Sneaking treats into the movie theater

[luvsJack]

Those who think it is the utmost wrong will continue to think that and those that think it should be ok (whether it is or not) will continue to take in food. This thread is not going to change anyone's mind.

I do wish we had theaters like some of ya'll have. I think ours does have a free refill on a large drink--but good heavens! The thing is at least 2 liters and cost 5x as much as a 2 liter! I would have to take the neighbor hood to need a free refill!

As to the theaters not making any money on the movies? They do make 20% for the first two weeks and it goes up from there. When you consider the large number of people seeing a lot of the bigger movies (with theaters being full several weeks out)--that's not exactly the chicken feed some of you are making it out to be. It may not be what makes money for the theater but they are not going in the hole either.

Besides, their revenue is made before the movie ever starts and before one fanny hits the seat--those ads are paid for well in advance and it doesn't matter whether anyone sees them or not. Not saying that will justify taking in food but it goes to show that taking in candy is not going to make them close up shop.

 

[Colleen27]

One of our very very good friends is director of the concessions for National Amusements/Showcase, all the theaters offer the same thing across the country, so talking to the general manager at a theater would do you absolutely no good, maybe a a mom and pop theater, but not for a national chain.

I wondered about that. While it seems like some local control would make sense so that theatres could cater to local tastes, I did kind of get the feeling that making a request for something low-carb at the concession stand was like suggesting to a Disney manager that they really should carry Mt Dew - the real control is so much higher up that talking to the manager isn't going to make a difference.

On a related tangent, though, I'm constantly surprised that theatres haven't done anything to jump on the low carb bandwagon or to cater to the growing segment of the population that is diabetic. I don't know if it is this way everywhere, but our theatre has held fast to traditional, sugary, high carb theatre food - popcorn, nachos, candy - and doesn't sell ANYTHING that would fit into a low/restricted carb diet. That seems like a pretty big missed marketing opportunity to me.

 

[StitchFan73]

Hmmm I guess I learned something new. Theaters don't make money off the movies. But that makes me wonder why they bother getting into the movie showing business? It seems such an unprofitable venture. Perhaps they should just go into the restaurant business and call it a day

 

[dizzy duck]

I just eat before I go. That way I am not tempted.

 

[Scurvy]

I have never taken food into a restaurant(that is tacky, except w/ a baby obviously), however the movie theater doesn't always have what my family likes? Example, coke products? my dh & I are pepsi fans, I still buy the popcorn from the theater, and the water for my son and possibly his m&m's but me taking my own diet pepsi into a theater isn't breaking their bank, acually it is a shame what they charge families to get into a theater if they would lower their prices just on the food/drinks they would sell more of their products. Just sayin.....

I agree with Justsyd2 that it's rude. To me it has nothing to do with the food. It's about the rules. The theater is a business. It belongs to someone. They choose what rules to set for their business. I find it rude and tacky to go onto someone else's property and violate their rules. If I don't like their policies I'll try to get them changed. In the case of the theater, I'll try to convince them to carry food I do like or I'll ask them to grant me an exception, or I won't eat while I am there, or I just won't go there at all. But I would no more go to their business and violate their rules than I would go to your house and violate your rules. I'll comply with the rules that the owner has set or I won't visit their property. I would find it rude to do otherwise.

 

[abcboys]

I agree with Justsyd2 that it's rude. To me it has nothing to do with the food. It's about the rules. The theater is a business. It belongs to someone. They choose what rules to set for their business. I find it rude and tacky to go onto someone else's property and violate their rules. If I don't like their policies I'll try to get them changed. In the case of the theater, I'll try to convince them to carry food I do like or I'll ask them to grant me an exception, or I won't eat while I am there, or I just won't go there at all. But I would no more go to their business and violate their rules than I would go to your house and violate your rules. I'll comply with the rules that the owner has set or I won't visit their property. I would find it rude to do otherwise.

I guess I'm a type B rule follower and while I do think *most* rules are very important to follow I'm more likely to follow a "no outside food or drink* into an establishment that really does not allow any food or drinks such as a library or store. If my kids have a drink and we are going into a business that says no food or drink (because of the mess) its very important to me that we follow those rules. However, because the theater sells stuff they just want to trap us inside and force us to pay ridiculous prices on stuff I can get cheaper somewhere else. I don't go there to eat. I go there to see the movie. The snacks are just an extra. I mean really is anybody really hurting anyone? I know you will say that yes, you are hurting the movie business by not buying their stuff but I still won't pay ridiculous prices for that stuff. So, if you are not hurting anyone what does it *really* hurt if I smuggle in some gummy worms and a drink? I know, I know it doesn't matter if I hurt someone or not its a rule and it must be followed whether we agree or not. I don't know I grew up in a household with a perfect mother who never did anything wrong so perfect people drive me crazy.

