When seeing a movie at the theater, I usually end up buying a large popcorn for an additional 75 cents more to get a free refill, but I never really refill it. So, you not only paid big bucks for a movie, but you just lost an additional 75 cents. My solution, now right before leaving the theater, I get my free refill, take it home and keep it covered. Then I make snack bags for the kids to carry or I take one to work for snacking on.
By mcastel from Orange, CA
When we go to the movies, we always upgrade the popcorn to the one with the free refill. On those times we don't use the refill, I empty the bag and save it for next time or give it to my kids to save them money on their movie date. On the next visit, the concession stand marks the bag and refills it for you. A free bag of popcorn!
Being young and wanting to go out to the movies with your friends is really expensive. But one advantage that I have and a lot of other teens out there have, is that my dad is still active duty military.
If you have a Costco membership, use it to buy discounted movie tickets. They are a great deal if you are planning to see a full priced movie.
Research the movie you want to see first. Asked other people who have seen it . Don't depend on the gotcha film clips on TV. That may be the only part worth seeing.
When I take my 3 grand babies to the movies, I line the cup holders with napkins and fill them with popcorn. They work like individual small bowls for the kids.
Obviously, going to a matinee will save money, but those rarely work with our schedule. We happen to have an AAA membership. They sell discount movie tickets for nearly every theater in our area.
If your movie has a do-it-yourself butter dispenser, you probably hate all the butter soaking the top of the popcorn, while the rest remains dry. Poke one of the theater's straws into the bag, then hold it under the butter spigot.
Going to a movie can cost up to $20 for tickets for two and $15 to $25 for the popcorn and drinks. One good option is to buy the DVD for $15 or less and you can watch it over and over.
Call your theater or check online. There are two theaters in our town and one in a town about 40 miles away that all have a super deal on movies between 4:00 and 5:30. The tickets are only $5 for any movie playing during that time.
You can save money on new(er) movies by seeing them on pay-per-view on your cable. I saw a new one on the IFC pay-for-view that I just saw reviewed in the paper, as you can get it on cable at the same time as its independent release.
I bought this large purse at a garage sale that works perfect for storing your snacks and drinks in. We never go to the new release shows, because they soon will be out at Dollar Theaters.
Due to a recent a raise in the price of 3D movies you now are paying nearly $15 to see a movie in 3D in most areas. That's $5 more than seeing the non-3D version of the same movies. A family of four can save $20 by opting for the non-3D alternative.
Money saving tips for going to the movies. Post your ideas.
Right now, Nabisco/Niclelodean fruit snacks are running a special. If you send them 3 proofs of purchase they will send up to 3 free child's movie passes for many theaters.
Research the movie you want to see first. Asked other people who have seen it .
Don't depend on the gotcha film clips on TV.
That may be the only part worth seeing.
In my area we have one old theater that runs recent films and still only charges 3 dollars after the film has left the other movie houses.
Another thing most movies come to video in less then 6 months. Even forking out 20 bucks.It is alot cheaper then paying movie prices and you own it and make your own popcorn.
Last if you really must see this flick.
Go before the price changes. Share your drink and popcorn.And take a pack of chewing gum along. You will save mucho dollars.
I always take my own snacks to the movies. Sometimes I even pop a bag of popcorn just before I go and take it with me. I just take a large purse/tote bag and am not conspicuos about it, and take out my treats when it gets dark. We have no $1 movies but I always go to the early bird special (before 5).
Where I live they still have a couple of old movie theaters and a drive-in. The old theatres are not as technically advanced- with rocking chairs and awesome surround sound like the new ones- but the admission is a lot lower and it is not as crowded.
Go to movies during matinee hours to save on admission prices, or wait a few weeks until you can rent a video to save even more.
By cynthia conley
Editor's Note: In our area, the matinee prices continue to get closer to the normal prices. I think there is only a dollor difference between regular and matinee prices right now. Still worth the savings but not like it used to be.
The cheapest way to see a movie in a theatre is to find a discount theatre. They usually play movies that are about a month past their prime and charge between 1 and 4 dollars.
We take our own snacks too -- paying $3 for a candybar is outrageous. But I always feel guilty about doing it. Why? I haven't taken my own popcorn yet.
Our movie offers 2 admissions for the price of one all day Tuesday for seniors. Worth asking about any senior discounts. I also stop at the Dollar store on the way for a few goodies.
Don't purchase food at the theatre, eat before you go.
By joni514
