The Coolest Movie Theaters in Orange County

 

Here’s something you probably missed during the primary days of the lockdown: going to the movies! Now that the theaters have reopened, we definitely recommend catching some of the amazing flicks that have recently been released!

Here are the coolest Orange County movie theaters you should check out for your 2022 list of things to do in Orange County:

Regal Theater Irvine Spectrum

This unbeatable movie theater located in the Irvine Spectrum is one of a kind movie theater. Located inside of the best outdoor shopping center in all of Orange County, you just can’t beat this movie theater with its multiple viewing options including the IMAX, 3D, and even VIP (21+ only)! 

“I have a strong love for cinema so coming to the theatre is always an experience to be shared. The remodeled Regal lobby is very spacious. The recliner VIP seats are the only way to watch movies nowadays when making a tangible comparison to sitting at home. The audio does come in a bit hot and the projectors could use an alignment post-pandemic return so hopefully, they get a tune-up for big releases at the end of the year.” – Chris S, Irvine

AMC Tustin 14 at The District

We honestly can’t get enough of AMC theaters in general, and this particular one takes the cake. It really does have that classic movie theater vibe plus we’re in love with the reclining seats.

“This is my fav movie theater. We’re temporarily living in an apartment within walking distance from here and I go see a movie anywhere from 1-3 times a week. Love the comfortable recliners, that they seem to do a good job of keeping them in good working order (unlike the outlet of another higher-end cinema chain that is closer to our permanent home in South OC.)” – Juanita M., Lake Forest

Starlight Cinema City Theaters (Anaheim)

The name itself already makes us want to go there for ourselves! We can’t get enough of some of its stunning scenery based on the photos alone! 

“My first real movie experience since COVID. I was invited here for a free screening of I WANT YOU BACK (Amazon Studios) for a Yelp Elite event. It was cool they had a photo booth.  The movie was great. I enjoyed a small popcorn and drink for $13.” – J’aime K., Irvine

Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas (Laguna Niguel)

You’ll get a kick out of the in-theater dining and the super comfy seats here fit for a king. You will be able to truly relax and leave your life behind for a little bit. The next time you’re looking for things to do in Orange County for your birthday or anniversary, why not come here?

“I wanted to see the difference between my favorite AMC and this establishment.  Well, hands down your franchise won.  My host Ryan was on point and he treated us V.I.P STYLE.  The drinks were upscale and so was the menu. I wish I had not eaten breakfast. I sure would have ordered those tacos on the menu. Until next time keep up the good work. And promote Ryan.” – Letrecia A., Compton 

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Best College Campuses to Visit in Orange County

 

CULTUREBest College Campuses to Visit in Orange County

BySheila MaePublished on February 17, 2022SHARETWEET

If you’re looking for some new and exciting things to do in Orange County and you’ve already been to every theme park and every mall our special county has to offer, you may want to try a change of scenery. More specifically, you may enjoy visiting some of the beautiful college campuses. Even if your kids aren’t old enough to be going on tours just yet, you will still appreciate all the universities spread out across Orange County. Not sure where to start? No problem! We at OCHelper.com have got your back.

California State University, Fullerton

“Voice, Truth, Life.”

Formerly known as Orange County State College, there are plenty of aspects of the home of the Titans that make it stand out above the rest. For example, did you know that the school has had 55 baseball players who have made it to the Major League? Not only that, but the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics is the largest accredited undergraduate business program in all of California. Notable alumni include Gwen Stefani, Adam Lambert, and Kevin Costner.

Chapman University

“At Chapman, research isn’t just an idea, it’s a way of life.”

Located in Orange, California, Chapman is one of the top film schools in the country. While the home of the Panthers is relatively small, students still enjoy a lively atmosphere with just a 15-minute drive from the Disneyland Resort. If you are looking to join a more diverse crowd this may also be a good choice for you, as 40% of students identify as people of color. Notable alumni include Leslie Jones, Roger Craig Smith, and Zachary Gordon.

