the magic castle tour

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The Academy of Magical Arts

If you’re planning a visit to The Magic Castle, there are a few things you’ll need to know.

First things first.

The Magic Castle is an exclusive clubhouse for members and invited guests ONLY

NEXT, When will you be joining us ?

What to expect during your night at the castle.

• The Magic Castle is the exclusive private clubhouse for members of The Academy of Magical Arts.
• You must be a member or have a guest card from a member to gain admittance.
• Valid Photo ID required.
• We adhere to a strict dress code. See below.
• Guests are required to dine with us. One entrée required per guest.
• NO ONE UNDER 21 will be admitted to the clubhouse except for Saturday & Sunday brunch.

The Magic Castle is an Elegant Environment that has a Strict Dress Code

All members and guests are required to dress in Evening wear or business attire that is conservative, formal, and elegant.

Thank you for not wearing:  Denim,  Casual Footwear (for example: designer, work boots, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops),  Military Fatigues,  Casual or At hletic Clothing,  Outer-wear

Guests who do not meet the dress code or minimum age requirements will not be admitted to the clubhouse. If you have any questions about the dress code, please call the Castle before you make your visit. When in doubt, OVERDRESS!

Guests can arrive as early as 5 pm, with onsite valet provided. You will have dinner followed by the main show.

Guests are encouraged to stay after the main show to see additional shows in other theatres and to browse the gift shop .

What to expect during your Day at the castle

• Guests are required to dine with us. One Brunch purchase per guest.
• Photographs and autographs are not permitted.

The Magic Castle Has a Strict Brunch Dress Code

Thank you for not wearing:  Denim,  Shorts,  Casual Footwear (for example: work boots, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops),  Military Fatigues,  Casual or Athletic Clothing.  Excessively revealing clothing,  Outer-wear

Guests who do not meet the dress code or minimum age requirement will not be admitted to the clubhouse. If you have any questions about the dress code, please call the Castle before you make your visit. When in doubt, OVERDRESS!

The Magic Castle Has a Strict Dress Code for Evening Guests:

• All members and guests are required to dress in business attire or evening wear that is conservative, formal, and elegant.
• Formal suit or coat with dress shirt, tie, and dress slacks (no denim) with closed-toe dress shoes is required. No casual footwear.
• Exceptions to the “tie rule” are: full turtlenecks (no mock turtlenecks), bow ties, bolo ties, ascots, and banded collars when worn correctly.
• Military dress (no fatigues), ethnic attire, and/or religious garb are allowed as exceptions to our dress requirements.
• Leather jackets with buttons, dressy blazers, leather pants, and linen suits may also be accepted, unless viewed by management as casual, outer-wear, or unacceptable attire.

Our dress code mandates that, at all times, all guests in suit & tie:

• Keep their dress shirts tucked into their waistbands.
• Keep their necktie properly tied, so that the knot is near, if not at, the collar.
• Keep their suit jacket/blazer on when moving throughout the club.  It is acceptable to remove one’s jacket while sitting in a showroom watching a performance, sitting down in the dining room, or to temporarily wrap another guest who is cold.  However, walking through the club sans jacket is not permitted.
• Formal or cocktail dresses, elegant skirt and blouse, or dressy tunic (mid-thigh) and slacks (no denim) combinations, and pant-suits (matching blazer and non-denim pants) with dress shoes is required.
• Leather jackets with buttons, dressy blazers, leather pants, linen suits, and one-piece jumpers with long pants for women may also be accepted, unless viewed by management as casual, outer-wear, or unacceptable attire.
•  Elegant sweaters or shawls are recommended to cold-natured guests due to our air conditioners.

