What a time to be alive!!! After 5 long months from the COVID shutdown, Tinseltown finally re-opened, and with everything going on, it was nice to bring a sense of normalcy back to my life. I had no misgivings about going back to the movies - believe me, it was happening once I got wind of the re-opening, and for me, it was GLORIOUS!!!!
The crew at Tinseltown was definitely on point. Safety protocols were in effect as publicized, with employees masked and gloved, and social distancing being observed. Ran into the manager as well, and both he and all of the employees were very nice and welcoming.
The theatre was also the cleanest I have ever seen it (granted, it was also an early showing on a weekday, hehe), so that was much appreciated, and it was nice to find wipes and hand sanitizer stations through the lobby area and hallways. Both the entrance and concessions have plexiglass barriers, and I believe that paper ticketing has been halted - as least for now. Concessions are also only debit/credit pay, no cash, and lines are "one entrance, one exit" almost like theme park style, to control overcrowding at the register. Only bummer was that Studio Eats was still closed - again, I can see why, considering the potential for overcrowding and breaking social distancing, especially on a weekend - so you might want to grab dinner beforehand if you need a meal before coming in to nosh on some popcorn, candy, soda, etc.
Big plus for the two-seat buffer inside the auditoriums!!! Whether you're by yourself or with a group, the theatre will maintain a two seat distance between parties to preserve social distancing. It felt safe to see folks masking up throughout the movie, although I have no doubt that some de-masked to eat/drink, but just didn't mask back up until the movie was over (For the record, I masked and de-masked throughout the movie, it's not that difficult or inconvenient). Honestly, I can't see how that would be enforced other than the old-school method of sending ushers up and down the aisle for periodic checks, so let's just say I'm again happy for the two-seat buffer!
New movies are expected for release next week, but right now, you can take advantage of classic films showing, each for $5.00 (FYI, Jurassic Park and Back to the Future - which I saw - are showing on the XD screens, so even better to check out), and they have concession specials - $5 large popcorn, $3.50 large drink or ICEE, $2.50 candy - one of each plus my Movie Club discount only came to $9.42, so $15 wasn't bad for an afternoon out, plus I had popcorn left over for later! They will also still honor the plastic refill/cup specials - while they can't refill them directly, if you bring them with you, they will give you the equivalent single-use item at the discounted price.
Overall, if you're feeling ready to get out there, I'd say give it a shot. Tinseltown did an awesome job for my first time back, and if this indeed becomes the new normal, I'm definitely all for it, if it means I get to continue enjoying the movie theatre experience while escaping from the outside world for a few hours! read more