Chuck E. Cheese is creepy, too expensive and so last decade

My youngest nephew turned three years old today. His party was at Chuck E. Cheese or should I say cheesy. The place was packed. There were "party monitors" or someone who were assigned to each party. They assisted us in getting everything done in a two hour time frame. They are  really just glorified ass-kissers. They only want to help separate the patron from his or her money.

There is a charge for everything. $18.00 smackaroos per kid. For what? A plastic cup with Chuck on the top, and a balloon. There is pizza, but not enough for everyone. Terri had to order extra. It is a scam. bring your kids in, pay $20.00 for tokens to play games where tickets spit out regardless of skill. Then those tickets are counted for a receipt. Then the child stands in line for about 40 minutes to redeem his receipt, only to find that he can "purchase" a plastic miniature frisbee, a foam dart, and a package of Nerds for his 500 tickets

The thing is, my nephew was oblivious to everything. Chuck scared him; he refused to wear the "birthday crown;" he pouted and cried because no one would let him put his hand in the middle of his bubble guppie cake, AND he had to rip through his gifts at record speed so that the next party could move in. He could not stop and really explore one thing.

I felt more sorry for my sister-in-law though. Terri just wanted something easy where she did not have to make a big fuss or anything. Chuck and his band of collectors made it difficult to be carefree. You want to enjoy your child's party and not constantly be told to move or sign or smile or whatever. Sheesh!

There is this scene in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang where the kids are lured out of hiding in a town where kids are outlawed by a scary looking troll-like man promising candy and sweets. Snap! bang! zing!, the kids are caged and off to the dungeon. The parents are helpless (until Dick Van Dyke comes along and saves the day with his flying car).

Kids are lured into Chuck E. Cheese with promises of fun, sweets and maybe some pizza. The parents are helpless because they either acquiesce to their children or listen to their kids relentless begging. I just feel for the consumer who really goes because it seems economical up front, and easy, and sweet, but then he/she realizes that there are tons of "extras" that he/she thought were part of the party experience.

Chuck E. Cheese needs to be retired or chased out of town. I refuse to attend one more party where the host is a giant rat wearing a jogging suit.