Disclaimer: My family and I received tickets to the Tampa Theatre’s showing of The Princess Bride in exchange for my review of our experience. I received no compensation and the opinions shared in this post are my own.
When the Tampa Theatre invited us to experience a presentation of one of our favorite films, The Princess Bride, I immediately responded, “As yooooou wiiiiishhhhh.”
I truly love the Tampa Theatre and now with their new Family Favorites classic movie series, my children will grow to adore and appreciate this historic treasure in downtown Tampa which has awed families for nearly a century.
As we waited for our tour to begin, we were told to “Watch for R.O.U.S. (Rodents of Unusual Size)”, which is very good advice, especially in a theatre that is rumor to be haunted, a fact I learned during our tour of the Tampa Theatre.
After our tour, I met the Dread Pirate Roberts in the concession line and I introduced myself. “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die”, though neither the Dread Pirate Roberts nor this gentleman did anything such thing. Thankfully, no one died in the concession line and we both lived to enjoy the film and our popcorn and beer refreshments.
Even without all the pirates and royalty roaming about, one step in the Tampa Theatre and you are instantly transported into an era of glamour and romance. With its draped balconies, gargoyles, angels without arms (Dr. Who would be pleased.) and rows of red velvet seats, it is the perfect setting for a magical tale such as The Princess Bride. Although we own a copy of the movie on DVD, no flat LCD television can compete with the large projection screen housed in this castle-like show palace atmosphere.
Prior to this showing, my youngest daughter did not recall the movie, but loved it all the same. Fondly, she will always remember the kissing tale, sword fighting fencing revenge story with great escapes, chases, a giant and true love all brought to life on the big screen by the miracle that is the Tampa Theatre.
The Family Favorite Classic Movie Series shows start at 2 p.m. on Sundays and run from April 7 – May 19. Tampa Theatre offers a discounted kids’ ticket price for this series in the hopes to appeal families looking for an affordable weekend outing in downtown Tampa. The films in Family Favorite Classic Movie Series include:
- Babe (1995) – April 14
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) – April 21
- Annie (1982) – April 28
- The Muppet Movie (1979) – May 5
- The Neverending Story (1984) – May 12
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – May 19
Tickets for the Family Favorites Classic Movie Series are $9 for adults and $7 for children at the box office or online ($2 convenience fee applies). The series is presented by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, with media sponsorship by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. For more information, visit www.TampaTheatre.org.
I adore the Tampa Theater! Thanks for the heads up. I just hope my 16 month old can take a movie theater right now. She’s too big now to sleep through it in my lap, but too young to sit still for 2 hours! You also reminded me of the ginormous crush I had on Wesley…as you wish…swoon!
Wesley was a hottie back then. I swear, Buttercup (Robin Penn) hasn’t changed! It’s hit or miss if Little Lion Man will sit through a movie, but he did great for The Princess Bride. I think he may have enjoyed all the action and sword fighting.
The Princess Bride?!?! That is one of my all time favorite movies, I’m talking top 5. This must have been great, and an awesome thing to do with your daughters. I used to always go to plays and ballet’s with my sister, mom and grandmother and they’re some of my favorite memories from when I was younger.
This looks like a lot of fun! I’m bummed I missed this blogger opportunity. I love the Tampa Theater. It’s so beautiful. It’s probably my favorite building in Tampa. What was the parking like? Was it as loud as other theaters?
The picture quality for this older movie was stellar and the sound was impressive, not too loud like the newer theaters. We found parking in the street which is free on Sunday, but there are a few parking lots relatively close to theatre. I believe there was some sort of farmer’s market happening on the day we visited the theater and we still found a good parking spot.
It was such a great time! Wesley, so cute 🙂
that was a fun day! As soon as it ended my son asked when we could go again. I’ll admit I love “babe” so we will be there tomorrow 🙂
My girls are excited to go back too! They spotted The Neverending Story on the coming soon poster. I’m still amazed that my toddler sat through it all!
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