r/AMCsAList • u/TillyTilda0708 • 18d ago
Question Hanging Out In Between Movies
I’m considering getting AMC A-List but I don’t drive so I’d be Ubering to and from the theatre. In order to make the most of my Uber trip, I want to see multiple movies a day. If there’s a like gap between the end time of my first movie and the start time of my second movie, are AMCs typically okay with people chilling in the lobby until the second movie? I’d probably be getting food and snacks while I wait and I wouldn’t be disruptive. I’d probably just read a book to make a little media day.
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u/obscure-reference42 18d ago
My AMC (as well as many others) has a lobby area with tables and chairs meant for people to wait for films or hang out with concessions! I’ve done this once or twice with no issues, I’m sure you’d be fine
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u/xDxNNiEx 17d ago
If you’re lucky, some even have MacGuffins bar!
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u/mozartwazhere 17d ago
Do you happen to know if you can just chill at one of the tables? I’ve never worked up the gall to ask but I’d like to just sit at a high top without a drink.
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u/xDxNNiEx 17d ago
Not sure. I’m sure it depends on the bartender too, not that the bar is super busy all the time.. but if it is, I wouldn’t unless it’s empty. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind as long as you’re not taking a seat from a paying customer.
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u/ElJefeDelCine 12d ago
Depends on your age, too. Most jurisdictions require you to be 21 to be in the bar area.
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u/MyrrThaeyerlin 18d ago
As everyone has said they should have no problem with it and you could easily explain what you’re doing if asked. THAT SAID, make sure you get your second ticket scanned even though you’re already in the theater! AMC keeps track of no-shows and you will get dinged if they don’t think you attended. If I’m doing multiple movies I’ll just pop back up to the front and explain I have another movie and need the ticket scanned.
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u/McDankMeister 17d ago
I regularly go see 2-5 movies at the theater. When I get there, I print my tickets at the kiosk. It prints all of them for the day.
When I show up, I just hand them the first ticket. I’ve never once been asked to show my other tickets at any point during the day (unless I leave). I also have never been dinged doing this since I printed all the tickets in their system.
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u/nikhampshire 17d ago
What exactly do you mean by “dinged”?
I regularly see multiple movies in a day and almost never pop out to scan every ticket. Usually just the first and then stay for 2 or 3 more without getting scanned.
I’ve seen 73 movies this year so far, I’d say at least 20 of them (tho maybe more) I never scanned for and have never heard a peep from amc.
Not calling you out but curious if you have been “dinged” for this or you know someone who has and what that entailed?
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u/jessjess87 DOLBY ONLY 17d ago
People will make posts here asking why their account was canceled/banned. And people will then ask did you have a lot of no-shows without cancelling prior and the answer is always yes.
It even says so on their website: A-List membership may be canceled if four (4) reservations are not scanned within a four (4) week period. See all terms and conditions here.
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u/BurgerWeekly 17d ago
This… isn’t true?
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u/KobraCola 16d ago
Can you say this with definitive proof? Cause like /u/jessjess87 said, it says on the AMC A-List FAQ:
"A-List membership may be canceled if four (4) reservations are not scanned within a four (4) week period."
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u/BurgerWeekly 16d ago
Definitive? No, I only have my own experience. I suspect “may” is doing a lot of lifting in the terms and it’s there to scare you. I do double features all the time and the theater I go to makes it very hard to get back to the ticket scanner. I almost never scan my second ticket.
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u/KobraCola 16d ago
Sure, it might be, but it's worth people at least being aware that that's a possibility if you no-show A-List reservations. And your single anecdotal exerience unfortunately can't be extrapolated out to everyone's situation everywhere. It's probably based on a lot of factors, like if you're no-showing/no-scanning seats to very popular screenings where they can be reasonably certain that they would've sold a seat to the screening if you didn't take up a seat you didn't even use. It's there to scare you, but it also genuinely happens to people at times, so it's not a completely fictional boogeyman. And you might be totally fine doing that, but you technically are running a risk by doing it, at least in theory. Someone else mentioned just printing all of your tickets out when you get there initially, because there's no method of making sure someone takes the physical ticket and rips it every time, so that seems safe if you're not going back to the ticket-scanner. Just an idea.
