Category Archives: Keeping the Staff Pumped

Wicked for Good: A Spellbinding Idea for Your Event

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With Wicked for Good premiering this weekend, there’s no better time to think outside the box when it comes to your event calendar. While it might be too late to plan something in time for the premiere, this magical moment offers the perfect opportunity to spark new ideas for future themed nights.

Tapping into popular movies, music releases, and local happenings is a creative way to energize your programming and draw guests in, especially on slower nights. If I were hosting a Wicked for Good-inspired event at my bowling center, here’s how I’d make the night unforgettable:

Set the Scene: Transform the Atmosphere

Start with a themed ambiance. Think green and purple lighting, glittering decor, and a “yellow brick carpet” entrance to set the tone. Add a balloon arch and themed backdrop for a photo wall…perfect for Instagram-worthy moments, whether guests come dressed as Glinda, Elphaba, or just ready for fun.

You could even name each lane for the night: Defying Gravity, Glinda’s Groove, The Emerald Alley…you get the idea.

Sound & Screen Magic

Play the Wicked soundtrack or host a movie night on your big screens or Neoverse wall, just make sure all content is properly licensed and you’re not infringing on any rights. Double features are always a hit: pair Wicked for Good with the original Wicked or even The Wizard of Oz. Want something more interactive? Host a lip-sync battle to “Popular” or “Defying Gravity” or organize a Wicked-themed trivia contest.

Costumes & Contest Fun

Encourage guests to come dressed for Oz. Run a costume contest with categories like:

● Best Glinda the Good

● Most Wicked Witch Energy

● Best Wizard of Oz Throwback

Hand out fun props at check-in…wands, hats, boas, or offer a photo booth with themed accessories.

Sip in Style: Wicked-Themed Drinks

Get creative with your drink menu:

● Elphaba Elixir – A green mocktail or cocktail with lime, mint, or Midori

● Glinda’s Glitter Punch – Sparkling pink lemonade with edible glitter

● Flying Monkey Fuel – Berry-flavored energy mocktail

Serve drinks in cauldron mugs or glow-in-the-dark cups for extra flair.

Bewitching Bites: Food Ideas That Cast a Spell

Create a themed snack menu to match the magic:

● Wizard Wands – Breadsticks wrapped in foil with dipping sauces

● Broomstick Fries – Sweet potato fries in upright pails

● Emerald City Pizza – Pesto flatbreads or green veggie pizzas

● Flying Monkey Wings – Chicken or plant-based wings

● Wicked Witch Nachos – Black bean nachos with guac and jalapeños

A “Wicked Eats” chalkboard menu with themed labels makes it all pop.

Final Thoughts: Let Inspiration Be Your Guide

Pop culture releases create natural moments of excitement. Why not turn that energy into foot traffic? Whether it’s a blockbuster movie like Wicked for Good, a major concert release, or a local festival, these moments spark curiosity and conversation. By weaving that buzz into your event programming, you not only make your center feel current and connected, but you also create fun, low-barrier reasons for guests to walk through your doors and keep coming back.

So grab your broomsticks, queue up the playlist, and let your imagination fly!

2026 MOVIE RELEASES

Plussing the Guest Experience: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Memories 

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In the world of entertainment and hospitality, it’s not enough to simply deliver a great experience, guests today expect something extraordinary. That’s where the concept of plussing comes in. 

“Plussing” means taking something you already do well and enhancing it with small, thoughtful touches that elevate the entire experience. The term was coined by Walt Disney, whose philosophy of continuous improvement shaped everything from his theme parks to his films. Disney believed that there was always a way to make something just a little bit better, and that mindset remains a cornerstone of exceptional guest service today. 

The Power of the Unexpected 

Think about staying at a hotel that not only provides clean towels, but folds them into the shape of a duck. Or visiting a restaurant that surprises guests with a complimentary dessert for an anniversary. These moments create joy because they’re unexpected and they go beyond the transaction to create emotional connection. 

That same philosophy applies perfectly to bowling and family entertainment centers. Guests might come for the bowling, food, or arcade, but they’ll return for how they felt while they were there. When you “plus” the experience, you transform good service into unforgettable memories that build loyalty and word of mouth buzz. 

Simple Ways to Plus the Experience 

Plussing doesn’t require major investments or overhauls just creativity, effort, and attention to detail. Start by brainstorming with your team. Ask: What do we already do well? And how can we make it even better? 

For example: 

  • Birthday Parties: Add a personalized welcome sign at the entrance or display the guest of honor’s name and photo on the scoring screens. Small details make guests feel seen and celebrated. 
  • Group Events: Create photo opportunities with props or custom signs guests can post to social media. A memorable moment for them becomes free marketing for you. 
  • Everyday Guests: Add “chance games” or spontaneous prize drawings during open play. Some scoring systems even allow for random on-screen games that surprise players with instant rewards which is a simple way to inject excitement and fun. 

Plussing Beyond the Event 

The guest experience doesn’t end when they walk out the door. One of the most powerful ways to plus an experience happens after the visit. Sending a heartfelt, handwritten thank you note for example leaves a lasting impression in a world dominated by automated emails. Include a small touch  like a coffee shop gift card or coupon for their next visit  to show genuine appreciation. 

Guests remember how you made them feel, and small gestures like these turn customers into advocates. 

Make It Personal 

Another easy but impactful way to plus the experience is through genuine connection. Learn your regular guests’ names, remember their drink orders, or ask how their kids game went last weekend. Even something as simple as complimenting someone’s shoes when they walk in can brighten their day. 

These personal touches show that your team isn’t just doing a job it shows that they care. That care builds emotional loyalty that no discount or promotion can replace. 

Always Strive for “Better” 

Plussing isn’t just about fancy add-ons,  it’s a mindset of continuous improvement. Look at every area of your business  from the cleanliness of your restrooms to the friendliness of your staff greetings. Ask, How can we make this better? 

Maybe your restrooms are already spotless. How about adding a pleasant signature scent? Maybe your staff already greets guests warmly. Can they add one extra touch like a genuine compliment or high energy welcome? 

Every detail matters. And every improvement adds up to an experience guests won’t forget. 

The Payoff of Plussing 

When you focus on plussing, you build stronger relationships with guests, inspire positive reviews, and create the kind of word of mouth marketing that money can’t buy. As Walt Disney proved and modern innovators like Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas continue to show when you continuously find ways to delight your audience, you create magic that lasts far beyond the moment. 

So, take a fresh look at your business. Identify what you already do well then plus it. Because great service gets people in the door, but a plussed experience keeps them coming back for more. 

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