We had our first trip to The Plaza Cinema in Dorchester today and we all loved every part of our experience.

The cinema has been delighting audiences since 1933 when it first opened as a single screen cinema.  Now, there are 4 screens with a blend of modern amenities and timeless Art Deco charm.

The welcoming grand entrance and staff make a great first impression and as I’d pre-booked online I was able to pick my seats and collect my tickets on arrival.  I love a paper ticket and keep every single one, be it cinema or theatre, and when I’m home I add a note on it to say who we went with.

There’s plenty of snack options to purchase in the foyer and I thought The kids Combo was really great value with popcorn, drink (water/fruitshoot/fizzy) and sweets all for £4.50.  Or you could upgrade for 50p and turn the drink into a slushie.

We were in Screen 1 to see Lola & Stitch and I couldn’t have been happier.  The roof lighting is stunning and this stayed on for the trailers and then switched off for the film.  The seating was really comfy, acoustics were great and the leg room was so spacious.  It was possibly one of the only few times I’ve been to the cinema and not had little legs kicking my back the whole time haha.

Whilst we had a brilliant cinema experience, I think the best bit of all was the ticket price which is considerably lower than the multiplex chains.  3 tickets and car parking for the day cost me just over £20 which I thought was excellent.

Good to know:

• Booster seats are available for children if needed.

• Autism and Sensory Friendly Screenings of popular family films are shown on a regular basis.  These are presented without adverts or trailers, with lower volume and the lights are left on low.

• Subtitled Screenings are held regularly with clearly display dialogue and essential sound cues on screen.

• Screen sizes differ with 2 of the screens having disabled access and spaces.  As the front of the building is stepped, disabled access to the foyer is via the side door on the left hand side of the building.

• Baby changing facilities can be found in one of the downstairs toilets.

• The cinema can easily be reached by train or bus.  If driving, you’ll find numerous car parks nearby.

For more information on upcoming films and tickets, please visit The Plaza Dorchester.