Fun Way Amusements (Formerly Press Play 989)

Positive Highlights

1. Exceptional Event Organization: One reviewer praised Fun Way Amusements for throwing an entire birthday party last minute for their son, including decorations, food, and activities like bumper boats and laser tag. The team’s dedication and creativity made the event a success, highlighting the venue’s ability to cater to special occasions.
2. Great Value for Families: A family visit noted that the mini golf course was a hit, with unique features like a waterfall and a water-filled hole. The arcade was described as fantastic, featuring popular games like ski-ball and a Jurassic Park dinosaur shooting game, which kept children entertained for hours.
3. Positive Customer Service: Multiple reviews mentioned friendly and helpful staff, such as the employee named Brandy, who assisted with activities and ensured a pleasant experience. One reviewer highlighted the team’s willingness to accommodate requests, like switching to laser tag when go-karts were unavailable.
4. Fun and Affordable Activities: The $30 per person rate for a 2-hour package was praised for offering access to go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, and the arcade. This value proposition attracted couples and families looking for a budget-friendly day out.
5. Engaging Attractions: The laser tag area was noted as functional and enjoyable, especially for competitive players. The go-karts and bumper boats were also popular, with one reviewer stating they could spend a long time on these rides.
6. Family-Friendly Environment: A review of a grandma, mom, and two young boys highlighted the venue’s ability to cater to diverse age groups. The staff ensured safety by allowing young children to participate with adults, and the activities were described as age-appropriate and enjoyable.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broken and Out-of-Order Equipment: Multiple reviews criticized the lack of maintenance, with arcade machines, go-karts, and mini golf courses frequently described as non-functional. One reviewer noted that half the arcade was out of order, and the mini golf had holes filled with rocks and broken barriers.
2. Poor Customer Service: Several guests encountered rude and unprofessional staff, including a manager who refused refunds despite broken equipment and unlisted policies. One reviewer described the manager as condescending and dismissive of their concerns.
3. Lack of Refund Policies: The absence of clear refund information was a recurring issue. One family was denied a refund for broken go-karts, despite the manager’s own admission that the rides were non-operational. This lack of transparency damaged customer trust.
4. Inadequate Maintenance and Hygiene: The venue was criticized for poor cleanliness, including sticky floors, old candy remnants, and a lack of trash management. One reviewer mentioned that the floors were so sticky they could barely walk on them, indicating neglect of basic sanitation standards.
5. Unfair Pricing and Value: The $30 per person rate was deemed too high for the limited operational attractions. One reviewer argued that the value was poor, as only two attractions (mini golf and go-karts) were functional, while the rest were broken.
6. Unreliable Management: The management team was accused of being unprofessional, with one reviewer stating that a 50-year-old employee was “wildly unprofessional” and charged a child for a wristband they couldn’t use. This raised concerns about accountability and customer treatment.

Recommendations

1. Check Equipment Status Before Visiting: Future visitors should inquire about the current state of attractions, especially if planning to use specific rides like go-karts or mini golf. Asking staff about maintenance issues can help avoid disappointment.
2. Bring Snacks and Water: Given the poor food quality and hygiene issues reported, bringing your own snacks and drinks can ensure a more enjoyable experience. One reviewer mentioned raw pizza and sticky floors, making external food a safer option.
3. Prioritize Working Attractions: If certain rides or games are broken, request alternatives like laser tag or the arcade, which were praised in some reviews. Flexibility can turn a negative experience into a positive one.
4. Be Prepared for Potential Disruptions: The venue’s inconsistent maintenance means some attractions may be unavailable. Plan for alternative activities or allocate time to explore the working sections, such as the arcade or mini golf.
5. Communicate Clearly with Staff: If issues arise, calmly explain concerns to management. While one reviewer noted a manager’s dismissive attitude, others found staff willing to assist, so clear communication can sometimes resolve problems.
6. Consider Alternatives for Special Events: For birthdays or parties, opt for venues with better reliability and customer service. One reviewer mentioned that the old owners of the facility had improved the experience, suggesting that alternatives might offer better value.
7. Monitor Refund Policies: Check for refund terms before purchasing tickets. If equipment is broken, politely request a refund or discount, as one family was denied compensation despite the manager’s own admission of operational issues.
8. Visit During Off-Peak Hours: To avoid overcrowding and ensure a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during less busy times. This can also reduce the risk of encountering unprofessional staff or long wait times for attractions.
9. Leave Feedback for Improvement: Share your experience online to help the venue address issues. One reviewer noted that the manager dismissed their review, but public feedback can pressure management to improve standards.
10. Focus on High-Quality Attractions: Prioritize the laser tag and arcade, which were the only consistently functional areas. These sections were praised for their entertainment value, making them worth the visit despite other shortcomings.