Dress code for Saturday & Sunday Brunch Only

• Members and guests (all ages) are expected to dress in conservative, ‘country club casual’ or formal party-wear.
• Men must be in khakis or long pants (no denim) with a dress shirt, casual button-down, or polo shirt with a collar.
• Ties, suit coats, and blazers are optional.
• Dress shoes are required for everyone age 12 and older.
• Military Dress, ethnic and/or religious attire will also be allowed.
• SHORTS ARE NOT PERMITTED
• Women must be in a summer dress, skirts and dressy top, or long pants (no denim) with a dressy top. Capri pants and sleeveless blouse are allowed.
• Sweaters or shawls are recommended to cold-natured guests due to our air conditioners.
• Military dress, ethnic attire, and/or religious garb are also allowed.
• Boys must be in khakis or long pants (no denim) with a dress shirt, casual button-down, or polo shirt with a collar.
• Sneakers or sneaker-like shoes will be tolerated.
• Ethnic attire, and/or religious garb are also allowed.
•  Girls must be in dresses, skirts and dressy top, or long pants (no denim) with a dressy top. Capri pants and sleeveless blouse are allowed.

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How to Visit the Magic Castle

The Magic Castle is one of the most exclusive places to visit in Los Angeles. It is a private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. Inside this special place, there is magic taking place all around you. Visiting the Magic Castle is an incredible privilege and we have some tips for you to help make this experience a reality.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and buy something, I will earn a small commission from the advertiser at no additional cost to you.

Be invited by a member

Stay at the Magic Castle Hotel ($250+ per night). The hotel is a separate building from the castle itself but it is located next door. You can view the rates here .

Attend the AMA Magic Castle Awards – you will receive an invitation for two for the Magic Castle with your ticket purchase. Tickets start at $105 per person. For 2024 the show taking place in May is sold out. 

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Magic Castle

I do want to be transparent that while this is a very cool experience it does not come cheap. In addition to paying an entrance fee per person, each guest is required to order one entree from the restaurant. 

Valet parking is $30

Evening Entertainment Fees

Monday – Wednesday $40 per person

Thursday – Sunday $45 per person

Brunch Entertainment Fees

Adults (14 years & older) $25 per adult

Children (5-13) $20 per child

Children under 5 are free

*No one under 21 will be admitted to except for Saturday & Sunday Brunch

Brunch Buffet Fees

Children $30

Entrees for Dinner start at $45

What to Know About Visiting The Magic Castle

They do have a strict dress code. It is extensive and it is best to look at the dress code directly on the castle’s website which you can do here . 

Photos are not allowed beyond the lobby.

After one show ends, get in line for the next as the lines start quickly and seats can be limited.

With a dinner reservation, you will receive tickets to The Palace of Mystery which is the only magic show that requires a ticket. 

I feel so blessed that I was able to visit for Halloween several years ago but I would love to go again as it is difficult to experience everything in one visit.

About The Author

Michelle Ares is the founder and creative director of LA Dreaming. I have a passion for Southern California and love sharing my adventures and experiences with you. I love to travel, find new places to check out, and watch movies. You can follow me on Instagram @la.dreaming

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A guide to the Magic Castle

Here's everything you need to know about the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, from what to wear to how to get in

When you want to see magic in Los Angeles, you go to the Magic Castle. You've probably seen it perched above Franklin Avenue and have always wondered what kind of mystifying acts take place within the walls of this Victorian chateau. If you're an out of towner, this just might land on your list of  places to visit in L.A.  But if you're a local, it's a right of passage to becoming a true Angeleno. So whether you're going for the bar , restaurant or magic, here's our guide to this exclusive club.

What is it?

The Magic Castle  is a private magic clubhouse in Hollywood that offers magic shows, dining experiences and séances to their members. The club first opened its doors in 1963, but the Victorian building dates back to 1908.

Where is it?

The Magic Castle is located at 7001 Franklin Ave in Hollywood. It’s one block north of the Hollywood Walk of Fame .

When is the Magic Castle open?

The Magic Castle is open daily from 5pm-2am. Weekend brunch is Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm. The venue may be open, but the magic schedule may have different times. 

How can I get in?

There are actually a number of ways to get into the Castle even if you’re not a member, which you can find here . The venue is 21 and over, except during weekend brunch.

How much does it cost?

Members can enter anytime without paying an entrance fee. The same goes for up to five guests entering with a member; additional guests must pay. The admission fee if you manage to get an invite is $20 Monday through Thursday and $30 Friday through Sunday, which does not include the cost of dinner, which is required and can bring the cost upwards of $75 per person. 

