This post is about my experience at Casa Bonita.
Colorado has a huge bucket list of things to do. And since I have started living here that list continues to grow. There are endless hikes, events, and local attractions. However, I was not prepared for the local legend Casa Bonita.
When it first was bought everyone was excited. And I didn’t really understand. All I knew was that the South Park guys bought it, it was a giant, pink castle, and everyone loved it.
But this last week I was able to go and finally experience the local attraction.
What is Casa Bonita?
Casa Bonita has been described to me many times. My roommate puts it as a Mexican restaurant version of Disneyland. Which is also how it is described in South Park (according to the Tiktok sound at least). But as someone who has never been to Disneyland, that doesn’t compute. Now that I have been there I can say that the description is accurate, or so I assume (still haven’t been to Disneyland).
It is a Mexican restaurant disguised as a giant, pink castle. Imagine walking through a Mexican village and exploring. Each room is like a different part of the village. But at the same time, there is live music, attractions, and multiple gift shops.
Reservations, food, and more
The process to get a ticket to go is an event itself. First, you put your name on a waitlist to get an email to see what reservations are available. It could be months before you even get this email. But once you do, you have an hour to access a queue to view the reservations. Choose your date and pay the $39.99 + fees to get a reservation.
The reservations include access to the restaurant and attractions, your food, a soda, and sopaillas.
Don’t expect anything great with the food. There are about 6 options to choose from. According to those who have been to the original Casa Bonita, the food is way better. But you are not there for the food so it does not matter.
Each eating area is a themed part of the Mexican village. We ate in the mines which was a dark and stony place. Every 10-15 minutes there was a ‘cave in’ that came loudly through the speakers. It was a fun experience and the wait staff was great.
You get an hour at your table and then you’re off to explore what really makes Casa Bonita.
The Casa Bonita attractions
To be completely honest, the amount of attractions was overwhelming! When you are taken to your seats for lunch, your server tells you the times and location of each event. And that is just for the main attractions!
There are puppet shows, face painting, live music, countless photo options, an arcade, a wishing well, and a museum. On weekends they also have outside vendors come and offer small things. This weekend it was a balloon animal artist. There are also two gift shops. One is on the way out of the restaurant. But the main one is designed like a mini Mexican market.
There are also several main attractions.
Cliff divers
This is probably what Casa Bonita is most known for. In the middle of the restaurant is a giant cliff and waterfall. Several times an hour there are cliff divers that perform a show jumping off the cliff. There are also several splash zones for those who want to feel the water.
An immersive treasure house of magic and memories
The name alone has you wondering what exactly it is. When I first walked in I assumed I was walking into a magic show for kids. The room was a beautiful stage with a mirrored ceiling, chandelier, and red curtain.
This show was a funny version of a magic show. Where the performer attempts to do basic magic tricks. It is fun and gets the audience involved. There is lots of dancing and no talking. I was glad I went and viewed the show.
However, the performer was a bit creepy to me. He had a red and blue mask that the mouthpiece changed out of. Kids did not mind him, but if creepy clown-like guys aren’t your thing, then I wouldn’t recommend it.
Blackbeard’s Cave
This is one attraction I wouldn’t recommend for small kids.
Blackbeard’s Cave is a small, dark walk to Blackbeard Treasure. There is little light so it can be hard to see. Also, the turns can be narrow. It definitely feels like walking through a spooky cave.
I am not a fan of being scared, but if you love spooky stuff then this is for you!
Final Casa Bonita opinion
Casa Bonita was fun! It could be overstimulating but there were several places to sit and rest. The whole place is beautiful and filled with so many different themed rooms. We were there for several hours and didn’t get a chance to do everything we wanted. I might not have understood the excitement before, but I do now.
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