This morning we got Angel ready and headed out to the AMC Theater at Bay Plaza in the Bronx. We had been looking forward to seeing a sensory-friendly showing of Finding Nemo and the day was finally here. This movie was being presented by the AMC Theaters in partnership with the Autism Society.

As soon as we got to the movie theater, we bought our tickets for the 10:00 am movie and headed up to Theater 9. There were families already seated. There were children of all ages squealing, chatting loudly, flapping, jumping, and some sat quietly as they anxiously waited for the movie to begin.

Soon 10:00am turned to 10:15am and then to 10:30am. The movie had not started. Then, one of the representatives from the Autism Society came in and apologized for the delay. She also reassured us that the movie would start soon. This did little to appease parents in the theater. We appreciated her coming in but we felt that we also needed to hear from management at the theater.

Around 10:40am, we were all antsy and chatter of getting refunds began to fill the air. Next, Angel’s dad headed outside to see what was going on. When he returned, he told us that the manager was trying to figure out how they can get us in to see another movie or move us to another theater. Why? Because they only had a 3D version of Finding Nemo. I am absolutely baffled that they atoledo did not have the regular version of Finding Nemo available. How on earth do they expect children with special needs to watch a 3D movie? This was definitely not a sensory-friendly experience.

Upon hearing this we exited the theater and gathered around a resource table that the Autism Society had set up. Other families soon followed. The manager told us that someone at “headquarters” had only put the 3D version of Finding Nemo in the computer. In other words, we were screwed. To give the manager credit, she tried to get us another movie to watch. Ice Age was mentioned but it was also in 3D. She also made sure that we each received a free pass to another movie as we headed to the box office to get our refunds. One of the representatives from the Autism Society started a contact list, so everyone could write their information for a formal complaint to AMC.

As much as I appreciated the efforts to make things right, I hope AMC and the Autism Society can offer Finding Nemo again. There were a lot of disappointed children and parents who had to return home without seeing this wonderful film.

Angel summed it best when he said, “Awww man!” He was a trooper through it all. However, we were not pleased that his first movie theater experience was ruined by someone’s incompetence.

Here is an excerpt from the AMC’s Theater”s Web site on what the sensory-friendly movie experience is supposed to be: “The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing!”

If only we had gotten that experience. Maybe next time. The next sensory-friendly movie, FRANKENWEENIE, is scheduled for October 13th. Maybe this time the AMC theater at Bay Plaza can get it right.

Have you taken your child to a sensory-friendly movie before? What was your experience? I look forward to hearing from you.



Sincerely,

Miz Kp

[UPDATE SEPTEMBER 23rd: Management at the AMC Bay Plaza Theater reached out to me (and I am sure other parents) to let us know that they are planning a September 29th showing of Finding Nemo in 2D. YAY!! We certainly appreciate their efforts to let our children see this film in a sensory-friendly environment.]

P.S. Check out some pictures from Angel”s day at the movies:

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