El Capitan Theatre & Disney Soda Fountain

Looking for a great way to extend your family’s Disney experience while in California?  The El Capitan Theatre and Disney Soda Fountain located in Hollywood is a great way to see more of So Cal and maintain your fix for everything Mickey.

Built in 1926, the El Capitan Theatre is nothing short of awe-inspiring.  Designed by architect Stiles O. Clements, the El Capitan boasted a lavish $1.2 million dollar interior when it opened its doors to Hollywood elite as a house for live plays and performances.

After a long history and two year restoration that began when Disney took the theater over in 1989, the El Capitan is now home to Disney’s newest theatrical releases, as well as many classics released from time to time.  There, theater guests can relive Hollywood of yesteryear in grand luxury.  Movies are accompanied by preshow entertainment on the theater’s 4/37 Wurlitzer organ.  Many blockbusters are proceeded by live shows featuring favorite Disney characters.  See my blog for the current offering at the El Capitan.

Guests attending shows at the El Capitan Theatre

can extend their Disney experience by dining at the Disney Soda Fountain next store.  The soda fountain features a newly expanded menu with foods ranging from salads to sandwiches to amazing sundaes.  And if you want to  really maximize your Disney experience, some children’s films (typically those starting at 10 a.m. Friday-Sunday) feature an additional character breakfast that can be purchased for $20 beyond the movie ticket price.  The character breakfast cannot be sold separate of the movie ticket.  These breakfasts book quickly and can be booked online or by calling (818) 845-3110.  Click here to link to the El Capitan’s website for more historical insight and booking information.  Click here for my latest review of what’s happening at the El Capitan and Disney Soda Fountain.

Parking for the El Capitan is located at the Hollywood and Highland complex off Highland Ave.  It costs $2 for up to four hours with a validation from one of the shops, restaurants, or entertainment venues.

Before visiting the Hollywood and Highland area, make sure to sign up for the “Elephant Card” on Hollywood and Highland’s website.  It has some pretty nice discounts on retail, dining and more.  There’s even a discount for the Disney Soda Fountain!  Note that it takes over a week to get your card, so do it well ahead of your trip.

Like most movie theater experiences, the El Capitan’s movie experience may not be for infants, but toddlers and preschoolers will love the Disney experience at the movie theater, especially the theater’s period showings of classics, many of which shown as sing-a-longs.  How fun would that be?!

Distance from Disneyland:  35 miles

Travel time:  45 minutes - 1 hour