Five Things to Know Before You See Star Wars Episode VII in Orlando.

This weekend is going to be Epic!  The long awaited Star Wars: Episode VII will open in theaters December 17, 2015 at 7pm.  Yes, Bill and I are Star Wars fans, and we will be at the theater opening night.  Last time a Star Wars movie was released we stood in a line that was wrapped around the theater for hours so we could get a good seat.  I thought it would be good to share five tips to help if you are planning to see Star Wars: Episode VII this weekend in Orlando:

1. I highly recommend going to a theater with assigned seats.  I realized about a week ago, that my local AMC doesn't assign seats and I will need to stand in line for a few hours before the movie.  If a movie is popular like Star Wars, then I recommend buying tickets at a theater with assigned seats.  Here are a few theaters that offer assigned seats in the Orlando area:
   • AMC Disney Springs™ 24 with Dine-In Theatres
   • Cinépolis Polk County IMAX, Davenport
   • Regal The Loop Stadium 16 & RPX, Kissimmee
   • Cinemark Artegon Marketplace and XD
   • Cobb Plaza Cinema Café 12, Downtown Orlando
   • Fashion Square Premiere Cinema 14, Orlando
   • Regal Waterford Lakes Stadium 20 & IMAX, Orlando
2. It's not too late to get tickets.  I checked on Fandago for a couple of tickets at the AMC Disney Springs and there were two seats at the midnight showing on Thursday night.  If you don't have tickets now, I would recommend checking with the theater to see if anyone has returned any tickets.  If you are willing to stand in line you can grab a ticket the same day and see the movie.  Opening weekend people will be lining up hours in advance to get a good seat.  Please arrive early and come prepared.  Otherwise, you will be sitting in the front row of the theater, which isn't fun for your eyes or neck.
3. Check the Theater's policy for costumes and toys.  I know that AMC will let you dress up and bring your lightsaber, but you cannot have a mask on your face (to see their short, but sweet costume policy click here).   One of the worst things you could do is have to return to your car and get crappy seats because you had an item that was not permitted in the theater.
4. Brush up on your Star Wars knowledge.  Yes, Bill and I were kids (OK, infants) when the first episode was released.  Take a moment to get caught up on your Star Wars knoweldge.  Episode VII is set 30 yearsafter defeating the Galactic Empire.  This time Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and friends face a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his army of Stormtroopers.
5. Embrace the hype.  Regardless if you Like Star Wars or not, there are very few movies that span decades and have children, parents and grandparents excited about the unveiling.  It will be the highest grossing movie of 2015 (yes, I think it will beat Jurassic World with sales of $1,668,912,312).  So stop by Target, Walmart, or even Hallmark and pick up some Star Wars paraphernalia.  This isn't a Jedi Mind trick, but "I think you we will all love Episode VII."

May the Force Be with You!

Bill Land at Hollywood Studios