delsea drive-in theatre

We had a great time at the drive in! Our kids have never been to a drive in and really enjoyed it. I grew up on going to the drive in, But most have closed and it has been so many years since we have been to one! It was a great walk down memory lane!

I go here probably once a month. It is more cost efficient then a theater, and the ambiance is fantastic. I enjoy the food, and ive had a decent variety to say surely that it's enjoyable, varied and reasonably priced. There is ample parking and I think the screen size is just fine.I would like to see them work out the concession area- I waited 40 minutes for popcorn and a pretzel. I would like those rust marks to be dealt with on the large screen, they've been there as long as I've gone. Please have the staff enforce the driving with parking lights- once the movie has started. And finally, I hate the car searches. I understand them, but looking should be sufficient, no need to open doors.As for the strict food rules- I get it. It's how they make money. Why people are so pissed that a place finally has standards, I don't quite understand. The issue is not the rules- it's that there are rules. Every other business owner is trying to tend to every minority, and they cater to the masses. I wish more people had conduct and ethical standards. I've been here with friends and family, I've seen horror and kid movies, everyone has a fine time, even if there are rules. Bring your lawn chairs, sneak in your sodas and snacks, and enjoy the place for what it is.

I grew up going to Drive-In's Theaters in the late 70s. It's a special experience to watch a movie on a large outdoor screen, underneath the stars with a cool breeze at your back. Unfortunately, during the 80's most single and double screen Drive-In theaters were replaced by the 10 + screen multiplex theaters. When it comes to value you cannot beat the prices at the Delsea. You're getting two first run, double feature movies for $10 (adults), $5 (Kids 3-11) and free (kids 0-2). It's a double feature so you're only paying $5 (adults) or $2.50 (kids) per movie. Delsea only has two showings per week (Friday & Saturday) and does not offer commercial placements during the previews which majorly affect revenue. As a former venue manager that has broadcasted films, I can speak from experience that the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) has a high daily "reel" rental and per ticket charge that must be paid in order to receive the unlock license codes to broadcast a film. The concession stand has an enormous selection of goodies that accommodate any taste, price range or dietary needs for a reasonable price. "Don't bring outside food!!!, is very clearly posted on the website and at the box office. Since the movie houses collect most of the box office revenue the only way the Delsea can survive is from the revenue generated by the concession stand. I've read a few negative reviews on Trip advisor in regards to the Delsea , don't believe the hype. I've been going to the Delsea Drive-In Theater for years and it never disappoints. The parking is unpaved (dirt and grass), one of the screens is older, most employees attend the local High School and at times the head lights from a car might slightly impede your view. However, it's an outdoor Drive-In theater and its part of the experience. If you want an air conditioned environment without interruptions while sitting on a faux leather recliner check out the local AMC or Regal Theater. However, be prepared to pay $11-$23 per ticket, per movie and $12 for a small popcorn combo. The Delsea is a true gem and a slice of classic Americana history that needs to be supported, cherished before they all disappear. Don't let all of the out of state nay sayers that read a “negative” news report and have never even been to the Delsea ruin on the reputation of a small business that is trying to keep a part of NJ history alive.

This facility is a mess. The lot is a disaster, with undercarriage eating holes and divots. The screens are far too small for the field AND feature prominent rust marks in the viewing area. Food is over priced and low quality. Rules are enforced randomly and haphazardly, particularly those regarding smoking. Add in an ownership that has demonstrated an unbelievable lack of caring and concern for their customers and their well-being, and I can't even consider this a "divey fun time" like I used to. Won't be back until the current ownership have a major epiphany or are gone. So if you're looking for an evening straining to see a picture on a stained screen while listening to to crackling radio transmission of the movie's audio while breathing in cigarette smoke in the non-smoking area after paying an unreasonable amount of money even by theater standards for ultra-low quality processed food, you're in luck! Other wise, I'd avoid this place like the plague.

