Cavalia Odysseo Gallops into Burbank for a Limited Time

"What do horses dream about? The same thing we do: Freedom."

From the moment we knew Cavalia was coming back to Burbank, my husband had been asking me if I thought that we would be invited to a media preview. Every now and then (not often) he is even more excited than I am about a certain show, product or event. Cavalia is THAT show. We were fortunate enough to see it last year and it blew us away. We were even more fortunate to have had a date night, and no date night since has even come close. So when the invite showed up in my inbox to a new show Odysseo, I didn't even have to ask if he wanted to go see the show. It was a guaranteed yes!

This time we decided to bring our youngest daughter with us to experience. While we were trying to explain the "horse show" to her by using words like amazing, magical, awesome, I could tell she wasn't sure what to expect, and this child is one who can be skeptical of trying new things. At one point before we left she said to me, "I don't like horses, I'm allergic to horses." Really dude? Allergic? (Where do they get this stuff?) But once she saw the big white tents (which you can see from miles away) she started getting excited. Apparently she grew out of the whole horse allergy thing pretty quick. 

The lights dimmed, the horses came out and she was in awe from the start. We were sitting only 5 rows back from the stage, which gave us an amazing up-close view of everything that was happening. The music was really ethereal, and almost hypnotic. The set was incredible and I kept feeling like I was in Oz. It definitely has a cirque type feel to it, just with horses. 

What's so unique about Cavalia is that it gives you a chance to see horses in a way that unless you are an equestrian, you would never get to see. They are running wild with their hair flowing. God how I just want to brush their hair. I especially love the "horse girl" as I like to call her who at one point worked alone for like 20 minutes with a group of ponies. Every guy in the place had an instant crush on her. Heck I think all of the girls had a crush on her too. (blonde bottom left)

But the show is not all horse. There are "human" performances too. There is a band of African brothers that stole the show. They flipped. They flopped. They made human pyramids. (Reminded me of my old cheerleading days) They sang, danced and chanted. I must also mention that there is an incredible part in the show where a huge carrousel get lowered down from the ceiling. Yes the ceiling! Then the acrobats do things on the poles that will boggle your mind. Holding themselves completely vertical while the carrousel spins round and round. It was my favorite part, I think.

Right before the show ends they fill the stage with water and the the horse prance, trot, gallop and run through the water. The whole cast does. Needless to say they got a standing ovation from the crowd, except from me. Oh don't get me wrong, I would have stood but I had a newly converted horse-lover asleep on my lap.

Cavalia Odysseo runs in Burbank, CA (my hometown) from now until March 24th. GO SEE IT!!! Hopefully I will get to go again, as my 85 year old grandmother is dying to see it!

Here's how to get your own tickets and see the beauty for yourself:

Buy Tickets ONLINE

or call the Toll-Free Number: 1-866-999-8111 everyday from 9am to 10pm

Prices range from $34.50 to $159.50

Fresh Mom Tips: I HIGHLY recommend seeing Cavalia: Odyesso. My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed it. However I warn about taking younger children to the weeknight (school night) performance at 8pm. My 5 year old was asleep by intermission. Looking around at the other wee ones it was definitely a late night for the 7 and under crowd. They have snacks and alcohol for sale (whee) along with a concession stand that sells all sorts of Odysseo swag.

Disclosure: My family was invited to Opening Night for a Media Preview to this incredible show. (Special thanks to David, Tim, Peter, and Andy.) All thoughts are 100% mine and 100% fresh. 

A Medieval Night to Remember

Taylar turned 14 last week, and we went to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament to celebrate.

It was was opening night of the all new show, and we were excited to be attending. I hadn't been there since before we had Kaia, and they've made a lot of changes since then. It's now a 2 hour show filled with more Rivalry and more Revelry! The lighting and the colors throughout were really vibrant, and helped bring the castle-inspired arena to life. There is more jousting, sword fights and horsemanship then ever before. And who says chivalry is dead, Taylar caught one of the flowers tossed by our Yellow Knight, which she immediately had to hand over to Kaia. (little sisters can be such a pain) They've enhanced menu options too, but still no silverware! They start you off with a hot cauldron of "Dragon Soup." (Tomato Bisque) The main course immediately follows with warm focaccia bread, oven roasted chicken, a spare rib and large herb potato wedges. (They also have a vegetarian option.) For dessert it's an apple pastry, pleasantly served warm. It was delicious especially with my decaf coffee. All of us (except my husband) took home to-go containers because it was a lot of food.

