Few things reek more of an old-fashioned southern summer than a drive-in movie theater - but the new Coyote Drive-In just outside of Birmingham isn't like its predecessors.

This is the second location for Coyote, which first opened three years ago in Fort Worth, Texas.

"We were aware of the market, we were aware of the theaters, and we were aware of the long history of drive ins, but most of them have died out," said Steve Winn, Coyote Chief Operating Officer. "There are not theaters within 10 miles - we normally don't get that luxury."

The theater at the Outlet Shops of Grand River features four screens, a restaurant and bar, a stage for live music, and a mini-golf course set to open mid-month.

But going to Coyote isn't like going to a regular movie, or for that matter, like a regular drive-in. Here's what you need to know to maximize your experience.

You can only buy double-features

Coyote only sells double feature packages, so that's two movies at a time. At $8 per adult, it's still cheaper than most single movies, but you pay full price whether you stay for both movies or not.

There's a 20-minute intermission between shows to allow folks to go to the bathroom or get a refill.

Thursday - opening night - Coyote is selling Captain America: Civil War and The Jungle Book.

And the double features aren't customizable. You buy a two-movie package.

Get there early

Especially if it's a weekend during the summer. The best spots to view the movie go to those who get there early. On weeknights, there are still usually spots with the best views up until shortly before showtime, Winn said. But on weekends in good weather, they fill up fast.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and in the Summer, sometimes showtime isn't until 8:45 p.m. (Showtime depends on when the sun sets, and changes daily)

Customers are welcomed to park and then shop around Grand River until the show starts. But there's plenty to do without leaving the theater - there's a full-service restaurant, a stage that will feature live music, a playground, and a mini-golf course. The mini-golf costs an extra $5, and that's open to mall customers too.

But the lot's rows have berms, and the screens are big (28 by 62 feet and 36 by 76 feet), so it's not like you'll risk having trouble seeing the screen if you get there late.

You can't bring your food

And they're pretty strict about this - no booze, either. Food and drink sales are where most of the money comes from.

But you can eat at the Coyote's Canteen. The menu's most popular item is the homemade pizza, but Winn said the burger is also pretty popular.

There's also what Winn calls a "mega-concession stand," which has all the movie classics, including four popcorn machines, nachos, churros, and a Pepsi Spire machine - the first in Alabama - that allows you to put up to three flavor shots into Pepsi brand drinks.

There's beer and wine, but that has to be consumed at the restaurant - you can't bring that back to your car. Winn said the Canteen will offer between 8 and 10 Alabama beers in addition to larger brands.

If you don't like the Canteen, you can come early, park, and go eat at the mall before the show.

Bring the whole family - including your dog

Coyote prides itself on being family friendly. It often packages double-features to do two kids movies at a time. Tickets for children 5-11 are $5, and children under 5 are free.

They encourage you to bring your dog, as well. There's grassy areas around the field so you can walk it before the show or during intermission.

Don't have a radio? Bring a boombox

The sound gets to your car via radio transmission. But if you don't want to leave your car running, you've got two options. First, bring a radio. Second, get there early and park at the front - they've got speakers there so you can sit on a lawn chair if you want to listen that way.

Don't be afraid of traffic

Yeah, it's a big drive-in - the total capacity is 1,100 cars. But there will never be 1,100 cars leaving at once. There's traffic directors, and they stagger the shows so that they don't all end at once.