When visiting Southern California, there are other Disney experiences to be found outside of the Disneyland Resort. One of these is the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and its attached Disney Studio Store.
And for those with a sweet tooth, there’s also a Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located inside the Studio Store!
El Capitan Theatre
The movie theater, studio store and soda fountain are located across the street from the world-famous Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard and just around the corner from the Max Factor building whose façade appears in both Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
Take a look at the recreation of the Max Factor building at Disney California Adventure (plus some hidden magic in the park) in the article below:
Hidden Magic: The Animation Building at Disney California Adventure
Disney Ultimate Toy Drive
I made a recent trek to the Disney Studio Store Hollywood to participate in their annual Toys For Tots toy drive – part of The Walt Disney Company’s historic partnership with the charity. The toy drive will continue through December 11th at this location.
While you can also donate toys in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort, the Disney Studio Store Hollywood makes your donation extra merry and bright by giving you an official limited edition Disney pin (while supplies last) in exchange for your donation of a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or higher.
Note there are some restrictions on what they accept, so before you drive over, I suggest calling first to confirm that your toy is eligible for their drive AND that they still have the pins left!
Disney Studio Store Merchandise
However, the store also sells unique pins and other Disney merchandise and is a fun place for Disney fans to visit year-round as well!
One fun option that is sometimes available are the “Pin Trader Delight” sundaes, where you can get a pin along with your ice cream at the fountain side of the store!
On the El Capitan Theatre side of the complex, you may find seasonal Disney items available there, too. On my recent visit, I spotted the newest holiday musical popcorn bucket from the parks for sale!
They sometimes sell popcorn buckets themed to their currently showing movies as well.
El Capitan Theatre Movies
The movie theater is running a separate promotional toy drive through December 11th offering a free small popcorn to all guests with movie tickets in exchange for a donation of a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or higher.
The El Capitan Theatre exclusively shows films from The Walt Disney Company, often with a unique exhibit featuring items from the movie being screened.
Current screenings include Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the new Disney animated movie Strange World. Next up will be Avatar: The Way of Water.
There’s a special offer for certain weekend showtimes of Strange World that include “Cookies & Cocoa” with the movie (courtesy of Ghirardelli) and a special appearance by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! If you were planning to take the little ones to see the movie anyway, consider this extra cheerful holiday experience at the El Capitan!
You can find more information on booking your tickets for the special showing HERE!
While the El Capitan Theatre and Disney Studio Store Hollywood do not have their own parking, there is public parking available directly across the street at the Hollywood & Highland shopping center. (Validate your parking ticket at the theater for a lower fee)
Discount Disney Theme Park Tickets & Hotels!!!
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Check out the latest offers for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm:
If you live in Southern California, there’s a very special ticket offer for you that runs from January 9th through May 25th:
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Let’s Hear From You
In the hot weather of the summer months, Pin Trader Delight sundaes draw me to the soda fountain, while the holidays at the studio store bring the Toys For Tots drive. This allows me a little bit of Disney magic – and pins! – when I’m away from the parks!
Have you ever been to the El Capitan Theatre or Disney Studio Store Hollywood? Do you go for the movies, the ice cream and chocolate, or the pins? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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