First trip back to AMC movie theater reveals enhanced safety measures
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a new movie in theaters, 162 days to be exact. And for an AMC Theatres Stubs A-List member, that’s an eternity.
I was excited about the national chain’s reopening announcement, while cautious amid the coronavirus pandemic. Over the weekend, I decided to indulge my cinematic desires with a viewing of the new “Unhinged” and check out the safety measures in place at my local theater (West AMC West Oaks 14 in Ocoee).
I have to admit, I felt as safe as I could in the COVID-19 era.
Here are a few things I noticed on my first trip back.
■ When booking tickets through AMC’s app, prompts advise guests about the theater’s limited capacity (40 percent at my theater), encourage advanced concession orders that can be picked up upon arrival and detail the mask policy: Patrons must wear
masks except while eating or drinking inside auditoriums. Once I purchased my ticket, the app immediately removed one seat to the left and another to the right of my selection to ensure I was socially dis
tanced from other patrons. ■ If you weren’t clear on AMC’s policies before heading to the theater, there’s plenty of signage to catch you up. At West Oaks Mall theater, it starts before you scan your ticket —
displays that once housed current or upcoming movie posters now contain signs that encourage social distance, explain the mask policy and describe cleaning procedures. Signage continues throughout the theater, and each auditorium has posters that relay the mask and social distancing policies. Side note: If you don’t feel safe once you’re inside, you can request a refund or move to a socially distanced seat once the movie commences.
For those who prefer audiovisual reminders, AMC reiterates the mask policy on the big screen before the movie starts. During my visit, most patrons followed the mask requirements, though a few seemed to eat and drink very slowly to avoid replacing their masks. Wearing a face covering while watching a movie is not the most pleasant experience (especially if your glasses fog up), but it gets easier as the movie progresses.
■ Barriers have been installed in areas where customers and employees come face-to-face to protect both parties. All crew members also wear masks, and everyone I saw also donned gloves.
■ Markers on the floor help with social distancing by indicating where to stand, which direction to move and more.
A few concession notes. Cash is not currently accepted at concession stands. Refills have been discontinued. Condiment stands are closed, so be sure to ask for napkins, butter, salt, pepper and whatever else you need at the register. You’ll receive a small, cardboard bucket with everything you’ve requested inside.
■ As an A-List member, my free birthday gifts were extended until the end of October, which I used to enjoy free a large soda and large popcorn. Side note: I didn’t realize how much I missed movie theater popcorn. I also received a $10 bonus for reactivating my account.
Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for seats are available in abundance throughout the building and outside every auditorium.