Wonderland Cinema back open after seven months

NILES, Mich. -- Entertainment venues in Michigan are now welcoming guests for the first time since March.

While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced two weeks ago that these venues could open Friday, just like with other industries, it will be gradual, as movie theaters are operating at 20 percent capacity for the time being.

At Wonderland Cinema in Niles, masks are required except when visitors are at their seats. Those seats are now pre-assigned, as each room has a new layout in accordance with social distancing.

Wonderland manager Izaih Dorsey said they're ready to finally welcome back movie goers, after finding ways to just keep the doors open these past seven months.

“We’d allow people to drive up to our parking lot and order any snacks, popcorn, slushies and then after curbside we’d show movies in the park,” said Dorsey.

Visitors were also excited to see a show on the big screen once again.

“Making these plans was a no brainer, once we saw the post on Facebook that the movie theater was open we knew we were coming,” said Niles resident Madison Cavanaugh. “We actually picked our seats online, we saw every other row was cancelled out, so we knew it would be distanced, we’d have masks and that they were taking the precautions seriously.”

Wonderland now just asking everyone do their part to keep the theater open.

“Any steps we have to take to get closer to normal are what we’d like to do and if everybody works with us we’ll get there sooner than later,” said Dorsey.

In addition to movie theaters now being open in Michigan, Friday also marked the first day bowling alleys, amusement parks and arcades could open in the state.