University of California, Irvine

“Let there be light.”

UCI is one of the top 10 public universities in California. It is also the second-largest employer in all of Orange County. If you want to get into UCI, you will have to strive to be one of the top students at your high school, as they only accept 30% of applicants annually. When it comes to things to do in Orange County, UCI also holds a multitude of concerts and festivals for students when they aren’t studying hard. Notable alumni including SNL’s Chris Kelly, Darren Fells, and Brady Anderson.

Orange Coast College

“We’ll help you get there.”

Our staff at OC Helper believe that 2-year junior colleges deserve recognition, as well! Orange Coast is undoubtedly one of the best community colleges in all of Orange County. With over 19,000 students, the Costa Mesa college has been serving the area with quality education since 1948. Orange Coast College is also known for holding a bunch of fun cultural events all year round! Alumni include Diane Keaton, Blake Anderson, and Patrick Warburton.

Which of these schools would you choose to attend if you had the choice? If you did go to college in Orange County, where did you go and how was your experience? Let us know by leaving us a comment on our Facebook page or tweeting at us! 

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Why Should You Watch Orange County?

“It’s not just a place. It’s a state of mind.”

Orange County, starring Jack Black, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in January 2022. If you’re out of things to do in Orange County these days and are looking for a new movie to stream on your favorite device, then you definitely should check out this one. Shaun Brumder, played by Colin Hanks, was a devout surfer in Orange County until his best friend, Lonny, died in a surfing accident. He stumbles across a book written by Marcus Skinner, a professor at Stanford University on the beach. The tragic event changes his life as he decides to quit his passion and focus on academics instead. He aspires to be a professional writer and get into Stanford University to study under Professor Skinner. Shaun begins to earn top-notch grades despite his father’s disapproval of his son’s prospective career path, and his SAT scores are more than impressive. Despite all of his efforts, he was rejected from Stanford University because his guidance counselor, Ms. Cobb, sent in another student’s transcript under his name, who was not as academically accomplished as Shaun.

Greatly distressed, Shaun meets with a board member from Stanford, hoping that he can persuade him to reverse their decision due to a mishap that was out of his control. His attempt fails miserably as the members of the admission council are displeased with Shaun’s family’s behavior during their meeting. As a last resort, Shaun’s less-than-accomplished older brother Lance (played by Jack Black) agrees to drive him up to Stanford to talk directly to the Stanford Admissions Director. Taking a 6-hour journey up to Santa Clara County, much mishap ensues once they arrive on campus. Shaun’s girlfriend, Ashley, also becomes anxious about the future of their relationship, believing that if her boyfriend is admitted to Stanford, it will mean the end for them. Will Shaun be able to convince the Stanford admissions staff that this was all a big misunderstanding? If so, will he choose to become a student at the most competitive university in the United States, or will he choose the ties he has back in Orange County over his dream to become a writer?

If you or someone you know is a native of Orange County, this film is a must-see. It was even praised by the late esteemed film critic Roger Ebert (1942-2013) at the time of its theatrical release, calling it “one of those happy projects where everything seems to fall naturally into place. It will sound like the kind of movie that, if you are over 17, you don’t usually go to see. But it isn’t. It’s one of those movies where the description can’t do justice to the experience.” While this PG-13 feature isn’t suitable for small children, if you’re still looking for things to do in Orange County, this movie serves as a hilarious flick that you can watch with your friends for your next movie night. The film can be rented and streamed on various platforms, including Amazon Prime or YouTube Movies.

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Check Out 4 of the Best Vegan Restaurants in the OC!

 

Whether you are already a vegan, thinking about going vegan, or you want to try something different on your list of must-do Orange County events, OC has an abundance of vegan restaurants that you need to check out. The number of vegans worldwide is only increasing each year for environmental, personal health, and ethical reasons, so restaurants must, of course, supply the growing demand. Luckily, there are plant-based foods available to fit just about everyone’s preferences, from American hamburgers to traditional Asian food, so there’s no need for anyone to feel left out!

