting this Friday, July 5, Old Pasadena Summer Cinema returns with a dozen screening events spread over three-plus weeks at two unique Old Pasadena locations. And just as in years past, each one is FREE and open to the public.

This year’s lineup offers a diverse lineup of films, ranging from the family friendly (Babe, Monsters, Inc, Coco, Zootopia) to the action-packed (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Captain America: Civil War, Ocean’s 8) to laugh-out-loud funny classics (Clueless, Nacho Libre).

Central Park hosts four of this year’s screenings, with each evening including special free activities, DJ music, free Paradis Ice Cream (while supplies last), and the chance to picnic in the picturesque setting prior to each film (chairs and blankets welcome!). For each screening the activities begin at 6:30 p.m., with films to begin at 8:30.

One Colorado offers another open-air option, with films projected in a charming courtyard just off Colorado Blvd. Select One Colorado businesses will get in on the fun by offering discounts and pop-ups. Seating is provided at One Colorado, but be sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

Read below for the complete list of dates, locations, and films. And for details on each evening’s events be sure to go to https://www.oldpasadena.org/summercinema/.

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema 2019 Schedule

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley – Friday, July 5, 2019 – 8:30 p.m.

Captain America: Civil War – One  Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley – Saturday, July 6, 2019 – 8:30 p.m.

Babe – Central  Park,  141 S.  Raymond  Avenue – Saturday, July 6, 2019 –  6:30 p.m. (film start at 8:30) 

Clueless – One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley – Friday, July 12, 2019 – 8:30 p.m.

The Lego Movie – Central  Park,  141 S.  Raymond  Avenue – Saturday, July 13, 2019 – 6:30 p.m. (film start at 8:30)

Monsters, Inc. – One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley – Saturday, July 13, 2019 – 8:30 p.m.

Enchanted – One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley – Friday, July 19, 2019 – 8:30 p.m.

Singles – Central  Park, 141 S. Raymond  Avenue – Saturday, July 20, 2019 –  6:30 p.m. (film start at 8:30)

Coco – One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley – Saturday, July 20, 2019 – 8:30 p.m.

Ocean’s 8 – One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley – Friday, July 26, 2019 – 8:30 p.m.

Zootopia – Central  Park, 141 S. Raymond  Avenue – Saturday, July 27, 2019 –  6:30 p.m. (film start at 8:30)

Nacho Libre – One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley – Saturday, July 27, 2019 – 8:30 p.m.

*** This post is a sponsored collaboration between Pacific Park and We Like L.A. ***

This weekend Stranger Things has come to life at the Santa Monica Pier via a massive (and free!) ‘Fun Fair’ transforming a portion of the pier into a Hawkins, IN carnival in anticipation of the new season of the hit Netflix show.

As it happens, the folks over at Pacific Park reached out to us to see if we’d like to get a first look at the Fun Fair and gather a few photos documenting our visit. Umm… did they know we were huge fans of the show? We were all in.

Our journey began with a Saturday morning drive to Santa Monica from NELA (thankfully before traffic picked up). We parked near Santa Monica Place and headed over to the pier. Here’s what we saw…

First up, we couldn’t not snap a photo on the bikes of our four main Hawkins heroes.

Next up, the ‘Curiosity House’ was more than a little psychedelic. We loved it, even the part where you stick your hand in the mystery wall at the end.

The Hawkins High School cheerleaders took to the stage for a little midday entertainment. Later, an 80’s cover band will perform to entertain the fair-goers.

We stepped into the photo booth and snapped a few glamour shots, but not before we found some attire that was a little more era-appropriate.

As the sun came out in full force it was nice to cool down with some ice cream from the Scoops Ahoy truck.

To wrap things up we walked over from the Fun Fair to Pacific Park to take a spin on the ‘Hawkins Wheel’ and play a few games at midway.

All in all, a fun-filled afternoon!

As a reminder If you plan to head over to the pier this weekend, crowds are expected to be in full force, so public transit is a preferred option.

Remember that the Metro Expo Line Downtown Santa Monica Station is only about a 10-minute walk to the pier. Plus you’ll save on parking if you can get to the Westside on Metro or via bus. In fact, we have an entire article where we discuss doing a car-free day in Santa Monica, so be sure to take a look before you depart!

Stranger Things 3 Fun Fair hours are 11 a.m to 9 p.m. on both Saturday, June 29 and Sunday June 30. Admission is free, but you should expect a line to get in.