One of the highlights of Hollywood Blvd is the El Capitan. It has been there since 1926!! Originally set up for plays this has been a “go-to” spot for entertainment for almost a full century. Crazy, right?! The first 15 years were purely stage shows, with the first movie premiering at the El Capitan being Citizen Kane in 1941.
Well, in 1989 Disney purchased the El Capitan and it has featured Disney movies ever since. I actually lived nearby when it reopened in June 1991 and I will never forget my first movie experience in this theater, I think I was 13. Aladdin.
This is not just your normal movie theater — this is a theater you go to for a real SHOW. All of the movies shown have a pre-show. Watching Aladdin there was incredible — it is one of the biggest “shows” that they have ever had in that theater too, they had flying carpets and all. Absolutely stunning.
You can actually see the whole history of the El Capitan on the second floor of the building — they have panels of photos displaying many of the highlights over the years. All the way back to 1926!
And there is panel after panel of old pictures, press releases and more! Great history. The building itself is just outstanding. There is incredible detail and it is SO beautiful!
Look at the detail!! I really don’t even have words for it — so intricate. It was restored to it’s original beauty and the detail is just phenomenal. (Enough adjectives there?!)
The upper lobby contains all those panels of history while in the lower lobby they actually have some of the movie props too! Right now they have costumes from Oz: The Great and the Powerful. So pretty!
The newest addition is the Disney Soda Fountain & Studio Store. I hadn’t visited this one before and was quite impressed — plus, guess what they have there?! THE VAULT!
Not to mention every Disney goodie you could ask for! Right now they had a full display and wall of Iron Man 3 gear (in addition to all the regular Disney merchandise of course!). And you can get an ice cream or something tasty from the Soda Fountain!
Another fun perk is that they have party rooms — we were treated to breakfast before our tour of the El Capitan.
Mickey Mouse waffles and all!
Overall, I was quite impressed and this will be on my “must-see” list for a visit to Hollywood with the kids!
More details about the El Capitan:
· IRON MAN 3 is currently playing at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA until June 20th in Disney Digital 3D and Real D 3D
· See a Display of Collectibles & Comic Books from the Private Collection of Stan Lee!
· For tickets call 1 (800) DISNEY6 or visit www.elcapitantickets.com
· Coming this summer at the El Capitan Theatre:
– June 21st – August 8th: MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (Plus, see Mike & Sulley in the MU Pep Rally with the Sprit Squad Live on Stage!)
– August 9th – September 19th: Disney’s PLANES
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