I will not return. I can't believe they humiliated a diabetic child like that. They want you to buy their concessions, but when I stood in line I waited almost an hour and missed most of the movie! The theater is more expensive, but at least I'll be able to enjoy what I paid for. The owner is despicable.

the pediatrician owner of this theater should not be treating children with disabilities as he clearly decides making a dime on concessions at the theater is more important than the life of a child. I suggest nobody go to this theater until it has a new owner and allows disabled to drive in. Also, tell parents not to take their children to the doctor who owns this theater. Clearly he is an incompetent pediatrician when selling junk food takes priority over the life of a child.

I understand your policy about not bringing in outside food and drinks, however, when someone is diabetic and their sugar drops low, they are not always able to walk to a concession stand and purchase snacks!! You should be ashamed of yourself...after all, you are a doctor!!

Went to have a good time. Lucky diabetic supply were in grandma's pocketbook. They all but strip search you and your car just so you don't bring anything in. Then they walk around always looking. Things must be bad in the dr business.

I recently went to see Into The Storm and Let's Be cops at the Delsea Drive-In Theatre and it was the worst movie experiences I have ever had. The picture wasdark and out of focus and the sound through my radio was horrible, The owner, Dr. John Deleonardis, should be ashamed of himself for accepting money for such an inferior product and when I complained i was told it's too bad, if you don't like the quality of our drive-in, then don't come back...wow!..and the prices at the concession stand were through the roof!..and the bathrooms were so filthy I didn't even want to sit down!Plus, I've read that the owner is a pediatrician and recently denied entrance to a diabetic teenager because he was bringing in candy along with his insulin, expecting the poor kid to buy his overpriced candy instead? Man, am I glad my kids never had the displeasure of being treated by him! Talk about bad bedside manner. Holy Coq, What a disgrace the owner is not only to his profession but to humanity in general! This policy is a mockery of a sham of a travesty...again, disgraceful!

Owner has publicly stated that those with Type 1 diabetes are not welcome because they carry small quantities of sugared items to treat hypoglycemic emergencies. He recently refused entrance to a Type 1 teen for this reason. He stated they should stay away because he doesn't want to risk loss to concession sales. Ironic that the owner is a pediatrician who either doesn't understand diabetes or doesn't care about human life. Discrimination is fine in his eyes if it means he doesn't risk losing a penny on concession sales. Note, a type 1 with low glucose would likely die before making it through a concession line. This physician-owner is a bigoted against those disabled with Type 1 diabetes. Stay away.

his drive-in is in Vineland NJ and owned by a pediatrician. This doctor clearly has no clue that folks with type I diabetes (which he callously calls an "affliction") are educated to ALWAYS carry food with them ... it is a matter of life and death. Wouldn't have him for my child's doctor and would certainly not go to his drive in.

I'm grateful for the Delsea Driv-in theater. It's the only one left in NJ. My teenage kids get to experience the fun of the drive-in, and it is fun....with some negatives. I'd love to give the Delsea a glowing review and not point out its flaws, because I'm glad they're in business and within driving distance of my home. This is an honest review from someone who's been going there since they opened ten years ago. The positives: Family fun....where you can hang out together in a relaxed environment, be silly, not have to be totally silent. The kids can go in their PJ's, bring pillows and blankets, play board games if you go early, even toss a football in the open areas. Affordability. At $10.00 per ticket....it's still cheaper than regular theaters, especially since you always see two movies! Tickets used to be $8.00, but the price increase is expected over time. Snack bar prices aren't horrible, not cheap by any means, but not obscene like indoor theaters! A large popcorn is $5.00, not $9.00! The snack selection is huge. Staff. Mostly teens who are very courteous and sweet. The ticket booth, the lot attendants, the snack bar kids....all very respectful, helpful, and seem to enjoy their jobs. Really nice kids! Film quality. They switched to digital display in 2013, so the picture quality is pretty good. You get to see the newest movies, the day they're released. Negatives: No more food permits. This is a new rule put in place this season. You used to be able to buy a permit for $7.00 per car and bring in your own snacks and drinks. Now you are forced to buy everything from the snack bar. I see families there with lots of kids. To buy snacks and drinks for everyone would be very expensive, too expensive for some. The owners say that the snack sales are what keeps the employees employed, and the business afloat, but maybe they can come up with a better solution. They check your car for outside snacks (without touching anything) at the ticket booth. They ask to look in your trunk, pop your hatch, turn on interior lights. It's kind of ridiculous. I was happy to pay the food permit fee before. They were getting my $7.00 every time. On our last visit they didn't, and I still brought my own snacks. I noticed that we weren't the only ones. Stinks that not being able to afford the concession stand forces you to be dishonest.Screen quality. Screen number one has had big rust stains on it for years, smack in the middle of the screen. It's very distracting.Smoking. There are designated smoking areas, but everyone ignores this. Employees patrol the lot all night, but nothing is said. We had smokers on both sides of us, and their smoke was in our car all night. Lot quality. The parking lot has deep holes that need to be filled in, and all of the old poles that once held speakers way back when are in bad shape....rusted and displaced by people who shouldn't be moving them. It makes parking haphazard and confusing.Overall, it's still a fun family night. The place needs some repairs, the food permits should be reinstated, and the smoking rules need to be enforced. I'm not judging smokers. Your life, your body, your choice, but my family and I shouldn't have to breath in your smoke all night. If we ever go again I hope I'm not forced to be one of "those people" who complain to management about it.