What do I wear?

The evening dress code is strict and requires all visitors to dress in business attire or evening wear that is conservative and formal. Suit and tie is the best bet for men, but full turtlenecks, ascots, banded collars, bows and bolo ties are also acceptable. For women, a cocktail dress or pant suit is perfect. Country club casual is the dress code for brunch attendees. Be sure to snap a photo of your fancy outfit before heading inside because there are no photos allowed at the Magic Castle. For a full list of their dos and don'ts, visit their  site .

What magicians will I see?

There’s a rotating list of magicians that perform at the Magic Castle. To find out who will be performing when, check out the Magic Castle’s website .  You could even meet Houdini himself during the Magic Castle's special Houdini Séance. After a dinner (and bottomless wine), a medium will summon the other side and invite some spirits to your little gathering.

How do I see a show?

Magic is always taking place at the Castle, with shows happening as often as every 45 mins. As you make your way through the castle, you’ll see magicians set up at tables throughout the property. There are also five venues feauturing close-up magic, stage performers, illusionists and more. The Palace of Mystery is the largest venue (130 seats) and the only ticketed show. The only way to snag a seat is by dining at the restaurant. After dinner you will get a ticket to show. The Parlour of Prestidigitation, Close-Up Gallery, Peller Theatre and W.C. Fields Bar offer a more intimate magic experience. 

Any tips or tricks?

Some of the best magic happens at the bars, and no we're not talking about the delicious drinks being made. Some of the best magicians at the club are behind the bars. Also, be sure to plan out your night and get to your desired shows early or else you may miss the best magicians! 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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LA's Magic Castle: The Complete Guide to the Members-Only Mansion

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley

The Magic Castle is a members-only clubhouse in the heart of Hollywood that has been conjuring up good times full of prime rib and prestidigitation since 1963. Read on to learn about the spellbinding siblings who founded it, the tricks and treats hidden inside, and how to become one of the lucky few to venture inside to mingle with magicians, famous fans, and an ivory-tickling specter. 

Pasadena attorney William Larsen quit his successful day job to pursue magic full-time — touring with his wife (Geri) and two sons (Bill and Milt) as The Larsen Family of Magicians for much of 1930s and '40s — and starting an enthusiast magazine called Genii . When travel was restricted during World War II, he bought the Thayer Magic Company, held shows in the local studio, and turned his Hancock Park estate into a gathering place for magicians. In 1951, he formed the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) and made Genii subscribers the first members. After his death in 1955, Geri and Bill continued publishing, but his dream of building a magicians social club died with him. That is until Milt, a writer for NBC writer, decided a once glamorous, then-rundown, Franklin Avenue mansion he could see from his office would be the perfect place to revive the AMA. 

The Mysterious Mansion

The gothic Edwardian home turned hocus-pocus headquarters was originally constructed as the residence of wealthy banker Rollin B. Lane and his socialite wife, Katherine, in 1909. Nicknamed Holly Chateau, it was the place to see and be seen for 30 years. When the Lanes passed away in the '40s, it was converted into a boarding house and a home for the elderly. By 1960, it was completely trashed.

After Milt made a handshake deal with the owner in 1961, the remaining Larsens renovated for almost two years , acquiring much of the decor and materials from Hollywood studios and estates and buildings scheduled for demolition. Owl Bar’s cityscape backdrop came from "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson" while other pieces were featured in Dean Martin variety shows, "Hello Dolly," and "The Witches Of Eastwick." There are tin tiles from a Redondo Beach firehouse, a bar top from Hollywood High’s gym, chandeliers from a Bullock’s (a Los Angeles department store), street lamps from a Venice pier, cast-iron friezes from a Masonic Temple, and a cherub from William Randolph Hearst. As you take your magical mystery tour of the 22,000-square-foot club, be sure to look all around, as the castle contains hidden panels, eye-fooling decor, and magical artifacts. The fun begins immediately as magic words must be said to enter the mansion. Archimedes, a taxidermy owl, answers yes or no questions. Irma the ghost takes requests on the piano. A Pepper’s Ghost prototype created for Walt Disney for the Haunted Mansion sits in the basement. 

