Time for the Doll Drive-In Movie to begin! Today I will share with you the projector I used for the doll drive-in movie. Yes, we had a real movie! My daughters and I had so much fun with this series! You can find more information on the Doll Drive-In movie marquee sign, movie screen, and concession stand here: http://brandyshappyhome.com/diy-doll-drive-in-movie-marquee-screen-concessions/ . You can find out how the make the DIY Doll Drive-In Speakers here: http://brandyshappyhome.com/diy-doll-drive-in-theater-speakers/ .
American Girl Doll’s release of their character, Z Yang, who is an imaginative filmmaker, was the inspiration on this purchase of the projector. My daughters have enjoyed using my phone or their iPads and created the cutest skits. We then have movie time and watch their creations. I have to admit I am enamored by their imagination and creativity. I look forward to what the next few summer months bring!
I initially tried to make a DIY projector from a shoebox and magnifying lens. Well, that was a big FLOP! The image was too distorted. I found a perfect little projector on Amazon for $41. Now, does this projector have all the bells and whistles?…No…but it works great for kids. You can find this projector here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EOXLC5K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.
When I review items I am completely honest. I did find the information provided on Amazon on this projector to be a bit distorted. I assumed that since it had a USB port that a phone could be hooked up to it; the USB port if for a flash drive only. Hmmm…my thoughts on this was “too much time” transferring my daughters skits from the iPad to a flash drive. You can hook up your phone to the projector’s HDMI port, but….you need a HDMI male to male cable. Fortunately, I already had one of these cables which you can purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014I8SIJY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . You will also need a lightning digital AV adapter, which I also had. You can find these adapters here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009WHV3BM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ; this particular one is Apple brand. There are off brands that work just as well.
Another thing I found confusing on this projector is that it has a “battery switch.” I assumed on the purchase that it was rechargeable. This particular model is not rechargeable! This projector does come with a standard AC power cord. It is advertised as great for camping…hmm… I’ve never camped with electricity. Ugh… fortunately there is a go around. You can use an external power bank with the projectors 5V port. And thank goodness I already had a power bank….we wanted to be outside! The model I love is here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M5LKV4T/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have several camera stands. This projector can be attached to a standard stand….or just used stacked books to get desired height. The stand pictured above is here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I6QXWPE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Overall, we love this projector. I got really lucky that I already had the needed cords so we could use an iPad and the power bank to could go outside. If purchasing again I would consider upgrading to get the built in battery model which you can purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KKJWY6S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 .
By the time you add the price of the projector with the needed cords Part 3 of this project might be getting pricey. Please keep in mind you only need the extra cords if you are desiring to use a phone or iPad. Plus, there are cheaper cords available other than the ones I already owned. You would only need a power bank if actually taking the projector outdoors. You can also consider getting a projector with a built in battery. Considering all the expensive items I have purchased over the years at AG this DIY project was unique enough to be doable….and also reusable for other activities. You could consider using an iPad or television for your screen.
**Upon contacting the company with regards to cords and battery it seems they have updated their descriptions on Amazon. 🙂
This series of projects was a huge hit with my daughters and so worth the creativity and money put into it! Enjoy! Grab your popcorn the movie is about to begin! Even our dolls love seeing baby Moana on the big screen! 🙂
ginnie says
June 7, 2017 at 7:34 pmThis is AWESOME! I love that little projector. It might be really great to have for other projects too. Hmmmm…if not a projector then we can always just set up our dolls in their cars in the living room in front of our big screen tv. As long as they don’t mind watching the baseball game with my hubby on occasion. LOL! This set up is adorable nonetheless. 🙂 Great job!
ginnie / http://www.fakingitmostly.com
Brandy says
June 7, 2017 at 8:26 pmThanks Ginnie! LOL. I like how you think! 🙂
Judy & Pearl says
June 6, 2017 at 3:16 pmWE ARE SO EXCITE TO MAKE THIS!! The doll size projector is such a great find. We have been looking for this kind projector.
The Snack Stand and Drive in Speakers are on the top of our “Must Craft” list. We do not have a movie theater for our dolls so this will be perfect. We don’t have cars either but we have lots of boats! And Z is totally excited to have someplace to screen her movies. Can not wait to get crafting. THANK YOU BRANDY!
Brandy says
June 6, 2017 at 3:21 pmHi Judy & Pearl! Thanks so much! Maybe I need to craft up a boat shack restaurant? Have a fantastic summer! 🙂
Verve says
June 6, 2017 at 3:01 pmOh my gosh!! I am SO making this with my cousins!! 😀 This arouses every memory I have of drive-in movie theaters: from the snuggly blankets and pillows to popcorn all over the front of the car… So creative and friendly and heart warming! I love it *squeak*!
I usually put aside a percentage of each paycheck for my doll hobby, so honestly, I see no project as “impossible”. So far, it looks like I’ll only need one trip to Home Depot and a small bout with amazon (which Brandy has already, so kindly provided the links to, plus her own reviews). This is such a sweet and inspiring set up. Well done, Brandy, and thank you so much for the wonderful, dolly feelings… Okay, where’s my crafting supplies!! Let’s DO this thing!!
Brandy says
June 6, 2017 at 3:12 pmOh my dear! Your comment made my day! I’m already itching to get going on my next series… a drive-in diner!
Bee says
June 6, 2017 at 2:53 pmI love this whole series Brandy. I have great memories of going to the drive in when we were kids. It was one of the few things my dad liked to do, so to see an actual Drive-in movie, just makes it perfect! I, too, have these extra cords and stuff needed, and think lots of people do as well. I totally bought the projector because it was exactly the thing I have been wanting for other projects. And now I can make a drive in too!!! This projector will be used with so many other things not even doll related that I think it’s a great price. Thanks Brandy for sharing it with us.
Brandy says
June 6, 2017 at 2:56 pmThanks so much Bee! Have a great summer! 🙂
Nikki says
June 6, 2017 at 1:29 pmBrandy. Although I appreciate the extensive creativity and work that went into this, I found this DIY project to be prohibitively expensive to replicate and it depends far too much on already having a majority of the items on hand. However, it is a cute idea!
Brandy says
June 6, 2017 at 2:20 pmHi Nikki, so sorry you found this series cost prohibitive. As I mentioned in my post, the cost does depend on how much you desire the finished craft. My daughters are already using the projector from “Part 3” in the series to make their own Z inspired movie shorts. What’s great about crafting is getting inspired and putting your own spin on a creation. If desired I hope you can use the free printables and use them with materials are more financial suitable to you. Have a wonderful summer and “Craft on!”