West Wind Drive-In - Glendale, Arizona

So I know this sounds a little silly and very old school but the drive-in could be your new best friend if getting in a movie is more than a little challenging. It's actually something I tell just about any parent about since most of us get to watch the same five kids movies until our eyes bleed and we beg for mercy (and if you're lucky like me, it's two movies and no mercy). 

We've been rabid drive-in fans since our time in Madison, Wisconsin. If you're in the area, the Big Sky Drive-In in the Wisconsin Dells is fantastic. It's a small family run place that mainly attracts the locals. Cash and local checks only. The burgers are pretty good if you feel like hitting the concessions. I believe when we went as a family of 4 it typically cost about $26. Best of all you can bring in outside food, although I highly suggest buying from the concessions. After all, that's how they stay open. I believe it was a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. Only has two screens but they tend to show all kinds of films. Only down side is that it opens in the late spring and runs to about October. Not that you really want to sit in your car during negative degree temps.

Well now that I've pimped our old drive-in, on with the new. West Wind Drive-In is just fantastic. Although they have locations in California, Nevada and Arizona, I can only speak for the one in Arizona. First of all, we were so excited we could see movies all year long. Not only do they have something like 9 screens but it's so cheap to go there. Tuesday is Family Night and for the 4 of us we pay $12.50. Just can't beat a deal like that! Place is clean and staff is nice. They have plenty of restrooms and have always been well stocked with TP. We like to pack candy and soda in a cooler. When we get there, we buy lots of extra goodies. Very large selection with a bit of local flair like churros and nachos. Tons of families and a nice welcoming atmosphere.

Give it a try! If you have a drive-in you'd like to talk about, please do. I believe that the best things special needs parents can do is share information.