Earlier this month, I posted info about “The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey” and last night we experienced it!

The drive from West L.A. to Pomona

L.A traffic is always a gamble. You’d think with so many people working from home right now, traffic would be lighter. Be sure to check the traffic several hours before your timed ticket entry. I’m glad I did, because what is usually a one-hour drive turned into a 2-hour drive due to car accidents and stalled vehicles on the freeway. Thank goodness our drive home was much shorter!

Download the App or prep your phone to stream audio

The day before our reserved ticket date, I received an e-mail with instructions to download an app to my phone before arrival. This app isn’t searchable in the app store (or at least the Google Play store if you have an Android phone) when I checked, so we ended up using the web link provided in the e-mail. This link/app is the soundtrack to your adventure, as it contains corresponding narration and music for different sections of the tour, indicated by chapter.

The Story

I think the story is really what sets this drive-through experience apart from other holiday displays. “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” comes to life with an interactive story using audio (the app), enthusiastic actors, gymnasts, and visually appealing holiday displays.

From the website: “This year Christmas Spirit is running low, so during test flights Santa’s sleigh had to make an emergency landing at the Fairplex in Pomona. Now the Scout Elves have assembled there, and they need your help! Join them on a drive-thru quest to build more Christmas Spirit, as you and your elf-loving crew magically shrink down to elf-size and embark on a fun expedition to help repair Santa’s sleigh. Enjoy a dazzling light spectacle, toy repair workshop, gingerbread villages, and all the sights and sounds of the holidays, blended with a touch of high-spirited fun that only Santa’s favorite Scout Elves can deliver. Assemble your family and friends and help save Christmas at The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey!”

The Visuals

Beautifully lit scenes include: a Toy Repair Workshop, Gingerbread Village covered in decadent candy, Arctic Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Magical Grotto, and more!

Key talent behind this immersive experience:

Designed by David Korins, award-winning creative director and set designer of the original Broadway productions of “Hamilton,” “Beetlejuice,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and the Oscars 2019.

Directed by Vance Garrett, Chief Creative Officer, Constellation Immersive, whose production highlights include “Sleep No More” and “29 Rooms,”

Worth the Drive?

I have a 7 year old and a 17 month old. The 7-year old still believes in the spirit of Christmas and even brought our “Elf on the Shelf” book with us to show all the elves. Even though she questions Santa’s validity, she joyfully immersed in this experience, particularly due to the “sleigh bell search.” The 17-month old gleefully enjoyed the lights and vocally expressed her appreciation.

Tips for your trip

• There are restroom stops before and after the drive through. The restrooms are port-a-potties. Plan accordingly
• Bring snacks! Kids get hungry (hangry)
• Patience is key! Plan to wait for a bit when you arrive to get through check-in, and on the way out.
• “Lights off, one mile an hour” – your driving speed and headlight situation
• Make sure your kids fill out the “Letter to Santa” because there is a special surprise at the end

Toys for Tots

As the holidays will look a little different this year, The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey knows a few things will never change such as making memories, celebrating with family and friends, and giving back to the community. To promote the season of giving, there will be a toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots and Children’s Hospital LA. Attendees can make a monetary donation at the time of their ticket purchase or bring an unwrapped toy to their ticketed experience.

November Special Discount

Bring the whole family on a Wednesday or Sunday in November and get 4 tickets for $99 with code FAM4

*Promo code FAM4 is good for 4 tickets for $99 on Wednesday and Sunday dates in November only. Subject to availability. Restrictions may apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Limited to 8 tickets per transaction. Fees apply. Expires November 30, 2020

Tickets & Info

Location:
The FAIRPLEX in POMONA, CA

Dates:
NOV 6, 2020 – JAN 3, 2021

PRESENTED BY:
Constellation Immersive

Website: elfontheshelfjourney.com

FACEBOOK: @magicalelfjourney

INSTAGRAM: @magicalelfjourney

Disclaimer: We received a complimentary visit as a member of the media to share our experience with our readers. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.