This opinion piece is part of a series by Narcity Media. The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
Cineplex offers a VIP experience that takes cinema-going to the next level, but it comes at a price. After years of hearing about it, I wanted to see for myself if it was worth paying the extra $10 on top of an already expensive movie ticket. Now I don’t know if I will ever go back!
I went to the Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway and VIP in Vancouver, BC to see the new one Amsterdam flick, and was happy to order a cocktail at the theater.
The VIP experience costs $24.99 per person at the theater I went to, and the theater itself is very different from a regular one. It has a few seats that are larger and more comfortable, and you get access to a completely different menu and service for your seat.
“From handcrafted cocktails in our licensed VIP lounge, to apps, dinner and desserts served right at your comfortable seats, VIP is the ultimate place to come together,” the website reads.
Outside the VIP cinemas, there is a VIP lounge where you can enjoy dinner and drinks before or after the movie. You can also just go there to eat without a ticket.
Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway and VIP.Ashley Harris | narcity
How to buy tickets
Buying my VIP tickets was easy and I was able to find them directly on the Cineplex website.
It’s pretty much the same process as buying regular tickets, just make sure you select the VIP option when choosing your film and preferred time.
Then add your scene card if you have one and continue checking out. It was easy and quick and the tickets were emailed to me immediately.
Note: You must be at least 19 years old to purchase these tickets!
the atmosphere
The particular theater I visited in Vancouver had a completely separate area for VIP cineplex guests. I took an escalator up to a floor where there were several theaters and a lounge area.
VIP Bar at the Cineplex Cinemas Marine.Ashley Harris | narcity
It’s modern and super classy.
The actual theater itself had large deck chairs for seating, all nicely spaced. It was so nice not to be crammed into a tiny seat next to a stranger. The legs of the chair can be put up and you can also recline a bit, making it super comfortable!
Seriously, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to go back to regular theater seats now because this theater had the most comfortable seats. Just be careful not to fall asleep in it like I almost did.
Ashley Harris in a VIP seat.Ashley Harris | narcity
The food and the drinks
That was honestly the best part.
They have a fantastic menu with tons of options to please even the pickiest of eaters.
We ended up ordering food and drinks in the VIP lounge just in front of the theater. It’s a great place to grab a bite if you show up early for your movie.
I ordered a quesadilla with guacamole and an extra spicy caesar.
Quesadilla from the Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway VIP Lounge.Ashley Harris | narcity
Before we went to the cinema, we asked the waitress to send our theater snacks and drinks straight to our seats. You can also order food and drinks from the staff at the theater.
My favorite movie snack was, of course, popcorn and a huge boozy goldfish bowl called “BEACH, PLEASE!”
Fishbowl drink and popcorn.Ashley Harris | narcity
The prices
VIP tickets are $24.99 per person, which is more expensive than regular movie tickets and totally worth it in my opinion. Regular tickets are $14.50 per person, so paying the $10.49 for super comfortable seats and incredible service was a no-brainer.
The prices on the menu were actually not that bad.
My quesadilla was $14 and a large popcorn was $8.
Drinks were pricey but well worth it to enjoy a cocktail during the show. My Caesar was $15 and the giant fishbowl cocktail, which was bigger than my head, was $19.
Blue Fishbowl Drink.Ashley Harris | narcity
Where to Find VIP Cineplex Movie Theaters
Luckily for all Canadians out there, Cineplex has VIP cinemas across Canada!
People living in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec can all enjoy this super fun experience.
BC alone has five different locations.
You can find the nearest location directly on the website.
the experience
Overall it was a great time and one of the best ways to spend a date night. However, I’m a bit worried that I won’t want to go back to regular theater seats after being spoiled by this VIP experience.
(Also the movie Amsterdam was amazing, I definitely recommend trying it.)
#paid #VIP #cineplex #cinema #experience #worth #drinks
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