After talking about it here yesterday, I decided to "take one for the team" and head over to the new AMC Dine-in Theaters nearby. I have to admit, I was definitely a little bit intimidated upon walking in. Bright lights, metal fixtures, and club-style lounge chairs fill the opening space of the theater. In fact, one might not even know that this was a movie theater upon first looking around.
In the front of the space are electronic ticketing machines. These can be used to check the balance of an AMC gift card, purchase tickets for that day, or to purchase tickets for an upcoming show. All major credit cards and AMC gift cards were accepted. This is also where you select what seat you would like in the theater. I was surprised at this feature. Normally when one goes to the movies, seats are picked at random based on how early you arrive. With this added component, it is safe to say that one could purchase tickets and choose a prime seat days before seeing a show. Nice!
Those patrons who were uncomfortable using the machines could visit the guest services desk nearby. While in the lobby area, I noticed that most people opted for the electronic machines after they stared in awe at all around them. A bar called MacGuffins sat in the dead center of the lobby and served cocktails of many types. A full-time bartender is there attending to everyone's needs.
Just past the bar sat the restrooms. Now, I know what you're thinking: Why on Earth would she bring up the potty area? Because it was that cool! I was very impressed to see that all of the fixtures were the newest in advanced technology included the new Dyson Airblade Hand Dryers. These babies force hot air through a HEPA filter before drying your hands. Not only does it make things completely sanitary, but also dries all moisture within seconds. Very impressive!
Upon entering the theater area, I was grateful to see that everything was clearly marked. Large numbers were printed on the carpets to let patrons know what theater they were entering and the various rows of seating inside. The seats themselves were incredible: made of leather and reclined slightly. There was also a table area that pulled in front of you complete with a menu and cloth napkin-rolled utensils. Small lights were installed towards the shoulder area by each seat to help everyone see once the film began. A call button is also available to alert your waiter that you would like to order. This can be done before or during the film. You do not need to arrive early.
The theater offers two dining options: Fork & Screen and Cinema Suites. The first is a casual setting that does allow children below the age of 18 as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Certain films will not allow any children in after 6 pm to ensure a complete, "undisturbed" experience. The menu is varied and includes snacks, cocktails, salads, appetizers, and entrees. Be forewarned, prices are a bit high, but the food was fresh and made to order. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal.
The Cinema Suites is coined as AMC's "fine dining" and offers a more extensive menu. No guests under the age of 21 are permitted inside the theater at any time. The seats and tables are similar, but the chairs actually recline further than those in Fork & Screen theaters.
Here's the menu for Fork & Screen:
http://www.amctheatres.com/uploadedF...2010.pdf?n=673
I have yet to find an AMC Dine-In with the Cinema Suites upscale dining option, but here's their menu:
http://www.amctheatres.com/uploadedF...010.pdf?n=5293
Overall, I found the AMC Dine-in to be an excellent experience. The seating and food were great. The servers were also prompt and did not interrupt your viewing of the film unless you needed them. And the best part? The price. I paid $6 for a matinée in this wonderful theater (plus the cost of food). AMC could easily get away with charging a higher fee. Let's not tell them though.
I'm excited that a theater like this will be opening at Downtown Disney in May. I think that it is a welcome addition and a great option on a rainy day.
EDIT: I returned May 15th to see a new release film. It cost $9 as a result. Still, it was well worth it. I also wanted to add that I noticed this time they dimmed the lights more than during my first visit. Similarly, I also had a different experience with the seating. The theater was packed because of the popularity of the film so someone sat next to me this time. I arrived and ordered first. Originally, I thought it'd be weird having my food delivered before hers, but it actually wasn't. The seats are so large and roomy that this was not an issue at all.
all around!
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