LeAnn and I met up with some friends Friday night for some excellent Mexican food at Cantina Laredo followed by a trip to Orlando’s brand new Plaza Cinema Cafe in downtown.
I have to say all five of us were blown away by this theater. Outside, someone had brought in old gangster-type cars to go along with the theme of Public Enemies, a film that was premiering. In fact, anyone wearing a gangster or early 20th century Chicago-style outfit got in free. Two spotlights were also setup out front. It was a really cool vibe, more like a premier than the usual night out at the movies.
After making our way through the lobby, we found the inside of the theaters as nice as any I’ve ever seen (and I’m a movie buff). Brand new recliner-style leather seats with triple-sized armrests and mini-tables for food brought back from the cafe. Yes, food, as in more than snacks. I dreamed of eating buffalo wings there one day before realizing how hard it is to keep popcorn off my shirt. I can only imagine the humiliation of a buffalo-sauce soaked shirt. Along with the chairs, the screens are of course brand new, the projection is crystal-clear digital and the sound is crisp, all adding up to an unforgettable viewing. Instead of a public movie theater, you almost felt like you were at a lager version of some wealthy socialite’s home theater. It was functional, classy and comfortable. Admission? $9.50, less than what we’ve been paying at our local theater (and the Buy Orlando cards offer a 50% discount).
It’s really the perfect spot for a movie, surrounded by dozens of eateries and offering a variety of food choices itself. The potential parking problem wound up being much ado about nothing. Tickets are validated for three hours (so I guess you’d have to book it after Transformers 2).
If you’re in the Orlando area, I’d definitely recommend checking it out. Here‘s their Web site and Here is a good review with more pictures.
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