In many ways, the emotional connection with yesteryear keeps these gems alive. If you travel to one of these drive-in movie theaters in Florida, please remember that the concession purchases preserve these historic landmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, please don\u2019t smuggle in your own treats. Venture out of your vehicle to the concession stand to select your movie-going grub (popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, candy, soda, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A trip to the snack bar\u2019s truly part of the whole drive-in experience. Also, even if they accept credit cards, cash is always the preferred payment method for tickets and snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being mindful of the financial obligations of actual mom-and-pop establishments, paying with cash hopefully ensures they stay around for the next generation to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A couple more things to note \u2026 it\u2019s never a bad idea to keep some bug spray in your car. Depending on the time of the year, you will be happy you have it with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bring chairs with you. If the weather is nice, you can crank up your radio and sit outside to watch the film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, do not leave your headlights or parking lights on or put your foot on the brake. These things will become a distraction to those around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drive-In Movie Theaters in Florida<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n This year, the Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre celebrates its 75th anniversary. When it opened, it was promoted as \u201cFlorida\u2019s newest, most modern outdoor theatre.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The theatre added a second screen in 1985, showing double features seven days a week ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silver Moon is the last drive-in movie theatre in Polk County and is located about an hour west of Orlando<\/a>, making it the closest drive-in to Central Florida\u2019s main theme parks\/attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even after 75+ years, Silver Moon remains a popular destination, so patrons are encouraged to show up early to ensure they get a spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sound from the movies comes through your FM car radio, but they also have in-car speakers available in some rows (which is very retro).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back in the day, vendors would circulate among the cars, selling candy, soft drinks, popcorn, sandwiches, and cigarettes. Although that service is no longer available, a trip to the concession stand should be part of your drive-in adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On a side note, we recommend ordering the chilly dilly pickle, one of the most sought-after snack bar treats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tickets are $8.00 (ages 10+), $3 (ages 4-9), and FREE for under 4. A Swap Shop is also on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 5 am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Silver Moon Drive-In Address: 4100 New Tampa Highway, Lakeland (Polk County)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Joy-Lan Drive-In<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Owned by the same people who own Silver Moon<\/a> in Lakeland<\/a>, Joy-Lan opened its doors on Halloween in 1950 and is the only remaining drive-in movie theatre in Pasco County<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This theater is open every Wednesday thru Sunday (closed on Monday and Tuesday) and shows first-run films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, Joy-Lan has had a few challenges over the years. In 2000, the snack bar caught fire but was remodeled and has remained in good standing ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three years later, a storm destroyed some of the screens. This happened just a few weeks before they were converting from 35mm to a digital format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They fixed the screen and proceeded with the digital installation. All has been well ever since at Joy-Lan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joy-Lan is also home to a popular Swap Shop on Sundays starting at 5 am and offers great breakfast options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While in Dade City<\/a>, stop by the Pioneer Museum, stroll the antique shops downtown, and have lunch at one of the many authentic and delicious restaurants near the Historic Pasco County Courthouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need more suggestions of things to do, swing by the Dade City Chamber of Commerce<\/a>. The staff is a wealth of information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tickets are $8.00 (ages 10+), $3 (ages 3-9), and Free for under 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joy-Lan Drive-In Address: 16414 U.S. Highway 301, Dade City (Pasco County)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This Ruskin Family Drive-in, which opened in 1952, truly sticks to its original traditions. It thrives on its family-friendly atmosphere and values \u2026 and doesn\u2019t care if anyone thinks they are uncool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo drugs, no alcohol, and no rowdiness permitted in this theater,\u201d is an announcement commonly made by the owner, Ted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This theatre is quintessentially reminiscent of a bygone era. It\u2019s always wise to arrive early, especially on weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kids often gather and play touch football or tag before the movie starts near the front of the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They always show first-run double features. They never show X-rated or NC-17-rated films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No motorcycles or RVs are ever allowed in the drive-in. They allow you to bring your dogs if you keep them on a leash, they do not bark, and you clean up after them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They genuinely are traditionalists at Ruskin \u2026 even at the snack bar. In fact, the owners are so set on traditions that they have been using the same Wisconsin cheese supplier for their pizzas for over 50 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They also offer affordable popcorn, burgers, hot dogs, and other movie treats. We\u2019ve heard that Karen makes a killer chili and pulled pork sandwich, so if you see they are offering either item, grab them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre is open every night. The prices are $7.00 for everyone (9+) and $2.00 for children (5 \u2013 8) for two movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They only accept cash. They also charge $5.00 per vehicle if you bring outside food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: They have \u201d take out\u201d available, which means you can stop by just for food to take home without purchasing a movie ticket \u2013 This is yet another one of their over 50-year traditions. You can check out the snack back menu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre Address: 5011 N. U.S. Highway 41, Ruskin (Hillsborough County)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Ocala Drive-In Theatre<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ocala Drive-In\u2019s screens have gone dark twice in its history, and its window speakers silenced. But each time \u2013 once in 2003, and then again in 2011 \u2013 the theatre has been resurrected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caring owners have spruced it up, improved the technology, and found a market for the beloved drive-in tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This drive-in movie theater in Florida shows two first-run films on two screens. Ocala patrons tune in to a local FM radio station for clear movie sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, any movie theatre that offers Muffaletta sandwiches and Cajun Boiled Peanuts on the menu earns a round of applause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also gotta love any business that is authentic enough to spell out exactly how much money they make off every movie ticket sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we mentioned before, movie theatres (especially independently owned ones) make their money off concession purchases, and right on their website, the Ocala Drive-In spells it all out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs much as 80% of the ticket sales goes to the film company, which means we make approx. $1.20 on Adults and .60 on kids. This does not cover the operating expenses of the drive-in. Without the sales of the concession, we would have to be like the other theatres and charge a much, much higher price and only give you one movie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, there you have it \u2026 straight from the horse\u2019s mouth, which is appropriate since it is in Ocala<\/a> (\u201cHorse Country\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ocala Drive-In is open every night and shows two films for the price of one. Gates open at 6 pm. The ticket prices are $6.00 for adults (13+), $3.00 for children (6-12), and under 5 are free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ocala Drive-In Address: 4850 S. Pine Ave., Ocala (Marion County)<\/p>\n\n\n\n While in the area, check out: Oh, Ocala<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/2-Silvermoon-75th-Anniversary-flat-4c-e1672452059389.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n