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Homebodies
In
less than a month, "Lord of the Rings:
Return of the King" hauled in more than $300 million from
moviegoers. Ecstatic reviews propelled audiences into theaters
across the country, eager to enjoy Peter Jackson's talented team
delivering Oscar-caliber performances.
Not
to be an Orc about it, but the ca-ching of the Ring could have
been held to only $298 million or so if ticket buyers had taken
advantage of a multitude of discounts available to them. It only
takes a change of hobbit - er, habit - to save money the next
time you storm the walls of your local cinema.
GO
BEFORE 6:00 PM. Matinees ticket prices are usually a couple of
dollars cheaper than for prime time shows. That means a family
of four can visit the concession stand with $8 extra dollars
in their pockets if they head for the theater after school instead
of after dinner.
LET
AGE WORK FOR YOU. Children and seniors pay lower rates, as do
students with current ID cards. Some drive-ins admit kids under
11 free. Don't forget seasonal programs like Regal Cinema's (www.regalcinemas.com)
Family Film Festival and Dickinson's (www.dtmovies.com) Summer
Kids Movies pass featuring past G and PG-rated films. Sure, they're
already out on video, but it's still great to see favorite films
on the big screen. And at $1.50 or less per ticket, it's a cheap
way to entertain the tots.
CHECK
THOSE COUPON BOOKS. The next time a fundraising student appears
on your doorstep selling Entertainment or Gold C books (www.entertainment.com),
invite them in. Recent Gold C books included coupons for Cinemark
(www.cinemark.com), AMC Theatres (www.amctheatres.com)
and Regal Cinemas. The Entertainment book tends to expand these
listings, adding even more movie houses. Also flip through those
coupon pages in your phonebook to seek additional discounts.
REWARD
CARDS. Just like grocery stores, several nationwide theater chains
reward repeat customers. Membership is free; ask for card applications
at the box office.
AMC
MovieWatchers accumulate 2 points for every ticket purchased (limit
4 points per visit). As they hit 10-point thresholds, customers
receive coupons for free drinks, popcorn or tickets. MovieWatchers
also get free popcorn on Wednesdays, and can order advance tickets
with no service fee.
Many
Dickinson Theaters feature the DT Movies Bonus Club Card. One
point is awarded for each ticket purchased; moviegoers get free
popcorn at 5 points and a free ticket at 10 points.
Saving
this much money may put you in the mood to return to the movies
again. Have fun, and may the Frodo be with you.
*****
To read a sample
chapter of Cheryl's "Stay-at-Home Handbook: Advice on Parenting,
Finances, Career, Surviving Each Day & Much More," click
here.
If you would like to comment on this
article, please email homebodies@comcast.net or visit the Homebodies Forums
by clicking
here.
 If your money
situation has you wondering how you can ever become an at-home parent,
take a look at Dollars and Sense, which describes how Cheryl's family managed
to carve an extra $1000 a month off their budget. And
that doesn't include daycare!
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