At the Movies
As rare as it seems in 2026, we are definitely a “going to the movies” kind of family. In fact, when my wife and I were dating, we could be reliably counted on to go to the theater at least once a week. The arrival of our son nearly 10 years ago did nothing to assuage us. It only changed the type of movie we often go to see.
For me, there is nothing like sitting in a darkened theater, watching a movie the way it was meant to be watched, with good sound and fun snacks. It’s a getaway, no matter where or when we are.
So, when I lost my leg, (I wouldn’t say I lost it, exactly. I know where it is…) I wondered about going to the movies and what that would exactly involve.
Thing is, Project Hail Mary had come out while I was in the hospital, and I really wanted to see it, but I was nervous about a lot of aspects of the experience.
I’d seen the disabled section before, but not paid a lot of attention to it. All I knew was that it took up the front row of the part of the theater where you come in.
All of the theaters I’ve been to since returning home have passable accommodations for the disabled, but, in my opinion, some are better than others.
Regardless of which theater you choose, make sure you get a good look at accommodation seating via whatever app you use to buy tickets. And, before you say you’d rather buy them at the theater, just know that, very often, especially for movies that people actually want to see, those tickets can sell out quickly.
Make sure, as well, that you get a companion seat(s) for those who are going with you. Remember, there aren’t a ton of them, so if you’re going with a bunch of people. the chances of you sitting together are slim. Whether or not that matters to you is related to how much you can immerse yourself in the movie, I suppose.
As I live in Austin, Texas, there are a number of Alamo Drafthouse theaters. My experience there was good, but I had to stay in the wheelchair the entire time, as I couldn’t reasonably get past the built-in tray in the reclining seat. Now, I spend a lot of time in my chair, so it wasn’t that big of a deal, but, in case you’re wondering, your butt and back can get a little sore from sitting in the chair for too long, so, by the time I was done there, I was definitely ready to go.
Also, I didn’t see a family restroom at the Alamo (though there might well have been one) but there was a stall with bars, and my wheelchair fit, so, you know, it was just fine.
Alamo is the original movie theater where you can order food delivered to your seat, and for accommodation’s sake, that works just fine. It is a little pricey, and has just switched to a system where you can only order via QR code on your phone. There used to be servers, and it was a quaint and fun experience, but Sony bought the chain, and things have…changed.
A little higher rated is EVO, where I could transfer to a seat that had a reclining back, but, oddly enough, no foot support. Jimmy hung out a while, and that was fine, but it is always nicer to have something to rest him on.
Also, the popcorn was a little stale, but that might have just been tonight.
On the positive side, EVO’s family bathroom was really spacious, and had a two-bar setup that worked nicely for a post-film trip to the potty. There was enough TP, the toilet was raised, and there was a decent amount of soap and paper towels to make sure you were clean when you were done.
EVO is also one of those theaters that will bring food to your seat, but there’s no tray at the seats, so it can get kind of messy. On the positive side of that, however, you can order cocktails to your seat, which can be nice.
The theater that has delivered the best experience so far, in the accommodations space, is Cinemark. There are seats that are easy to transfer to, which recline and have leg rests, making the film experience really comfortable. Jimmy was well pleased.
The family bathroom at Cinemark was really well appointed and quite spacious, as well. My chair fit comfortably, there was good TP, and a hot sink. Pretty darned sexy.
Also, Cinemark allows you to order snacks to either be delivered to your seat, or to be picked up at their concession stand. This is of ther popcorn/candy/soda variety, so it’s easy to receive and consume in that venue.
As with all things, getting to the movies takes some pre-planning, and a little preparation. I should mention that, in each venue, if you’re not able to transfer, the space for your chair, whether it be a manual ride or one of those sweet motorized rigs, is plentiful, and the experience will be comfortable.
I can’t guarantee the quality of the movies. I don’t know what you like. But we can debate that all day. Just tell me when and where you want to meet.
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As always, if you have it in you, please give a thought to donating time or money to Hospice Austin. They do amazing work for people who are going through the hardest thing a person can face.
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