When I stepped out of my car this afternoon and pulled open the shiny new door of Chuck E. Cheese’s in West Melbourne, Florida, I didn’t expect the flash of a smile from a teenage employee as she cleaned fingerprints from the surrounding glass. I was here to see how the construction was coming along. They’re still building this place… aren’t they?
“Hi,” she said.
“Hi, I… uhhh,” I stammered. “Are you guys open?”
“We sure are. We’re doing a soft opening right now, but the main Grand Opening Celebration takes place on May 2nd.”
“I had no idea.”
Straight ahead of me was a snack bar advertising Pizzas, Sandwiches, Wings, and Desserts. Flashy new games shined on the left. Sparkling clean tables abounded everywhere. I was stunned.
My door greeter sent a message over her radio and soon I was shaking hands with a very amiable assistant manager. From him I learned that there are nearly 100 token operated machines. They also dispense tickets that can be redeemed at a prize counter over next to the salad bar, which, incidentally, looks delicious. (Click on picture #5 above to see a great shot of it)
“No matter how bad you do at a game, you’ll get at least one ticket,” he explained further.
Midway through the building a tunnel climb allowed youngsters to crawl around and up. At the very back, along the western wall, is a “stage” area with several screens and an animatronic Chuck E. Cheese character. He was busy singing when I walked between the rows of tables and approached the wall. There is also a booth called a “Ticket Blaster” where a wind tunnel effect blows tickets inside the booth as a clock timer counts down. This fun event is free for the Birthday child with a reserved party.
“Go ahead and push the red button under the center screen,” my guide instructed.
When I did, the screen changed to show a video of my midsection. (Not exactly my most flattering feature, I might add.)
“The camera is at a kid’s level,” he explained. “It’s a way for them to see themselves on the big screen.
Nice touch, Chuck.
Admission is free to Chuck E. Cheese and security is handled by a gate greeter just inside the main door. Each group receives a distinctive hand stamp that uniquely identifies them. Children (and parents too) must have a matching stamp to be taken out of the facility. A nice touch in a place where children are bound to be plentiful.
I didn’t get to see the life size Chuck E. Cheese, but I’m sure he’s never too far away.
And I really can’t wait to see my granddaughter’s face when she sees this place… and Chucky too. Oh what fun!
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Chuck E. Cheese’s
2250 Coastal Lane
West Melbourne, FL 32904
Main Information Phone Number: 321-953-2966
Local Store Phone Number: 321-409-9335
Hours:
Sunday thru Thursday: 9 am – 10 pm
Friday and Saturday: 9 am – 11 pm
Online Reservations (with 20 bonus tokens) – www.chuckecheese.com
Directions:
From I-95 North, take exit 192. (Note, Chuck E. Cheese’s can be seen from the Interstate as you are exiting). Turn West onto 192 and go one block. Turn right again and look to the right.
Chuck E. Cheese’s Website Location Map
Selected Menu Items
Salad Bar – All You Can Eat — $6.99
Small Salad (One Trip) — $5.99
Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich — $6.99
Hot Dog — $3.69
10 pc. Buffalo Wings — $7.99
20 pc. Buffalo Wings — $15.49
Super Savers Menu
#1 – 1 Large Pizza, 2 Soft Drinks, 35 Game Tokens – $27.99
#2 – 1 Large Pizza, 4 Soft Drinks, 60 Game Tokens – $36.99
#3 – 1 Large Pizza, 4 Soft Drinks, 100 Game Tokens – $39.99
#4 — 2 Large Pizzas, 4 Soft Drinks, 120 Game Tokens — $52.99
