BFI IMAX

The BFI IMAX is a 500 seat cinema with a screen more than 20 meters high and 26 meters wide (for us Yanks, that's over 65 feet high and 85 feet wide). It's big. It's where you go when you're not up for the arty films at the nearby BFI and just want to relax with a blockbuster. Getting there is a bit tricky. It seems so easy since it's right in the middle of the roundabout by Waterloo. But to get to the entrance you have to use the subway, and only certain subway entrances have ramps (we do not recommend the lift to the subway on the Waterloo side -- kind of whiffy). Keep in mind that the subway itself may be a bit intimidating to a wheelchair user (or any pedestrian), especially late at night as lots of people seem to sleep rough there. 

The IMAX has a cafe as well as a bar. We were running late and so didn't try either but they appear to be accessible. Wheelchair users enter the theatre from the very top entrance. There is a lift that takes you up to the top floor, but if you don't have use of your arms then someone has to go with you since there are a series of doors that you need to open before arriving at the theatre entrance; there were no staff on hand when we were there to offer assistance.

The seating is a bit confusing. Everyone has a designated seat number on their ticket, but the wheelchair spaces are not numbered. If there are multiple wheelchair users, it is anyone's guess on who actually has dibs on the few spaces. 

One cool thing about watching films in England is that qualified disabled people can apply for a Cinema Exhibitors' Association (CEA) card, which allows an accompanying carer to have a ticket for free. http://www.ceacard.co.uk/. Another cool thing is that you can order popcorn that is sweet and salty. I miss the trough-size tubs of popcorn oozing with butter and salt, but Chazz says the small bags of sweet and salty popcorn are much more sensible. As usual, he's probably right.

Details:

Directions: http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_imax/visitor_information/how_to_get_here

Tickets and Enquiries: 020 7199 6000

Tube/Train: Waterloo

Buses: Loads -- check TFL web site for all routes.