While on a recent vacation at the beach, the weather took a turn for the worse. By that, I mean, it rained for 3 days straight and we had to get creative as to what we’d do with ourselves. My husband and I don’t typically go to the movies, we like the comfort of home wrapped up in a blanket all cozy and warm while we watch our movie!
“There’s no place like home.” – Dorothy, “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)
However, we decided that we should give the movie theater a shot and it did not disappoint! We discovered that some movies just need to be seen and heard on the BIG screen! By the way, I still took my warm blanket in with me to wrap up in and I might have shared it with my husband! We also had some observations from our trek to the movies on do’s and don’ts, so not only you, but others, can enjoy the movie a lot more.
Movie Theater Etiquette
- No talking, please and thank you! This should be common sense, but apparently it’s a necessary reminder. If you have to talk, be sure to whisper during the movie. Feel free to talk during previews, but once the movie starts, it’s just inconsiderate to other patrons to talk. Now, if you were in your living room, that’s totally different (my husband hates when I talk during a movie even at home), but there are other people that you have to think of.
- Silence your phone or any other device that might disturb others. This, too, should be easy, but it isn’t always that simple. The movie theater really isn’t the place to make or receive phone calls or even text. Ideally, everyone should have their phones off or in airplane mode from the start of the movie until the end. It’s understandable, however, that some people may need to have their phones near them in the case of an emergency with a family member, etc. If that’s the case, please turn the volume and brightness down or have it on vibrate.
- Leave it as you found it. Like camping or hiking in the parks, leave it as you found it, meaning clean up your mess when you leave. While it may be the job of the staff, don’t leave it to them to clean up after you. They might not always have enough time between movies and then it’s just left behind for the next patron. It’s not hard to take your trash with you and throw it away. Make the next patrons experience a good one.
- Keep the trips to the lobby or restroom to a minimum if possible. Get your snacks before you sit down and try to go the restroom before the movie starts. It’s inevitable, that even if you do go prior to the movie starting, you might need to get up for something during the movie, but try to hold those trips to none or to a minimum. If you’re like me, I drink a lot of water during the day so I always try to sit near the aisle so, in the event I do have to make a trip, I don’t have to disturb anyone in the process.
- Wrapping it up, be considerate of others…which is basically a summary of all of the above. Being kind and courteous to others is admired and appreciated by all and I try to make a habit of it in everything I do. We’re all there to enjoy the movie, so think of those that are there to enjoy the movie with you!
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.”
– Spock (Leonard Nimoy), Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Save Money
- Off-peak Showings – by far the easiest way to save money on movie tickets is by attending matinee showings. Most theaters offer matinee shows that are significantly cheaper than those at night. This could also be true for weekday matinees. If you go to a matinee, you could possibly save up to 30% off your ticket. Average ticket prices for a movie is $14-$18, so you could save $2-$5 per ticket.
- Loyalty Programs and Subscriptions – Many theaters offer loyalty programs or subscriptions that could help you save money. One such example is Movie Pass and it offers subscriptions that allows unlimited movies per month for a flat rate. If you go to the movies a lot, you might know about the perks that come with loyalty programs. Besides getting discounts and, sometimes, free movies and snacks, you can save a lot of moolah on movies. Check with your local theater to see if they offer a loyalty program. It’s worth joining if you go to the movies a lot!
- Discounted Tickets – Some movie theaters might offer discounted tickets for seniors, students, and military. Also, if you’re a member of AAA, you can enjoy discounts. Some warehouse clubs, like Sam’s, offer gift cards that can get you discounted tickets. Check out websites, such as Groupon, to find deals in your area. Many movie theaters offer discounts such as AMC Discount Tuesdays, where they reduce the ticket prices. Google discount movie tickets in your area and you’ll be sure to find savings!
Enjoying a movie with loved ones or your best friends doesn’t have to break the bank! If you do your research, you’ll surely find ways to save money on movie tickets, allowing more cash in your pocket for popcorn and snacks!
Where to Go
Be sure to check out one of these movie theaters while visiting 30A to see what’s showing because “The best movies are the ones that make us think, feel, and see the world in a new light.”
For Panama City Beach: The GRAND at Pier Park
For Santa Rosa Beach: AMC Classic Boulevard 10
And if you’re staying at the Tidewater Beach Resort, don’t forget that there is a theater on the first floor for guests only with two different movie showings each day. Be sure to check the posted schedule near the lobby!
“Movies are the windows through which we can explore different worlds.”
So, go see a movie while on vacation and if you still need a place to vacation….we’re always here for you and just a flick away!
