drive-in movie or a regular theater :: what do you prefer?

Drive-in movies were not something that we often think about when wanted to see a movie.  We were so excited to take the kids to their first drive-in movie this summer.  We ended up going two times actually.  It was great because there was a double feature, so two for the price of one.  If you can stay up that late. The kids really loved the drive in, so I wanted to share with you 6 ways that drive-in movie theaters are different than a regular theater.

Since the 1930’s, drive-in movie theaters have given moviegoers the option to watch movies from the comfort of their vehicles. Over the years, the technology associated with drive-in movies has changed, but the general idea of not leaving your car to see a movie remains intact. If you have never been to a drive-in theater and there is one near you, then there are plenty of good reasons to set aside a weekend to have your first drive-in experience.

1. Two For One – Most drive-in movie theaters charge only one admission price, but that admission gives you access to two movies. One of the best parts about this two for one arrangement is that both movies are either first run films, or the second feature is a popular movie from earlier in the year. When it comes to going to the movies, it is hard to beat being able to see two movies for the price of one.  We loved this because both times we went it was a movie the kids wanted to see first then it was an adult movie and kids were sleeping.  Perfect!
2. No Noisy Neighbors – In a regular theater, each sound the people sitting next to you make can be distracting. From talking on their phones to loudly crunching their popcorn, your neighbors could be the reason you miss most of the film. At the drive-in, everyone is sitting inside their own cars and those noisy neighbors are too far away to ruin your night.
3. Full Restaurant Menu – A regular theater offers movie snacks such as popcorn, nachos, pretzels, and soda pop that can get expensive. Every drive-in movie theater has a full concession stand that offers menus similar to your local submarine sandwich shop and at prices that compete with other fast food places in the area.
4. Bring The Kids – Young families love the drive-in because they can bring their kids and save money on babysitters. Kids and the drive-in go well together and that applies to kids of any age group. Since you are sitting in your own car, your kids will not be able to affect the experience of the other people in the theater.
5. Get Some Fresh Air – Most drive-ins have a playground for the kids and a picnic area for people to enjoy a meal under the open sky before the movies begin. Sitting out in the open air and taking in a movie under the stars can be a much different experience than sitting in a crowded theater.
6. You Choose The Volume – When you go to a regular theater, you are stuck having to put up with the volume that the theater sets. Not every moviegoer wants to be in a theater where the sound is so loud that their soda pop is splashing around. At the drive-in, you set your own volume and you can even turn that volume down to encourage the kids to go to sleep before the second feature begins.

You can find out more about movies in general when you follow industry people on social media, such as the Marc Shmuger Twitter account. Drive-in movie theaters offer a family-based option for seeing movies that eliminates noisy neighbors and babysitter costs. It is always good for people to know their movie options and it can be a lot of fun for a family to decide to take in something new like a drive-in movie experience.

Have you ever been to a drive in movie?  Did you take your kids?  What did you prefer, drive-in or traditional theater? Tell me about it.