Cineplex Odeon McGillivray VIP: Seats, Tickets & Menu

Anyone who’s settled into a regular cinema seat and wished for a little more room—and maybe a proper drink—already knows the appeal of a VIP upgrade. At Cineplex Odeon McGillivray in Winnipeg, that upgrade comes with a full bar, in-seat dining, and a strict adults-only policy. This guide lays out exactly what you get for the premium price, how the seats compare, and whether the extra cost makes sense for your next night out.

Location: 2190 McGillivray Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba ·
VIP Age Requirement: 18+ with valid government ID ·
VIP Features: In-seat food and drink service, licensed bar ·
User Rating: 3.75 / 5 (WinnipegMovies.com)

Cineplex Odeon McGillivray has 11 screens — and the contrast between the two experience tiers is sharper than you might expect. Three key differences define the split.

The pattern: you pay more for a quieter, more comfortable environment with meal service — but you also lose the spontaneity of just walking in without a reservation.

What are the VIP seats like at Cineplex McGillivray?

Reclining leather seats with ample legroom

• VIP seats are extra-wide high-back rockers with wider row spacing than standard theatres (Tourism Winnipeg)
• Every seat in the VIP auditoriums is reserved, so there’s no crowding or saving spots (Winnipeg Free Press video)
• Stadium-style layout means even front rows offer clear sightlines

In-seat tray tables for food and drinks

• Each VIP seat has a tray table that swings out, designed for dining during the film (Tourism Winnipeg)
• Cast members (Cineplex’s term for servers) take orders directly from seats and deliver food during the movie (Winnipeg Free Press video)
• This setup is designed for a “dinner, drinks, dessert, and a movie in one place” experience (OpenTable)

Separate VIP auditoriums with premium AV

• VIP screens use wall-to-wall screens and digital surround sound (Winnipeg Free Press video)
• The VIP area is physically separated from standard auditoriums, creating a quieter environment
• Three VIP screens serve the same new-release films as the standard side

What does a VIP ticket mean for Cineplex?

Age restriction and ID requirement

• VIP entry requires guests to be 18 or older; in Manitoba, the legal drinking age is 19, so 18- and 19-year-olds can enter but not drink alcohol (Tourism Winnipeg)
• Valid physical government ID may be required for admittance to the VIP area (Cineplex official site)
• The VIP section is adults-only — no children or infants permitted, even in carriers

Access to licensed bar and in-seat service

• The VIP lounge and restaurant are full-service licensed areas where guests can order before the show (OpenTable)
• Specialty food items are served right to the seat or at the table in the lounge (OpenTable)
• One TripAdvisor reviewer noted: “Every visit results in perfectly made drinks from the bar, great food, fast friendly service” (TripAdvisor)

Premium pricing compared to regular tickets

• VIP tickets cost $5–$15 more per ticket than standard admission
• CineClub members receive discounted VIP pricing and reduced online booking fees
• Tuesday showings offer the steepest discount on VIP tickets

The takeaway: a VIP ticket bundles an age-gated environment, meal service, and premium seats into one price — but the real cost is less about dollars and more about losing the ability to walk in without a plan.

What is the difference between Cineplex and Cineplex Odeon?

Historical brand merger

• Cineplex Odeon was a separate cinema chain, formed from the merger of Canadian Odeon Theatres and Cineplex Corporation in the 1980s
• Cineplex acquired the Odeon chain in 2005 and now operates all locations under Cineplex Inc.
• The “Cineplex Odeon” name persists on some older theatres, including McGillivray, as a legacy brand

No operational difference today

• Both names fall under Cineplex Inc., Canada’s largest cinema chain
• Customer experience, pricing, and VIP programs are identical regardless of the signage
• The McGillivray location’s full official name is “Cineplex Odeon McGillivray Cinemas and VIP” — a holdover from the branding era

Which seat is better in Cineplex?

Center of the row, center of the theater

• The optimal seat is roughly two-thirds back from the screen, centered horizontally — this offers the best balance of screen filling your field of view and sound from the surround system
• In VIP auditoriums, all seats benefit from stadium risers, so rear rows don’t feel too far from the screen

Rows to avoid

• Skip the first three rows — you’ll crane your neck and miss peripheral action
• Avoid extreme left or right seats, which distort perspective on wide-screen formats
• In standard auditoriums, avoid rows directly beneath the projector beam

VIP advantage: no bad seats

• Because VIP auditoriums have wider spacing and risers, even less-ideal seats are comfortable
• Reserved seating means you can check seat maps at booking and pick your preferred position
• The high-back rocker design reduces neck strain regardless of seat location

Are VIP tickets worth the extra expense?

Cost-benefit breakdown

• VIP tickets cost $5–$15 more per ticket; for a couple, that’s $10–$30 extra before food
• In-seat dining replaces the need for dinner elsewhere — a two-course VIP meal costs roughly $25–$40 per person, comparable to casual dining in Winnipeg
• Combined ticket + meal cost lands around $60–$80 per person for a full evening

When VIP makes sense

• Date nights or special occasions where the extra comfort and service justify the premium
• Adult groups who want to avoid children and enjoy drinks during the film
• Major blockbuster releases where reserved seating prevents disappointment

When to skip VIP

• Budget-conscious moviegoers: Tuesday standard showings can be half the VIP price
• Quick after-work screenings where meal service would add time
• Family outings with children under 18, who are not permitted in VIP

Review from a Winnipeg moviegoer: “Every visit results in perfectly made drinks from the bar, great food, fast friendly service.” (TripAdvisor)

Official policy from Cineplex: “Valid physical government ID may be required for admittance to the Cineplex VIP area.” (Cineplex official site)

For a similar premium experience in Calgary, check out Cineplex VIP Cinemas University District for details on tickets, menu, and parking.

Frequently asked questions

For Winnipeg moviegoers deciding between standard and VIP, the choice comes down to how you value your evening: book VIP on a Tuesday for the best value, or reserve standard seats for casual weeknight viewing — the premium only makes sense when you plan to use the full experience.