Magical Members

The AMA has 5,400 members from 48 states and 47 countries. The registry is a who’s who of tricksters including Penn & Teller, Lance Burton, David Blaine, Harry Blackstone (senior and junior), Doug Henning, and Dai Vernon. Neil Patrick Harris (enrolled in the young magicians program before landing Doogie Howser duty), Tony Curtis, Jason Alexander, and Cary Grant are card-carrying performing members. Other members/frequent visitors include Johnny Depp, Drew Barrymore, Colin Farrell, Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, Jimmy Kimmel, and Zoe Saldana.

How to Get in the Secret Door

Obviously the easiest way to gain access is to be a member. Membership has its benefits like the ability to attend shows and dinner nightly, weekend brunch (all ages), or members-only Friday lunches and events. Members also have the power to grant entrance to friends and family. Magician members can use the extensive library, attend lectures by masters of illusion, and perform impromptu magic in designated areas. Folks with a trick up their sleeve can audition to earn a magician or junior magician (ages 13-20) membership. Associate membership is available for people 21 and over who have an appreciation, but not a talent for magic. The only catch is the six- to eight-month waiting list.

Don’t despair if you’re a mere muggle dying to see some divination. There are still a few ways to get inside:

• Befriend a member: They can take you along or get you in. Even if you know a guy, you're required to pay for a pricey California steakhouse-style meal. You can’t just go for a drink or show. 
• Rent the castle: It's available for private events like weddings, business mixers, or even birthday costume party, like the one Katy Perry threw a couple years ago. On top of the cost of the event, you must purchase temporary membership.
• Stay at the Magic Castle Hotel :  Book a room directly through the property or a live travel agent at the adjacent hotel and if there’s availability, they can secure you a reservation for dinner or brunch. Added perks: there’s a 24-hour free snack bar and popsicle hotline at the pool . 
• Take advantage of new Hilton partnership: The brand teamed up with the castle through April 2020 and 43 of its LA, South Bay, and Orange County hotels including The Beverly Hilton and Huntington Beach’s Waterfront Beach Resort are participating. Book the Magic Castle Offer when you make the reservation and Hilton’s concierge will work to secure admission and a dining reservation (required). The offer does not cover castle costs incurred or promise availability so the earlier you book and the more flexible you are about dates, the better. Reservations must be made six to eight weeks in advance.

And everyone, no matter how they got in, must dress to impress as the club takes the formal dress code very seriously. If you show up in jeans or other verboten items, you’ll be turned away whether you're a member or not. There’s also a strict no-photography policy.

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5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0.00/5 - (0 Votes) Colm Local tour guide "Visit The Magic Castle during the weekdays if you can, as the crowds are much smaller and you'll enjoy a more intimate experience with the magicians. Remember to check out the Irma Room – the 'Haunted Piano’ – it's a lesser-known highlight and a truly magical experience not to be missed."

What is The Magic Castle?

The Magic Castle stands as an iconic private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, nestled in the heart of Hollywood, Los Angeles. This enigmatic Victorian mansion is a hallowed sanctuary for magicians and magic enthusiasts, boasting a labyrinth of secret passages, parlors, and performance venues that have hosted some of the greatest illusionists in the world. It's not just a venue; it's a vibrant community where members share, practice, and perfect their craft, surrounded by the largest collection of magic memorabilia in the United States.

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As someone with an invite—because, yes, it's invite-only—you'll feel like you've been whisked back in time or stepped into the pages of a Potter-esque novel. From the moment the hidden door swings open, revealing the Inner Sanctum, you know you’re in for a night filled with wonderment. It's more than an establishment; it's an experience - a living museum where the line between audience and performer blurs, giving way to an immersive encounter with the art of illusion.

History of The Magic Castle

The Magic Castle's story began over a century ago. The structure itself was built in 1908, originally the Rollin B. Lane residence, a banker and real estate mogul, and his wife Katherine. In 1963, a pair of brothers, Milt and Bill Larsen, transformed this once private mansion into the now-famed clubhouse. The Larsens hailed from a family ingrained in the magic community; their father, William W. Larsen Sr., had long dreamt of creating a private club for magicians. Sadly, he never saw this dream come to fruition, but his sons realized it, cementing the Magic Castle as a cornerstone of Los Angeles' cultural and historical tapestry.

