Cinema Carousel — Local services in Norton Shores

Evening started out nice - friendly staff at the ticket counter helped my wife and I decide between two movies we were contemplating. We then found our seats in the assigned theater and settled in to enjoy our selection. Due to a number of serious (tested and documented) food allergies that my wife has, she typically will bring her own snacks - she is allergic to dairy, wheat, egg, and peanuts for starters, which pretty much eliminates most selections in an actual restaurant- surely makes things difficult in a theater concession... Early into the movie I noticed this drew the attention of a staff member who seemed to be assessing the situation... not long after he exited the theater another staff member came into the theater and exhibited similar behavior... He also exited only to return and approach us and let us know that outside food is not allowed. Trying to keep the interaction brief I leaned over and replied that my wife has food allergies so she brings her own. The staff member seemed satisfied with this and turned and left the theater. We proceeded to watch the rest of the movie without further interruption... Up till this point I would have rated this experience a 5- as I mentioned the staff had been courteous and helpful, seats comfortable, theater clean, and the staff that approached us were just doing their job... I can certainly appreciate and respect this. 5 stars up till this point....

Things went south as we exited the theater and were greeted by two staff members (hadn't met these two yet). As my wife disposed of her garbage she light heartedly said to them I got in trouble for bringing my own food (with a chuckle)- the waste was clearly not something available at the theater and my wife sensed that the staff noticed this. This is when the first staff member stated that they do not allow food to be brought in from the outside. My wife replied that she has food allergies and as a precaution she brings her own snack. This is when the second staff member replied; "well next time we will kick you out". Surprised by the response, my wife asked her to repeat herself and she stated once again that we will be kicked out next time. So a bit bothered and humiliated by the level of hospitality we received we requested to speak with a manager who promptly arrived to join in the discussion. Shockingly the demeanor and attitude of the manager was not hospitable or understanding at all either... So I guess my Wife will have to choose whether she'd prefer to watch a movie or have a snack - just doesn't seem reasonable or fair and some might consider it discrimination (going to file complaint with the ADA). So to top this off the manager says- you tell me what your allergies are and I'll find something on our menu you can have... Perhaps he should know what her allergies are before he can be so sure that he can find something on their menu!! It came across condescending and insensitive. and needless to say his first suggestion had dairy in it, go figure... we requested a menu and it was quite easy to quickly eliminate most items just by the title. When asked if he could find out ingredients he said he could get them for us, so we asked him for them... and he replied he would need to send them to us... so if we walked up to the concession stand before the movie and wanted to inquire about ingredients we would have to have them sent to us?! So how is anyone with allergies or diet restrictions supposed to make a selection that they can be sure will not cause an issue?!!! Seeing how my wife's allergies is something we have worked with for several years now - we already knew that there is a extremely low probability that this information would be available as it hasn't been in the past, so she comes prepared with her own snacks. Much like we know we can't go out for breakfast because everything typically has one these allergen ingredients, not to mention concern for cross contamination. Never experienced anything like this before, most places are extremely accommodating....

I like this movie theater, but it could be better!!!😏 For starters, the recliner seats in the front shouldn't be called recliners at all...a better name for the chairs should be called "struggle-seats" because I STRUGGLED too much trying to get comfortable.

There is a small button on the side to release the "recline" feature, but in order for it to work you literally have to push the button simultaneously while stretching your body in "opposite" directions as if you're in a yoga class...it took me a few attempts to get it right LOL! 😂

The "struggle-seats" aren't necessarily uncomfortable, but I feel as though recliners with an "automatic" UP and DOWN button feature should be installed to make it easier for patrons to operate. Patrons shouldn't have to stretch their bodies north and south in order to recline more comfortably.

I have gone to several movie theaters in various cities and states, but I believe that Cinema Carousel could utilize Celebration Cinema "North" in Grand Rapids Michigan as a BLUEPRINT on what type of recliners to purchase.

Celebration Cinema North in Grand Rapids Michigan is one of the BEST movie theaters that I have gone to although it is connected to several businesses, and doesn't look gigantic at all in comparison to other theaters.

If you haven't visited Celebration Cinema North in Grand Rapids Michigan, do yourself a favor and do so because I guarantee that you will have a better experience than at the Cinema Carousel in Muskegon.

Lastly, I feel as though on nights when the movie theaters are busier, security (or extra staff) should be dispatched to each PACKED theater in order to control unruly patrons that are LOUD and OBNOXIOUS! Some people were not raised with manners, and they don't care about disturbing other people while they are trying to watch the movie...PLEASE CONSIDER SECURITY.

Other than my initial takeaways, I enjoyed...

I have been to several of the Celebration Cinemas, and most are nice enough, but Cinema Carousel is my favorite. It's in a smaller city, on a less busy street, parking is usually pretty available.

Everything inside is clean, the bathrooms in particular. There are 20 digital screens, and besides first -run movies, they do many special events. The seats are comfortable, with armrests that swing up if you want to snuggle with your date, and recliners down in the front.

The popcorn is good and fresh, not that "we made this a week ago an stored it in a huge plastic bag" flavor. Oh, and you add your own butter flavoring, and they have those shakers of added flavor to doctor it up. Prices are movie-Thayer prices, but they run bucket promotions twice a year. One from November to April, and one from May to October, where you buy the promo bucket, and get two free fills a visit. If you're a regular (At least 5-6 visits each timeframe), you come out a head.

The staff. They are great. This is the kind of place where employees mostly stay for a long time, so they recognize the regulars, and are very nice to them.

This has been my main go-to theater for nearly ten years, and I've got to say, I love the assigned seating. Ive sat in long lines for premiers, running to grab my preferred seats. That isn't fun, you know what is? Getting to the theater 20 minutes before the show, getting my concessions, and then leisurely walking to MY seats because no one else is getting my center-back seat, no matter how early...