Paradise Mini Golf and Fun Park — Attraction in Parksville

The Double Scoop Impasse

I guess I could talk about the colourful, family-friendly attractions, which is what drew in our group of 8 adults and 4 kids in the first place, but unfortunately, the entire visit was marred by a display of atrocious customer service on the part of the man and woman running/managing the establishment.

Now, let's discuss ice cream... A single scoop was $3.50, a double scoop was $4.00. My sister ordered a double scoop for two people to share, and asked for an extra cone - not an unreasonable request by any stretch, at least not in our opinion. Here was the lady's response, complete with raised eyebrows and a tone reminiscent of a headmistress reprimanding an unruly student: "No, you have to pay for two single scoops - you're trying to get two ice creams for the price of one. I just did this for you, and I'm not doing it again."

Please indulge me as I break down and pick apart her response:

"No, you have to pay for two single scoops - you're trying to get two ice creams for the price of one" - OK, I get that you're a business, and that you're out to make a profit. But we've already brought you our business; we're virtually your only customers on an otherwise slow day, and we've already spent a decent chunk of money on your attractions. Would it really hurt you to say yes to this tiny request, just to keep your customers happy? Her reasoning: "I have to charge you what it costs me" Hmmmm.... OK - I'll leave that one to you readers. Now regardless, even if you do insist on having a split charge or no-sharing policy, as some places do, there are nicer ways of saying it. The moment I heard the belittling tone in her voice directed at a member of my family, I knew I would have words to say.

"I just did this for you, and I'm not doing it again" - She was confusing this sister with my other sister, despite the fact that they look nothing alike. Both Asian women, yes, but the common features end there. I WILL play the race card here, much as I hate doing it. I guess, to the eyes of this person, we are all interchangeable lookalikes, worth only what we're willing to spend.

After an increasingly heated exchange that did nothing to break the impasse, my sister, the gentle, non-confrontational soul that she is, simply replied, "Fine, can I please just have an extra spoon?" "Watch out," I warned sarcastically, "they might charge you for the second spoon." The other owner/manager, a man who had been observing the whole thing unfold, found this an appropriate time to interject, with the most smug and condescending tone he could muster: "Yes, you SHOULD charge for the extra spoon... I would!"

My biggest regret is that my 6-year old nephew had to witness this maddening display, and didn't get the ice cream that I had promised him. In fact, I felt so bad that I ended up buying an entire tub of ice cream at the grocery store for him and my other nephews. And guess what we discovered, to no-one's surprise? The difference in "cost" between two scoops in a single cone and two scoops split into two cones was just a matter of a few nickels...

Locals, be prepared for disappointment.

We've been coming to Paradise mini golf since the nineties. Lately, I can see it has become extremely neglected which is very sad. There's big green globs of mosquito algae in all of the ponds, of which none of the waterfalls are flowing and only one fountain works. (I know there are water restrictions but why not at least give the pools a scrub?) I saw water striders swimming along the surface of one particular pool.

The plants are sad looking and sparse, only 1 string of Christmas lights on the Pirate ship is working and the spotlight above the hole in the middle of the ship isn't on so at night you're just swinging in the dark hoping for the best.

On two holes where your ball goes from an upper green, through a tube to the lower green, the pvc pipe is chipped so your ball gets hung up and you need to run up and stuff your club handle into the hole to free it up so the ball will roll down the tube. It's handy when the people in front of you have figured that out first.

It's nice that they've put big umbrellas onto the first course so you can admire the surrounding sloppy brick repairs in the cool of the shade. No more waterfall over the pirates treasure but there is alot of dry, dead ivy still clinging to the wall.

The gift shop has been replaced with a pool table which gives the entrance are an open, cafeteria-style feel.

On the upside, the murals outside look fresh, which is nice.

I'm sure the tourists think this place is great because it's very unique, but it nothing near as nice as it used to be. Bear in mind they're still charging $20 a head to do the two courses.

I really do want to return but I think I'll wait until it has been scrubbed and...

The pricing really isn't that bad. For a family of 4, 2 rounds of golf, and bumper boats for 2 kids was $86.

The Inside of the building is absolutely lacking decoration compared to years past. It's so empty it echoes. Bare walls so it has no real identity. When you speak and you feel like you should be whispering. During conversation, it was actually pretty uncomfortable. The counter staff didn't smile and came off as cold which was wierd for a family fun place.

I've been visiting this place ever since it first opened when I was a young child. now bringing my own kids, it feels unwelcoming inside like you shouldn't have your kids there. The arcade is also pretty lacklustre these days. Half he machines were broken but we managed to catch a day where the candy machine had a glitch, and it played for free Infinitely. We got lots of candy. Quite honestly, I think the bumper boats were the best part because the kids soaked the adults watching. The girl running it was really nice. She invited us in to watch so we got drenched. I had so much fun. It was a really hot day. So it was the perfect break in between our rounds of golf. The course was packed! There was 6 groups ahead of us so it took forever to complete 1 round. So yes, I absolutely recommend doing the boats as a break. We saw they sold ice cream. There was a counter inside for a cafe but it was closed. On a really hot day, I was surprised to see no food or drinks available either. Although it's no longer what it once was, with the right group, a great time can still be had. There was 8 of us in total. This is still our meet up place everytime we fly...