How to Save Money at the Movie Theater

Are you planning to see Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides this weekend?!  I will be brutally honest - I'M SO EXCITED!!  Our theater has a special XD room with leather seats and a screen so large you would swear you had died and gone to movie-heaven.  When they show 3D movies in this theater, it is the BEST!  Be sure that if you're headed out this weekend, you buy your tickets in advance - many of the shows are already selling out!  Even though you buy your ticket in advance, make sure you head to the theater early to get a good seat, too!!

Looking for some ways to save at the theater? Try these tips -

• Take advantage of special promotions - like B1G1 Free through Fandango or Free Drink with Popcorn Purchase at Regal Cinemas.  These small promotions can save you big bucks at the movies!  Many theaters also offer discounts for kids, military, and senior citizens - make sure you check the ages and specifics because they can vary from theater to theater.

• Eat before you go.  Of course, I would never recommend that you take snacks with you to save (this is against almost every theater's policy), but I absolutely suggest that you eat before you go!  This way, you're less likely to be tempted by the buttered popcorn, boxed candies, and frozen beverages.  Still worried about getting thirsty?  Ask at the concessions counter for an empty cup and fill it with water at the fountain - for FREE.

• Go during off-peak hours.  This might be a given if you're a frequent movie-goer, but if you're not, it can be easy to forget that movie tickets sky-rocket in price after 6pm.  Instead, plan on hitting the theater a bit early and you can beat the crowds, plus save a few dollars!

• Wait a few weeks.  If you have a discount theater in your area, you can wait a few weeks to see the new theater movies and save a bundle!!  This way you still get to see the movie on a big screen, but don't have to sacrafice this month's rent check in order to do so.  Many of these theaters offer tickets for $1 or $2.50, which is often cheaper than renting (unless you're using Redbox like us).

Do you have a great tip for how to save money at the movies?  Please leave it in the comments and share the savings!