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*** 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.

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

Celebrate the 4th of July In the Sky! Chow down on an all-you-can-eat buffet and enjoy a ride on the all-glass Skyslide while viewing multiple fireworks displays around L.A. Your first 2 drinks are included with your ticket and a live DJ starts spinning at 9 p.m. There is no better way to celebrate Independence Day! 

The 4th of July In the Sky package includes:

• All-you-can-eat BBQ Buffet (7 to 9 p.m.)
• Two (2) drink tickets (good for domestic beer/wine & well drinks)
• Access to all three levels of OUE Skyspace LA
• Ride on the Skyslide 

For groups of 10 or more, please contact groups@oue-skyspace.com. Unlimited soft drinks available for guests under 21 and under.  Skyspace will close at 6 p.m. and reopen 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Buffet includes Hamburgers and Hot Dogs (Vegan Options available), Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Salads, Corn on the Cob, Mac and Cheese and Assorted Dessert.

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 Old Pasadena and We Like L.A. ***

If you love art, you love exploring, and you love FREE… then we’ve got a ‘thing to do’ that absolutely needs to be on your radar.

Now in its third year, BoldPas: A Day of Art & Play in Old Pasadena returns this Saturday, June 8 for a massive, BOLD display of temporary street art and engaging public activities. The event, staged in Old Pasadena’s historic 19th-century alleys, is free to the public and offers a one-day-only opportunity to encounter artistic, ephemeral interventions in unique urban spaces. 

Guests of BoldPas can explore all of 17 site-specific art installations spread throughout the 22-block historic district of Old Pasadena. And this year it’s all about being hands-on and interactive! Walk under a 60-foot canvas suspended high above one alley. Meander through a giant sea of balloons. Manipulate a serpentine tube made of beach balls. Watch live painters transform walls and canvases with graffiti and street art. Behold a massive parking garage wall shimmering with a cascading curtain of gold.

PLUS: Attendees can check out three Merchant Art Stops, take part in free instructor-led art activities and hands-on art making at multiple locations, or go to sp[a]ce gallery at Ayzenberg for early access to Robot Remix and printmaking demos by artist Sean StarWars.

This year’s BoldPas event also runs concurrently with the annual Playhouse District Block Party (running from noon to 10 p.m.), giving your even more reason to make a day of it!

BoldPas takes place on Saturday, June 8 from noon to 8 p.m. Make sure to visit Old Pasadena’s official website for more information on attending the event, including a downloadable map, information on accessible public transit, and full descriptions of all of the day’s activities.

Enjoy!

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 Wallis Annenberg PetSpace and We Like L.A. ***

If your child can’t stop talking about furry four-legged companions, there’s a brand new way to make their special day even more special that they’re absolutely going to love.

Kids 6 through 12 can now celebrate birthdays at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. Parties includes tons of fun activities for kids to enjoy, like a guided tour of PetSpace, educational games, a pet encounter, and pet-related crafts.

Reservations offer access to the birthday party area to open gifts and partake in host-provided cake and refreshments, and each registered attendee also receives a goody bag to take home!

The cost per party is $350 fee with a non-refundable $100 deposit, for groups of up to ten children. There is an added fee of $15 for each additional child, up to a maximum of 20 children per birthday party.

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is located at: 12005 Bluff Creek Drive Playa Vista, CA 90094. For more details and to make your reservation, please visit annenbergpetspace.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.

The following is a sponsored collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and We Like L.A.

We all know that every day should be a tribute to mothers, but sometimes we need a little extra  holiday push to make the matriarch in our life know how special she truly is. Well, what better way to treat mom than with an unforgettable trio of fantastical dance, music, and food. And with a VIP brunch experience by Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna (now playing at LA Waterfront), you’ll get all that and more!

Mom’s special brunch package features premium tickets giving you the best seats in the house, access to the exclusive VIP suite, and a delicious menu that includes chef attended food stations (waffles please!), passed hors d’oeuvres, desserts, sparkling mimosas, and more. PLUS: Mom’s VIP ticket holders also get access to a private terrace and restrooms, complimentary parking and an exclusive gift. And then of course there is the show!

Amaluna invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Your mom will get to enjoy a female-driven show (the cast comprise a majority of female, including a 100% female band) that puts a mother-daughter relationship at the centre of the story.

Plus, Amaluna is a fusion of the words ama, which refers to “mother” in many languages, and luna, the latin word for moon, which in itself is a symbol of feminity. This makes it the perfect show to celebrate your mom on her special day!

The Mother’s Day VIP Brunch offer is available for the 1:30 p.m. show (the early show) on both May 12 and May 19. If you’re unable to make it for either date, guests can still book tickets to Hennessy Black VIP Experience, available through May 26.

Whatever you decide, just remember to make this year’s Mother’s Day magical. We know mom will appreciate it.

To book tickets for the Cirque du Soleil Amaluna VIP Brunch experience, go 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.