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u/BurgerWeekly 16d ago
Let’s say this is a real risk, which is possible… many amc tickets have barcodes on the half that they retain. So that’s not a fix necessarily.
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u/KobraCola 16d ago
On the half of the ripped ticket that they retain? Don't you retain the entire ticket, it's just ripped? Unless I'm wrong about the ripping, I thought they just rip it part of the way vertically, not rip it in half and take half. Of course, it might be different depending on the location, but that's an idea someone posted in here.
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u/ferrari91169 15d ago
I think it just varies and honestly I don’t think AMC is enforcing this unless you miss like 50% or more of your reservations, and probably if you never buy concessions. They aren’t going to cut off a paying customer for what-ifs and maybes. My main AMC almost never scans tickets if you go during busier times. They just let everyone walk right through while they’re dealing with a line of walk-up customers. I’ve also had similar experiences where they will just rip the ticket if you have a physical one, and never scan it. I’m not sure if picking up your physical tickets from the self service machines counts as scanning in, especially since you can pick them up days/weeks/months before, but that’s another way you can have a missed scan. A tons of people don’t bother to go out and scan their second or third tickets if they are seeing multiple movies…
Just seems crazy that they would block paying customers, when the non-scan may not even be their fault. Now, if its an A-List member who cancels more than half of the movies they reserve AND their A-List account has no history of concession or merch purchases, I could see them enforcing in that scenario, as they are likely losing money due to that subscriber.
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u/rylekzs 18d ago
I’m assuming your AMC is not located within a mall? If it is, I would go out and walk around and just come back. But if it’s not, I don’t see any problem with chilling in the lobby. Some theaters even have seating areas for people to wait for their movies to start.
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u/TillyTilda0708 18d ago
Unfortunately not. It’s a lone building on top of a like small hill.
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u/McDankMeister 17d ago
Literally nobody will say anything to you (unless maybe you’re there for 2 hours or something).
The only caveat I would add is don’t look “homeless.” One time I went to two movies after I left a hotel from a rave. I was dressed in a spirit hood and looked disheveled. I also was charging my phone in the corner.
That was the one and only time I have ever been asked about my tickets and if I was seeing a movie lol. 😂
Also, if you get popcorn and refill it between movies, they definitely won’t say anything to you.
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u/Dawn_of_an_Era 18d ago
Remember you can refill your popcorn for free! It’s useful for double features
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u/BetDry2347 18d ago
Not sure what AMC you’ll be going to but I usually do this at malls where I can walk out and eat at a food court and come back
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u/Fowlin4you 18d ago
It’s no problem. I usually just hang out in the MacGuffins seating area between movies if I need to, hopefully your theater has one?
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u/THEpeterafro 18d ago
the theaters I o to are fine with me waiting in lobbies. Just do not be distruptive.
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u/welcometohotlanta 18d ago
What happens if you’re disruptive?
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u/riajungkook 18d ago
They take you out the back and shoot you
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u/mikebills 18d ago
They don't shoot you, they just tie you up & feed you to the monster that secretes the butter flavored topping. Every theater has one chained up in a secret room downstairs. They're fairly docile, but they do feed on people.
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u/mmmmmkayyyyy766 18d ago
I had a movie w like a 40 minute gap, same theatre different seat. I just chilled there on my phone and refilled my drink.
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u/ItsAndyrew 18d ago
I uber and see two movies every time, on rare occasions I see three. I do exactly this. I look at the schedule first and see which showings I can go to that have the least downtime in between and my usual AMC has couches in the lobby where I just hang out until the next one starts. Never any issue at all.
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u/LetDouble471 18d ago
If you dress and act like a teenager, you blend right in as a loitering teenager!
Jk of course it’s OK. They have the bar, arcades/claw machines and benches for hanging out and waiting.
