Did you know, 80 years ago today, the Wizard of Oz premiered on the big screen? I didn’t know either, but it did. The folks over at Alamo Drafthouse decided to throw a movie viewing party to celebrate this special day. Peyton and I were invited to attend the viewing party and check out the Alamo Drafthouse in Woodbury. I must admit, we were both pretty excited. We’ve been to plenty of movie screeners but never a movie viewing party so we had no clue what to expect.
The Alamo Drafthouse does these special events throughout the year. It really is a one of kind event. Earlier this month they had an Angry Birds 2 Cereal Party. I’m sure that was a delicious party for the whole family! Today, the party is all about the Wizard of Oz.
So the Alamo Drafthouse is not like other theaters. First, they don’t allow children in without an adult. That’s right, no kiddos will be running around without mom or dad. And they have a strict no cell phone policy. You will not see anyone glued to their cell phones with that blue glow distracting from the movie. And there will also be no loud or obnoxious groups in the movie theater either. If you break the rules you are asked to leave. And you will leave. When I first heard the rules I was a little concerned that this may be more of adultish theater and not welcoming to families, but that’s not the case at all! They just want everyone to enjoy the movie by being respectful and courteous to others around them. And guess what? It is now my go-to theater when Peyton and I see movies together.
Another unique piece of the Alamo Drafthouse is their made to order fresh food. I’ve eaten there a few times now and I can honestly say everything we have ordered is delicious. Seating starts a half-hour before showtime, so you show up, settle in and order your food. That’s when they start to cook it! Nothing is premade and sitting under heat lamps. It’s all fresh. I’ve had a cheeseburger and french fries, the Greek chicken salad, the steak salad, strawberry milkshake, lemonade, tea and the churros plus the taco platter over the past month. Peyton is addicted to their mozzarella sticks and gets them every time we go now. And my favorite of everything I’ve had so far is the steak salad, it was so yummy!
When there is a movie party I highly suggest showing up at least 15 minutes before the start of the movie. For the Wizard of Oz movie party, we had several party favors. Some, like the red balloon, required a little pre-movie prep, like blowing it up to the size of an apple so we could throw them at each other. We also had a light-up emerald rings, lollipops and more. There was even a special drink just for the movie! It was definitely worth showing up a little early to go through the Wizard of Oz menu, meet our server and get ready to partake in a party!
The big difference in a movie party versus seeing a movie is you are encouraged to be a little rowdy. They want you to sing along, repeat your favorite movie lines, heck you can even get up and dance! We were encouraged to toss balloons at each other during the apple scene. Wave our streamers at certain points at to blow bubbles every time Glenda appeared on screen. You are encouraged to have fun! But still, no cell phones.
Did we have fun? Yes! Peyton thought it was a hoot to be able to toss balloons and blow bubbles in a movie theater. We sat next to a super fan and she was so much fun. I think she knew every single word! But it’s all about having a good time and enjoying yourself. Which we absolutely did!
Would I do a movie party again? YES! Would I do other special events with Alamo Drafthouse? YES! Would I go for just a movie? YES! In the month of August, I have been to the Alamo Drafthouse 4 times. The first time was with my mother to see The Kitchen. The second and third, Peyton and I took advantage of $5 Tuesday and saw Dora the Explorer and The Lion King. And my fourth visit was for The Wizard of Oz. When will we be back?? Oh, I’m thinking it’ll be very soon. I heard they have a Willy Wonka Party for the end of September and I’m toying with surprising Peyton with it. I mean, everyone needs to see it on the big screen, at least once!
So the bottom line is – Alamo Drafthouse is a unique movie experience. It’s an enjoyable experience for all. Plus the food is awesome!
For a complete listing of special events they have coming up check out their website – There is also a clown viewing of IT Chapter 2 coming up soon too!
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