"Where a kid can be a kid" UNLESS they're freaked out by a big costumed Rat and his scary animatronic pals. That was me, 36 years ago, and my nephew at his (un)happy birthday party on Saturday that I attended with my sons. Place was at capacity, 'crawling' with patrons packed in 'like rats.' Large overflow parking lot in rear was full. Despite the noise and natural challenges of moving around, the facility was decently clean, security was tight and staff members were present/visible (and fairly courteous). Kudos to corporate trainers and location management for teaching/maintaining a service oriented culture, especially in the midst of weekend controlled chaos. Seriously, you couldn't pay me enough to work there!
Be prepared to stop at "Kid Check" upon entry to receive a unique UV wrist stamp # for you and your children. They will check ALL children trying to exit to make sure there's an accompanying adult match. As a Dad, you'll never need to apologize for having security measures. If you enter stag and say you're with a party, you're asked the name of the birthday child before access is granted.
Party packages range from $15-$25 per child and include 2 slices of pizza and a card with varying amounts of play points (replaced token system). Can be booked online, which is cool. You CAN opt to bring in dessert from outside the venue! (We brought the round Chocolate cake from Costco, best $17 money can buy!). Your party host will take care of cutting/serving. Jose, our staff host, brought his exuberant high energy personality to the party, trying to make the 2 hour window SEEM special. Threatening that cause was 11 OTHER PARTIES happening at the same time, in the SAME CRAMPED SPACE, with 1 neighboring party sharing Jose. With that many moving parts, it's logistically impossible to not feel like you're being hurried/cycled through, then booted to make room for the next churn. We were on the end near the ticket blaster which SUCKED, to say it mildly. Every vip using the machine (12+) encroached and invaded our already packed party space. #PhotoBombedToTheMax. After the hosts' build up, Chuck E came out to lead celebratory song/dance; he ran right by our table and my nephew went bananas, in a bad way - as in split! I've been there buddy, 36 years ago! (After the fact, I'm laughing a little bit as I type this...I can't help it!).
In the end, you make the most of the place, playing games with kids to earn tickets that can be exchanged for cheap oriental trading quality prizes. It doesn't make economic sense but definitely lends to a better than average time with family/friends..."look out, there's the big Rat!" read more