N. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Forget tech. Tuesday is all about toys. Toy Story 5 is getting people to hop in their cars and drive on over to Shankweiler’s Drive In; capping off a completely sold-out weekend.
“It’s been wild. This is our first full-fledged sellout of the year. Two nights in a row and we filled front to back all the way,” said Co-Owner Matthew McClanahan. “Packed to the gills here at the drive-in.”
Owners Matthew McClanahan and Lauren McChesney say this is a massive year for the industry, with one major blockbuster after another.
“There’s a lot of recovery within the movie industry,” said Lauren McChesney. “And so, it’s just like one huge movie after another this summer.”
A huge driver for those crowds? Pure nostalgia.
“I have such fond memories of being here when I was little, and I want to share that with Elliot,” said Stephanie.
And the kids are fully leaning in, toys in hand.
“Guess what I actually bring as well. Toys that are Toy Story,” said Elliot. “My new Buzz America, one Woody with no hat, and Bullseye and Slinky.”
The double feature lineup even drew fans looking to cross galaxies.
“We’re big Disney fans, so we knew Toy Story 5 came out. And we love the Mandalorian,” said Angel Dewalt.
While others found the perfect backdrop for a major milestone.
“We were trying to think of something special to do. It’s our 42nd anniversary, and what fun it would be to celebrate our anniversary watching Toy Story,” said Pat Sullivan. “It’s something you can take everybody to, and I think that that’s the big part and the fun part of it.”
From Buzz Lightyear to Baby Yoda, these summer blockbusters are officially ruling the drive-in.