Stranded at the Drive In: My Tips on Going to a Drive-In Theater

This past weekend, after spending the 4th at the beach and the 5th recovering from the red lobster sunburn I received, my family and I went to the drive-in movie theater at Cascade Drive-In (1100 E. North Ave. in West Chicago).

I had gone to this particular drive-in the week before with my friend to see "Monsters University" (again). We could have also stayed to see "Man of Steel" immediately after "Monsters."

This particular theater plays two films right after each other. It seems to be that they play one kid-friendly movie, starting around 8:30 p.m., and then a more adult film afterwards, starting around 10:15 p.m.

My family and I saw half of "Despicable Me 2" and all of "World War Z." I thought it would be cool to talk to you about my experience at the drive-in instead of writing a traditional review, since I can't give good judgement on "Despicable Me 2" and "World War Z" was a snooze.

My family made the mistake a leaving our house with just enough time to get to the theater on a Friday night. We were a block away from the entrance at 8:30 and did not get in to see the film until 9:30. It took us an hour to go a block. See, the theater is on the wrong side of the median, people have to make a U-turn to get into the drive-in. There is a serious lack of organization when it comes to traffic control at this drive-in. There were three lines going to three pay stations, and it was the most painful experience getting into the drive-in, minus the fact that my 18-year-old brother can't sit still for more than 10 minutes.

Even though I'm not a drive-in-going expert, I wanted to share my wisdom with you.

Stuff to Bring:

-CASH-- I made the mistake the first time of not bringing any cash with me. I had to reluctantly ask my friend to let me borrow money. This place ONLY accepts cash for everything. ($9 per adult, Kids 5-11 $5, Under 5 and pets are free, about $4 for a medium popcorn and more snacks are available).
-BARGAIN TUESDAYS- $14 a carload upon request.
-Blankets/sweatshirts and sweatpants-- It does get colder when the sun goes down.
-Tall foldable chairs, like this one-- You want to be able to see the screen over the other cars and drive-in-goers

-Snacks and Drinks-- this particular theater does sell snacks and drinks, but you know movie theaters. They are all overpriced and the quality is always so-so. So pop your fav popcorn and put it in a Ziplock for later.
-Coolers-- to hold the snacks and drinks
-Bug Spray-- That's what happens in the hot summer nights.
-Directions for how to turn your headlights off-- My family had difficulty with this. They go on by themselves so we never had to learn how to turn them off.
-Pillows-- By the second movie came around, I was getting pretty sleepy...
-Kids-- You can take them to the early show and head out before the other movie starts. You definitely don't have to stay for both.

Stuff NOT to Bring:

-Pets-- You are allowed to bring your pet to this drive-in, but I would not recommend it. My pup is the sweetest thing ever and she loves people. So she could not sit down the whole time we were there. There is also very little grass patches for pouches to go. And when it is crowded, not very much room for them to stretch their legs.
-Beach chairs/low to the ground chairs-- You won't be able to see over the cars.
-Grills-- Not allowed, but they have their own you can use (Bring your own charcoal).
-Hot Food-- Have fun keeping it hot when you are waiting in line for an hour.
-Babies-- Same goes for a regular movie theater. They just don't mesh together so QUIT BRINGING THEM!

Check out Cascade Drive-In's Facebook page for more info:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cascade-Drive-In/193162970722179?id=193162970722179&sk=info

Other Drive-In Locations Near Chi-Town:

-Mchenry Outdoor Theatre, 1510 N. Chapel Hill in Mchenry (open May until September)
Website: http://cyouatthemovies.com/mchenry/

-Keno Family Drive-In Theatre, 9102 Sheridan Rd. in Pleasant Prairie WI (open April until October) 

Website: http://www.kenodrivein.net/

-34 Drive-In, Old Highway 34 in Earlville (kind of far away from Chi-town) (open April until October)

Website: http://www.rt34drivein.com/

-Midway Drive-In, 91 Palmyra Road, Sterling (also rather far) (open April until October)

Website: http://www.themidwaydrivein.net/

Overall

Sadly, there are very few drive-in movie theaters left out there. The days of Grease "stranded at the drive-in" are through. But it is still a fun experience to get to go with your family or with some friends.

If you know of any more drive-ins close to the Chicagoland area, please comment! If you have any other tips for the people, comment! Seriously!

(Ignore the subtitles. It's the only one that had the beginning part.)