Kensho (Santa Ana and Westminster)

Kensho (見性) means “seeing the nature,” but what is sushi without the fish? It turns out you don’t need to go fishing to create such fresh cuisine! Since summer 2018, Kensho has delighted guests with their guilt-free variety of options for both plant-based customers and sushi enthusiasts. If you can’t get enough of east Asian dishes, then this is a must-go restaurant for you!

“Great textures, flavors, and amazing use of ingredients like mushrooms, veggies, garnishes that make each roll look divine. One of my favorite sushi spots, can’t wait to see the finished dining room since they’re currently refurbishing the inside! Still open!” – Daniela J., Anaheim

Nice Guys (Costa Mesa & Santa Ana)

It’s like Five Guys…but friendly to animals? If you’ve wanted to try a plant-based burger, then Nice Guys is most likely a good choice for you. You will find it incredibly difficult to resist these mouth-watering “chicken” tenders and “ice cream.” It’s essentially the classic California burger…without the cow!

“This place is unbelievably good. I found out about it when my coworkers in Irvine drove to pick some up for lunch- I foolishly said No to a burger because I’d already brought lunch, and you can imagine my immense jealousy when they came back!” – Elaria W., Lake Forest

Taste of Beauty (Fountain Valley)

This new vegan spot opened in August 2021. From the words of the owners themselves, “We present fashion, health, and gentle postures to the world through this restaurant by integrating China’s and western’s diverse ingredients, cooking skills, and histories. Join hands with us to shape a peaceful and wonderful world!” You won’t want to miss out on unbeatable dishes such as the Avocado Tofu Salad and the Matsutake Farfalle. You can also come in and enjoy some afternoon tea in their open and comfortable space for your next Orange County events.

“I 100% recommend this place to anyone who’s looking for a fine dining experience, especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan. You will not be disappointed.” – Ariel C., La Puente

Vegan Nirvana (Huntington Beach)

From “chicken” to tacos, you will find enlightenment, much like Siddhartha did thousands of years ago with Vegan Nirvana’s can’t-beat refreshments.

“Everything about this place is awesome. The fact that it’s vegan, the names of the dishes, the decor, and the community it creates. Wow! I’m so glad I found this place, and if I lived closer, I would certainly come regularly or get vegan take-out goodies to cook at home.” – Dora L., Austin, TX

So don’t be shy and go ahead and try a plant-based meal. As people say, variety is the spice of life. Enjoy!

This blog is brought to you by Toyota of Orange, your favorite CA Toyota dealer near Irvine.

Where Can I Go To Watch Super Bowl LVI in Orange County?

There are plenty of excellent options for the Super Bowl in OC. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back hang with friends or a passionate, rousing watch party, we’ve got the spots nailed down. Read HERE.

Things to Do in Orange County for Valentine’s Day 2022!

 

Searching for the best things to do in Orange County on February 14th? Look no further!

Orange County has the coolest things to do on Valentine’s Day  Read it HERE.

3 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were from Orange County, CA!

Hands up for these celebrities who make Orange County, Ca proud. Know more about them by reading here.

Retired Disney California Adventure Attractions We Miss

 

Believe it or not, Disney California Adventure Park is turning 21 years old this month on February 8th (bottoms up, DCA!). Initially a flop to the general public, the Disney Imagineering team realized their mistakes and revamped most of the park in response. Since then, there have been several attractions that have come and gone. While we understand that all good things must eventually end, there are some extinct attractions that we can’t help but have nostalgia for. How many of these served as some of your former Orange County events?

Muppet*Vision 3D!