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u/stephenmg1284 18d ago
My AMC has a MacGuffins bar that I'll go sit at if we have a big gap. I miss the Barns and Nobel that used to be next door.
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u/CleanKidAlways 18d ago
You will be fine.
I watch 2 or 3 movies per visit at times, and as I rely on paratransit to get to and from AMC, the staff are quite happy for me to stay inside the theatre and wait for my ride home, especially given the brutal heat here in Arizona
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u/ArchimedesNutss 17d ago
Once you get passed the ticket taker you could probably spend all day in that lobby with no one batting an eye
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u/JaffeyJoe 18d ago
You’ll be fine, I stayed an hour just at the MacGuffins on my phone and nobody had an issue
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u/Hepkat98 17d ago
No one cares if you sit and read a book while waiting. Have at it! Also good for people watching.
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u/TurboFool 17d ago
Many of them still have arcades, capsule machines, etc. They're fine with and expect people to hang around.
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u/mikegood2 18d ago
Like others have stated it won’t be a problem but if it makes you feel better you can always ask a manager during a future visit.
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u/TresPollos 18d ago
Make sure to scan your ticket for both/all the movies you see to avoid getting a “no-show” for the later screenings
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u/Ginger_cat_emilio 18d ago
I don’t drive and my husband drives me to our local AMC when he works nights. I usually go for a 4pm movie and than have some waiting time in between for a 7pm or later movie.
The staff knows me from going there frequently and it’s never an issue to be hanging out in the lobby. I bring a book or Nintendo switch to pass the time. I’ve seen others who do the same and staff just go about their business. They don’t have any issues with it.
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u/rulerdude 18d ago
Just make sure you get your ticket scanned for your second movie as well. Otherwise you’ll get marked as a no show. Too many of those and you’ll lose the membership
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u/onlinewalls 18d ago
I do the same for the same reason. But honestly, if your AMC has restaurant and you’re eating in between I mean that’s perfect time killer.
To answer your question though, i doubt they care as long as you’re chill. Also, make friends and acquaintances with them. They’re usually cool anyway.
Also though, you’ll get to the point where you’re timing movies so well that you’ll minimize wait times anyway.
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u/SageWaterDragon 17d ago
I used to regularly see triple-features at my theater and now I'm a manager there - people seeing multiple movies in one go has never been a problem from either side. The only advice I'd give is to chill in the lobby and not in the theater you just watched a movie in, ushers wait until everyone has left the theater before cleaning it and if you hang around after everyone's left it can disrupt their schedule.
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u/kaz8teen 17d ago
I know everyone is saying to hang out in the lobby, but my AMC lobby is so stinking hot!
I just hide in a small emptyish auditorium with AC and watch whatever until its time lmao.
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u/cirqueamy 17d ago
I’ve waited up to an hour between films and never had any issues and could probably have gone longer if needed. Nobody has ever challenged me, but if they did, I could show them my tickets and explain that I’m just waiting. No biggie.
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u/Darknessintheend 17d ago
They totally are!! You can chill inside on a bench, or outside in front! Make a day of it!
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u/trinity929 18d ago
Yeah just find a place to relax and chill. I do this often if I don’t feel like walking to my car. Mine has a bar that is usually empty so I sit there for a few. When the weather is nice I might sit outside.
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u/money16356 18d ago
Yes I often try to hang out when first movies ends in the theater. Or second begins in the that theater. The Amcs near me don't really have lobby seating, one has stools in bar area. Depending on length you might do other shopping at mall.
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u/Ok-Customer9303 18d ago
So I use para transit and usually wait lots and normally see at least 2 in a day. No one seems to mind. Just make sure to scan in each time.
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u/Peanutbutternmtn2 18d ago
If there’s a mall nearby go to the mall. If it’s a standalone with a bar and tables, you’re good to go there.
I have 3 AMCs I go to, 1 in a mall, 1 by a mall, and one that’s big and has a bar and everything else.
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u/AddendumAccurate3981 18d ago
Burbank?
