As of press time, the Ocala Drive-In is one of just a few theaters open in the state of Florida. Maybe it’s time you paid them a visit. There are memories to make!
By Karin Fabry-Cushenbery
For a week or so in late April, our little Ocala Drive-In theatre made big headlines as the only theater in the United States showing first-run movies. Owner John Watzke took it all in stride.
“When the larger theaters closed and the production companies stopped sending out movies, I reached out to contacts with smaller, independent film companies,” he says. That decision resulted in the drive-in being the sole theater reporting new box office numbers. Even with limited movie choices, though, Watzke was still picky when choosing films.
“The movies we show had to fit the criteria of being family friendly,” he says. While choices are still limited and don’t necessarily fit the image he’s trying to portray, the theater is showcasing older family hits that haven’t been on the big screen in some time.
And when we say big screen, we mean it. The Ocala Drive-In offers two screens, and one, measuring in at 90-feet wide and 65-feet tall, is the largest screen in the United States. That’s not why you go to the drive-in though. You go to create the memories.
“When you go to a walk-in theater it’s just a movie,” says Watzke. “People remember yea that was a good movie. When you go to a drive-in, it becomes a bigger story. They remember the theater, the type of car they were in and the people they were with.”
Watzke’s family has more than 100 years in theater history, so he knows a thing or two about making it successful. The drive-in holds a special place in his heart, though.
“I grew up around drive-ins,” he says. “My dad went from one to the next doing repairs and installations, and I often went with him.”
Watzke’s goal is to provide an evening of family-friendly entertainment at an extremely affordable price. For the cost of one ticket at a walk-in theater, guests will get two full-length features at the drive-in. That’s entertainment for about $1.25 an hour. Bring your sleeping bags, pillows or lawn chairs and stretch out to enjoy the show. Social distancing is enforced, and right now there is one empty space between each car. The theater broadcasts digital sound through an FM transmitter, and the sound travels through your vehicles sound system.
One of the highlights of the drive-in is the made-to-order concession stand. Guests are encouraged to support the theater through the concession stand, as that’s how the theater makes a profit. Without it, the theater won’t survive. Guests can now visit orderocaladrivein.com to order their snacks or meals right from their phones. Everything is made fresh, carefully wrapped and brought directly to your car. A $4 kids meal includes either nuggets or a hot dog, plus fries and a drink. And forget the boring, expensive candy boxes, snack choices include an abundance of options such as mozzarella sticks, fried green tomatoes, pizzas, burgers and dogs, wings and poppers, even salads. All for extremely competitive prices.
This summer, when you’re looking for something to do, the drive-in should be tops on the list.
“There was a time in history when drive-ins outnumbered walk-in theaters,” says Watzke. “I think we’re going to experience the rebirth of the drive-in. It may be some time before people feel comfortable enough to spend hours in a crowded theater.”
Watzke will continue to show quality, family-friendly films, whether first-run, independent or otherwise.
“When the big production companies open up, we’ll start showing new movies again,” he says. “Until then, we’re bringing back a bit of nostalgia for our guests. We encourage you to bring the family out and make some memories.”
Ocala Drive-In // 4850 S Pine Avenue, Ocala // ocaladrivein.info // Visit Ocala Drive-In on Facebook
Check out more local entertainment like this at 352preview.com.
