If you’ve lived in Puyallup for more than a week, you know the South Hill Mall theater is basically the geographic center of the universe for bored teenagers and families looking to escape the rain. It’s the Regal South Hill & RPX, located right off Meridian. Honestly, it’s one of those places that feels like a time capsule and a high-tech hub all at the same time. You walk past a food court that smells like teriyaki and Auntie Anne’s, turn a corner, and suddenly you’re in front of a massive wall of digital posters.
Most people just show up, buy a ticket, and complain about the price of popcorn. But if you're actually trying to have a good experience, there is a lot more to it than just picking a movie time.
What’s the Deal with RPX at South Hill Mall?
People always ask if the RPX ticket is worth the extra five bucks. RPX stands for Regal Premium Experience. It’s Regal’s answer to IMAX, but it’s a bit different. In the South Hill Mall theater, the RPX auditorium features a much larger screen, a custom sound system that literally vibrates your seat, and specialized lighting.
Is it better? Yeah. The screen is massive. But here’s the thing: if you’re seeing a quiet indie drama, you’re wasting your money. RPX is built for the big stuff—think Marvel, Dune, or whatever disaster movie is currently leveling a major city. The speakers are uncomfortably loud in the best way possible. Your ribcage will rattle. If that sounds like a nightmare, stick to the standard digital screens. They’re perfectly fine, though the seats in the non-RPX rooms at South Hill can be a bit of a gamble depending on which auditorium you end up in.
The Seating Situation (And Why It Matters)
Let's talk about the chairs. This is where South Hill Mall theater gets a little controversial among locals. A few years back, Regal went through a massive wave of installing those plush, electric king-size recliners.
They are glorious.
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However, not every single auditorium in this specific location has the top-tier recliners. Some still have the older, high-back rocker style seats. If you’re a stickler for comfort, you have to check the seating chart on the Regal app before you click "buy." If you see a chart with massive gaps between rows, you’ve hit the recliner jackpot. If it looks like a dense grid of dots? You’re going to be sitting upright like it’s 2005.
Also, a pro tip for the regulars: the front row of the recliner sections isn't actually that bad. Because the chairs lean so far back, you aren't craning your neck as much as you would in a traditional theater. It’s basically like watching a movie from your bed, except the bed costs $15 and comes with a stranger sneezing three feet away.
The Price of Snacks: A Survival Guide
We all know the concessions are expensive. That’s how theaters stay in business because they barely make a cent off the actual ticket sales. At South Hill, the popcorn is consistent. It’s salty, it’s buttery, it’s fine.
But if you’re a Regal Crown Club member (which is free to join, by the way), you should never pay full price. They do "Value Days" on Tuesdays where tickets are significantly cheaper—usually around $7 or $8—and you can get a popcorn for half price.
What to Actually Eat
If you aren't feeling the $10 popcorn, the mall itself is right there. While Regal technically has a "no outside food" policy, it’s rarely enforced with any real vigor unless you’re trying to walk in with a literal tray of Orange Chicken from the food court. Just be cool about it. Or better yet, eat a full meal at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse or Red Robin right outside the mall entrance before you head in. Your wallet will thank you.
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Parking and Logistics: The Puyallup Struggle
Parking at the South Hill Mall theater is a nightmare on Friday nights. Don't even try to park right in front of the theater entrance. You’ll spend twenty minutes circling like a vulture while some teenager takes their sweet time loading their car.
Instead, park over by the JCPenney side or the back lots near the defunct Sears area. It’s a longer walk, sure, but you’ll save yourself the elevated blood pressure. Plus, it’s easier to escape the parking lot once the movie lets out and everyone tries to merge onto Meridian at the exact same second.
Why Some People Hate This Theater (and Why They're Wrong)
If you read Yelp reviews for the South Hill Mall theater, you’ll see people complaining about the "crowds" or the "noise."
Look.
It’s a mall theater in a suburban town. It’s going to be loud. There are going to be groups of kids. If you want a silent, high-brow cinematic experience with a glass of Pinot Noir and a strictly enforced "no talking" rule, you need to drive to the Grand Cinema in Tacoma.
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South Hill is for the blockbuster experience. It’s for the energy of a crowded room laughing at the same joke. It’s a community hub. The staff is mostly local high school and college kids doing their best. If the floor is a little sticky, it’s because a thousand people just walked through there. Just wear shoes you don't care about and enjoy the movie.
Technical Specs and Accessibility
The theater is fully ADA compliant, with specific seating areas for wheelchairs that actually have a decent sightline to the screen. They also offer "closed captioning" devices and "audio description" headsets for the visually or hearing impaired. You just have to ask at the box office or the guest services desk. They’re free to use, you just usually have to leave an ID as a deposit.
Screen Quality
- RPX: 4K Laser Projection in many cases, with Dolby Atmos-style sound.
- Standard: Standard 2K or 4K digital projection.
- RealD 3D: Available for major releases, though 3D has definitely lost its luster lately.
What You Need to Do Before Your Visit
Don't be that person who stands at the kiosk for ten minutes trying to decide what to see.
- Download the Regal App. It’s the only way to guarantee you get the seats you want. The "Reserved Seating" system at South Hill means if you show up late, someone might be in your spot, and nobody wants that confrontation.
- Check the "Promotions" tab. Regal often does deals with Pepsi or candy brands where you can get free credits or upgrades.
- Aim for the Matinee. If you want to avoid the chaos of the South Hill teenagers, go before 4:00 PM. It’s cheaper, quieter, and the mall hasn't reached peak capacity yet.
- Join the Unlimited Program if you go twice a month. If you see more than two movies a month at the South Hill Mall theater, the "Regal Unlimited" subscription pays for itself. It’s about $20 a month for as many movies as you can handle.
The South Hill Mall theater isn't the fanciest cinema in the world, but it's ours. It’s where you go to see the big summer hits, grab a giant soda, and forget about the rain outside for two hours. Just remember to check the seat types before you book, park far away, and maybe sign up for the rewards program so you aren't paying $25 for a snack pack.
Go see a movie. It’s better than scrolling on your phone for the third hour in a row.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Trip:
- Verify Seat Type: Use the Regal app to ensure your auditorium has recliners by looking for the "Recliner" icon or checking the seat map density.
- Tuesday Savings: Plan your visit for "Regal Value Day" to get tickets for nearly half-off and discounted concessions.
- Parking Strategy: Avoid the theater-front entrance lot; park near the mall's secondary anchors to avoid the Meridian Avenue gridlock post-credits.
- Reward Check: Always scan your Crown Club QR code at the kiosk—points rack up fast and can be traded for free tickets or "upsize" popcorns.