If you’re heading to the north side of town for a flick, you’re basically going to one place. Cinemark Lakeland Square Mall and XD. It sits right where the old Mervyn’s used to be—though if you’re a local, you probably remember that spot being a giant hole in the ground back in 2012.
The mall itself has seen better days. We know this. But the theater? It’s arguably the strongest anchor left.
People always ask: "Is it actually good or should I just drive to Davenport?" Honestly, it depends on how much you value your legroom and whether you need your seat to literally vibrate during an explosion.
The Lakeland Square Mall Movies Experience
There are 12 screens here. Not the biggest multiplex in Florida, but they’ve crammed a lot of tech into that footprint. Since opening in 2013, it has shifted from a "new" theater to the reliable standby for Polk County.
You’ve got the standard digital screens, but the big draw is the XD (Extreme Digital) auditorium. If you’re seeing something like Avatar: Fire and Ash or the newest 28 Years Later sequel, you’ll want the XD. It’s a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall situation. The sound is noticeably louder—custom JBL systems—and it hits you in the chest.
What’s on the Menu?
It isn't just popcorn and those weirdly addictive nacho cheese cups anymore. They have an expanded menu now.
- The Heavy Hitters: Pizza, wings, and burgers.
- The "Adult" Stuff: They serve beer, wine, and margaritas. There’s something kinda nice about a cold beer during a three-hour epic.
- Coffee: Some locations have Starbucks, though usually, you're looking at the standard Cinemark cafe offerings here.
Pro tip: Use the app to order your snacks. Waiting in that lobby line on a Friday night is a special kind of hell. You can have them deliver it right to your seat.
The Seating Debate: Luxury Loungers vs. D-BOX
Every single auditorium here has Luxury Loungers. These are the electric recliners that have basically ruined regular movie seats for everyone. They’re oversized, they’re plush, and yes, they have footrests.
But then there’s D-BOX.
These seats actually move. They sync up with the action on screen. If a car turns left, you lean left. It sounds gimmicky—and for some people, it totally is—but for a high-octane action movie, it adds a layer of "why not?" to the night. Just don't bring a full tub of popcorn into a D-BOX seat if you're watching a crash scene. You've been warned.
Why Some People Skip Lakeland Square
Lakeland is in a weird spot. To the south, you have CMX Lakeside Village, which has that IMAX screen. To the east, you have the Cinépolis in Davenport, which is "fancier" by most standards.
Local Lakelanders often complain that the mall theater feels a bit "tight." Some of the smaller auditoriums have you sitting a bit closer to the screen than you might like. If you're picky about viewing angles, always aim for the back three rows.
The Nostalgia Factor
If you want "historic," this isn't it. For that, you go to the Polk Theatre downtown (built in 1928, starry ceiling, smells like history) or the Silver Moon Drive-In. The mall theater is for when you want 2026 tech, freezing cold A/C, and a seat that lets you take a nap if the movie is boring.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
- Discount Tuesdays: This is still a thing. Prices drop significantly. It gets crowded, so book online.
- The Rewards Program: Cinemark Movie Rewards is actually one of the few that’s worth it. You get a free ticket a month that rolls over.
- Parking: Park near the Urban Air entrance. It’s usually less of a nightmare than trying to squeeze in near the main mall doors.
Lakeland Square Mall movies aren't just about the film; they’re about the convenience of having a high-end theater without having to navigate the Orlando traffic. Whether you're there for a midday matinee of Zootopia 2 or a late-night horror flick, it's the most modern screen you'll find on the north side.
Check the showtimes before you go, as they tend to stagger them more aggressively during the week than on weekends. If you're looking for the XD experience, those tickets sell out first for major premieres.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night:
- Download the Cinemark App: It’s the only way to guarantee a specific recliner in the XD hall without standing in line.
- Check the Rating: This theater is strict about IDs for R-rated features, so don't leave yours in the car.
- Join Movie Fan: It's the free tier of their loyalty program and at least earns you points for the overpriced (but necessary) popcorn.