$1 ish Movie Theaters in Orange County

We've posted about dollar movies before, but this heat wave we're experiencing has us searching for cheap, indoor activities. Movies are definitely at the top of that list! So grab the kids, pack a few snacks & check out these Orange County $1 (& otherwise really cheap) Movie Theaters...

Anaheim's Brookhurst 4: 2299 W. Ball Rd., Anahtm, CA 92804. For movie listings go HERE. Matinees are $2 & evenings are $2.50.

Irvine's Starplex Cinema: 4626 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604. For movie listings call (949)733-0980, or go HERE. All shows are $2, & all shows on Tuesdays are just $1.

Huntington Beach's Regency Theater: 7822 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. For movie listing call (714)596-3456, or go HERE. All shows are just $3.

La Mirada's Starplex Cinema: 15296 Rosecrans Ave., La Mirada, CA 90638. For movie listings call (714)739-1010, or go HERE. All shows after are $2, & all shows on Tuesdays are just $1.

Santa Ana's Picture Show at Mainplace: 2800 N. Main St., Suite 999, Santa Ana, CA 92705. For Movie listings call (714)836-7469, or go HERE. Cost is $1.75 all day, & just $1 on Tuesdays.

& Just in case you are more of a "visual" person, here's a handy map detailing all of the theater locations...


View $1 ish Movie Theaters in Orange County in a larger map

xoxo, K

Cheap Souvenirs: Disneyland Pressed Pennies

Sometimes it's hard to escape going to the Happiest Place on Earth without coming home with some kind of souvenir. Luckily, my boys have become infatuated with the cheapest of Disneyland souvenirs - pressed pennies (also known as elongated pennies, smashed pennies & sometimes called squished pennies). Okay, okay, it's not actually the cheapest souvenir, there is a 48¢ sucker that holds that claim, but at 51-ish¢ (I say ish, because they actually only cost 50¢, you get the penny back), the Disneyland pressed penny is quite a deal.

If you are new to pressed pennies, you might be surprised to hear that it can be serious business. In fact, there are entire websites dedicated to the subject. You also might not realize that there are over 100 places in Disneyland, California Adventure & Downtown Disney that you can squish your pennies, & you can also find machines that press quarters & nickels as well.

While researching the "subject matter" I came across THIS website that had some great penny pressing tips I thought I'd pass along:

1. Use pre-1982 pennies – they contain more copper and thus hold their (new) shape better. You can buy rolls of these older pennies on Ebay in preparation.
2. Pickup a copy of the Pressed Penny Map at the Guest Services Desk when you enter the park. Takes the guessing out of where all the stations are. Also, some of the machines are only around for a short period of time, so you want to be sure to add those to your collection while they are available.
3. When you put your penny in the slot, along with the quarters, make sure the head of the penny is facing out and is upright.
4. Be careful when cleaning your pressed pennies – some are highly valuable and harsh cleaners can ruin them. Doubtful that would be a problem for most of us casual collectors, but good to know, just in case someone gifts you a rare Disney elongated coin (that is the fancy, collector name for pressed pennies).
5. If you are going to press more than a couple pennies, you might want to invest in a pressed penny book to store your loot. You can find these at most of the shops in the Park.

So there you have it, just about everything you've even wanted, or could possibly need to know about one of Disneyland's cheapest souvenirs. (However if you should happen to want to know more, go HERE for all kinds of wonderful information.) As mentioned earlier, you can always pick up a Pressed Penny Map at Guest Services upon arrival at Disneyland. But, if you want an easy to print guide of Disneyland pressed pennies go HERE. Happy collecting!

xoxo, K
image by addixon777 via flickr.

Escape the heat at the movies.

The movie theater is one of my favorite summer get-aways. You get to escape reality for a few short hours, & relax in a heavily air-conditioned room (without having to foot the bill). Unfortunately, movie tickets are getting pricey, even the afternoon matinees. Good thing there is an abundance of FREE (& super cheap) flicks playing this summer!

