Private theater showings in Orlando offer convenience and safety
Just when movie theaters were beginning to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, fears about the safety of heading to the multiplex have been sparked once again due to the spread of the omicron variant. Fortunately, Central Florida theaters continue to offer an option for those who still want to see the latest and greatest at the cinema but have concerns about large crowds in tight spaces: private theater showings.
Joe Demarsh, who is a manager at Epic Theater’s corporate office, said though the popularity of private screenings peaked in 2020 shortly after the theater chain’s initial reopening, this option remains in demand, especially at the chain’s suburban Orlando locations. “People enjoy it,” Demarsh said, adding that “they like having the option especially those who are looking to follow COVID safety.”
If you’re looking to book a private theater showing to check out the latest blockbuster, here are some important things to keep in mind:
Booking a theater
The easiest way to book a theater rental is online, at least 2-3 days in advance. Currently, AMC, Cinemark and Epic all have dedicated online theater reservation systems that allow users to browse available showtimes, pick their movie and pay in advance.
Though it is possible in some instances to book a same-day private theater rental, a recent surge in the popularity of theater rentals in Central Florida has led to less availability (especially on weekends) so the sooner you book, the more options you’ll have.
Caitlin Piper, senior manager for public relations at Cinemark, said the chain’s theater rental service, which has been branded as “private watch parties,” continues to have “sustained popularity,” which can affect availability, adding “we would encourage our moviegoers to take an advance look at their specific theater when the private watch party options are available.”
Movie selection
Though selection will of course vary by theater, firstrun and blockbuster movies are almost always available for private showings. AMC and Epic theaters also
occasionally offer seasonal throwback films for private watch parties as well. The only screenings that are typically unavailable for private theater rentals are special event series like TCM Big Screen Classics or The Met: Live in HD.
What you’ll pay:
The cost for a private theater screening varies a lot by location, date, theater size and film, so this is one area where flexibility is key if you don’t want to break the bank. For instance, a Sunday showing of a firstrun film like “Scream” in one of the largest auditoriums (with room for 75 guests) at the AMC Dine-in Disney Springs 24 runs a staggering $829. However, a showing of the same film on the same day in a smaller auditorium (with room for up to 20) at this location is a much more reasonable $169.
Cinemark Orlando and XD has variable pricing depending on the day, as a Friday private screening of new thriller “The 355” will cost $249, but a weekday showing of the same film will cost $199. All private screenings at this theater accommodate up to 30 guests.
Epic Theaters offers a sliding scale based on film popularity, with weekend showings of the blockbuster “Spider-Man: No Way Home” playing for $199.99 at the Lee Vista location, while “West Side Story screenings are only $149.99.
To get the best value, decide what movie to watch, what size auditorium is needed to accommodate your party, and then browse prices/available showtimes at two or three theaters nearby.