Who doesn’t enjoy a good magic act? Magic makes you feel wonders as things cannot be explained logically. It’s impossible to not love it right? Four months ago, our friend knows a magician who invited us to the Magic Castle in Hollywood, which first opened its door in 1963. It is an exclusive private clubhouse for members of The Academy of Magical Arts. The only way to get in is to be a member or get invited by a magician or a member.
After receiving the invitation to the Magic Castle, we had to make dinner reservations, which is mandatory in order to receive guarantee show tickets to the largest and longest show of the evening. Dinner reservation is accepted up to 12 weeks in advance and each invitation allows up to 6 adults. A credit card is required when making dinner reservation since you will be charged per head if you cancelled or no show to your dinner. There’s also an entry fee of $35 to get in on weekend evenings and it does not cover the cost of foods or drinks. Strict dress code is enforced where men are required to wear suit jackets and ties and conservative, formal and elegant dinner attire for women. Children are not allowed inside the club any evening with the exception of brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Four months felt like an eternity when we were waiting for this event. Finally, our triple dates at the Magic Castle has arrived and we were excited to dress up to look our best for this special night. Our dinner reservation was at 5:30 P.M. (earliest seating) and we arrived around 5 P.M. to give us enough time to take pictures. The Magic Castle looks like a gorgeous Victorian mansion at the foot of the Hollywood Hills. Who would have thought this is where the Academy of Magical Arts hosts many different magic shows in unique showrooms. In addition, magicians can take master classes to learn new effects.
Upon arrival, we had to show our invitation at the entrance in order to gain admittance to the lobby that resembled a library. We checked in with the host, paid the entry fee and were told photography is not allowed inside the Magic Castle except for the lobby. Inside the lobby, there is a secret door that is disguised as a bookcase. Apparently, we did not know that there is a secret phrase to say to the golden owl in order to get the secret door to open. We started touching different books, hoping that the door would open. We jokingly said “Open Sesame” and magically the bookcase slid open. Filled with excitement, we walked through the door, down the hall to enter the Grand Salon. In case if you missed it, the not-so-secret phrase is “Open Sesame”. The Grand Salon has a bar in front, Close Up Gallery showroom to the left and a staircase to the right that leads to the main dining room. Guests can also request a “ghost” named Irma to play piano songs for them.
The Magic Castle is full of rare memorabilia, magnificent posters, secret doors and performance parlors. It has different sitting area where magicians practice magic with guests. Also, it has full service restaurant and unique bars. Around 5:30 P.M., we were allowed to go upstairs to check-in for our dinner reservation. My friends and I ordered beef Wellington, lamb, lobster, Tomahawk steak and lobster mashed potatoes along with calamari, hamachi for appetizer and pistachio brulee for dessert. We thought the lamb and lobster mashed potatoes were delicious. The Tomahawk steak and beef Wellington were slightly overcooked. We enjoyed the appetizer and the dessert the most. Overall, the ambiance was cozy and the service was excellent.
Once we were done with dinner, we were given tickets to the biggest show of the night at the Palace of Mystery where we saw Henry Vargas and Klaus Duraes who used tablets to create illusions. We also saw Tina Lenert who performed her famous Mr. Mopman act where she combined mime and magic to create the fantasy magic acts. After that, we went to different showrooms to see more magic performances including the Charlatans (Dave Cox and Bill Chot) who we thought were really funny and entertaining.
Ways to score an invite to the Magic Castle
1) Know a member. If a member accompanied you to the castle, then you can forgo the entry fee. (depending on the type of membership)
2) Email a magician. Check out the schedule of performers and email the magician directly to add you to the guest list. Remember to ask nicely and be prepared to pay for entry fee and dinner.
3) Stay at the Magic Castle Hotel. Once you booked your stay at the Magic Castle Hotel, the concierge can help to book dinner reservation at the Magic Castle.
4) Stay at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. As a guest of Hilton who books the Magic Castle Offer, you will receive breakfast for 2 plus access to the Magic Castle. You will need to book at least 6 weeks in advance. Upon check-in, you will receive an invitation card to present to the hostess at the Magic Castle.
5) Become a member of the Academy of Magical Arts. All applicants are required to have a current member of the Academy of Magical Arts sponsor in order to join. The process takes a few months and once you are accepted, you can visit whenever you would like with no entry fee or dining minimum.
Our first time of the Magic Castle was magical. We ended up staying at the Magic Castle for almost 8 hours. None of us wanted to leave the Magic Castle even though it was almost 1 A.M. We had an incredible time watching the magicians perform magic tricks. The Magic Castle is a must do on your bucket list if you enjoy one of a kind magic show.
Tips Before You Go:
- Minimum age for evening entrance is 21 years old. Bring your ID.
- Open evenings 5 P.M. – 2 A.M., weekend brunch 10 A.M. – 3 P.M.
- Evening entry fee: $25 for Monday – Thursday and $35 for Friday – Sunday.
- Valet parking $15 per vehicle.
- No photography is allowed inside except for the lobby.
- Get in line at least 45 minutes before the desired show, as they fill up quickly.
- Gift shop is available at the lobby.
- Request a complimentary tour of Magic Castle from a Castle Knight.
Magic Castle
7001 Franlkin Ave
Hollylwood, CA 90028
323-851-3313
http://www.magiccastle.com/
Have you heard of the Magic Castle before? Do you plan to attend it in the future?