The most important thing to me is my family and I love making new memories with them, even more so on birthdays and special occasions. Last night was one of those knights (pun intended) for us. We were happy to make our daughter's 14th birthday a memorable one. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is a unique Los Angeles experience that takes you back in time, when Kings and Queens ruled, and knights were the thing to be. Thank you Medieval Times for allowing us to enjoy all of the new action, and excitement!

For more coverage on opening night, go check out my sister Becky's blog www.HappyHourMom.blogspot.com.
And see my "Fresh Tips" below on how to make the most out of your night.

Fresh Tips:

• Get there early and/or stay late. Before and after the show you can meet, greet and take photos with the cast. And moms, you do not want to miss your hand being kissed by one of these fine gentlemen. (Just ask my sister) Those knights sure are easy on the eyes! (I'm talking to you, Yellow Knight)

• Before the show make sure to visit the gift shoppe and purchase a flag for any of the younger members of your party. They cost next to nothing, but were priceless to us. Kaia was SO into the waving of the flags when it was our turn to cheer for our knight, she did it all the way home. (well half of the way, until she fell asleep in the car) FYI; the crowns are free!

• If you like, they will announce your special occasion over the loud speaker. Make sure to let them know ahead of time. It will make the birthday boy or girl feel that much more special when they hear their name spoken by the announcer (with Taylar turning 14, we were sworn to secrecy, and promised no funny birthday stuff - teenagers are no fun)

If you'd like to experience the adventure for yourself:

Medieval Times Website

Medieval Times Facebook

Medieval Times Twitter

Or simply call 1-888-WE-JOUST

Disclosure: I was not paid for this post. I was given passes for me and my family to attend a media preview. The opinions on this blog are 100% mine and 100% fresh!

Merry Grinchmas To All, And To All A Goodnight!

You'd think living in Los Angeles and working in the Entertainment Industry that I'd be jaded with all things Hollywood, but it's actually the opposite. I love LA and anything that has to do with making movies, music and television - Enter in Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park where movie making comes to life! This past weekend I attended a special media preview at Universal Studios Hollywood. I was excited, because it's been over 10 years since I've been. Plus it's literally like 5 minutes away from my house which is a total bonus! All of the other So Cal amusement parks that we frequent are much further away.

Their holiday, or should I say Who-liday Celebration opened this weekend and goes thru January 8th. It centers all around the Grinch from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." It's more the Jim Carrey version then the Dr. Suess cartoon version, but it's great all the same. They roll out the red and green carpet just for their guests. There's a meet and greet with the Grinch and his dog Max (Cutest Dog Ever) in a designated area to play with real snow, which is quite a thrill for these Southern Californians.

They also have a wide varieties of characters represented all over the park in shows like Shrek 4D and play areas like The Adventures of Curious George which is great for younger guests like my daughter. But they also have big rides for my older kids and husband like Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic Park: The Ride.

Then there's the world famous "Studio Tour" which is now hosted by Jimmy Fallon. It has all of the old classics that I remember like the flooding, Jaws and the Bates Motel. There has also been newly added features such as King Kong in 3D, Fast and the Furious Cars and a tour of Wisteria Lane on the Desperate Housewives set. Our 4 year old got scared on a few parts of the tour (I'm talking to you King Kong 360 3-D) so make sure to use your own discretion when it comes to the younger children in your group.

We finished the day with a reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by overnight YouTube sensation, Greyson Chance and the Wholiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Show. Which is take your breath away gorgeous and it snows too! Not real snow, but the fake soap bubble snow, ah the magic of Hollywood!

We really want to get season passes, and with the current deal they are offering of buy a day, get all of 2012 for free it makes it to good to pass up. So Cal click HERE for that great deal! They also have a Front of the Line Pass and an All You Can Eat Pass if you're interested. Check them out on Twitter @UniStudios for all of the latest info. See ya on the set! *ACTION*

Full Disclosure: This is not a paid post. I was given passes from Universal Studios for me and my family to enter the park. The opinions on this blog are 100% mine and 100% fresh!