The mansion itself was nearly demolished before the Larsens stepped in, and their intervention preserved not only a piece of architectural history but also gave life to an institution that would become integral to the world of magic. The Magic Castle has seen legendary performers walk its halls, from Dai Vernon to Doug Henning, and has been lovingly restored and maintained to maintain its Edwardian splendor, giving glimpse into LA’s past while celebrating the timeless art of magic.

Why is The Magic Castle Important?

The Magic Castle is important for multiple reasons. Firstly, it serves as the epicenter of the magical arts community, a place where novices and masters alike can gather to innovate and delight in the craft. Its significance to the magic world is akin to that of Carnegie Hall for musicians or The Louvre for art enthusiasts. It's a beacon of tradition, showcasing the historic progression of illusion and entertaining while propelling the art form into the future. The library within its walls holds a trove of magical literature, some dating back hundreds of years, preserving the history and the secrets of the craft.

Furthermore, the venue's exclusive nature creates an allure that extends far beyond the magic community. Its importance to Los Angeles is underscored by its status as a historical landmark and its contribution to the rich tapestry of entertainment in the city. The Magic Castle is a testament to the power of imagination and the belief in the extraordinary, serving as a reminder of the magic that exists within and all around us in a city famed for making the impossible seem possible.

Things to Do & See at The Magic Castle

At The Magic Castle, there's an endless array of marvels to experience. First and foremost, the live magic shows are the crowning jewel. Each night, members and their guests can witness world-class magicians performing close-up magic, parlour magic, and stage shows. These performances range from mind-bending card tricks to grand illusions that defy belief. Additionally, members have the rare opportunity to attend lectures and workshops by renowned magicians, sharing techniques and secrets of the trade.

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For those intrigued by the mystery, wandering the halls of the Castle is a delight in itself. Several bars, including the Owl Bar and the Hat and Hare Pub, offer a chance for socializing in uniquely magical surroundings. Fine dining is available in several areas, with a strict evening dress code adding to the Castle’s mystique. Members and guests can also interact with Irma, the Castle's resident ghost who plays the piano on request—though no one can see her, her presence is a whimsical nod to the Castle's enchanting atmosphere.

And let's not forget the collections housed here: rare artifacts, books, and memorabilia that tell the story of magic through the ages. It’s like stepping into a living chronicle of the art. And with every visit, there's always something new to discover, whether it's a secret door, an unexplored nook filled with magical lore, or a new trick that leaves you questioning reality. The Magic Castle cultivates a sense of wonder and exploration that resonates long after your visit, making it a quintessential Los Angeles experience for those fortunate enough to step inside its mysterious embrace.

Frequently asked questions

The Magic Castle is an exclusive private club for magicians and magic enthusiasts, as well as the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. It is located in Hollywood, Los Angeles and is housed in a Victorian mansion offering nightly shows, dining, and magic-related activities.

Visiting The Magic Castle is typically only possible through an invitation from a member of the Academy of Magical Arts. It is not open to the public, and guests must follow a strict dress code to be admitted.

The Magic Castle hosts a variety of events including magic shows in various theaters, lectures, workshops, and special events related to the art of magic. The specific events vary week to week.

Yes, The Magic Castle enforces a strict dress code. For men, this typically means a suit or a jacket with a tie, and for women, it means cocktail dresses or evening wear. Specific dress code details are usually provided upon receiving an invitation.

Yes, The Magic Castle features a formal dining area where guests can enjoy fine dining experiences. Reservations for dinner are required and can be arranged through a member when receiving an invitation to visit.

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Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour

Valid admission required. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type.

Magic Kingdom to the Max

This 5-hour walking tour explores the creation and remarkable growth of one of the most beloved parks at Walt Disney World Resort! Explore secret locations you’ve always wondered about and get the inside scoop on some of your favorite attractions.

