With The El Capitan Theatre Disney Creates a Magical Experience

One of my favorite things to do is to go to the movies. I love finding movie theatres that make my experience as great as possible. With the El Capitan Theatre Disney has created a magical experience for those of us who love movies and Disney. El Capitan is one of the grand movie palaces that was built in 1926 and is full of history.

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Before my first visit, I was not aware of the special touches that they add to make your experience memorable. My first time at the theatre was to see Beauty and the Beast in 3d. Then my Mom and I came here to see Wreck It Ralph. Before the movie, they invited children up on stage to play a game that ended with Ralph appearing on the stage. My mom and I also went to see Frozen and while nothing happened before the show during Let It Go it snowed in the movie theatre.

One of my favorite memories so far is when Scott Weinger, the voice of Aladdin, came to introduce an anniversary screening. But the one experience that nothing else could ever compare to is when I got to watch the Oscars at the El Capitan as part of my red carpet experience.

On the bottom level, they have a mini-museum where they showcase props from movies that have been shown at the theatre and you might even get to see some special old Hollywood type pictures.

When you purchase your ticket you have an option of a general admission ticket or a VIP ticket. VIP tickets include a reserved seat, popcorn, and a drink so it might be the best deal for you depending on what you want when you go. At a screening of Beauty and the Beast Belle magically appeared before the movie to introduce it. It is always a fun surprise to see what special touch El Capitan will have during the movie.

D23 (the Disney fan club) Gold Members check with the concession stand to see if they have any specials for you. Occasionally D23 will share on their Instagram story that members can get a free popcorn & soda!

For most movies, if you arrive early enough there will be someone playing the organ who does a wonderful job providing entertainment and creating a fun atmosphere. Last year I scored free tickets to see Muppets Most Wanted and I thought it was adorable that Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy arrived on the stage to perform for the crowd before the movie.

When Brave was out as well as some other movies there was an option to have breakfast with Merida before viewing the movie. When this offer is available it is on Saturday so if you are in the area and are unable to take your children to Disneyland taking them to the movies and to breakfast with the character might be a great and fun alternative.

Attached to the theatre is a Disney/Ghirardelli Soda shop with cute Disney merchandise as well as delicious ice cream. On occasion, you can get a delicious dessert that will come with a limited edition pin so for Disney pin collectors that might be a winning dessert for you.

If you have Facebook I encourage you to like their page so you can find out about their events and also be sure to check out our upcoming events page as I will list their events as well. If you park underneath the Hollywood and Highland Center across the street, which I would recommend, you can get your parking validated at the theatre and will pay $2 (or more depending on your arrival time) for the time you spent at the movie.