By Theda K. Reichman, Contributing Columnist
Want to do something out of the ordinary this holiday season? Of course you do–so here is a suggestion for young and ‘older’ alike–be part of a “Muppet Party!” at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood at 6838 Hollywood Blvd. Seating for parties is limited so tickets must be purchased in advance. The party is held at the Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store which is a part of the El Capitan Theatre. If you get a Muppet Party Package you can see the movie and stage show before or after you dine. We opted to eat first, then see the film which comes with a live show on stage as Kermit and Miss Piggy lead the audience in a holiday sing-a-long of Christmas music.
After the live stage show comes the movie “The Muppets,“ which is a big holiday hit. As we entered the Soda Fountain area we had our photo taken with a Muppet doll of our choice. I chose Miss Piggy while Rich picked Kermit. After the party we were presented with a lovely Kodak print which featured us in the center holding Piggy & Kermit, surrounded by all our Muppet friends. It’s really a nice keepsake. After our photo op we were seated in a very festive and Muppet like area. To my surprise all the guests at our table were grown up Muppet fans except for one little girl who came with her mom and dad. The party was an early holiday gift from her Aunt.
The meal was very nice, also quite healthful. There were glasses at each end filled with colorful gumballs (just help yourself) as part of the table décor. We had a choice of beverage–iced tea, coffee, hot chocolate with whipped cream (my choice, followed by coffee later) or sodas of all kinds. And you can have as many refills as you like. There are all kinds of finger sandwiches/ The little girl especially liked the peanut butter and jelly ones but I liked the variety of wrapped sandwiches as well as the roast beef on a bun. You begin with a colorful fresh fruit salad, followed by a nice mixed green salad. Next there is a cupcake which you get to decorate for yourself.
Because it was my husband’s birthday he was also given a birthday pin and a dish of delicious ice cream from the soda fountain. Along with the commemorative photo for each person we were also given a Muppet Party cup to take home. Our servers and host gave us a Muppet Trivia Quiz after the meal with a grand prize for the winner. A party highlight for me was a real puppeteer who showed us how Muppet puppetry is done. He also answered all of our questions. When the party was over we were given a bell bracelet to slip on before we entered the movie theatre to see the film and stage show, By the time our Muppet Adventure was over, we were in a true Muppet and Holiday frame of mind. For information on tickets for the movie and stage show or a Muppet Party call 1-800-DISNEY6. You can save up to 35% if you come with a group of 20 or more to see the film. Happy Holidays!