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I can't remember what age I was the first time I went to a drive-in theater, but I remember the experience. I went with my mother and cousin to see Squeeze Play. I don't remember the movie (I fell asleep in the back seat), but I still remember how exciting it was. The big screen, the concession stand, the swings...all still stand out in my mind. Where I grew up there was a drive-in theater close by and during the spring and summer months we went often, including my teen and adult years of which I have taken my daughter as well. Drive-in theaters are now a dying industry. Big screens have been replaced by IMAX, bucket seats take back seat to stadium seating and folding chairs you dragged from your trunk, well they just don't have as much cushion as those fold down seats. But still, even with digital picture and sound there are some things you just can't beat when it comes to the drive-in theater: nostalgia and price!
If you live in Columbia or nearby, it is well worth the trip to Monetta to catch a flick at The Big Mo drive-in. This drive-in theater boasts two fields with screens, a playground and a concession stand as well. Just like the drive-ins of the past they are equipped with fun and bargains that date back to a time when Technicolor and 3-D were born, the 50's. Although the prices are a bit more now, the drive-in is still the best bang for your buck. Here is how the savings break down:
- You get two movies for the price of one! For roughly $7.00 per adult and $3.00 per child, you get two new hit movies back to back. Check local websites such as www.thebigmo.com for specials that include a one price for a carload viewings.
- No need for paying $6.00 for a popcorn, $4.00 for a drink and $3.75 for a box of sour candies, bring your own! Save big on concessions by popping your own popcorn and buying movie size snacks and drinks before you go. Although drive-ins make most of their money from the concession stand, they do not frown on you bringing in your own food.
Drive-in theaters are more than just a movie, it's an experience that never goes out of style. There are added benefits as well which are priceless, such as being able to meet new people, being able to speak without being ssshed and helping preserve a dying pastime. If you've never experienced a drive-in movie, I urge you to go! Get out of the stuffy indoor theaters, take a breath of fresh air and enjoy two recent movies without having to mortgage your home.
How do I get there? click the link below and plug in this address: 5822 Columbia Highway North Monetta,SC 29105
Comments
You should not tell people to bring their own popcorn, drinks, and candy. Yes Drive-ins do frown on this. They need the income from the concession stand to pay the bills. They do not make enough from ticket sells to stay in business. At least 90% of ticket sells goes to the film company. Come on you save all that money to get in and get to see two movies, the least you can do is buy food at the concession stand. Most drive-ins and small towm indoor theatres do not rob you at the snack bar like the large theatre chains.
I think bringing your own popcorn is fine! She even states that they make most of their money from concession sales. If you look the drive-in website it says the same thing. You can bring your own stuff but they prefer you to buy theirs. I have 5 kids and buying snacks for all and seeing a movie is way expensive. I agree with her!
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