A Night Under the Stars: My First Drive-In Movie Theater Experience Was as Magical as Expected

One of my fondest memories while visiting my grandparents in South Florida was a trip to the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop on Sunrise Boulevard. Many, many moons ago, the iconic flea market hosted the Hanneford Family Circus, and I remember the elephants performing there. I recall seeing the massive drive-in screen at the Swap Shop, so that visual is also etched into my brain. Back then, the drive-in was the furthest thing from my mind, which remained true until recently. Fast forward to 2025, and I finally discovered what I’ve been missing all these years: drive-in theaters are simply…magical.  

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I am not a huge fan of movie theaters. Typically, I’m curled up with a cozy sweater, my chair is reclined, and off to dreamland, I go. Honestly, those have been some of the best sleeps of my life, so I don’t regret my snooze fests over the years. Unlike a traditional theater, I figured a drive-in would be different, so when I made the trip to the Silver Moon Drive-In Theater in Lakeland, I knew I was in for a treat. 

A Brief History of Drive-Ins

Over 90 years ago, Richard Hollingshead Jr., a New Jersey businessman, created the first drive-in theater. The family-friendly venue gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s with over 4,000 theaters in the US. With the rise of in-home entertainment and multiplexes, drive-ins have dwindled to about 300 theaters nationwide. 

Today, only seven drive-ins exist in Florida, including Silver Moon in Lakeland. In 1948, the vintage theater showed its first movie: Up Goes Maisie, starring Ann Sothern and George Murphy, which cost viewers a whopping thirty-five cents. Since then, the venue survived tornado damage, several changes in ownership, and a decline in moviegoers due to modern conveniences. After more than 75 years and still standing, Silver Moon is an icon in Polk County, providing nostalgic entertainment for multiple generations.     

First Drive-In Movie Night

My visit to Silver Moon was well worth the trip to Lakeland, a beautiful city about 35 miles east of Tampa. I drove approximately 60 miles from Orlando to experience a magical night under the stars. And believe me, I was not disappointed. It was everything I thought it would be. My mom was in town for the weekend, and since she had never been to a drive-in movie, she was the perfect date. We both felt a sense of excitement, as this night was more than just a movie outing - it was a lasting memory.

We arrived in Lakeland a couple of hours prior to the start of the show. I thought it was early, so we took a slight detour. I drove to nearby Bonnet Springs Park and explored the gorgeous trails. The park is a lovely outdoor oasis with a canopy walk, flowing streams, a tranquil lake, multiple playgrounds, and easy, paved walking paths. It’s a must-visit when in Polk County - trust me, you don’t want to miss it. 

After about 90 minutes of soaking up nature, I drove three miles east on George Jenkins Boulevard to the drive-in. Upon arrival, I got excited to see the neon lights and signs at the entrance. There was traffic to get into the venue, which I probably could have avoided if I had arrived a bit earlier. Cars were as far as the eye could see, approaching from both sides of the street. Fortunately, the lines moved rather quickly, and in less than 10 minutes, we drove to the ticket booth, paid the $16 fee ($8 per person), and were directed to a parking spot by one of the attendants. 

By now, the sun was beginning to set. And as I marveled at the glowing sky with golden hues and shades of amber, I knew I was in for a dreamy night to remember at an authentic American drive-in. 

It Was a Dreamy Night to Remember

Most folks love the drive-in for its retro vibes that trigger nostalgia. Our grandparents watched movies from vintage cars, with attached speakers that played doo-wop songs or rock ‘n’ roll before the show began. Then the commercials showed on the screen or a short of a well-known cartoon. My experience was not quite like that. There were no speakers, no old-fashioned tunes, and I didn’t see any vintage cars. 

However, I did experience moments of nostalgia while standing in line at the snack bar. Several little girls were playing “Miss Mary Mack,” a clapping game dating back to the 1800s. That took me back to my childhood, and I helped with the lyrics when they forgot them. As I approached the entrance of the concession stand, another fleeting moment occurred: I saw two retro arcade games—Ms. Pac-Man and Toy Chest. I was too excited to see these relics, which brought me joy decades ago. 

The smell of popcorn filled the air inside the crowded stand, and the walls were lined with old images of the theater. The menu at the concession has all the yummy staples, offering popcorn, pizza, pretzels, hot dogs, nachos, candy, sodas, and more. I ordered a pretzel with nacho cheese and a pizza. The pretzel was ok, but the pizza was freshly baked, piping hot, and delicious. 

My mom and I ate under the stars while watching the live-action version of Lilo and Stitch. With the radio tuned to 88.3 FM, we listened to the movie, glared at the massive screen, and indulged in cheesy pizza, all from the comfort of my car. The moment felt right - simple, warm, and memorable – I was like a kid in a candy store.

The movie was so adorable, and of course, we decided to stay for the second feature, which was included in the price of admission. The second movie began at about 11:15 p.m., so, needless to say, we had a long night ahead of us.

Because I was standing in line at the concession, I completely missed the old commercials that played on the screen before the first movie. However, I saw them before the second show. I had another nostalgic moment after watching the 1950s concession ad, “Let’s All Go to the Lobby” with the dancing snacks. All in all, I loved my first experience at a drive-in theater, and I can’t wait to do it again. It was everything that I expected it to be.  

Things to Know Before You Go

If you live or are visiting central Florida, I encourage you to plan a trip to Lakeland for this fun, family-friendly adventure. It’s a good way to support an iconic local business while experiencing a slice of American culture.  

Here are several things to know before you leave for your night under the starlit sky:

• Snacks are allowed, but I suggest you support the concession stand, too. The prices are so affordable.
• If you have little ones, definitely bring a cooler with drinks and goodies
• Bring wipes or hand sanitizer, napkins, and a bag for garbage    
• Arrive at least an hour before the show to find a great parking spot
• If you plan on sitting outside of your car, bring chairs, blankets, and bug spray
• Stay for the double feature - at $8 for adults and $3 for kids, you’re getting more than your money’s worth
• Movies are shown using a laser projection system, so the quality is amazing
• To avoid traffic, leave early before the movie ends, or wait until most of the cars exit the parking lot
• The venue is open 7 days a week, so to skip the crowds, visit on a weekday
• Turn off all car lights for a better experience
• Well-behaved leashed pets are allowed at the theater. Only service dogs are allowed inside the concession stand
• The venue also hosts a weekend swap shop from 5 a.m. to noon, which is worth visiting.
• Read the Silver Moon FAQ for more information

Ready for your night to remember? Visit the Silver Moon Drive-In website to see what movies are playing. 

And if you’re searching for another attraction near Orlando that you can experience from the comfort of your car, check out this incredible drive-thru safari park that is pure magic.