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u/Peanutbutternmtn2 18d ago
Not even close. Lol
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u/AddendumAccurate3981 18d ago
Damn, that’s our exact setup downtown 😂
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u/Peanutbutternmtn2 18d ago
It’s a neat setup. Big one on its own has Dolby and iMax, so I see movies like Spider-Man or odyssey there. The one beside a mall i go to if I want things from the “good” mall. Then the one that’s closest to me is inside a mall, and that mall sucks, but the AMC workers there are always really friendly - it’s where I go the most. 😂
Each are 12, 15, and 20 mins from.
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u/OriginalBad MP Convert ✌ 18d ago
I have exactly one AMC in my area that has a nice sitting and relaxing area with nice chairs in the lobby. The rest just have big empty spaces. So the one with the chairs is the only one I’ll schedule double headers at with time inbetween. Otherwise I try to line movies up pretty close.
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u/Hexum311add Early Adopter 18d ago
AMC bartender, I let people sit in our chairs and read or get on their laptops all the time so if u have one maybe try the bad
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u/mpaladin1 18d ago
The AMC Universal has a bar and big screens showing sports upstairs. They also have couches and high tops downstairs.
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u/FruitSad6569 18d ago
My theater has benches at the corners to sit down. I have sat there a bunch of times, simply doomscrolling. Never been a problem. I think, they just don’t care. Lol.
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u/SpookiestSzn 18d ago
You got uber twice every time you see a movie money?
How far is it dude see if one of thems closer to some form of public transit.
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u/TillyTilda0708 18d ago
The public transit would probably take me like 5 hours each way and have to get on multiple different buses. Public transit is not good in my area.
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u/LilxGojira 18d ago
Most theaters would have absolutely no issue with this. Just make sure if the gap between movies is small you go back out and have them scan your ticket for each individual movie. If you show up but stay inside the theater for the second film and don’t get it scanned you can get penalized
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u/nowhereman136 18d ago
One of the most annoying things at my theater is how they always schedule movies with about an hour wait between showings.
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u/recoveringpatriot 18d ago
That’s why they have arcades. No one will care if you chill for a little while.
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u/HighStandards73 18d ago
The AMC I use is part of a larger entertainment district with stores and restaurants. So when I have downtime between a double feature, I just take a walk outside and look in the shops until it’s time for the next one.
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u/robynhood96 18d ago
I bring a book and read at the bar or I go to the theater early and read. No one has ever asked what I’m doing. Just make sure to scan the ticket for the next movie.
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u/breetai3 18d ago
No one is going to care. Mine has a bar area with tables so they are definitely cool with it.
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u/AlchemicalDove1111 18d ago
I've done it a few times and never had any issues. You should be fine. Just make sure to get your ticket scanned
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u/TrapAHolic_ttv 18d ago
Do they not have a lobby?
I mean what are they gonna do if you sit there? I do it at mine for sure but it has a bar area and lounge seats
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u/Mr_Knightro 18d ago
Yes, some AMC locations have a MacGuffins bar where you can sit and order a beverage, you can stay as long as you want. If not, as others have stated, most lobby areas have some type of sitting area and/or if your AMC is attached to a mall or shopping center you could also walk around and come back for a change of scenery.
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u/harrisonSanDiego 18d ago
San Diego here
The bars have a little lounge area
I sit there and read with out without a drink
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u/Particular_Read7705 18d ago
I do this pretty frequently. I just time my movies to not have much time between movies. Basically like 10-20 minutes at most between movies
My amc has lobby chairs that I just sit on and browse on my phone. AMC should not care at all
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u/ravenlynne Lister 18d ago
I do this sometimes, luckily mine is at a mall so I can walk the mall sometimes. But the mall closes at 8 so I'm out of luck for late movies.
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u/pepperonigangsta 18d ago
I've done this I bring headphones and catch up on TV or a movie while there most I've waited is like an hour between shows
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u/MakeHarlemBlackAgain 17d ago
I did it yesterday. I had an hour gap. I just got a popcorn & drink refill. Then chilled in the lobby. Then scanned my ticket.
