Watching a movie at the El Capitan Theatre

[rangermom]

Has anyone done this? We are going to DL to meet up with friends for the long weekend of Valentines day and our AP's are blacked out Sat and Sun so we are planning on doing things in the area. We have been to Hollywood before and the Disney soda fountain, but not the El Capitan theatre. Lady and the Tramp will be playing when we are there. Is it just the movie or should we get there earlier to look around? We are planning on eating lunch at the soda fountain then heading over to catch the movie.

 

[hodad]

The last time I was in LA my 5yo and I met up with some friends and saw Frozen at El Capitan. It was a lot more fun than seeing Frozen in another theater, due to appearances by Elsa and Olaf, a lightshow, and fake snow during certain scenes. Who knows what Disney will do for Lady and the Tramp. Maybe let the dogs out into the theater.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Check to see if the organist will be playing before your show. He only plays at select times, but is well worth seeing. Take time to look at all the photos on display on the second level. The Soda Fountain is now a Ghirardelli's, so I'm not sure if they serve food. Whenever we walk through, it looks like everyone is eating ice cream only. (Don't worry, even if you can't eat at Ghirardelli's, there are plenty of places to eat across the street at Hollywood & Highland.) If the movie puts you in the mood for red sauce Italian, look into Micelli's (a few blocks east at Hollywood Blvd. & Las Palmas -- http://www.micelisrestaurant.com) -- very kitchy, old school Italian, and singing waiters!

 

[texasgingerbread]

Following...I looked at seating and can't decide if I want floor or balcony. Did you go?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

The seating is good for both orchestra and balcony. We prefer the balcony because it tends to be less crowded. The only warning I would give for the balcony is not to sit in the very first row of reserved seating. I'm short and my view from that row can be hindered by the railing and lights right in front of that row.