Is it true that movies can make a marriage better? The answer is “yes” according to research conducted by professors at the University of Rochester. Couples were split into three groups for the study, two participating in lengthy sessions with a therapist and the other required to watch a movie once a week and converse over discussion questions. The movie-watching couples had the same benefits of relationship improvement as those who met regularly with a therapist!
So, ready to give your relationship a boost? We have gathered a list of local theaters offering dinner and a show under one roof. Dine, relax, and be entertained all in one spot at these dine-in theaters in Orlando.
Updated February 2024 by Meghan Roth
Dinner + a Movie
Aloma Cinema Grill
2155 Aloma Ave., Winter Park
(407) 678-8214
Aloma Cinema Grill is a vintage-style theater situated in Winter Park. Scattered throughout the retro-colored building are custom murals including characters like Shirley Temple and The Little Rascals. No matter who sits in front of you, you’ll have a great view. There are even a few loveseat-style rolling chairs, perfect for snuggling up with your date night hottie.
The menu boasts American classics like mozzarella sticks, nachos, pizza, and burgers. Moviegoers can also order healthy salads, grilled chicken, or a tuna melt. Wine can be ordered by the bottle or by the glass; beer by the mug or pitcher; and sangria by the glass or carafe. Allow at least 30 minutes for food to be delivered.
Price: $7 for showings before 4pm, $8.50 for all other showings
Enzian Theater
1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland
(407) 629-0054
You've likely heard of and probably visited Enzian Theater. This local gem is proud to screen artful independent, foreign, and classic films. This unique venue is also home to the Florida Film Festival.
Grab a thirst-quenching refreshment before or after the movie from the outdoor Eden Bar. The patio is surrounded by Floridian gardens and colossal oak trees. Drink specials are offered every day of the week allowing you to catch a deal no matter when you go. A full food menu is available outdoors and a good portion of the menu is available indoors if you prefer to nosh while watching the film.
Price: Matinees are $11 per person, all other showings are $12.50 per person
If the purse strings are short, do date night on a budget with Enzian’s free outdoor movie series. It’s called Popcorn Flicks in the Park and it is held in Winter Park’s Central Park on the second Thursday of every month. Movies usually start around 7pm or 8pm and are all family-friendly. Food service isn’t provided so pack dinner and a blanket for the show under the starlit sky. How romantic!
Looking to head to the movies with the kiddos? Check out Fun Events and Places to See Kid-Friendly Movies in Orlando
CMX Plaza Cinema Cafe 12
155 South Orange Ave., Orlando
(321) 558-2878
CMX Theaters have been around for a long time and know the movie business inside and out. All auditoriums offer stadium seating with leather chairs. The lobby is sophisticated and modern with the theaters following suit.
The alcoholic beverages on offer include beer, wine, and cocktails. Expect typical grill selections on the menu: wings, dips, pizza, sandwiches, and salads. Also making a debut on the menu are paninis and pasta dishes. Arrive with an appetite!
Price: Adult tickets start at $8.49
AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres
Disney Springs
1500 East Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista
(407) 827-1308
Dating at Disney creates special moments. Add dinner and a show to your next night on the town at Disney Springs AMC 24 Dine-In Theatre. Decked out with stadium-style seating and rocking and reclining seats, you may not want to leave when the credits start rolling. The space is roomy so there will be no elbow bumping here. Each seat has a nifty call button for personalized service that is quick and efficient.
The menu includes uniquely tasteful dishes you’d find in a typical Disney restaurant. Appetizers include sushi, BBQ, and plenty of bacon. Chow down on a main course of flatbreads, filling bowls, salads, and wraps, or classic favorites like fish and chips, burgers, and chicken tenders. Save room for a sweet treat of molten chocolate churros or a creamy milkshake! You can depend on the traditional candies and popcorn to be available too. Satisfy any adult craving with a libation from the beer, wine, and cocktail menu.
Price: Adult tickets start at $11.99
West Orange Cinema
1575 Maguire Rd., Ocoee
(407) 877-3489
For a budget-friendly dinner and a movie experience, West Orange Cinema is worth a sneak peek. It’s a family-owned theater giving the local, hometown feel you can’t get at chain theaters. On top of that, it’s very affordable!
The auditoriums are smaller in size with seating options for diners and non-diners. Toward the front of the theater, rolling executive chairs are placed amongst small cocktail tables. In the back half of the theater, traditional seating is provided.
The dining menu is simple and limited but affordable. Choose from cold deli sandwiches, hot entrees like hot dogs, burgers, chicken nuggets, pizza and nachos, or a cheese and fruit platter. Draft beer (including Crooked Can selections), wine and wine coolers are on tap.
Price: $9.00 for general tickets and $7.00 for Senior (60+), children (2-12), and matinee (before 5:00pm). Add $2.00 to prices for 3D showings.
Sci-Fi Dine In Theater at Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios
351 S Studio Dr., Kissimmee
(407) 939-3463
Travel back in time to the Golden era at Sci-Fi Dine In Theater when cinematography and drive-ins were all the rave. Located inside Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park and retro-outfitted with twinkling starry lights, a big screen, and “automo-booths”, you’ll watch clips of vintage movie scenes depicting everything from aliens to mummies to rogue robots.
The clips are just that–short scenes–and run on a loop so know you’ll watch them more than once during your dining session. The tables are set in a classic convertible shell with 3 tables to a “car.” There are picnic tables near the nostalgic concession stand at the back of the theater. Seating is assigned once you arrive. Reservations are recommended.
The adult beverage list is extensive, advertising draft and craft beer, wine, sangria, and cosmic concoctions finished off with glowing cubes for an out-of-this-world experience. As a reminder with all restaurants inside the theme parks, admission into Hollywood Studios is required for dining at this kitschy eatery.