Did you ever dream of watching The Muppet Show live in person when you were a kid? Muppet*Vision 3D allowed you to do just that. Guests had the chance to see the sometimes less-than-graceful-but-still-lovable Gonzo, Swedish Chef, and Miss Piggy up on stage. You could also laugh along with Statler and Waldorf’s heckling cynicism. Admittedly, a lot of the 3D technology used was outdated, so it is understandable why the show closed in 2014 to make room for the then-extraordinarily popular Frozen. The show also served as one of Jim Henson’s final performances as Kermit the Frog before his death in 1990. You can still experience Muppet*Vision 3D in its original incarnation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Florida.

Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror

The Tower of Terror was one of the most popular attractions at California Adventure, so it took many fans by surprise when Disney announced that they would be re-theming the ride to make room for the Guardians of the Galaxy in 2016. On this ride, guests took a free-fall elevator ride inside a long-abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel. On Halloween Night in 1939, 5 unsuspecting individuals, a celebrity couple, a little girl holding a Mickey Mouse plush doll and her nanny, and an employee of the hotel, took a lift inside the elevator only to be struck by lightning and fell straight into the Fifth Dimension. They were never seen by anybody ever again – until now. Were you brave enough to fall over 100 feet on this shocking elevator ride? You can still experience Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror in its original incarnation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Florida.

California Screamin’

California Screamin’ was another ride at California Adventure that got the re-theming treatment, and as of 2018, it is now home to The Incredicoaster. The coaster also had a rad soundtrack. Guests accelerated at 55 miles an hour, zipping around Paradise Pier (re-themed to Pixar Pier) and a loop resembling Mickey Mouse’s head. While Disney’s roller coasters are nowhere near as extreme as the ones at Six Flags or some of the ones at Knott’s Berry Farm, California Screamin’ was an excellent option for guests who prefer to live life in the fast lane.

Did you agree with our list? Let us know your thoughts and share your favorite Orange County events by reaching us on our social media pages!

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Three Of Our Favorite Rides In Orange County

 

Orange County is world-famous for some of its unforgettable theme park rides that truly stand out above the rest. While we love just about every ride our beautiful county has to offer, if we were to talk about all of them, we’d end up writing an entire novel! It was challenging to come up with our top 3, so bear with us here. If you are planning a vacation to OC soon, here are just a few of our recommended picks for things to do in Orange County:

Ghost Rider (Knott’s Berry Farm)

In December 1998, Knott’s famous coaster residing in the Ghost Town section of the park opened to the public. At the time, it was the tallest and longest wooden roller coaster in the United States. It was also Knotts’ largest capital expense and the final ride to be created by the Knott family themselves before Cedar Fair acquired the park. If you’re not afraid of heights and are looking for the next high-speed adventure that will have you back in line again and again, then look no further!

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout! (Disney’s California Adventure)

Join the Guardians of the Galaxy: Star-Lord (Peter Quill), Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, and Rocket Raccoon and rescue them from being stored away for good inside the Collector’s fortress. You also get to listen to the tracks on Star-Lord’s sick mixtape while you free fall! This ride was formerly the home of the Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror attraction, which permanently closed in January 2017 to allow the Guardians to move in during May of the same year. Fortunately, the original incarnation of the ride still exists in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park in Walt Disney World, Florida, which is arguably the superior version of the attraction. Coincidentally, Walt Disney World is also located in Orange County, Florida.

Splash Mountain (Disneyland)

Opened in the summer of 1989, Splash Mountain has been a fan favorite log flume among guests for over three decades now. With adorable critters humming the catchy tunes of How Do You Do?, Ev’rybody’s Got a Laughin’ Place, and Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, what’s not to love? On June 25, 2020, Disney announced that they are planning to re-theme the ride to a Princess and the Frog theme at Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. The ride is originally themed after the animated sequences featured in the 1946 live-action, and cartoon-combined musical drama film Song of the South, primarily around the old folk tale Br’er Rabbit Runs Away. The theme remains as of writing.