 

[englishteacha]

I'm so glad I live in a small town with a lovely theater. We go often ($3.50 a ticket for a matinee), popcorn/soda are relatively affordable, and they don't mind us bringing in our own food.

 

[Scurvy]

I guess I'm a type B rule follower and while I do think *most* rules are very important to follow I'm more likely to follow a "no outside food or drink* into an establishment that really does not allow any food or drinks such as a library or store. If my kids have a drink and we are going into a business that says no food or drink (because of the mess) its very important to me that we follow those rules. However, because the theater sells stuff they just want to trap us inside and force us to pay ridiculous prices on stuff I can get cheaper somewhere else. I don't go there to eat. I go there to see the movie. The snacks are just an extra. I mean really is anybody really hurting anyone? I know you will say that yes, you are hurting the movie business by not buying their stuff but I still won't pay ridiculous prices for that stuff. So, if you are not hurting anyone what does it *really* hurt if I smuggle in some gummy worms and a drink? I know, I know it doesn't matter if I hurt someone or not its a rule and it must be followed whether we agree or not. I don't know I grew up in a household with a perfect mother who never did anything wrong so perfect people drive me crazy.

Who claimed to be perfect? Certainly not me! I'm not, I've never claimed to be, and I'm sure I never will be. I just don't like to be rude if it can be avoided.

In response to the bolded, you must have weird theaters around you. The ones I go to have never tried to trap me inside and they've never forced me to buy anything. If I want to leave I can. If I want to buy something I do so and if I don't want to buy anything I don't have to. I think I'd boycott your theaters if they are that heavyhanded.

Apparently you go to the theater for the movie, not the food. You don't have to have the food, you want to have it. You could easily go to the theater to enjoy a movie without eating while you're there, but you choose not to do that. You agree that the snacks are just an extra, so I don't get why you think it's worth being rude by breaking the "no outside food" rule just to bring in a snack. It wouldn't be to me; I think it's important to respect the rules when you are on someone else's property. But obviously you feel you are entitled to do what you want to without regard to the rules of the property owner. Obviously I feel you are not. Clearly we are not going to be able to agree on this no matter how much we try to convince each other that we are right.

 

[ksumn1]

Who claimed to be perfect? Certainly not me! I'm not, I've never claimed to be, and I'm sure I never will be.

Clearly we are not going to be able to agree on this no matter how much we try to convince each other that we are right.

I guess this is one of those topics that you just have to "agree to disagree" about. I quasi follow the rules, some totally flaunt them, and some always follow them.

I mentioned this debate to my DH and he told me a story that I could NOT believe. He works in Alabama (I won't say where) and he and a couple of guys went to the movies. One guy brought in no food, even candy. DH stopped by the Dollar Store and bought some raisinets and gummy bears and the other guy brought in a foolong ham sandwich, chips and a drink. DH said he thought about this therad and told me cause he knew I'd get a kick out of it!!

BTW, there were NO signs posted about no outside food and DH said the popcorn was the worst ever! He sai they probably didn't stop people from bringing food in because otherwise they's sell no tickets.

 

[Scurvy]

I guess this is one of those topics that you just have to "agree to disagree" about. I quasi follow the rules, some totally flaunt them, and some always follow them.

I mentioned this debate to my DH and he told me a story that I could NOT believe. He works in Alabama (I won't say where) and he and a couple of guys went to the movies. One guy brought in no food, even candy. DH stopped by the Dollar Store and bought some raisinets and gummy bears and the other guy brought in a foolong ham sandwich, chips and a drink. DH said he thought about this therad and told me cause he knew I'd get a kick out of it!!

BTW, there were NO signs posted about no outside food and DH said the popcorn was the worst ever! He sai they probably didn't stop people from bringing food in because otherwise they's sell no tickets.

I think you're right. I know I have stronger feelings about this than most people do. I'm not sure why that is, but I don't think it's going to change any time soon and I don't expect that I will change anyone else's mind either.

I do think that if there are no signs posted and you haven't been told not to bring food you should bring whatever you want.

And I'm in Alabama, but I know that he wasn't at my local theater because they have the best popcorn ever. (Well, other than Disney, at least!)

 

[tigger813]

Since I've been on a diet this year I have been making myself a small bag of lite microwave popcorn and putting it in a plastic zip baggie. The rest of the family usually still buys popcorn but I just can't eat it. I also always carry little candy bars. We always buy drinks at the theater. We bought pizzas and drinks when we went to see Toy Story 1 and 2. That was an expensive trip that day!

 

[ksumn1]

And I'm in Alabama, but I know that he wasn't at my local theater because they have the best popcorn ever. (Well, other than Disney, at least!)

DH wasn't sure if it was because it was a local theatre, or what. He thought it was a bit odd that here were no signs, but hten he said he knew why. The bad popcorn actually annoyed DH so bad that he went back before he left AL to complain. Come to find out it was a new employee and he didn't pop the corn long enough, he kept it too long (so not fresh) and didn't put enough butter on it because he wasn't the only one to complain. He gave DH his $$ back. DH felt bad and said he won't sneak anymore candy into THIS theatre but the local mall "is on"

 

[disfan07]

In general I dont think its right to bring snacks with you but.......

