GMA: Movie Theater Discounts, Popcorn Vs Hot Dogs & Best Movie Seats

Good Morning America: Movie Theater Discounts

Good Morning America teamed up with Reader’s Digest to reveal 13 things movie theater employees won’t tell you. Some of the facts are kind of shocking, while others will make you kick yourself for not thinking of them before. Find out how you can get movie theater discounts to save at the box office.

Movie tickets can make your wallet shrink faster than the blink of an eye. But that does not have to be the case. Good Morning America reported the best places to buy tickets are not at the box office. Always check for discounted tickets at Sam’s Club, Costco or AAA.

GMA: Movie Matinee Prices & Smart Phone Movie Ticket Apps

And don’t forget, matinees are always cheaper. Liz Vaccariello, editor of Reader’s Digest, said for anyone going to the ticket booth at the theater, always ask for discounted tickets. They might have some.

Tired of the long lines? Use smart phone apps from movie chains allowing you to buy tickets before you even get to the theater.

For everyone that hates the previews before the movie, but always shows up early to make sure they don’t miss the beginning of the movie, Good Morning America said movies often start 10 minutes after their posted times. So don’t worry about being a little late.

Good Morning America: Movie Theater Concession Stand

Concession stands make up about 40% of the profit for movie theaters. And they use all the tricks to get you to buy some popcorn, from putting coconut oil in the popcorn to using flavoring that will make you want to eat more. With all that popcorn being sold, some of it is undoubtedly going to be spilled. But don’t use the five second rule. Movie theater employees simply sweep trash under the seats until the end of the night.

GMA: Movie Theater Popcorn Vs Hot Dogs

And you might want to stick to the popcorn when you buy food at the concession stand. Movie theater employees said they would eat the popcorn, but they would stay away from the hot dogs and the nachos with cheese dip because they could be days old before they are finally sold.

Make sure to watch portion sizes as well. Some theaters have “small” popcorn with 325 calories while others have a “small” popcorn with 650 calories. Vaccariello said a small portion is enough to fit in two cupped hands.

Good Morning America: Best Movie Seats & Discount Theaters

Finding the best seat in the theater can be hard, but Good Morning America reported sound engineers will check the sound by standing directly in the middle of the theater. Those are the seats where the sound quality is going to be the most spectacular.

Always being the first to see a new movie doesn’t pay off financially. Waiting for the movie to hit an older, discount theater could save you some big bucks if you are willing to wait.