Not much news regarding the re-theme has been revealed even a year and a half later. While Imagineering certainly takes some time, only time will tell if Disney will go forth with its plans or if it will fall through the floor like other proposed attractions and re-theming in the past. Rumor has it, however, that the theme will remain in Tokyo Disneyland, which is owned by Japanese tourist corporation The Oriental Land Company rather than the Walt Disney Company themselves. While we love Princess Tiana as much as other Disney fans do, we would certainly be sad to say goodbye to Br’er Rabbit and his pals as coming to this attraction was undoubtedly one of our all-time favorite things to do in Orange County.

Honorable Mentions

Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland Park)

The Haunted Mansion (Disneyland Park)

Space Mountain (Disneyland Park)

Timber Mountain Log Ride (Knott’s Berry Farm)

What are your favorite theme park rides in Orange County? Let us know!

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Our Top Picks for Orange County Museums and Tourist Destinations You Should Visit in 2022

 

Orange County is famous for many reasons, from its vibrant communities to its legendary theme parks, but have you truly experienced all that our wonderful corner of California has to offer? For instance, there are many museums scattered throughout the region. With so many different kinds of museums, at least one of them is bound to tickle your fancy. Consider one of these museums for one of your next Orange County events:

The Richard Nixon Library

President Nixon’s library is one of two Presidential libraries in California, the second being the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Ventura County. Here you can learn all about and experience Nixon’s turbulent presidency first hand. Even if you found yourself falling asleep in your history classes during your school days, you will find this interactive experience anything but a snore.

The Pretend City Children’s Museum

This Irvine museum allows children to be an adult for a day, where they will do several different kinds of grown-up jobs, shop for their own groceries, and go to the ATM. Your child will surely have a blast, but it will also make them appreciate their childhood a little more while it still lasts. Pretend City is also a non-profit organization, and children can opt to donate some of their “Pretend City money” back to them. Kids will also have the opportunity to snack on some great food during their visit!

The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum

Surf’s up. Did you know that Huntington Beach is recognized as the official Surf City USA? That’s right! The museum, devoted to the memory of Duke Kahanamoku (1890 – 1968), recently re-opened in late August 2021. You can even see the largest surfboard in the entire world standing at a whopping 42 feet, as seen in the Guinness World Records, so if you are in love with all things surfing, come on over to the International Surfing Museum, open Thursday through Sunday!

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the famous California missions, established before California was even officially a state! It was named after Saint Junipero Serra (1713 – 1784), the patron Saint of California. Founded in 1776, the same year as our nation, it is known as the “Jewel of California Missions,” attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. Catholics and non-Catholics alike will appreciate its distinct relics and beauty of the Serra Chapel, the only church where Saint Serra held mass that still stands today. Serra also has his own museum, the Junípero Serra Museum, located in San Diego.

The Laguna Art Museum

This Laguna Beach museum entirely consists of work by California artists. Founded in 1918, it serves as the oldest cultural institution in the Laguna area. The art featured in the gallery dates as far back as the 19th century leading up to modern day artists. LAM also has an art education program for children so that your little ones can also learn to appreciate the wonderful world of art. If you are a fan of the fine arts or are passionate about the culture of California in general, then you absolutely must put this museum on our list of Orange County events to experience first-hand.

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How You Can Celebrate Black History Month in Orange County

 

February is just right around the corner (which is hard to believe!), which means it will be Black History Month once again. This month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the people, both historic and in the present day, who have given their lives for civil rights and continue to support the African-American community. If you’re looking for things to do in Orange County for this important month, then look no further, because we at OC Helper have got you covered. 

Destinations and Events

California African American Museum (All Month)

If you’re willing to travel outside the area, the California African American Museum in Exposition Park, Los Angeles is a great choice. Since 1981, the CAAM has served as an educational institution built by African-American architects to inform the public about civil rights for people of color. Best of all, admission is completely free! The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays.

Orange County Black History Parade (Saturday, February 5, 2022, (9 am – 5 pm) 

Celebrate the 42nd Annual Black History Parade in Downtown Anaheim. Local African American clubs and civil rights organizations will march to remember those who fought before them as well as continue to reach for the stars now and forever. You will also be able to enjoy music performed by talented black musicians.

