Everyone loves a family trip to the movies, but itโs always a shock when you realise just how much it costs. Ticket prices can be costly, but throw in the inevitable snacks and drinks for each family member, and it adds up to a small fortune!
From Cinebuzz membership to discount vouchers, this is a list of all the ideas we have on how you can save money at the movies.
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Choose the Cinema Carefully
We all like the convenience of big chain cinemas in local shopping centres, but they are often the most expensive options for seeing movies. It is definitely worth shopping around to find other options near you. Smaller, local cinemas are often a LOT cheaper, and are no longer the dingy dives we remember from years ago.
There are even some chain cinemas that are definitely cheaper options. For example, Cineplex cinemas pride themselves on their affordable pricing, while United Cinemasโ Eldorado cinema in Indooroopilly also has competitive prices. Cinebar at Rosalie Village also offers reclining seats and meal and drink service, at a fraction of the usual superior class cinema ticket prices.
Join Cinema Reward Schemes and Memberships
It is also worth checking out local cinemas’ reward schemes. Signing up for these or cinema memberships can often give you some great savings and perks. Here are some of the reward schemes and loyalty programs on offer in Brisbane.
Event Cinemas – Cinebuzz Rewards โ a reward scheme that is free to join. Earn points when you watch movies and redeem them for discounts or even free movie tickets. As a member you will also save on food and drinks and receive special promotions.
HOYTS Cinemas โ HOYTS rewards scheme is free to join and you get a discount movie of the week and candy bar promotions
Limelight Cinemas – Sign up to Legends Rewards to receive discounts on movies, earn points to go towards free movies and even score special candy bar offers. Legends Rewards is free to join.
Look out for Special Offers
With so many special offers on cinema tickets, you can easily watch movies all year round and never pay full price for tickets again. Itโs just a matter of making a small effort to look out for special offers before you go.
Brisbane Kids Magazine
The first place to check is the latest issue of the Brisbane Kids Holiday Guide. The magazine is filled with awesome coupons, and often features really good offers on movie tickets at local cinemas. It also has a great section detailing all the best new family movies that will surely be a hit each season! You can find the latest issue at issuu.com/brisbanekids.
Entertainment Book
If you have the Entertainment Book, you can get special offers on cinema tickets.
Social Media
Many cinemas advertise special offers, early bird deals and other discounts via social media pages such as Facebook and Instagram. Always make sure you check their pages for specials before you go, or follow them to be in the loop whenever any new offers are listed.
Buy at the Box Office
We all love the convenience of shopping online, but unless there are online specials, itโs not always the cheapest option. There are often hidden fees with buying online, such as a booking fee or processing fee. If you go to the cinema regularly, these extra costs can soon add up. Avoid the fees by buying at the box office instead.
Check Your Memberships
Certain memberships also offer discounted movie tickets. For example, RACQ members receive special RACQ membership prices at Event and Birch Carroll and Coyle cinemas, with up to 45% off ticket prices. Make sure you check with your insurance provider if itโs not RACQ too!
Many phone companies or electricity providers also have movie offers to members.
For any companies you have signed up with, be sure to check if they have relevant offers before you buy tickets!
Find the Best Day and Time
Picking when to go to the cinema can actually have a huge effect on the price of your tickets. For example, many cinemas offer specials like โCheap Tuesdaysโ or โMonday Discount Daysโ. Plus matinee session are often a bit cheaper than evening showings.
Be sure to visit your local movie theatreโs website before you go to work out when is the cheapest time to go.
Save on the Sweet Treats
Itโs surprising just how easy it is to spend more of refreshments than you do on the actual movie tickets. Here are our top tips on how to save money on sweet treats:
- Eat before you go so no one is super hungry and craving everything they see.
- Take water bottles with you so you can stay refreshed without having to buy soft drinks.
- Chat to the kids before you go about what theyโre allowed to get so there are no dramas about begging for extras when you get there.
- Stick to popcorn. Itโs a great cinema tradition and will keep kids occupied. If you avoid the lollies from the start they wonโt come to expect them every time.
Avoid Gimmicks
There are lots of cool and fun cinema options nowadays, such as 3D and IMAX films, screens with recliner chairs or other luxuries. While these are great novelties, they usually come with a hefty price tag. Stick to standard showings to save money and youโll be able to go to the cinema more often.
See FREE Movies!
What better way to save money at the movies than to go to a FREE movie screening? Youโd be surprised how many of them are on offer around Brisbane!
Councils across South East Queensland often have free movie screenings in a park or your local library that we list on our calendar.
Be sure to visit our Movies We Love page for all the latest family movies that kids will love!
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