During your tour:

• Uncover the hidden secrets of classic attractions at Magic Kingdom park.
• Access the famed underground “Utilidor” tunnels that allow people and supplies to travel beneath the park unseen.
• Discover little-known facts, trivia and other exciting tidbits about the park.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch—included with your tour.
• Take home an exclusive keepsake!

Experience an Urban Legend

Enter the underground service tunnels to uncover a mystery that’s absolutely, almost unbelievably, true!

The Guest-accessible areas of Magic Kingdom park are actually on the second floor of a massive structure. The "tunnel" below, known as the Utilidor, allows Cast Members, deliveries and even rubbish to be unknowingly transported below Guests’ feet as they wait in line for their favorite attractions. You’ve got to see the Utilidor for yourself!

Learn About the Man Behind the Mouse

Know before you go.

• Theme park admission is required, but not included in the price of this tour. Guests must make their own theme park reservations.
• Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour is an outdoor walking tour. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
• Advance reservations are highly recommended. Learn when advance reservations can be made . Same-day reservations can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.
• No cameras, video equipment or mobile phones may be used throughout the duration of the tour.
• Locations and attractions visited on your tour are subject to change without notice. 
• Guests must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid photo I.D. 
• Please check in at Town Square Theater 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Lunch is included as part of the tour.
• Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members qualify for a 15% discount.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Make a reservation, times for disney's keys to the kingdom tour.

Visiting Magic Castle

by Vero | Mar 20, 2022 | What's Happening in L.A. | 3 comments

The Magic Castle is an iconic Los Angeles landmark as well as L.A’s best kept secret. An evening of magic and glamour in Hollywood is definitely a must do for any Angelino or L.A. visitor. There is a strict dress code of formal evening wear that really adds to the experience. Dust off that evening gown and head to The Magic Castle to wander through the rooms of this iconic castle tucked into the Hollywood Hills and be enchanted by the art of magic. The hardest part is getting here…

The Magic Castle is an exclusive club that is open to members only. The only way to attend is to be invited by a member. EXCEPT , LAPD, LAFD and Military have been been granted honorary membership and can make reservations without being members! Members of L.A.P.D., L.A.F.D, and Military can bring up to 6 guest and receive and comped cover fee for them and one guest.

No one under 21 will be admitted to the clubhouse EXCEPT for Saturday and Sunday brunch where kids are allowed! Kids would absolutely be enchanted by this experience. The dress code applies to children too! If you have an aspiring magician I can’t imagine an experience better than this!

There is so much mystery surrounding visiting, that there isn’t much talk about price.. Upon arriving, There is a valet that costs $25 ($8 for members) and a door cover charge that ranges from $35 (week days) and $45 (weekends). Children 10 and under are $15 and infants are free. If you are not a member, you are required to dine at the Magic Castle during your visit. Menu prices range from about $30 to over $200 for an entree. Beware, the evening can add up quickly!  But I must say, the food is delicious, I had the 6 oz filet mignon and it was cooked to perfection. However with all the extras the waiter tempts you with it ended up a $90 plate. Not counting drinks or the cover charge! I still have the meat sweats over the sticker shock! Brunch buffet seems to be the most affordable option at $60 per adult and $25 per child.

There are 5 different bars throughout the castle where you can order your favorite cocktail to sip as you walk through the different rooms and be enchanted with an evening of the art of magic. The castle is dripping in history and old timey charm. I would list this as a must do for the ultimate L.A. experience, if you have a chance to visit, do not miss out. If you are on a budget, just proceed with caution. To make reservations or to learn more about visiting The Magic Castle click here to visit their site.

No photos allowed past the lobby. Meant no photos for this post.

I was so shocked with the total for our party, that I did have to sneak a photo so I could “Share The Magic”

Thanks for sharing! I would love to visit the Magic Castle for my 40th birthday but I’m not sure if I’ll get a better experience during the day or evening. What would you recommend? Thanks!

Hi Stephanie! Thanks for reading! For a special birthday celebration (without kids) I would do the evening experience. It feels so special and fancy to have to dress up to visit and its so fun! You’ll feel like a kid again! If you want to include the kids do the day time. The only time kids are allowed is during the weekend brunch times and the magic is more geared towards kids / kid friendly so you will be getting a lighter experience. Let me know waht you decide! Happy Birthday!! Hope you have fun at the Magic Castle!

