With all the great love stories and magic that comes out of the Walt Disney animation studios, sometimes we forget to revisit the classics like LADY AND THE TRAMP. Valentine’s day is a perfect opportunity to do exactly that; and what better way to enjoy the story than to be immersed in the experience at Disney’s home in Hollywood, the El Capitan Theater?
Right around Valentine’s day, each year, the El Capitan Theatre has a special tradition of presenting 1955’s best canine love story in beautiful digital projection. Rarely do we get the chance to see such a film back on the big screen, so we jumped at the opportunity when we were invited to have the perfectly adorable Disney Date.
In addition to their regular scheduled viewings, the El Cap also offers an extra special experience for the dinner-time show that really sets off the night; it even includes a spaghetti dinner! As part of the special event, the theater’s Lower Lounge is transformed into Tony’s Restaurant from the film, and guests are treated to enchanting evening of music, décor, and a delicious dinner provided by Hollywood’s oldest Italian restaurant (even older than the film!), Miceli’s.
Upon arrival guests are led to the dining area that’s been dressed perfectly for the occasion, hanging lights, floor to ceiling movie set backdrops, and the classic red and white checkered table cloth.
The next thing to greet you is the sound of the accordion player delivering the perfect ambiance with tunes such as “Bella Notte” and “He’s A Tramp” from the film, along with several other Disney and Italian favorites. Dinner consisted of a light salad a bread appetizer, followed by (you guessed it) spaghetti and meatballs! A meat-free version was also available for the vegeterians in the house.
We enjoyed the food so much I almost forgot to take the opportunity to recreate the famous noodle kiss; and I know we weren’t the only ones doing it. The dinner was capped off with a couple cannoli’s and Ghirardelli’s decadent hot chocolate enjoyed with the accompaniment of “That’s Amore” belted out by one of the staff (and subsequently joined by most of the guests).
Needless to say everyone went into the theater well sated.
As with most movies at the El Cap, the Whurlitzer organ greeted entrants to the theater before the show followed by previews for Finding Dory and Disney’s hottest new hopeful, ZOOTOPIA.
All in all, the experience was the kind of cutesy romantic that every Disney-lover would enjoy. For any of you out there looking to get an early plan in for next year, you can definitely count on this.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
But wait, there’s more!
Coming soon to the El Capitan Theater…
COUNTDOWN TO ZOOTOPIA is a special new celebration for the upcoming Disney Animation studio that will include a full week of Disney Animation screenings. The festival begins February 18 with “Wreck-It Ralph,” followed by “Frozen” (February 19), “Tangled” (February 20), “Big Hero 6” (February 21), “Bolt” (February 22), “Winnie the Pooh” (February 23) and concluding February 24 with “The Princess and the Frog.”
Such an dorkable way to spend Valentine’s Day. Glad you had fun!