Category Archives: So Much Fun They Won’t Want To Leave

Love Is in the Air and on the Lanes

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This Valentine’s Day, give your guests a new kind of celebration filled with connection, laughter, and a little something unexpected. Whether it’s a couple’s first date, a Galentine’s night out, or a sweet outing with the kids, your bowling center can be the perfect setting for memorable moments.

In previous posts, we’ve explored why bowling is an ideal date-night alternative and how BES X features can help you personalize that experience. This year, let’s build on that momentum with a fresh perspective: what if we made Valentine’s Day more than a night out? What if your center became the go-to destination for love, friendship, and fun at any age?

Here are a few ideas to help you make February 14th a celebration your community won’t forget.

Morning Magic for Families with Littles

Not every Valentine’s guest is looking for candlelight and roses. Many parents, especially those with young children, are craving simple, joyful moments they can enjoy as a family.

Consider hosting a mid-morning or early afternoon event with soft lighting, upbeat music, and shorter game formats that work well for younger kids. Think:

  • Heart-themed coloring sheets at the lanes
  • Complimentary juice boxes and a “Mommy & Me” (or “Daddy & Me”) mocktail toast
  • A photo wall where families can snap a keepsake picture together
  • Sweet prizes or Valentine’s cards handed out by staff

These daytime experiences demonstrate that you care about every member of your community and help generate revenue during quieter hours.

Couples Date Night That Goes Beyond Dinner

Traditional dinner reservations are fine, but for many couples, shared experiences make the best memories. This year, transform your lanes into a romantic, relaxed space where laughter and connection are the main course.

Create ambiance with:

  • Mood lighting in red, pink, or soft glows
  • Mini champagne or mocktail toasts served at the lane
  • Chocolate truffles or strawberries available as an add-on

To make the night extra special, offer lane reservation packages that include personal touches like a scrolling message on the scoring screen (e.g., “Happy Valentine’s Day, Emily!”) or a preloaded custom photo on the welcome screen. These can be offered with or without Neoverse; no special equipment is required.

But if you do have Neoverse, this is your moment to shine…

Digital Romance with Neoverse

Neoverse unlocks a whole new level of customization. You can turn Valentine’s night into a multi-sensory experience, using immersive digital elements that leave a lasting impression:

  • Romantic messages like “Happy Valentine’s Day, Emily!” displayed on the digital blimp or floating biplane banner, adding a whimsical, sky-high moment to your guests’ celebration.
  • Custom digital masks guests can select for their lane theme
  • Photo uploads to the Neoverse wall
  • A “Cupid’s Mix” playlist sets the perfect mood, creating a warm and playful vibe that brings everyone into the Valentine’s spirit.

These features are more than gimmicks; they help your guests feel seen, celebrated, and excited to come back.

Want to add even more value? Set up a simple photo booth using a tablet or phone and a photo booth app, then print photo strips on-site or email them to guests as keepsakes. You can also offer scratch-off vouchers that reveal future discounts and prizes. Both are easy to implement and feel like a thoughtful gift from the center.

Galentine’s Glow: Friendship Under the Lights

Not every guest is celebrating romance, and that’s a beautiful thing. For friend groups, singles, or anyone craving connection over candlelight, offer a “Galentine’s Glow” event that celebrates love in all its forms.

Picture this:

  • Bright, joyful lighting in reds and pinks
  • Playful on-screen graphics celebrating friendship
  • Signature drinks or mocktails with cute names
  • Selfie backdrops and social media challenges to drive engagement

Even better? Offer a prize for the best friendship photo or the most spirited lane. These group celebrations generate buzz, bookings, and brand love all at once.

Start Early: The Magic Is in the Marketing

Don’t wait until February to start teasing your Valentine’s offerings, get on guests’ radar early and often through:

  • MMS and monitor ads
  • Social media posts and Stories (add polls, countdowns, or early-bird perks)
  • Flyers and signage inside your center
  • Email newsletters with reservation links

Make sure to highlight your personalization options, themed upgrades, and range of experiences from daytime fun for families to romantic evenings and friendship-filled nights so every guest can see themselves in your promotion.

Final Thought: Celebrate Connection

This Valentine’s Day, your center can be more than just a venue; it can be a place where people feel seen, celebrated, and connected. Whether it’s a heartfelt message on the lanes, a shared laugh over snacks, or a photo snapped between frames, you have the power to create memories that last.

Let your center be the spark that makes someone’s February 14th unforgettable.

Want More Inspiration?

If you’re just getting started, revisit these helpful resources:

Blog Post: Creating an Unforgettable Valentine’s Day Experience

Blog Post: Is Love in the Air at your Center?

Ep. 97, “Love Strikes,” is a podcast episode that explores how atmosphere, personalization, and the little details can turn bowling into an unforgettable Valentine’s experience.

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/36w5h64w

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2m93yfnr

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/rrjvv8hw

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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