The prices above are out of date. Current pricing here: http://www.magiccastle.com/castle-fees/

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The Royal Tour

Los angeles’ magic castle.

“Open sesame.” The phrase, spoken to a stone owl on a bookshelf, opens a secret door from the foyer to the interior of Los Angeles’ most magical, most exclusive, venue. From here, a venerable maze of rooms, halls, bars, and theatres offers those lucky enough to gain admission an evening of joy unlike anything else I have experienced anywhere in the world. The Magic Castle never disappoints.

Less than a mile from the bright lights of Hollywood, the Magic Castle was once a Victorian mansion. Since 1963, it has been owned and run by the Academy of Magical Arts, a play space for the world’s greatest magicians, their friends, and their fans. The legends have walked these halls and performed in these showrooms: David Copperfield, Johnny “Ace” Palmer, Ed Alonso, and more. For magicians, this is sacred ground.

Membership can be obtained in two ways. The first is with an exorbitant amount of money. The second, an audition. Members are recognizable by their lapel pins, and make up about 25% of those I see on this normal Saturday night. The rest of the attendees are those fortunate enough to secure an invitation. I am one of those, and have been on several occasions. I count my blessings each time.

For those who don’t have a connection to a member, there is another way to gain entrance to the Magic Castle. Next door, the Magic Castle Hotel stands, a refurbished apartment building offering overly large rooms in the heart of Hollywood. Darren Ross is the CEO and General Manager of the Magic Castle Hotel. He is also someone I am privileged to call a friend, and my sponsor for tonight’s Magic Castle evening.

Darren and I sit down for coffee a couple days prior to my Magic Castle date. We are in the courtyard of the hotel, next to a clear pool offering what has to be the world’s coolest hotel amenity: the popsicle hotline. Simply lift the red emergency phone and you will be rewarded with popsicle service on a silver platter, brought poolside by a staff that has consistently had the Magic Castle Hotel ranked number one for service in Los Angeles on TripAdvisor. (The hotel as a whole has never ranked outside the top ten in the nearly eight years I’ve known Darren, a feat made even more impressive with prices less than half of the other hotels in that exalted stratum.)

Darren tells me that for those who book the Magic Castle Hotel directly on their website ( click here for that website ) the hotel will make you a reservation at the Magic Castle. Packages are even offered for a suite and a dining credit at the Castle.

If good prices, great service, and admission to an exclusive club isn’t enough, Darren and the hotel are also involved in humanitarian work. During the year that the hotel was closed for Covid, Darren offered it to the city of Los Angeles for Project Safe Haven, allowing victims of domestic violence to live here for free in one of the property’s 43 guest rooms. Darren continued to pay staff to be present, and kept many of the hotel’s amenities going, at his own expense. (He has also offered empty rooms to those facing relocation due to fires in the area. Again, for free.)

Back at the Magic Castle, I head straight for the Close-Up Gallery, a small theatre seating around 25, where the farthest you’ll be from your magician performer is about eight feet. Terry Lunceford amazes me (and the rest of the small audience) with card and coin tricks. He is the first of three performers to use this space tonight, and I’ll return later to enjoy Aki Mitsui and his close-up magic.

The Magic Castle has three “main” showrooms, along with several other performance spaces. I am even called up on stage randomly by Kevin Li in the mid-sized Parlor of Prestidigitation, where that magician, fresh off stumping Penn and Teller on “Fool Us,” somehow manages to borrow a couple credit cards out of my wallet without me noticing. (He returns them, so no harm done.) The largest room, the Palace of Mystery, is headlined tonight by Lucy Darling and David Kaplan. By this point in the evening, much of the audience is fairly intoxicated, and Lucy expertly plays off the drunken exclamations from all quarters. (The Castle has at least five bars I can think of off the top of my head, with good – albeit pricy – cocktails.)

