The theater plays second run movies, and last night, we decided that, of the available options, it would be pretty great to watch Jurassic Park on the big screen. Nothing like watching dinosaurs from your car under the moon and stars.
Typically, the drive in would not allow outside food and beverage, but they've made an exception for the current situation. We didn't take too much advantage, though. We only brought water, and we didn't even drink that much, because they say on their website that they're hoping people will use their bathrooms for emergencies only. Gotcha loud and clear- stay in your darn car. Done and done. We took my car and put the top down, but most of the people there were good about sticking in or around their vehicles. When anyone got within a few feet of our car, we put on masks and waited for them to leave. Still, once the movie started, it ceased to be a concern. We did each venture to the bathroom, but we showed up an hour early for a two hour movie, and the drive was quite a haul. Bound to happen.
Anyhow, it was a fun experience, and I think Cas and I can both recommend a trip to Ennis if you're interested. I don't think we'd head back a whole lot more this summer, as it takes a full hour in the car each direction from our house, but we may see one more movie before school starts. Here's what you need to know:
The website said the movie starts at 8:30 and you should go early. We went on a Thursday, and it seemed we could have arrived right at 8:30 and still been fine. They actually started our movie just after 9, though it may have to do with how recently the summer solstice was and how late sunset is happening these days. I don't know how crowded the weekends are.
If you have a portable, battery operated radio, bring it. If you don't, by a $10 radio somewhere. The audio for the movie plays on an FM station, so you need to tune in. If you don't want to have your car sit and idle for two hours or drain its battery by operating the car radio while the engine is off, just get something that you can operate separately from your vehicle. As a bonus, if you tune in to the correct station before the movie starts, they will have a DJ playing pop music from the late 50s and early 60s. Not every song will be a winner, but it certainly sets the mood.
Check the weather before you leave the house. It was perfect last night. It did not rain, and the weather dipped from the low 80s to the high 70s while we sat and watched the dinosaurs. There was also a pretty spectacular breeze. I would try for a night like that, even if your car has a permanent roof. Roll the windows down. It's pretty great.
There is a downside. The bathrooms are pretty gross. They have proper plumbing, and everything functions correctly, but you get to share your space with a lot of flies. Think highway rest stop. And when you do go, wear a mask, stick a Kleenex or a baby wipe in your pocket and throw a small hand sanitizer bottle in the other pocket. We used the baby wipe to open/close the door, latch it shut, flush, operate the sink handles and get back out of the bathroom. After that, you're on to sanitize your hands on the way back to the car.
Other minor downsides are the distance from home and the presence of cigarette (and other) smoke, though the space is pretty open and the smoke dissipates quickly.
All in all, a good entertainment option for a socially distant summer. Nothing fancy, but a unique experience. Here is the view as I was walking back from the bathroom:
Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for kids
They have what I am told is a very good concession stand, though we skipped it.
Website here: http://www.galaxydriveintheatre.com/
Naturally, photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2XJ3mX7a61qq3KRj7
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