A Pop-Up Drive-In Cinema Screening Disney, Marvel and Pixar Films Is Touring the East Coast

Since late in 2019, when Disney launched its own streaming platform, fans of its animated classics, beloved hits and many, many super-popular franchises have been able to binge their way through the Mouse House's back catalogue from the comfort of their couch. Later this year, however, movie buffs will be asked to leave their houses to check out a selection of the company's famed titles — all thanks to the new pop-up Disney+ Drive-In that's coming to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Yes, a streaming service is running a drive-in. Or, to put it another way, a product designed to get everyone watching on small screens at home is now endeavouring to lure viewers out to watch its flicks on a big screen from their cars. That's a very 2020 situation, with Disney+ teaming up with Openair Cinemas to make it happen.

The drive-in will kick off in Brisbane, at Northshore Hamilton — in the event space next to the Brisbane Cruise Terminal, to be specific — on Thursday, September 17, screening films every night (except Tuesdays) until Sunday, October 18. Brisbanites with a long memory might remember that the stretch along the river has been used as a drive-in before, with the Brisbane International Film Festival doing so back in 2011 and Eat Street Northshore also screening movies.

As for what'll be screening, the Disney+ Drive-In is theming its various evenings, with double features on offer on most nights. That means on 'Star Wars Wednesday' you'll catch The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker and Rogue One; and on 'Throwback Thursday' there'll be a focus on nostalgic movies like 10 Things I Hate About You, Mrs Doubtfire, Mighty Ducks and Edward Scissorhands. Then there's 'Disney Super Fan Friday', serving up both live-action and animated versions of Aladdin, The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast; and 'Sing Along Saturday', where Moana, The Greatest Showman, The Little Mermaid and both Frozen films will screen. Next comes 'Pixar Sunday', including everything from Cars and Ratatouille to Inside Out and Wall-E — and, finally, 'Marvel Monday' will feature the likes of Black Panther, Thor: Ragnarok and Captain Marvel.

The pop-up will then head to Sydney from Thursday, October 22–Sunday, November 15, with both its program and its location yet to be revealed. Lastly, it'll hit up Melbourne, too, with both dates and the venue still under wraps. Folks interested in either season can sign up for updates via the drive-in's website.

Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be available onsite — or you can bring your own. It's strictly a no-alcohol affair, though.

And, ticket-wise, you'll be paying per car; however, prices vary depending on a number of factors. For a single film, you'll pay $42.53 if there's one or two people in your car, and $52.75 if there is three or more. For a double feature, that changes to $73.74 and $84.51.

Disney+ Drive-In presented by Openair Cinemas kicks off in Brisbane, at Northshore Hamilton, on Thursday, September 17 — with its season running until Sunday, October 18. It'll then head to Sydney, at a yet-to-be-disclosed location, from Thursday, October 22–Sunday, November 15. Lastly, it'll hit up Melbourne, with both dates and the venue still under wraps.