Between shows and drinks, the Magic Castle offers other entertainment options. In one small parlor, a ghost named Irma plays piano. Ask nicely (read: Irma, can you please play…) and she will delight you. To give you an idea of her range, I request Rhapsody in Blue and then Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit. Both are expertly played. Meanwhile, you can venture downstairs to the basement. Here, magician members of the Castle take turns performing for visitors. As one such member, Georgia, tells me, she loves doing it because her family is sick of her tricks. Another member, who says to call him Just Joe, similarly likes to perform for strangers who haven’t seen his routine before.

Dinner is required for all non-members who visit the Magic Castle. It is expensive, but the food is good. I eat the first beef Wellington I’ve had in at least a decade, surrounded by formally dressed magic fans enjoying their food. The dress code is strictly formal. For men, slacks, jacket, and tie are mandatory. I forgot my tie, so bought a snazzy one at the entrance here. Women are all in dresses as far as I notice.

A brief note here on recent controversy at the Magic Castle. In late 2020, it came to light that there was a history of racial and sexual discrimination and harassment of both staff and performers. Since then, the place has come under new management, and is said to be working on making positive cultural changes. For what it’s worth, of seven performers I saw on this visit, two were women, and three were men of minority backgrounds. It is still an industry dominated by white men, but I am hopeful that the institution can learn from past mistakes and move forward. That does not, however, excuse past behavior, nor do I mean it to belittle the terrible experiences many must have been subjected to over the decades.

“But magic is for kids,” many exclaim. To those, I have two responses. First, no it isn’t. Ask those who pay literally hundreds of dollars to see top magicians perform in Las Vegas or other places. Second, it is a true blessing to be able to be amazed for an evening, like a child. I don’t know how these tricks are done, nor do I want to. I like being bewildered, and judging by the astounded exclamations of those around me – perhaps slightly aided by alcohol – so do they.

It is an expensive evening. With dinner and drinks, you can expect to pay well over $100 per person (less for weekend brunch, the only times children under 21 are allowed), but as a one-time experience I consider it worthwhile. Even as a once every few years event, I don’t mind. It is worth that for the shows, for the environment, and even for the building itself (although no photography of any sort is allowed inside, so you’ll have to take my word for it).

So whether you are a local Angeleno, or a visitor to the City of Angels, add the Magic Castle to your bucket list. Spend an evening being amazed by world-class magicians, having an experience that is completely unique in the world. You won’t regret it.

Thank you to Darren Ross for my invitation to the Magic Castle. Thank you as well for your friendship, and for the good you do for our community.

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Conjure a Magic Enhancement Package

Special behind-the-scenes access, commemorative gifts and plenty of perks: a magic enhancement package is the way to get the full experience during our november 9, 2024, magic castle conjurer’s cruise. set sail for the western caribbean aboard our newest ship, sun princess®. and cast an even bigger spell of fun over your voyage with one of these upgrades. there’s a limited amount available, so book yours before — poof — they’re gone..

Apprentice — $275*

• Includes private access to welcome reception and farewell social with magicians
• Guided Spellbound tour hosted by Magic Castle’s president, Erika Larsen
• A commemorative lanyard, lapel pin and deck of cards
• Early access to open seating for magic performances in Princess Arena

Enchanter — $545*

• Includes everything in the Apprentice package, plus:
• Magical Gathering Breakfast with magicians and the Larsen family
• Preferred seating for magic performances in Princess Arena
• Once-in-a-lifetime late-night cocktail party and magic show in Spellbound
• The Spellbound Experience (not dinner, but lots of surprises!)

Conjurer — $795*

• Includes everything in the Apprentice and Enchanter packages, plus:
• Mix & Mingle Spellbound cocktail soiree with Michael Carbonaro and the entire Conjurer’s Cruise cast
• A magic class taught by a world-renowned magician
• Welcome swag, including bag, shirt, tie and “magical” mug
• Chocolates and Champagne in your stateroom
• Reserved seating for magic performances in Princess Arena
• Photo signed by all the magicians
• The Spellbound Experience, including dinner

To purchase, call 1-800-PRINCESS and mention "Magic Enhancement Packages."

*Prices above do not include cruise fares. Packages can only be added to a valid, existing reservation aboard the Magic Castle Conjurer’s Cruise.