In mid-December 2015 all eyes were on Hollywood, California as the stars walked the red carpet for the World Premiere of Episode VII: The Force Awakens. The long-anticipated Star Wars movie was finally open for all the world to see. The premiere was held at three theaters on Hollywood Boulevard – the Dolby Theatre, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the El Capitan Theatre.

The 3 theatres in Hollywood where The Force Awakens held its world premiere. | Photo credits: Krista

A few days after The Force Awakens opened to the general public, we took a daytrip from San Diego to Hollywood to see the latest Star Wars movie at the El Capitan. Watching a movie at the El Capitan is always an enjoyable experience. Here’s a recap of our latest experience. There are no spoilers for The Force Awakens in this post.

We had purchased advance tickets two to three weeks prior to December 19, 2015. The El Capitan often has some tickets with reserved seating, but for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, all tickets are reserved seats. In addition, there are different levels of tickets – some include popcorn and a drink and others include snacks and a limited edition comic book. If you choose the comic book, you can choose from 2 exclusive variant cover designs of Star Wars Vader Down #1 comic book. The variant cover designed by Todd Nauck features R2-D2 and C-3PO. The variant cover designed by Michael Walsh features Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.

VIP Comic Book Admission Ticket includes a choice of two variant covers of Star Wars Vader Down #1 comic book exclusive to the El Capitan Theatre. The variant cover designed by Todd Nauck features R2-D2 and C-3PO. The variant cover designed by Michael Walsh features Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.

We bought one ticket without snacks and another ticket with the snacks and exclusive Walsh comic book. At the El Capitan, there are two levels of seats – orchestra and balcony. For The Force Awakens we sat in the balcony and had great seats. The perk with reserved seats is you can arrive to the theatre about 30 to 45 minutes before the show with the knowledge your seat will be waiting for you.

Before the movie we had lunch at Hollywood & Highland. Tiny R2D2 and Tiny Darth Vader joined us for the day. | Photo credits: Krista

Our show time was 4:05 p.m. and we arrived to the theatre around 3:15 p.m. after having lunch at Johnny Rockets and doing some shopping at the Hollywood & Highland Center across the street. Parking for the El Capitan Theatre is in parking garage underground of the Hollywood & Highland Center. Be sure to take your parking ticket with you for validation. After picking up our tickets at Will Call, we went next door to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Disney Studio Store to pick up our special edition comic book. Then we went back outside and got in a short line for the balcony section with all of the other Star Wars fans.

Many people, including us, were in their Star Wars shirts and other attire. Some groups were in full costume – including a family that was in line behind us – and there was a festive spirit in the air as everyone was filled with anticipation for Episode VII.

Everyone was in the Star Wars spirit! | Photo credits: Krista

The theatre opened about 30 minutes before show time and we went inside. Each time we visit the El Capitan, I am taken aback at the beauty and grandeur of the exterior and interior architecture and décor. This historic theatre is truly a gem! We went upstairs to the balcony, picked up our movie snacks, and got settled in our seats. The pre-movie entertainment included live music being played on the Wurlitzer organ by Rob Richards.

At 4:05 the lights dimmed and we watched a few previews of upcoming movies. Before the movie started, we were treated to a Laser Lightsaber Curtain Show choreographed to music which filled the entire theatre with colorful lights, special effects, and Star Wars images. This show was worth the drive from San Diego to see the latest Star Wars movie in Hollywood!

The pre-show entertainment at the El Capitan is worth the trip to Hollywood! | Photo credits: Krista

After the movie ended, we went downstairs to see the display of props, photos, and costumes from The Force Awakens. These “behind the scenes” displays are another bonus reason to visit the El Capitan for a movie. I snapped lots of pictures and when we’d seen it all, we got our parking ticket validated, headed back out to Hollywood Blvd., and returned to our car.

After the movie, we went downstairs to see the exhibit of models, photos, props, and costumes. | Photo credits: Krista

The El Capitan Theatre was originally built in the early 1920s and had its debut in 1926. Over the years the theatre has had different names and in the late 1980s a major restoration and renovation project began. In 1991 the newly restored theatre opened and today it is operated by Buena Vista Theatres, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Distribution. The exterior is Spanish Colonial style and the interior is East Indian. Tours of the El Capitan are available for an additional fee.

The Force Awakens is scheduled to run at the El Capitan Theatre through February 7, 2016. Upcoming movies in early 2016 include Lady and the Tramp (Feb. 12 – 15, 2016), Zootopia (March 4 – April 10, 2016), The Jungle Book (April 15 – May 1, 2016), and Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War (May 6 – 22, 2016).

This daytrip to Hollywood for The Force Awakens was not our first time watching a movie at the El Capitan Theatre. My initial experience was in 1995 to see Toy Story with my sister. Since then we’ve seen new releases and beloved classics on this historic big screen. The added features of organ music, elaborate pre-shows, and exhibit space make for an over-the-top movie experience where you’ll feel like a Hollywood VIP.

Krista at the El Capitan Theatre where we watched The Force Awakens. | Photo credit: Lloyd

Have you watched a movie at the El Capitan Theatre? What are some of your favorite memories from this movie house?

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”