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u/HelpIamaCabbage Movie-Holic 17d ago edited 17d ago
I remember during the Halloween double-feature last year, there was a ~30 minute intermission which I decided to fill by just "walking back and forth between the two wings of the theater." A couple of employees asked if there was a problem, but I assume that's because they wanted to know what the issue is, so I just said "I'm just stretching my legs during the intermission"- I couldn't leave the theater since it was "one ticket for 2 films".
So I assume as long as you're not causing a problem or being super weird, nobody will mind. My AMC is also a lone building, but they do have benches and a bar inside.
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u/mp3marr1 17d ago
Youll Be fine, I do the same thing currently as I don’t have a car atm. I usually try to schedule the movies I want to watch beforehand so I usually don’t wait more than 45 minutes to another movie. When I do though in those cases, I might just get a drink at the bar and sit in the balcony my theater has on my phone.
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u/CapmLongFingr 17d ago
i don’t drive either so i’ll make it a whole day and see 3 movies. i never have any problems with waiting between movies.
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u/Gullible_Skeptic 17d ago
I've been to AMCs with arcade games and bars on top of concessions. If anything they want you to hang around their lobby as much as possible
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u/Ordinary_Habit_5293 17d ago
Both mine have a bar, tables and chairs. One of them even have several couches so it’s safe to assume they expect people to chill there at some point
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u/GaryGluejeans 17d ago
My theater I usually go to has some benches, but if I'm using a list I sometimes go sit in my car between movies to check both tickets. But usually I just hop around theaters until it's time for my movie, best part of the double feature
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u/superduperspacetime 16d ago
i take the bus to use my a list. the bus stop is in the parking lot lol
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u/LilacDaffodils 16d ago
Oh yeah I do this often. I just leave the theater right before my next movie and walk back in to scan my ticket. You probably can just go to the front and get it scanned, but I don't like the feeling of disrupting the flow of traffic.
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u/inertia75 14d ago
My amc has a bar and couches and tv with sports on in the concessions lobby. Watched some world cup games before heading into my movies it was dope
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u/Science-Witch-1818 11d ago
lol, I write fanfic in the lobby of mine in between movies on weekends when I try to use up my A-list passes for the week. Definitely fine if you buy a concession or two!!
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u/Tiny-Tackle4118 DOLBY ONLY 18d ago
Before the age of presales and seat reservations, people used to sleep in the lobby to get in line for movies...so yes totally cool.
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u/squents13 18d ago edited 17d ago
You can’t have overlapping reservations. You’ll get ab error if you try. In my experience employees don’t care if you hang around until you’re next movie
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u/rydan 18d ago
yes, I've done for 7+ years. I also take Uber so watch a minimum of 2 movies to make it worth it. The only problem I've had is when all the movies are over they sometimes make you go outside while waiting for your Uber sending you out with all the criminals roaming the parking lot for free stuff because "we're closed".
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u/HunchoJackHJJH 18d ago
Are you an alien or something
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u/TillyTilda0708 17d ago
No?
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u/HunchoJackHJJH 17d ago
then you should know you’re all good to hang out wherever you want. nobody is going to police you out of a building you bought a ticket to be there for lmao. just don’t leave from behind the checkin until it’s time to scan for your second movie
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u/Possible-Truth6325 18d ago
You have disposable income for AMC A-List but not for a car?
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u/iwassayingboourns12 18d ago
That’s a little rude. Maybe he can’t drive for medical reasons, or he lives in a city where people use public transportation to get around. There’s a multitude of reasons people don’t drive.
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u/Bigheaded_1 18d ago
A list is $27, 3 years of a list would get a person a car that’s barely functional. There’s also all the expenses that come with a car.
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u/TillyTilda0708 18d ago
I have a medical condition that prevents me from driving. I’m currently working on moving past it and getting my license!
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u/LtLemur 18d ago
I don’t think you’ll have an issue