The Milky Way Drive-In — Local services in Franklin

I've reviewed Milky Way Drive In before and gave it a much lower rating due to the food service, ability to locate a bathroom, smallness of the screen, app issues & customer service etc. I've gone to Milky Way Drive In twice since it opened this year (2022) and things have changed for the better. That's a good thing too since the only other drive in near me is in Jefferson WI.

Here are the highlights of my 2022 experience:

1. The app used to purchase tickets was less twitchy this time. It still takes a little while for the ticket to show up in your email. Just don't wait till the last minute. 2) previously the sound from the movie was broadcast on speakers so you could hear it outside the car, in addition to the ability to tune to 89.1 on your car radio. I went in May and June 2022 and found that sound is not broadcast outside the car anymore. I brought a radio with good speakers with me so I didn't have to worry about my car starting. 3) previously the bathrooms were a LONG walk in the dark and difficult to find. This year they made it clear that the bathrooms were to the left of the screen. Still was a bit of a walk though so don't wait too long. 4) previously food was ordered on an app and delivered to your car. I always got food but sometimes it was the wrong food or not as ordered and I didn't know what to do to fix the problem or get a refund. I'm glad they don't use it anymore. Instead they offer candy sold via a golf cart that comes to your vehicle. There is also a restaurant (same direction as the bathrooms) that you can buy food from. I didn't try either though. 5) no change to the screen. It's still smaller than old time drive in screens, but it is much brighter even in daylight. 6) noticed a picnic table is available in front near the screen this year 7) it was very sunny one of the days I went. it didn't affect my ability to see the screen, but my eyes needed some relief. I wore polarized sunglasses and could still see the screen great.

BELOW IS MY LIST OF THINGS TO BRING WITH ME WHEN I ATTEND A DRIVE IN: 1) my ticket 2) radio with batteries 3) blanket/pillows 4) bug spray, just in case 5) fan with batteries, if its hot outside 6) comfortable shoes and clothes 6) something to block the sun if you're there at sunset. 7) if you have kids you'll probably need to bring more even...

I have been to Milky Way twice so far and here's an honest review. Screen is ok, not great in daylight, but if you want better go to the cinema. The sound both times was absolutely terrible. You have tune your car radio and listen to that. That's easy, put your car in ACC (accessory mode), do not keep your engine running! Turn off your lights, as there is people behind you trying to watch a movie as well. ACC mode will NOT discharge your battery by just running the radio for 2h. The huge downside to the fm sound is that it is extremely quiet. Even after turning the volume all the way up, we can barely hear anything and this is on Acura ELS sound system which is top of the line. I tried playing with sound settings, nothing helped both times. If we ever come back I will take a portable little radio with me, but the sound will still most likely be very lacking. No other sound option, unacceptable. Be prepared, that people are morons. Running cars everywhere with lights in your face, gas fumes, kids running and screaming, golf cart crusing and giving jump starts to morons. Also once we ordered some burgers from the golf cart, they were bad, really bad. They didn't deliver beer, instead you had to walk about 5min to the concession stand, and then 5min back holding the plastic cups. Not conveninet at all. The second time, our little one wanted popcorn, but there was no golf cart service at all and the stand was closed as well. Overall this whole experience could be much better and I believe Milwaukee deserves better. I'm ok with the price, but if I want to see a movie, I will spend more and go...

A complete waste of money and time. Unruly people next to us were out of control all night, completely disrespectful, drunk, being sold alcohol even though clearly drunk,people were telling them to keep it down, they kept bumping into our car, jumping on top of their own car, arguing at top volume,blowing up inflatable pool toys, and NOT A SINGLE PERSON from the theater did anything about it nor was anyone from any type of security seen at any point. We covered our window then moved our vehicle after missing some of the movie. There isn't a single phone number given to contact with complaints or issues so one is faced with diffusing their own issue or altercation but by all means, keep those beer carts coming AT A DRIVE IN! In case this is too "single incident centered" here's a few other things: it's $38 after fees to out your car in a concrete spot and watch a very inadequate and small screen and drunk bros walking around without any consideration for others at all. NOT WORTH A PENNY. Will never recommend. Take your family to the park instead. Watch...