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
This page contains the following solutions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Obviously, going to a matinee will save money, but those rarely work with our schedule. We happen to have an AAA membership.
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. My kids and I go to the Dollar Tree and I let them pick out 1 snack.
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.
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.