'The Force Awakens' in King of Prussia opening night

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (WPVI) -- "The Force Awakens" hits big screens at 7 p.m. Thursday all across the country, but moviegoers started showing up at theaters hours ago.

"I got here yesterday at 5:30 p.m. so honestly I don't know what time it is right now," said Andy McLaughlin of South Philadelphia.

At the United Artists Theater in King of Prussia, fans have been watching a marathon of every "Star Wars" movie ever made in chronological order - starting at 4 a.m.

"People are already crying and losing their emotions when the first movie came on so I can't wait to see the emotion of the people when the new one comes," said James Reed of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania.

"Honestly, I am just expecting to have my mind blown, and I don't think I am going to be disappointed," said Michael Durkin of Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

Matt Garber and his friends thought they might have to wait in long lines, but they still have much to learn.

"There really hasn't been much of a line so we've just been having fun playing Battlefront. We had a TV set up earlier watching movies and stuff so it's just been a lot of fun," said Garber of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

But leave your lightsabre at home. Security sent Torrey Shirk back to the car with his Jedi Weapon.

"He just said it's technically a weapon," said Shirk of University City, adding he wasn't aware of the restriction. "I mean it's not a real lightsabre."

Moviegoers should be aware masks and face paint are not allowed at many theaters so check the rules before you go.

Have fun and may the force be with you.