This place brings back so many memories. They always have first-run movies and the place is very clean. The refreshment stand seems packed at all times, so be prepared for a wait. On a beautiful night, you can place your chairs in front of the car and turn up the car radio.....

This is the perfect place for younger children. They can play before the movie starts, eat, walk around and talk. Bring your chairs, blankets for cool nights and bug spray. Great night out for a great price - TWO movies! The food stand has a large variety at fair prices.

Went to Delsea Drive-In Theatre last night for the first time. We will definitely be returning soon. Had a very enjoyable night at a very fair price. I have only one complaint. Once the movies started, cars continued to come in with their headlights turned on. I think they should require the cars to turn off their lights upon entering the theater area once a show has begun. It's very inconsiderate to those who got their on time, to have to endure headlights in our eyes while trying to watch a movie. Other than that, everything was great. Food prices were very reasonable and the lines moved quickly for the number of people they had to serve. Sound was excellent using the FM radio in our car. I sat outside using a smaller radio w/ ear plugs and that worked great as well. At the end, our car's battery was dead (we've had issues with it and thought this might happen). No big deal. They came right over to our car and jumped us right away. Only took a couple minutes. Before the movies started, there were parents throwing balls with the kids, we talked with the neighbors next to us for a while and ate some good food. Something you can't do while sitting in a movie theater. Even though it was my wife, 25 yr old daughter and myself, it was nice to see families with their kids having a good time. A couple people we talked to said they traveled over an hour away because it was such a good price for their families. It's about 1/2 the price of an indoor theatre. To those few people I've seen on Facebook complaining about the "management" not caring about their customers, that's hog wash. This place was well staffed, parking was enforced to keep SUV's and trucks from parking in the front rows and blocking viewers, the place was clean and lines moved quickly at the concession stands. We were advised to come early to avoid long lines at both the entrance and concession stands. We took the advice and glad we did. Since management has someone check each car, it does take a little time getting in. In today's times, I have no problem with them checking out each car. They ask that no outside food be brought in, as food concession is the only way this Theater makes money. I know everyone wants to "sneak" in their favorite snacks, but hey, if you want to continue to enjoy and have this Theatre in the neighborhood, then you need to support it. As I stated earlier, the food prices were VERY reasonable. Nothing like going to an indoor theater where they gouge and rip off their customers. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the large selection and quality of food they offer. Some people want 5 star service on a dime budget and those people are the loudest, 1st to complain and the most annoying. If you want to have an enjoyable experience at a reasonable price, you can expect that at Delsea Drive-in Theatre....and no, I'm not an employee or in any way associated with this outfit. Finally, this is the ONLY drive-in Theatre left in New Jersey. They only way to keep it, is to support it. The only reason I don't give this Theatre 5 Stars is they failed to have the late comers turn their headlights off when entering the viewing area after the movie starts.