* AMC Summer Movie Camp: $1 G & PG movies start at 10 am every Wednesday from June 17 - August 5th. Find the nearest location & movie selections HERE.
* FREE Family Film Festival: FREE G & PG movies start at 10 am each Tuesday & Wednesday morning at select Regal theaters, during the months of June, July & August. Find the nearest location & movie selections HERE.
* Everyday $1-ish Movie Theaters

Or, if you're looking to spend a warm summer evening outdoors... then pack up the kids, lawn chairs & treats and check out these FREE movies:

* Brea Family Films in the Park: Fridays June 26th, July 3rd, July 10th, July 17th, July 24th, & July 31st. Arovista Park, movie starts at 8pm or dusk. For more info call (714)990-7177. For specific movie titles go HERE.
* City of Dana Point Movies in the Park: EVERY Friday in June. Lantern Bay Park, movie starts at approximately 8pm. For more information call (949) 248-3530. For specific movie titles go HERE.
* Ladera Ranch Movies in the Park: Friday July 31st. Ladera Town Green, movie starts at dusk. For specific movie titles go HERE.
* Lake Forest Movies in the Park: Fridays June 19th (Cherry Park), July 10th (Rimgate Park), & August 7th (El Toro Park). For more information call (949)461-3450. For specific movie titles go HERE.
* Tustin Movies in the Park: Thursdays July 30th (Heritage Park), August 6th (Frontier Park), August 13th (Magnolia Park), August 20th (Cedar Grove Park), August 27th (Centennial Park), movies start at 7:30pm. For specific movie titles go .
* Movies on the Beach: June 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, July 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 31st, & August 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, and 28th. Movies start at sunset at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. For specific movie selections go HERE.
* Free for ALL Movie Mondays at OCPAC: July 13th - August 3rd

xoxo, K
image via HERE.

Free Movie from Red Box

image via flickr

Have you used Red Box to rent DVDs?  The Red Box kiosks are usually located inside of grocery stores and have a great selection of movies to rent.  Its an easy and cheap way to get a movie, its $1.00 to rent and there are no late fees. Red Box is giving away a free movie rental today.  Dealseeking Mom provides detailed instructions here and use the Promo Code  GTL456.  Happy movie watching!

xoxo, C

A Day at the Movies

Ever have one of those days? You know, the kind where you just want to escape to the movie theater? Maybe the kids are out of school? Perhaps the weather is lousy? Or maybe you just want to get away.... But, as we all know, going to the movies can be pricey. Especially if you're bringing along a couple of kids! Never fear, there are a couple of so-called "Dollar Theaters" located here in Orange County.


Irvine's Starplex Cinema: 4626 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604. For movie listings call (949)733-0980, or go HERE. Cost before 6pm is $1.50, all shows after 6pm are $2, & all shows on Tuesdays are just $1.

Huntington Beach's Regency Theater: 7822 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. For movie listing call (714)596-3456, or go HERE. All shows are just $3.

La Mirada's Starplex Cinema: 15296 Rosecrans Ave., La Mirada, CA 90638. For movie listings call (714)739-1010, or go HERE. Cost before 6pm is $1.50, all shows after 6pm are $2, & all shows on Tuesdays are just $1.

Santa Ana's Picture Show at Mainplace: 2800 N. Main St., Suite 999, Santa Ana, CA 92705. For Movie listings call (714)836-7469, or go HERE. Cost is $1.75 all day, & just $1 on Tuesdays.

Have a fun day at the movies!

xoxo, K
image via here.

Escape the heat at the movies.

The movie theater is one of my favorite summer get-aways. You get to escape reality for a few short hours, & relax in a heavily air-conditioned room (without having to foot the bill). Unfortunately, movie tickets are getting pricey, even the afternoon matinees. Good thing there is an abundance of free flicks playing this summer!

AMC Summer Movie Camp: $1 G & PG movies start at 10 am every Wednesday from June 25 - August 6th. Find the nearest location & movie selections HERE.
City of Tustin FREE Movies in the Park: Thursday Nights, July 31st & all of August, admission is FREE.
FREE Family Film Festival: FREE G & PG movies start at 10 am each Tuesday & Wednesday morning at select Regal theaters, during the months of June, July & August. Find the nearest location & movie selections HERE.
FREE for All Movie Monday's: FREE movies shown on select Monday nights at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Show starts at 8 pm, set-up begins at 5:30 pm. For more information, go Here.
Movies on the Beach: Bring the kids, lawn chairs & treats to see movies on a giant blow-up screen on the beach. Starts at 7 pm on select Friday & Saturday nights a Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. For specific dates & movie selections go HERE.

xoxo, K