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Movies on the Cheap



Going to the movies can break the bank!  A family of four, for example, after $10 admission each and a trip to the concession stand can easily fork out $70, and, after a couple hours, folks still leave hungry!  There are many ways to save, however!  First-run movies (Fri - Sun and holidays), early bird specials, matinees, and Tuesday specials can save you 40%-60%, but here are some other ways to cut your costs at one of America's most popular pastimes: 

 

Save up to 30% on Movie Tickets

 

  • Auto Club of Southern California - order tickets online for less.
  • The Entertainment Book has discounts for great savings to movie theatres.
  • AAA sells tickets to Regal, United Artists and Edwards Theatres for around $6 each, if you buy ten tickets or more.
  • Costco sells two to five tickets (check store special) with no restrictions at about a 25% savings off full price.
  • Many non-profit organizations, churches, businesses, and schools sell group activity tickets at discounted prices (by state law, the tickets never expire).

 

Be aware of restrictions.  For example, you usually can't use these tickets for the first 12 days of new releases.

 

Free Admission Specials

 

  • "AMC's Summer Movie Camp" from late June to mid-August at select AMC theaters during the summertime every Wednesday at 10 a.m.
  • The summer "Kid Series" at Krikorian theaters offers a series of family films for free or for $1, depending on the location.
  • The "Free Family Film Festival" during the summertime at Regal, Edwards and UA Theaters offers select free G and PG movies at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

 

Movie Theatre Deals

 

Check out the website of your favorite movie theater, and see what their specials are.  Also, save time and buy tickets online!  Here are some specials to consider:

  • AMC has their "Movie-watcher Loyalty Program": earn points with every admission ticket your purchase, and save your points to redeem a free admission or use towards credit at the consession stand.
    • AMC Movie Theatres Summer Movie Camp – From June 26 to August 5, the AMC in National City will offer $1 movies shown on Wednesdays.  Save $2.75 on a Kid’s AMC KidsPack that includes popcorn, a drink, and a snack for $3.00.
  • Regal United Artists has their "Regal Crown Club" which gives your points to apply as credit towards free admission or use towards credit at the consession stand, plus members can get free popcorn every Tuesday and $1 selected candy on Mondays!
    • Regal Theatres Free Family Film Festival – This Summer enjoy nine weeks of selected G & PG movies for kids and parents for FREE!  Movies start at 10 am each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival.  First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity.
  • Ultra Star has their "ULTRA Viewer Club"; Each time you visit you get points for free, movie, drinks, or popcorn.  Sign up to receive their newsletter and get a free hotdog!  Enjoy their Kidtoon G-rated Films: Every Saturday & Sunday at 10:30 a.m. see a special G rated family-friendly film! Tickets for Parents & Children 3-12 are only $2.50 each!  Online you can purchase 15 vouchers, redeemable for a FREE Medium Size Candy at any concession stand for only $13.50 (a $48 value).  Also, their "Reel Deal Package" provides close to a $10 savings to movie-goers when you purchase in advance, online: admission for two, large popcorn, two medium drinks.
    • Exclusively at the Poway UltraStar Cinemas, buy "10 Weeks of Summer Fun" package for only $5.00.  All movies are featured on Thursdays from June 19 - August 21, and are rated G or PG.  Contact Julie at 760.597.5777 ext. 19 for group scheduling.  Tickets on Sale at the Box Office.
  • Krikorian Premiere Theatres in Vista will begin its 2008 Krikorian Kids Series made up of 10 weeks of classic kids movies.  All movies are rated G or PG and fun for the entire family.  Admission is only $1.00. The program will run the week of June 23rd through the end of August.  Showings will be held one day a week with showtimes at 10:00am and 12:30pm.

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    Enjoy Movies at the Park for FREE


    Sponsored by COX, SD Movies at the Park will be coming soon to a park near you.  All movies are FREE and will begin at dusk.  Take your kids, a blanket, cooler and a nice picnic (or whatever works for facility) and enjoy family-friendly movies such as: Flushed Away, Bee Movie, Hook, Endless Summer, Cars, Transformer, Hannah Montana.  Movies are subject to change, so check the 24-hour information line at 619.757.1300.

     

    Movie deals are worth keeping track of.  If you would like to comment or add something to this, please email Contact@SanDiegoBargainMama.com.


     

     

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