The clever deal stack can be used for up to five kids and adults, seven days a week and is valid for all films including new releases like GOAT and Wuthering Heights
With half term here and the Easter holidays approaching fast, many parents have begun the annual spring-time struggle of trying to keep kids entertained the wrong side of payday – and that’s before you factor in the grim spring weather. Searches for ‘rainy day activities for kids’ increased by 550% in the last month according to official Google figures as desperate parents up and down the country try and find something to keep everyone busy that won’t cost the earth – but I’ve spotted a way to take up to five people to the cinema for £1.09 each with a deal stack hack on an already-budget friendly Wowcher deal .
As a self-proclaimed movie buff, getting my children to love the cinema too has been a major parenting goal. However, with prices creeping up, in recent years finding ways to save money once four or more of us are off to the flicks has been a constant struggle – even if I do manage to get them into Poundland for pick and mix rather than getting stung for cinema snacks.
Over the years I’ve cashed in my Tesco Clubcard vouchers to ease the cost as well as dabbling with Kids Pass deals, Meerkat showings and family screenings but with those you’re often limited to particular days or films that you can see. However, bargain hunters stacking deals on a huge cinema ticket bundle available this half term can get five tickets to Odeon Cinemas for £5.47 and at £1.09 a ticket I’ve not found any cheaper way to do it.
Wowcher is selling Odeon 5-ticket bundles for £20.99 , offering access to standard and recliner seats in screens at 93 locations across the UK seven days a week. This is a great way to plan ahead as film fans can save up to 68% on the usual price of walking up and buying tickets, however there’s a way to get them even cheaper.
Money saving website TopCashback offers a free £15 sign up bonus for new members as well as a percentage cashback on online purchase across thousands of different brands. This means shoppers can effectively get five tickets for £5.47 after cashback is paid.
The tickets can be used all at once or in as many trips as cinema goers want as long as they’re redeemed by February 26, although there may be a small surcharge for IMAX or 3D screenings depending on venue. The deal is perfect timing for half term because as ever, loads of new releases have hit cinema screens this month to coincide with the break.
Aimed at younger kids, Goat is the hottest ticket in our house because we’ve already seen Zootropolis 2, but if you want to go old school with the family The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie is a solid prospect. Meanwhile for teens and grown ups, Wuthering Heights (pictured above) seems to be the current must-see despite some mixed reviews, while Jason Statham popcorn flick Shelter, Iron Lung and Marty Supreme are all solid other options.
The Wowcher deal has been snapped up more than 3,400 times already this school holiday by bargain hunters looking to save money on their viewing. Meanwhile, discounts on selected screenings at Cineworld, Odeon and Vue are available via Kids Pass , the money saving app for parents that offers money off various days and meals out and family things to do.
Signing up for Kids Pass costs £1 for the first 30 days – it can be cancelled afterwards – and offers discounts on theme parks, restaurants, cinemas and more. Depending on where in the country you are, your preferred cinema chain and how many film fans you’ll be taking with you, this is another way to save money – although check the T&Cs for any restrictions on days and times.
Meanwhile, if you’ve got a bit more money to spend – and one eye on school holidays later in the year – Merlin, the brand behind some of the UK’s best theme parks has unveiled a huge deal which, while it costs more up front, has the potential to save hundreds of pounds longer term. Anyone booking a night at one of the brand’s selected resort hotels this spring – including Alton Towers , Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures , Warwick Castle and LEGOLAND Windsor , can get free Merlin Annual Passes for every guest who stays.
While prices vary depending on where and when you stay, we’ve found prices as low as £95 per person, which when the annual pass usually costs £139 per person is a substantial saving.
I’ve booked a night at the Legoland Resort’s Woodland Lodges – think Center Parcs made of bricks – which was a big win with the kids when we went a couple of years ago. For a Saturday in April it came in at £526 including breakfast and two days in the park, but the Merlin passes for four of us would have cost £556 on their own.
What’s more, as you can activate them any time up to your hotel stay, it’s possible to use the passes this week to book half term days out. I’ve earmarked Warwick Castle and the London Eye, weather permitting, which would have cost me £214 for four of us if I’d booked them individually but are included free with the pass.
How to get Odeon cinema tickets for as little as £1.09 for half term with TopCashback
- Sign up to TopCashback as a new member and claim the new member bonus
- Search for Groupon and click ‘Get Cashback Now’
- Buy the Odeon five ticket bundle on Wowcher and checkout as usual
- Cashback will track and appear in your TopCashback account within seven working days of purchase.
- After cashback and bonus is paid, five cinema tickets will work out at £5.90 for new TopCashback members.