I bring my own snack just b/c of allergy issues. I cant eat the popcorn or any of teh chocolate that they sell so I usually just bring a bag of homemade chex mix or some kind of candy i can eat.

Now, if i want a drink i do buy it there.

 

[starstruck93]

Oh My, I can't believe how long this thread is, I've only read a few reponses. This totally reminds me of the self righteous refillable mug threads...Ah yes....good times. When we were kids we would sneak in Taco Bell! Ummm, I'm sure no one noticed the smell from the food and us! I hate going to the movies. I have a really hard time sitting still for that long unless I'm asleep.

 

[RachaelA]

DH and I buy a large popcorn and a large drink, but our theater only gives one refill on each. I can only imagine how expensive it gets to be when you have kids! When we went and say Toy Story 1&2 in 3D and A Christmas Carol in 3D we were at $40 just for the two of us!

We usually go to the drive in though and for $5 you can get bring in whatever you want (its called an outside food pass). So for less than $20 total we get to see two movies and bring whatever we want. Much better of a deal! I'm sad our drive ins are closed in April!

 

[maxiesmom]

.

Apparently you go to the theater for the movie, not the food. You don't have to have the food, you want to have it. You could easily go to the theater to enjoy a movie without eating while you're there, but you choose not to do that. You agree that the snacks are just an extra, so I don't get why you think it's worth being rude by breaking the "no outside food" rule just to bring in a snack. It wouldn't be to me; I think it's important to respect the rules when you are on someone else's property. But obviously you feel you are entitled to do what you want to without regard to the rules of the property owner. Obviously I feel you are not.

I have to say that I agree with you. I have yet to see a theater that has attendants forcing people to buy popcorn or soda. If you don't want to eat what the theater is selling, eat before you go or stay home. But please stop trying to justify your bad behavior by saying the theater is forcing you to do it. That is just plain silly.

 

[mommycrawford]

I'm in NYC, where movie tickets can be as much as $16 for an adult ticket!

...On the rare occasions I go to the movies, I pre buy passes and bring candy and popcorn....partially because I would not want my DD or myself to eat the stuff they call butter (I also have a mental scar from childhood involving theater popcorn and a rat) and I like what I like, and not feeling stupid for paying 8x what I could.

I will get a drink occasionally. They chop the theaters into multi screens so they have already multiplied their profits from when I was little and saw things on an actual BIG screen!!!! Also, now they sell advertising, and have moviegoers watching commercials which they don't have a choice in. Movie theatres are clearly doing ok-er than they would like people to think!

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Wow this thread is suddenly LONG!!! I think I posted on page 1 or maybe 2! Anyway, I give you all credit who can go to a movie and not eat popcorn I am a popcorn addict, I eat it almost every day. I actually plan date nights to be a movie first so I have room for the popcorn, then dinner.

 

[mommycrawford]

I wondered about that. While it seems like some local control would make sense so that theatres could cater to local tastes, I did kind of get the feeling that making a request for something low-carb at the concession stand was like suggesting to a Disney manager that they really should carry Mt Dew - the real control is so much higher up that talking to the manager isn't going to make a difference.

On a related tangent, though, I'm constantly surprised that theatres haven't done anything to jump on the low carb bandwagon or to cater to the growing segment of the population that is diabetic. I don't know if it is this way everywhere, but our theatre has held fast to traditional, sugary, high carb theatre food - popcorn, nachos, candy - and doesn't sell ANYTHING that would fit into a low/restricted carb diet. That seems like a pretty big missed marketing opportunity to me.

...Just an aside, the ANJELICA theater in NYC actually has cafe food: salads and sandwiches, fancy snacks, etc....and I don't believe they are a small independant (small independants often serve other things.) I imagine, like supermarket merchandising, it's cheaper for the theatre to limit the choices...ie sell only coke products, and the vendor supplies the fridges, etc..
Economics always play a part in everything! What the consumer wants ...comes second.

 

[mafibisha]

Whyyyyy do people even START threads like this? There is always a conflict eventually!

EVERYONE has their own opinion about what constitutes theft or unethical behaviour!

Whats the big difference -

- taking food into the movies?

- using discount codes sent to someone else?

- using and copying coupons sent to someone else?

- *swapping* fridges ect at Disney (remember that thread? )

There have been many more examples here on the Dis but I can't recall them now.
I'm off to the mall to use a coupon and a code from a neighbor and maybe will see a late matinee with same neighbor who will probably bring her own water and granola bar. So shoot me. Us.

This totally reminds me of the self righteous refillable mug threads...Ah yes....good times.

Yes! That's a good one to add to my list above! (the one I shamelessly quoted so some can realize there really isn't much difference !! )

)