FunKidsActivities

AMC Albuquerque 12

3810 Las Estancias Way, Albuquerque, NM 87121, USA

Overview

Category:Kids Theaters
Location:Albuquerque, NM

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

AMC Albuquerque 12 offers a convenient movie-going experience with efficient digital ordering options, a generally large and safe parking area, and a particularly good value for its IMAX screen. However, parents should be aware of recurring cleanliness issues in auditoriums and concession areas, including concerns about staff hygiene.

Key Highlights

  • Efficient mobile app and kiosk ordering for tickets, food, and drinks, minimizing wait times.
  • Refillable popcorn buckets ($30 initial, $6 refills, same-day free for AMC Stubs members) and refillable sodas/Icees with hundreds of flavor combinations offer good value on refreshments.
  • IMAX room provides an excellent picture and sound experience, with reserved seating and is reportedly $10 cheaper than other theaters in the area.
  • Large parking lot and surrounding area deemed safe, with nearby sheriff's office and on-site security guard.

Standout Features

  • Two self-service order kiosks and a mobile app for quick ticket and food purchases.
  • AMC Stubs membership provides a separate, faster line and same-day free popcorn refills.
  • IMAX room with reserved seating offers superior visual and audio quality at a competitive price.
  • Extensive selection of soda flavors and combinations, plus frozen Icees.
  • Convenient location surrounded by department stores and restaurants.

Perfect For

No specific age ranges mentioned; general movie theater suitable for all ages interested in current film releases. IMAX might be more appealing to older children and teens.

Ideal For

Families looking for a value-oriented IMAX experience.
Parents who appreciate the convenience of digital ordering and loyalty programs to save time.
Moviegoers seeking a venue with ample parking and nearby dining/shopping options.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Utilize the AMC mobile app to purchase tickets and pre-order food/snacks to avoid lines and delays.
  • Arrive early, especially between 3pm and 6pm, to account for potential street congestion and secure preferred seating (as most rooms are first-come, first-served).
  • Keep your movie ticket handy, as theater room marquees do not display what's showing (except for IMAX).
  • Consider purchasing the refillable popcorn bucket and an AMC Stubs membership for maximum value on refreshments.
  • Be aware that movie trailers typically run for 15-20 minutes, which can be useful if running slightly late.

Things to Consider

  • Significant and repeated issues with theater cleanliness, including dirty rugs and floors, even in empty auditoriums.
  • Staff hygiene concern with employees serving food having long hair not tied back.
  • Staff unresponsiveness to issues like lights being left on in the theater after the movie is supposed to start.
  • Concession staff observed chatting in the kitchen area rather than cleaning auditoriums.

Price & Value

The theater offers good value on refreshments, with a refillable popcorn bucket ($30 initial, $6 refills, same-day free refill for AMC Stubs) and refillable sodas/Icees. The IMAX experience is noted as being approximately $10 cheaper than competitors.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews, but as a modern cinema, it likely has standard provisions.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • Concessions available with mobile ordering. Offers popcorn, sodas, and Icees with refill options. No explicit mention of outside food policy, but typical for cinemas to restrict it.

🚗Parking Info

  • Large parking lot, generally easy to find a spot. Part of a complex with department stores and restaurants.

👥Crowd Levels

  • Streets around the theater can become backed up and congested between 3pm and 6pm (work scheduled times). Concession lines can be long if not using the mobile app to order ahead.

🛡️Safety Features

  • Area is considered pretty safe, with a sheriff's office one parking lot over.
  • Security guard visible outside the venue.

When to Avoid

  • If cleanliness and food service hygiene are top priorities, as these are frequently reported issues.
  • If you require immediate staff assistance or problem resolution during a screening, as staff responsiveness has been an issue.
  • Rush hour (3pm-6pm) if you want to avoid street congestion around the theater.

