WASHINGTON – Depending on what you are looking for, when you go to the movie theater can affect everything from your movie-watching experience to how much you pay.

These days a trip to the theater can easily set consumers back $100, especially once popcorn, sodas and snacks are factored in.

But there are a few simple tips that can help improve that date night:

Avoid Fridays and Saturdays if you gate crowds, especially in the fall. It’s usually the only time students can go to the movies.

To avoid high prices, moviegoers should think midweek. Worldgate Theater in Herndon, Va. offers first run screenings on Tuesdays for $6.

And if customer service was less than satisfactory, don’t be afraid to speak with the theater manager. It’s their job to improve your experience, after all.

WTOP’s Del Walters contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)