Regal Edwards Mira Mesa — Attraction in San Diego

Honestly, my husband and I choose this theater over any other place to watch a movie for their nachos. Even though it's typically overpriced (along with all other foods they sell), their nachos are really good here. :)

Edwards is a really good place to watch a movie. The screens are huge in select theater rooms, (IMAX and all), and you get the full benefit when watching a 3D movie.

SETTING: When you first walk in, you have the full-service ticket stands to your right, and the self-service ticket machines to your left, (which sometimes may be hidden by some of the huge cardboard props of upcoming/currently showing movies. The theaters are spread out evenly (left and right) with the concessions stand straight ahead. Concession stands are also on the left and right sides of the building, but depending on what time you go, it may not be open for sales. There are some arcade games if you are going to be waiting around for your movie to start.

MOVIE SCREENINGS: If you are coming for a free movie screening, (especially for movies you know will be sold out opening day or good family films where there will be little kids), come EARLY! Come at least 2 hours early to get a good spot in line. Sometimes they let people in as early as 2 hours to sit and wait in the theater, and other times, you are standing in line, and they'll give you pre-numbered tickets so you have to come in in that order. Better to come in super early and find there is no line (yet) than to arrive 30 minutes before the movie starts, and having to find there are no more seats available or you have to sit up front.

THEATER SEATS: The seats are spacious enough that you have fairly enough room to not bump elbows with the person next to you all the time. The seats recline depending on how hard you push back against it. And, depending on where you sit, you can have a lot of leg room, or just a little bit. If you end up in a row where there is little leg room, you may end up having to pull your legs in (feet under the chair) if someone in the same row needs to pass you to get out. Also, if the row behind you has little leg room, and someone is trying to get out, expect your reclined seat to jerk forward suddenly as they inch their way toward the stairs area. If you're all about the leg room, your best bet would be to aim for the top row, or a row somewhere in the middle where there is no row directly below it.

THEATER ROOMS: The sweep team does a pretty decent job cleaning between showings, so the theaters are clean enough to watch a movie without having to worry about stepping on pieces of popcorn on the floor. Theaters can get chilly so dress in layers if you're the kind of person to "freeze" easily, (which I am).

BATHROOMS: Bathrooms are clean, but I'm not sure how they are during the busy times.

PARKING: A huge downside can be the parking, but there are some hidden places (if not taken already) you can park even when it appears too crowded. ;) Edwards is located in a plaza-type setting, so it shares its parking with restaurants, (Islands, O's, Panera, Buca di Beppo), some clothing stores (Ross, Old Navy, Tillys), a Barnes and Noble, Bath and Body Works, Aarons Brothers, and some others. For really good movies (especially on opening nights) give yourself at least 30 minutes ahead to spend time looking for parking. If 30 minutes still won't cut it, you can always park across the street (where there's a Jamba Juice and Starbucks... Home Depot area) and just cross the street.

FOOD: Not that it's expensive, (because that's expected of a movie theater), but I wish there could be more healthy food choices. Ugh.. Give us the option of eating unbuttered, unsalted popcorn please. Give us the option of eating real fruit smoothies. How about some frozen yogurt? ;) If not that, at least LET US bring in our healthier snack items in the theater. But if you're not for eating healthy, they have a LOT of good food choices to choose from. Hot dogs, corn dogs, popcorn, nachos, movie candy, Dibs, etc. It's all there. In all its...

This theater complex is one of my favorites. They have all the top films on the first day release, usually on a Friday. If you are able to attend an early morning screening, you will save a considerable amount of time & money. Also you'll avoid the long lines of people waiting to buy tickets & the crowded auditoriums. The seats are super comfortable, with high backs and they do recline a little. There's arm rests on both sides with cup holders. There's no trash on the floor or in the aisle. If you like IMAX, RPX or THX top quality surround sound with your movie, they are all offered (although your ticket will be a couple of dollars more). There are 18 different theaters, some large, some small with most in between. Lots & lots of snacks (hot & cold) and plenty of drinks to choose from. All the usual condiments are available to add to your meal. As a bonus, they have a wide variety of self operating candy machines that accept coins. Large, clean bathrooms with handicap facilities are always open. Plenty of parking right out front and handicap spaces are on the first row. The staff are friendly & knowledgeable about the theater and seem very willing to assist you. This is a Regal Cinema complex which accepts your Regal Crown Club card. With this card (which is free), you accumulate points for every movie you attend. At any time, you can cash in your points for snacks, drinks or a free movie. Also you can obtain movie memorabilia, hats, hoodies, shirts and a variety of other swag with your points. If you are a fan of the movies, I suggest this fine theater complex. Please be sure to sign up for your Regal Crown Club card & start saving...

Concerns Over Health and Safety Practices

I recently visited this movie theater with high hopes for a relaxing evening, enjoying a movie and some snacks. The theater itself has a charming ambiance, and the staff seemed friendly upon entry. However, my experience took a turn when I observed some concerning health and safety practices that I believe need immediate attention with Billy at the concession stand.

While waiting for my order at the concession stand, I noticed an Billy transition directly from cleaning duties, involving the use of chemicals, to preparing and serving food without any apparent hand washing or change of gloves. This raised immediate red flags for me regarding cross-contamination and the overall hygiene practices of the establishment.

Understanding the critical importance of food safety, especially in environments where both cleaning chemicals and food are handled regularly, I was disappointed to witness such an oversight. Proper hygiene and food safety protocols are fundamental to ensuring the health and safety of customers and staff alike.

While the rest of my visit was uneventful, and I wanted to enjoy my time at this theater, this incident overshadowed my experience. I believe that with proper staff training and a commitment to adhering to health and safety guidelines, this theater has the potential to offer a much more enjoyable and safe experience for all patrons.

I hope that my feedback is taken constructively, and I look forward to seeing improvements...