You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just smells like childhood? That's the University Place mall for most of us in Utah County. But specifically, the Orem mall movie theater—or Cinemark University Village as the sign actually says—has survived things that should have killed it off years ago. Streaming. COVID. The massive construction of "The Orchard" outside. Yet, it’s still there. Honestly, it’s doing better than ever.
People usually assume mall theaters are dying relics of the 90s. You picture sticky floors and flickering bulbs. But if you’ve been to the Orem mall movie theater lately, you know that’s just not the case anymore. They leaned hard into the luxury pivot before it was cool.
The Cinemark University Village Experience
So, what are you actually getting when you buy a ticket here? First off, let’s talk about the loungers. This isn’t the era of cramped flip-seats where you're rubbing elbows with a stranger's popcorn bucket. We’re talking full electric recliners. They have those heat-controlled settings too, which is a lifesaver during a Utah January when you’ve just come in from a blizzard.
It’s a Cinemark, obviously. That means it’s tied into the Cinemark Movie Rewards system. If you’re a local and you aren’t using the Movie Club discount, you’re basically throwing money away. You get a credit every month, waived online fees (which is a huge deal because those $2 convenience fees add up fast), and 20% off concessions.
The screen tech is solid. They have the XD (Extreme Digital) theater here. It’s Cinemark’s version of IMAX, essentially. The wall-to-wall screen and the custom sound system make a massive difference for stuff like Dune or whatever Marvel flick is currently dominating the box office. If you’re going to spend $15 on a ticket, you might as well see it on the XD screen. It’s just better.
Why Location is Everything for This Spot
Most theaters are standalone boxes in the middle of a giant asphalt parking lot. You drive there, you watch the movie, you leave. Boring.
The Orem mall movie theater is different because of University Place's weirdly successful evolution. You’ve got the park—The Orchard—right outside. In the summer, there’s live music or kids running through the fountains. In the winter, there’s ice skating or those crazy light displays.
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It makes "dinner and a movie" actually possible without moving your car four times. You can grab a burger at Chubbys or some Thai food, walk through the mall, catch a 7:15 PM showing, and then hit up the treats at IT'SUGAR afterward. It’s an ecosystem.
Pricing and How to Not Get Ripped Off
Let's be real. Movies are expensive. If you take a family of four to a Saturday night showing and buy two large popcorns and some sodas, you’re looking at a $100 bill. That’s insane.
Here is the pro tip: Discount Tuesdays. Almost every Cinemark, including the Orem mall movie theater, does a massive price drop on Tuesdays. Tickets are usually around $6 or $7 depending on the time. It gets crowded, sure. You’ll be sitting next to a bunch of UVU students on dates, but it saves you 50% on the entry fee. Also, if you’re a senior or a student, bring your ID. They actually check it here, and the discount is worth the thirty seconds of digging through your wallet.
Another thing people miss? The early bird specials. If you can catch a matinee before 1:00 PM, the price is significantly lower. It’s the best way to see a blockbuster without the crowd or the "premium" price tag.
The Concession Stand Reality
Is the popcorn good? Yeah. It’s Cinemark popcorn. It’s salty, it’s buttery, and it costs more than the actual corn is worth by a factor of a thousand.
But they have the freestyle Coke machines. This is a game changer. You can mix 150 different flavors. Want a Peach Sprite? You got it. Want a Vanilla Root Beer? Go for it. They also serve alcohol now—beer and wine—which was a big controversy in Orem a few years back, but now it’s just part of the landscape.
One thing to watch out for: the lines. On a Friday night when a new Disney or horror movie drops, that concession line can back up into the lobby. Use the app to order your snacks ahead of time. You just walk up to the designated pickup spot and grab your stuff. It feels like you’re cheating the system, but it’s literally a feature they want you to use.
Accessibility and Parking Hassles
Parking at University Place used to be a nightmare during the renovation. Now, it’s better, but still kinda tricky if you don't know where to go.
If you’re headed to the Orem mall movie theater, do not park on the State Street side. You’ll end up walking through the entire mall like you’re doing a 5k. Instead, park on the north side near the parking garage. There’s an entrance right by the theater that saves you ten minutes of walking past clothes you don't want to buy.
The theater is fully ADA accessible. The recliner rows have specific spots for wheelchairs, and the ramps aren't overly steep. They also offer "Sensory Friendly" screenings occasionally for families with kids who have autism or sensory processing needs. The lights stay up a bit, the sound is turned down, and it's a "no-judgment" zone for noise. It’s a cool thing they do that doesn't get enough press.
The Competition: Why Not Go Elsewhere?
You’ve got the Megaplex at Geneva and the Larry H. Miller Megaplex at The District. So why stay in Orem?
The Megaplex is great if you want that massive, high-tech, 20-screen warehouse vibe. But the Orem mall movie theater feels more integrated into the city. It’s right on the border of Provo and Orem. If you’re a BYU or UVU student, it’s the most central spot.
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Plus, the Orem Cinemark is usually a bit quieter during the week than the Geneva location. If you want a more "chill" movie-going experience where you aren't surrounded by 500 teenagers, the mall theater is usually your best bet.
Common Misconceptions About Mall Theaters
People think mall theaters are "lesser" versions of the big standalone megaplexes.
- "The screens are smaller."
Not really. The XD screen at University Place is as big as almost anything in the county. - "It’s dirty." Actually, because this location went through a massive remodel about five or six years ago, it’s cleaner than most. The bathrooms are usually in good shape, and the seats aren't torn up.
- "The mall is dying, so the theater is dying."
University Place is one of the few malls in America that actually figured out how to survive. By adding apartments and office space, they’ve created a permanent audience for that theater. People literally live 100 yards away from the screen.
Planning Your Visit: A Quick Checklist
If you’re heading out tonight, here’s how to do it right:
- Check the "The Orchard" schedule. If there’s a big event outside, parking will be a disaster. Plan an extra 15 minutes.
- Download the Cinemark App. Seriously. Mobile tickets mean you don't have to stand in that kiosks line that always seems to have one broken machine.
- Reserve seats early. Since it’s all recliners now, capacity is lower than the old days. Popular movies sell out the "good" middle seats days in advance.
- Bring a sweater. Even with the heated seats, the AC in there can be aggressive during the summer.
Final Verdict on the Orem Mall Movie Theater
It’s the best mix of nostalgia and modern tech in Utah County. You get the benefits of a massive corporate theater chain (the points, the tech, the big releases) with the convenience of being right in the heart of Orem's social hub.
Whether you’re taking a date to see a rom-com or dragging the kids to the latest animated movie, it’s a reliable choice. It isn't the cheapest night out you'll ever have, but in terms of comfort and "vibe," it hits the mark.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip:
- Verify the showtime specifically for the XD theater if you’re seeing an action movie; the standard screens are fine, but the XD is worth the extra $2-3 for the sound alone.
- Join Cinemark Movie Rewards (the free version) at the very least before you buy tickets to start earning points toward free snacks.
- Use the North Parking Garage to avoid the mall traffic and get the shortest walk to the theater doors.
- Check the University Place website for any "Dinner and a Movie" validation deals, as some nearby restaurants occasionally offer coupons or discounts when you show your theater ticket stub.