This post was sponsored by Chuck E Cheese. All photos and opinions are mine and should not be used without permission.
I know what you’re thinking…”Chuck E Cheese, been there done that”. After all, once you’ve experienced it at a birthday party, family fundraiser night for your child’s school, or a regular old Saturday, you pretty much know what you’re getting. Chuck E Cheese has been around for years, but the children’s birthday party company has recently revamped every single thing they have to offer and I felt like I needed to tell you all about it.
I was invited by the company to experience their grand re-opening and then my daughter was invited to her best friend’s birthday party there within a few days after that. So I wanted to show you what the company was highlighting, as well as what it looks like on a normal Saturday during a real birthday party for a 4 year old.
Overall, both experiences were great. Of course, they rolled out the red carpet for the grand re-opening with the media there, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that we had the exact same experience at the birthday party. So while we’ve never chosen to have a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese, I’m most likely going to book my daughter’s there now for her birthday this December.
Here’s what I think they’re doing right and how the many improvements they’ve made will change your perceptions of the whole company:
Reason #1 – Birthday Area Awesomeness
Whether you have a little one or an older child, this place has got something to keep the kids entertained. Of course the Chuck E Cheese live show still happens every hour, but it now has a fun light-up dance floor where dance parties and birthday celebrations occur.
The Birthday Zone features varied seating options for larger parties, with party sections designated by characters in Chuck E.’s band featuring a bold wall graphic silhouette and character biography.
Reason #2 – Games
Now this is the reason why my kids love this place – the games! This Webster, TX location has added almost a dozen new games into the game room. They’re part of the ‘tap-to-play’ Play Pass game card system and they are so great for giving children a little independence and allowing them to easily scan their own cards at the machines they want to play.
Chuck E. Cheese also offers an All You Can Play option. My kiddos thought we had won the lottery when they got those cards because it meant that they didn’t have to keep coming back to me asking me to load their card with some more money. The kids were able to play any game as much as they wanted and they had a blast! But ‘how do you get the kids to leave?’ you may ask…
The cool thing is that with the All You Can Play option, you buy time instead of games, so when your time is up, your card is empty. Easy as that. Also, if you need to pause your time at any point during your stay (to eat, dance, go potty, etc.), you simply walk over to a kiosk and pause it. And in case you were wondering, yes, All You Can Play does allow you to win tickets. So get ready to score big in the prize area!
Reason #3 – Food
Of course they’re still slingin’ pizzas, but their newly remodeled stores allow kids (and kids at heart) to see how their food is made with open concept kitchens. Kids will enjoy watching the chefs stretch the dough, spread the sauce, and pile that delicious cheese high! This is so near and dear to my heart because I am passionate about getting my kids in the kitchen and showing them where their food comes from and how it’s made. It also makes the location feel more like a restaurant and less like a theme park.
Reason #4 – Affordable
After looking at the pricing for birthday parties, why have I been paying so much to have parties at my own house? After all the food and stuff is purchased, the house is cleaned, etc., I’m exhausted and have spent way too much money. These parties at Chuck E. Cheese are super reasonable when it comes to pricing.
They have three different packages and they all include a “Birthday Star Play Band” specifically for the birthday girl/boy, balloons, tablecloth, plates, cups, pizza, drinks, a dedicated host for your group, play points for every child in attendance, and bonus tickets for the birthday kid.
If you’re not planning a birthday party, they have deals for you too! Be sure to print out these store coupons before leaving home! They also have military discounts, as well as Tuesday Specials and Wednesday Specials – so be sure to check those out!
Reason #5 – Newly Renovated
The biggest undertaking that the stores went through was remodeling the inside and the outside of the buildings. This Webster, TX location that we visited is bright and has a clean and fresh look. It features a more adult ambiance with warm wood, neutral tones, and streamlined graphics to create a calmer, more inviting and friendly environment. Oh, and don’t worry, they still have Kid Check where your kids can’t exit the store without you. So let them play, explore and have fun!
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