Will 4DX movies cause motion sickness?

We were given complimentary tickets to the screening of Frozen II to facilitate this post. All opinions and thoughts are 100% ours and I’m happy to share will 4DX movies cause motion sickness.

FROZEN 2
“Frozen 2” ©2019 Disney

We’ve talked about our joy at experiencing movies in 4DX before, so you already know I’m a fan. I mean, we’re talking rumble seats, all sorts of motions that correspond to the film, vibrations, actual water sprays, wind, simulated snow, lightning effects, scents, and tons of additions that enhance the visuals on-screen. It’s basically the coolest way to experience a movie, ever. 

Each 4DX auditorium has motion-based seating synchronized with more than 20 different effects {all optimized by a team of skilled editors to maximize the feeling of immersion within the movie} and the result is an all-immersive movie that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. 

But, what if you get motion sick? Then is 4DX a good time?

Three adults that are prone to motion sickness go into a 4DX movie theater for two hours.

Wanna know how it goes? Read below. 

When I first heard that Frozen II was coming out in theaters this winter, there was no question that we would go… maybe even more than once. Then, once we were introduced to the gloriousness that is 4DX movies, we knew that we would definitely be seeing it down in Seattle so we could be fully immersed in the action, the drama, and all the fun.

The problem? We promised to go see it with my dad and his wife, and he gets even more motion sick than either hubby or I. I was so worried going in that I even verified it numerous times with her before we got tickets just so I didn’t surprise him on the day of with a movie he couldn’t see without feeling ill. I was assured he would be fine. 

But then the day of as we were scaling the escalator to the third floor of the theater ready to enjoy the showing, I mentioned that 4DX is really nothing like anything I’ve ever experienced before. I said I was excited for him to get a chance to check it out and he seemed surprised by the idea that this wasn’t a normal movie.

That’s when I realized he had absolutely no idea what he was going into. And, I was petrified that we were going to heading into disaster, but I really, really wanted to see Frozen II as a family, so I set aside my fears and bought some popcorn and water to go enjoy the film. Frozen 2 in 4DX in theater

Dancing with danger

The theater dimmed and the previews began to roll, and all the seats began to move about in time with the action on the screen, and I waited with bated breath. But, he seemed fine and even could be heard laughing and enjoying himself, so I relaxed a little. I checked on him over and over throughout the first part of the movie and all I saw was smiles. 

And, then the magic of 4DX swept me away. Everything melted into the background as I was fully immersed in the action, just as we knew would happen. All that existed for the next hour+ was the giggles and laughter of my family as we got lost in Arendelle together. The little one sung her heart out, and did all the hand motions in her Elsa dress beside me, and it was so thoroughly enjoyable that I forgot I was worried.4DX theater in Seattle

The verdict – will 4DX movies cause motion sickness?

I wasn’t until the credits began to roll and I came out of the fog that is the Enchanted Forest that I realized it was all good – we all handled the motion and movement well. Even better, we were still smiling, enjoying watching the kids belt out the new Frozen II music they have been studying like it’s their job this past week. 

I honestly think I enjoyed the movements, sounds, and sights of 4DX even more on my third time experiencing it. Maybe it’s the movie, which was crazy amazing, or maybe it’s just that I know what to expect now. This allows me to sit back and enjoy being swept away, in a way that is unlike any other movie experience. The one difference was this time I was worried about hubby and my dad. I couldn’t wait for their official take of Frozen II in 4DX, and I am happy to report that they both enjoyed it immensely. 

No motion sickness, no needing to leave the theater. Just all-around enjoyment as we got to experience something that some only dream of – the complete Frozen II experience. Frozen in 4DX

Where to find your nearest 4DX theater:

4DX Theaters in North America

Regal LA Live                                         USA (Los Angeles, CA)

CGV Buena Park                                   USA (Buena Park, CA)

Cinepolis Pico Rivera                          USA (Pico Rivera, CA)

Cinepolis Vista Pointe                        USA (Vista, CA)

Edwards Mira Mesa                           USA (San Diego, CA)

Regal, Union Square                          USA (New York, NY)

Regal Pointe Orlando                         USA (Orlando, FL)

Regal Avenues 20- Jacksonville      USA (Jacksonville, FL)

Regal Hollywood Naples                   USA (Hollywood, FL)

Regal Seattle Meridian                      USA (Seattle, WA)

Edwards Houston Marq*e               USA (Houston, TX)

Regal Warrington Crossing              USA (Warrington, PA)

Regal UA King Of Prussia                  USA (Philadelphia, PA)

Regal Gallery Place                             USA (Washington, DC)

Marcus Gurnee Mills Cinema         USA (Gurnee, IL)

Regal Moore Warren                         USA (Moore, OK)

Regal Stonecrest at Piper Glen      USA (Charlotte, NC)

Regal Cinemas Opry Mills                 USA (Nashville, TN)

Regal Pinnacle Stadium 18               USA (Knoxville, TN)

Regal Cinemas Red Rock                   USA (Las Vegas, NV)

Cineplex Cinema Yonge-Dundas    CANADA (Toronto, ON)

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