Watch an Educational Film

You may be interested in watching a movie or a documentary to commemorate Black History Month. Movies such as Freedom Riders and documentaries like King In The Wilderness are just a few of the great options out there. Much of African American culture has actually built a foundation for this nation, not just in civil rights but also in the music and the arts, and watching some of these films will serve as a reminder of that. Just because you are no longer taking compulsory social studies classes doesn’t mean you should stop learning about history. You can find an extensive list of movies to watch here. 

How You Can Help the Community

There are many black-owned businesses throughout Orange County that you can support during this month and you may even find yourself becoming a permanent customer. There are also a number of black non-profit organizations you can donate to support underprivileged African-American citizens, including those who do not have equal access to essential needs such as housing and education as well as those who belong to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s also important to remember that supporting civil rights does not stop when March rolls around. The African-American community deserves our support year-round, even when it’s not trending on Twitter. One person’s actions can go a long way, to remember to be a good neighbor to people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds when you’re looking for things to do in Orange County. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “the time is always right to do what is right.”

This blog is brought to you by Toyota of Orange, one of the leading Tustin car dealerships in Orange County.

How You Can Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Orange County

 

Hit up these events at Orange County for your Lunar New Year celebration. Find out more by clicking here.

Calling All Avid Readers! Discover Book Stores and Clubs Near You!

 

If you consider yourself a book lover, you might have missed going to your regular book club meetings during the height of the pandemic. While there is more time to cuddle up and enjoy your favorite novel or attend a Zoom meet-up, many people find that it’s just not the same as being able to meet face-to-face with other book enthusiasts and enjoy them together. Perhaps you are just simply looking for a new bookstore in the area to visit. Whatever your case may be, if you’re a bookworm looking for some new things to do in Orange County, then OC Helper has got you covered today!

Bookstores

Bookman (Orange)

Visitors have dubbed this store a “treasury for books.” For more than 3 decades, this independent bookstore has served as a local favorite among local bibliophiles. You will find yourself feeling like you’ve stepped into the Hogwarts library with their extensive library. You can also do an advanced search on their website to see if they have the book you’re looking for in stock. 

Arvida Book Co. (Tustin)

This store recently opened its doors in the fall of 2020. The store has been praised for its cute chic aesthetics. This is a great spot to bundle up and enjoy a good read with a cup of coffee on your days off.

Book Carnival (Orange)

This store specializes in mystery books. Its owner, Anne, is recognized by her friendly smile and aura as well as her unmatched knowledge of the world of literature. If you can’t find something you’re looking for, she is more than happy to order it for you. Book Carnival also holds frequent author book signings!

One Dollar Bookstore (Orange)

Books are for everyone, so if you find yourself in need of a good new read but you don’t want to spend a lot of money, then this is your place. Many local residents have raved online about the unbeatable prices they’ve gotten on their new stack of books.

Book Clubs

Irvine Non-Fiction Book Club

Founded in 2015, this club meets once a month and is geared towards reading books “pertinent to our country and the world at large.” If you live near Irvine and you enjoy reading about politics, world events, and having civil debates with others pertaining to these topics, we think you’ll fit in quite well here. 

OC Personal Development Book Club (Irvine)

If you are interested in self-help and improvement books and sharing your journey among others, then you may find this group to be a good investment of your time. Members read a new personal development book each month and meet to discuss their thoughts on them. You may find yourself not only learning a lot about others and their own experiences but some things about yourself you didn’t realize before!

Silent Book Club – Orange County 

Did you like silent reading time back in grade school? Want to be able to actually do the reading with your group then discuss the material shortly after? If this sounds like you, then come on over to the Silent Book Club! You are also welcome to bring a reading buddy along with you!

When it comes to things to do in Orange County, there is no shortage of fun!

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