El Capitan Theatre first opened in 1926 as ?Hollywood's First Home of Spoken Drama?. Its rich early history included a decade, starting from its opening, where it exclusively presented live plays. The theater eventually started showing movies, most notably hosting the world premiere of Citizen Kane in 1941. After closing for one year, it was remodeled and reopened as the Hollywood Paramount Theater.

A court ruling forced Paramount Pictures to get rid of its flagship building, the Hollywood Paramount Theater in 1948. In the late 1980s, when movie studios were once again allowed to own theaters, the Walt Disney Company purchased the Paramount Theater. It was remodeled again and, following the 1991 premiere of The Rocketeer, it was renamed El Capitan Theatre.

Today El Capitan Theatre, located on Hollywood Blvd. in the heart of Hollywood, is one of Disney's flagship holdings, drawing many tourists who all come to see the newest Disney films. Other attractions within the theater include a giant Wurlitzer Theatre organ. There is also a room below the theater that usually contains many props used in the latest films, including costumes and pieces of the set.

Visitors can also stop by the adjacent Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store. There, one can purchase themed ice cream, appropriate to the movie that is being played next door, as well as a wide variety of Disney merchandise. All in all, El Capitan Theatre is a great place to take the kids as part of a family vacation for a bit of wholesome Disney fun.