pump it up

The original play place for kid birthday parties, but now well beyond its prime. The facilities and staff get the job done, but it is very pricey for what you get (or don't get), and staff honestly don't seem to be engaged with the kids. I feel that a party at Pump It Up was just a parent's way to taking the easy way out as they really don't have to do anything. And it costs way too much. What happened to kids have original birthday parties with game, prizes, etc. Here it is just a machine and you are rushed down the assembly line from room to room, eat your snack cut the cake and sing, open gifts, beat it - another birthday kid isup. We've had weeks where there are three birthday parties here for us to go to. And another thing - what is up with all the parents loitering for the entire party?!? What happened to dropping the kid and coming back two hours later for pickup? I can think of many things we could try in that two hour window....Oh, you want ratings? I must have read it as TripAdvisor wanting my ranting.Check-in Process: Above-average. THey get a B- for the evites and filling out the waivers in advance. C- for website functionality and reliability.Cleanliness: B-. I really would say C (average), but just how we've devalued grades so as to not hurt anyone's feelings, I 'll spare the dreaded C (which, if by the Health Department, drives customers in the opposite direction). When was the lsat time you saw staff put a bottle of Lysol and a clean rag to the surfice of a jumper?Service: C. Average. Party host does not really grab the attention of all the kids well enough to do organized games such as relays, tournaments, etcFacilities: B-. Jumpies are in good shape. Owner skimped on the facility improvements when they moved in. They carpet is thin and on a slab. I don't think they bothered to put any padding between the two. Only time before a kid gets hurt. Also, it is very loud inside - not just from the music, but also from all the blowers. Here is a novel concept: why not use centralized air?!? Take some money from the birthday party coffers and invest in a huge compressor with is installed outside. Run duct/hose throughout the facility to the jumpies. Viola! Noise issue abated. Would be nice if they had an additional jumpy or two that they rotated in. That way no kid knew exactly which jumpies they'd get until the party starts. Value: C-. Call me old school, but I think they price of a party is just too much, especially to be be treated like cattle.With that amount of money you could do something really unique that the kids, and parents alike, will remember for a long time.