It’s summer movie time and I’m so excited!!!! Tonight, I get to screen the new Disney movie, Brave. Of course, you already know what huge Disney fans we are … but I tell you, honestly, that the cost associated with going to the cinema can make me break out in hives! It’s expensive!!!

There are some definite ways that you can save money. This is what our family does:

1. Eat before you go! It’s not the movie prices that will hurt your wallet (although they aren’t cheap) – it’s the concession stand! A 900% mark-up on popcorn. Geez!!! If you are seeing an afternoon matinee, eat lunch right before. Going for a 7 or 8pm showing? Eat dinner first!

2. Ask about the theater’s reward system. Most of us tend to go to the same theater over and over. For us, the closest is an AMC. They use the Stubs reward card. For $12/year, we get discounts on concessions and accumulate points for ticket purchases. We ended last year by getting to see 2 movies for free because of our points. It was worth it for us.

Cinemark uses the SuperSaver program. Regal Cinemas has the Crown Club. If you don’t go to the movie often, it might not pay to join. But, for our family, it was definitely worth the cost.

3. Ask about value movie times or value days. The AMC theater closest to our house charges only $5 for every movie, every day that is shown before noon. Cinemark has previously done a great summer movie program for children during the weekday & the cost is significantly cheaper. Combining a value ticket with the concession discount from our rewards card has enabled us to see a lot more films on the big screen!

Do you have a helpful hint on saving at the cinema? I’d love to hear it!

 €¦ and remember,  there’s no cents in paying full price!

* This post is part of a weekly segment on  KSBJ Christian Radio. For more on segments featuring Stephanie Click, the Texas Money Mom,  click here.

PS – I’ll be posting a full review of Brave on opening day. If you aren’t familiar with the film, check out the amazing trailer!

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