Pricing/Package/Events

What People Say

What's Great

  • Clean and well-maintained facilities (mentioned in 4 reviews)
  • Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 5 reviews)
  • Safe environment for children (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 4 reviews)

Areas for Improvement

  • Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Yadira Acosta

Yadira Acosta

8 months ago

Very disappointed with the cleanliness of the theater. I understand that it may be hard to keep up with but this particular theater was empty at least 1 full hour prior to the movie starting. I only saw employees behind the concession stand in the kitchen area chatting instead of out cleaning. I’m sure this is why movie theaters are dying. Post pandemic I believe cleanliness if extremely important. It doesn’t have to be spotless but a quick vacuum on the rugs or mopping the floors goes a long way.

Terran Dawn

Terran Dawn

a year ago

AMC Classic 12 is located in South Valley, near the busy intersection of Rio Bravo and Coors. Depending on the time of day, the streets can get backed up and congested, usually the work scheduled times between 3pm and 6pm. So, if you're planning on seeing a movie around these time frames, then I'd say, come early. The parking lot is pretty large, so there shouldn't be an issue of finding a place. It's also surrounded by many department stores and restaurants, so finding something to eat nearby isn't an issue as well. The area is pretty safe, and the sheriff's office is one parking lot over, so I don't see any safety issues at all. Plus, they have their security guard outside, if needed. When you arrive at the movie theater, there are 2 order kiosks on opposite sides of the entrance if you want to quickly purchase your tickets or print your tickets, if you're in a hurry. I use their mobile app so it's quite nice and convenient. There is a guided, roped off area (stanchion) at the entrance, which makes getting in line more organized and the cashiers call who's next at the end of the line, if you're an AMC Stubs member, there is a separate line which makes getting to the front quicker and it's definitely worth the skipping ahead time. If you're in a super hurry and need to get to your theater room fast with some food, drinks or snacks, I'd recommend ordering your food/snacks on the app with your movie ticket, as they'll have it ready for you. Just have to read the fine print receipts on the already made food (squinting may be required). It beats standing in line, especially when a large family is in front of you and they aren't prepared on what they want and delays your turn by 5-15 mins. The food is good, the popcorn is fresh, and if you purchase the refillable bucket (30 bucks), you can refill your popcorn for 6 bucks each time, and a same-day free refill for AMC Stubs members (hold on to your receipt). Sodas and frozen Icees are also refillable, which is nice, and there are hundreds of flavor choices/combinations of flavored sodas. Vanilla Sugar-free Barq's Cream Soda is my favorite. Word of advice, the theater rooms marquees do not tell you what's showing in each room (aside from the IMAX room poster), so keep your ticket in hand so you know which room is yours. Seats are first come, first serve, so get there early if you want the perfect spot. The only room that has reserved seating is the IMAX room, and it's the best price in the area - compared to other theaters (normally 10 bucks cheaper) and the picture and sound quality is amazing. I've seen the latest Dune part 2 (7 times so far in this IMAX room). The staff is usually friendly. They are constantly cleaning and refilling their booths and stations. Sometimes, the soda fountain is down, but luckily, there are 6 stations, so finding a drink shouldn't be an issue, plus you can always ask at the counter if you need help. The movie trailers are about 15 to 20 mins long, so if you're running late, just keep that in mind. Unless this is my 7th time for the same movie, I take my time to get snacks and drinks. But if not, then I come early, so I am ready for the entrance line, the snack line, and the drink line. This should be a place to relax and immerse yourself into film and sound, and not a stressful environment, so keep it simple and enjoy cinema.

Jessel Cunning

Jessel Cunning

3 weeks ago

I enjoyed The Chosen: Last Supper Part 2! Thank yall 🧡

Andrea Romero

Andrea Romero

a year ago

Usually we have a great experience at this theater. But not today as I’m writing this the movie we are in is about to begin. The lights are still on and myself as well another patron went to tell the staff about 15 mins apart and no action has been taken. Another thing the light brought was how actually terrible the cleanliness of the theater is. Do better AMC

Raquel Nicholson

Raquel Nicholson

4 months ago

What's up with everyone behind the counter serving food with long hair not tied back?!! Has state board ever been there?, ex movie theatre supervisor, and we all had to tie our hair back if we were going to serve food. I'd hate to find a stand in my food

Contact Information

3810 Las Estancias Way, Albuquerque, NM 87121, USA

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Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.5
Total Reviews2614
Recent Reviews5