Orlando Lens
By Nicholas Ware
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Orlando has a wide variety of movie-going options, but two of its premier multiplexes sit in the entertainment districts of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, respectively. AMC Downtown Disney 24 and Universal Cineplex 20 are both run by American Multi-Cinema Theaters, so they technically aren't in competition with each other. However, their locations are; Downtown Disney and Universal City Walk both want your leisure dollars, and one way they've attempt to attract those shiny ducats is through two of the best multiplexes in town. So what are the differences? After the cut, check out a rundown of the unique services offered by each location.
Orlando has a wide variety of movie-going options, but two of its premier multiplexes sit in the entertainment districts of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, respectively. AMC Downtown Disney 24 and Universal Cineplex 20 are both run by American Multi-Cinema Theaters, so they technically aren't in competition with each other. However, their locations are; Downtown Disney and Universal City Walk both want your leisure dollars, and one way they've attempt to attract those shiny ducats is through two of the best multiplexes in town. So what are the differences? After the cut, check out a rundown of the unique services offered by each location.
First, both locations offer all the major recent releases, standard AMC concessions, digital projection, stadium seating, real D 3D (the standard 3D format) screens, and the ability to reserve theaters for special events. But each AMC offers a few specific options that might tilt a moviegoer's favor in its direction.
Universal Cineplex 20
- IMAX Screen - The original premium projection format, some features (such as The Dark Knight) have scenes specifically shot to take advantage of the superior fidelity of IMAX. The Universal Cineplex IMAX screen almost always 3D IMAX, which can be spectacular but overwhelming for viewers like me. However, this IMAX is not as large as some... the IMAX screen in the Regal Pointe Orlando theater is nearly six stories tall.
- City Walk Movie & a Meal Deal - If you want to make a full outing of it, City Walk has a package that allows you to enjoy a film at the Cineplex and a select dish at Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom, Latin Quarter, Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, NASCAR Sports Grille, NBA City, Pastamore, or Pat O'Brien's.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Cineplex offers the quintessential midnight movie, with performance cast and full crowd interaction, every other Friday and Saturday at midnight. Local troupe The Rich Weirdos run the show. You can get involved (and learn the rules of the show) by visiting their website.
- The Best Beer Prices At Universal - You're going to get gouged on food and drink at any theme park and at any multiplex, but the Cineplex offers a pretty nice deal for a draft: 32 ounces for $6.25 with $3.00 refills!
AMC Downtown Disney 24
- The Newest Amenities - The AMC in Downtown Disney is considerably newer than the Cineplex and thus offers a large number of small amenities that the Cineplex does not. These include a convenience store-style self-service concession stand called The Marketplace, baby-friendly matinees every first Tuesday, monthly autism-friendly shows, and reserved seating in some theaters.
- ETX - While AMC Downtown Disney 24 has no IMAX screen, it does have ETX screens, which feature the best quality digital projection and sound. The premiere screen at the 24 has 3D and Dolby Atmos sound.
- MacGuffin's Bar - An in-lobby bar (named after the film term) is available for guests 21 & up.
- Dine-In Theaters - The biggest stand-out feature of the AMC Downtown Disney 24 is probably the select screens that offer large, comfortable seats with an table and in-theater service (like Aloma Cinema Grill). The "cinema grill" trend has been catching on with multiplexes, and AMC offers this service only to patrons 18 & up or those accompanied by a patron 21 & up.
- (Always) Free Parking - The worst knock against Universal City Walk as an entertainment destination, for me, has always been the charge for parking and the interminable walk between the car and the fun. Downtown Disney parking is closer and free. (To be fair, free parking is available at Universal for Florida residents with valid ID after 6pm and all visitors after 10pm.)
And there you go. AMC Downtown Disney 24 is definitely the newer, sexier theme park multiplex, but an interactive Rocky Horror show is probably enough for me to make the trip to Universal. Whatever your choice, you're sure to drain your wallet while having your fill of fun at either of these destination movie palaces.
