IMAX Tips
Okay folks! Here are some insider tips brought to you by the IMAX Theater and Reservations Staff. Enjoy your visit!
Do's & Don't's:
a. For your personal safety, late seating for IMAX presentations is not permitted. There are no exceptions to this policy.
b. Any type of film or video photography during the IMAX presentation is strictly prohibited. Not only will your video not turn out well (IMAX and video frame rates are different), but your still pictures won't either. You'll only succeed in irritating those guests seated around you.
c. Food and drinks are not permitted in the IMAX Theater at any time. Our theater is fully carpeted and clean, and we certainly want to keep it that way for all theater guests. If you're eating lunch at our museum restaurant, plan for plenty of time to finish your meal in advance of your scheduled show.
Yes, it is possible to enjoy a visit during our peak attendance periods. We highly recommend that you:
a. Make advance reservations
b. Avoid long lines by picking up your reserved tickets early. It's not uncommon for some guests to pick up tickets 1 - 3 days early.
c. Line up at the IMAX Theater entrance at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled showtime.
Our peak periods of operation are:
a. Our annual film festival, which takes place from mid-January through mid-February (dates do change slightly from year to year). Check with our Reservations office for current information.
b. Spring Break week (dates do change from year to year). Check with our Reservations staff for current information.
c. Good Friday (including that weekend).
d. Memorial Day Weekend.
e. July 4th through mid-August.
f. Labor Day Weekend.
g. Thanksgiving weekend.
h. The week following Christmas.
School Schedule:
During the school year, our Monday - Friday 9:45 am and 11:00 am shows are booked or sold out to school groups. Call our Reservations office during business hours to check on seating availability for the general public.
Theater Tips:
a. Most guests tend to follow the crowd, and will naturally enter the theater through the right side doors. As a result, the right stairwell leading into the theater can get backed up. Don't be shy about making a u-turn, and entering through the left side entrance. Both entrances lead to the same seating area.
b. Any strollers can be parked inside the rear of the theater at the top of the stairs. However, we do highly recommend that you remove any valuables and keep them on your person for the length of the show.
c. Seat yourself in the center section of the theater only. This center section also includes our front two rows, also known as our "Thrillseeker Seats." The center section is the only area of the IMAX Theater that has been approved by IMAX Corporation. This approved seating area will provide you with the ultimate visual and sound experience. Our side seating is not approved by IMAX Corporation, and is strictly used for meetings, lectures and other functions that are not IMAX related.
Groups:
a. Make sure that you have an accurate count of all members in your group before placing a reservation or purchasing tickets. If you have last minute additions to your group, we may not be able to accommodate them during busy periods.
b. Keep your group together, and line up as a group at the IMAX Theater entrance.
c. The group leader should be at the front, and have the group ticket available for the IMAX Hosting staff.
Wheelchair & Physically Challenged Guests:
a. Pick up your tickets and arrive at the theater entrance at least 20-30 minutes before showtime.
b. You do not have to wait in line. Proceed to the front of the theater lobby, and wait at the benches against the left wall. An IMAX Host will check with you regarding your seating preference, and will seat your party before the general audience.
Hearing Impaired
Portable hearing assisted devices are available from the IMAX Staff at your request. Closed captioning technology for IMAX presentations is not available at this time.
Is a great extension of the IMAX film experience. Located across from the IMAX Theater, the Discovery Room is themed to our feature film, and includes artifacts and hands-on activities that enhance your visit. Please Note:
- The IMAX Discovery Room is closed every July for Summer, Hot Camp activities.
- The IMAX Discovery Room always closes approximately 2 - 3 weeks before the opening of a new film. This is to allow the Education and Exhibits Departments to break down the previous display, then create and install the new one.
