I used to hate the idea of seeing a movie on vacation. After all, you’re only in this exotic place for a short time — why would you spend two-plus hours of that time in a dark theater where you can’t talk to your friends or family?
Over time, though, I’ve softened my stance a bit. It turns out, a movie can be an awesome way to spend an arrival night, or a great spot to spend a few hours on a rainy day. And, Orlando has enough great movie theaters that it’s actually a pretty solid place, all things considered, to see that movie you’ve been waiting all year for.
But, as you likely know from your home town, all movie theaters are not created equal. Some are luxe and extraordinary — others are quaint and old fashioned. Let’s take a look at some of the best Orlando has to offer.
AMC Dine-In Disney Springs 24
Image: Disney
There are some other theaters on this list that are nicer. There are some with more comfortable seats, better food, and a more unique selection of movies.
However, in terms of location, it’s hard to top the Disney Springs AMC. Located right in the heart of the Disney Springs shopping area — just at the entrance to the massive parking garages off I-4 — this movie theater shows just about every first-run movie that exists.
And, once you get inside, it certainly is as nice as an AMC gets. There’s a bar and full-dining option — including food service during the movie. There’s a Dolby Cinema on location — a specially-designed projection and sound experience that claims to be of the highest quality. I am fortunate enough to live near multiple Dolby Cinema locations, and I can attest that it truly is the best way to see a major movie.
But beyond the great location within walking distance of Disney Springs’ famous restaurants and the solid amenities, this AMC also boasts a unique partnership with Disney. Opening Night events at the Disney Springs AMC are true events for Disney-produced movies. Star Wars, Marvel, and Walt Disney Studios all put together special gift packages, pre-show entertainment, and a cool opening-night vibe for the biggest releases.
Everyone should see a movie at the Disney Springs AMC at least once.
Universal Cinemark at CityWalk
Image: Universal
Obviously, no discussion of movie theaters is complete without the movie-themed park just up I-4 from Disney. Located right at the entrance to Universal CityWalk, this Cinemark location offers definite convenience for anyone staying on-site at Universal — a key perk.
Additionally, the Universal Cinemark is so big that there’s nearly always a showing for whichever movie you want to see. They lack the same Opening Night spectacle of their Disney competitor, but they more than make up for it with high-quality projection, good food, and a solid discount for guests who dine at CityWalk as well.
Notably, the Universal Cinemark also boasts an XD theater — “extreme digital.” This theater is Cinemark’s answer to the IMAX experience at AMC, and isn’t quite as high quality. However, it’s still quite good — and the only screen of its type at either theater on Universal or Walt Disney World property.
Cinemark Orlando
Image: Miosotis Jade, Wikimedia Commons (license)
Located in the former Artegon Mall just across I-4 from Universal, the Cinemark Orlando has long been a favorite among locals for its cheaper prices and smaller crowds than the two tourist-area theaters. As such, it’s a more traditional moviegoing experience without the same fuss of parking and dealing with the family complaining about being so close to the theme parks without going in — a plus on a resort day.
The mall does have a handful of restaurants and other entertainment activities — including a pretty nifty mini golf course — but it certainly is not on the same level as Disney Springs or Universal CityWalk in terms of sheer things-to-do.
But, all of that is somewhat besides the point. It still has all the trappings of a modern movie theater — reserved reclining seats, an XD theater, and so on. If you’re looking for a great movie theater without the fuss, Cinemark Orlando is probably the best you’ll find.
Regal Pointe Orlando
Image: dionhinchcliffe, Flickr (license)
Just south of the Cinemark Orlando, you’ll find the massive shopping complex at Pointe Orlando. It’s like a mini-Disney Springs in that it has everything you could want for a night out: some restaurants, some bars, a place to entertain the kids (they always fun Monkey Joe’s), and of course a movie theater.
The Regal Pointe Orlando is, like other nearby theaters, a modern movie-going experience. It’s got recliners and digital projection and reserved seating and so on. But, most importantly, it also has the area’s best IMAX screen.
IMAX is a famed large-format projection system favored by cinephiles and documentarians. It’s very expensive to shoot in IMAX, but filmmakers like Christopher Nolan love to use it for its epic scale. Only some IMAX theaters, however, are outfitted to show IMAX films in their true aspect ratio. The Pointe Orlando IMAX is the closest thing to true IMAX you will find in Central Florida, and as such, it’s the best place to see shot-in-IMAX films like Dunkirk or Mission: Impossible Fallout.
The tickets are, no doubt, expensive. But, if you’re someone who loves movies — and large-format movies in particular — it’s a real treat to visit this screen.
Epic Theaters at Lee Vista
Image: Epic Theaters
Just a bit outside the tourist corridor, and more near Orlando International Airport, the Epic Theaters at Lee Vista is a fantastic option for a high-quality, low-hassle movie experience.
Like most other modern theaters, it sports reserved, reclining seats, a bar, and two large-format screens. They aren’t quite as impressive as the Pointe Orlando IMAX, but they’ll do the job if you want to treat yourself to the next Marvel spectacular.
The service and attention to detail are what makes Epic Theaters stand out as a mini-chain. They aren’t quite as big as Regal, AMC, or Cinemark and as such, they’re more committed to each theater that they do possess.
If you’re staying a bit outside the traditional Orlando tourist zone, or if you’re looking for something to do before a late flight home, this theater is a great option.
Enzian Theater
Image: Enzian Theater, Twitter
True movie buffs, however, should be prepared to take a bit of a car ride north if they want to enjoy a classic Florida indie theater. The Enzian Theater, located in Maitland, Fl. a bit north of Winter Park, is the area’s best independent theater showing first-run indie hits and some repertory classics.
The Enzian is an eclectic space with a classically Florida look to it — lots of color and Art Deco styling make it look right at home as a place to see classic films. It also features a very loyal following and strong community, so if you’re a big enough film buff, you should feel right at home.
The theater is also host to the Florida Film Festival — an annual event in April that celebrates great independent film and serves as a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards. With a bar and great restaurants nearby, the Enzian is a great movie night out — particularly for the grown ups.
In all, Florida has theaters for all occasions — family movie night, a Marvel movie premiere, a whatever-is-showing-next rainout, or a movie obsessive’s mini vacation. Not a bad way to spend a day.
