Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular — Attraction in Philadelphia

I guess it's best to start with the negative and follow the sad part with the good. Be aware that the ice rink, and slide(perhaps the entire event) are cash free. But there are staff members accepting cash (not even a discounted rate) in exchange for the wristbands that will get you on the ice rink or slide and pocketing your cash. (Please add your comments if you paid cash for either of these attractions) Also, gratuities given to hard working staff members are being stolen by a young supervisor. There are at least 3 occasions, 2 that I personally witnessed, where she took all of the money from small pails at the skate rental counters that was given as gratuities and not only pocketed it but neither before nor since has told staff that there is a no gratuity policy. Thereby providing herself with the opportunity to steal more tips in the future, instead of just putting a stop to it like an honest person would. That being said, if you don't care that the staff and management are stealing from each other, have fun. Or, if you do, avoid the ice attractions managed by Ice Rink Adventures or purchase the add ones online before you arrive. NOW!! If not for the ugliness detailed above a 4⭐ rating would prevail here. As a father, this place is awesome. Unfortunately my children are grown and I wish this was around 20 years ago, with a Santa Claus who's right out of the North Pole. Authentic looking as can be and as kind caring a man as St Nick himself, engaging every child that he comes in contact with and leaving each of them with at least a giant ear to ear smile. This is the kind of experience that makes the magic of Christmas so real. Just 2 doors from Santa the kids can listen to Mrs Claus read some awesome holiday books to children of all ages inside a heated tent. With snacks and beverages for all ages in the tent between the Mr. and Mrs. You can spend time at one of many fire pits and sip a soft or hard drink while the kids wear themselves out on the outdoor dance floor. Or walk across the street to the old boathouse for more fire pits and fire water. There's an area, not unlike the Christmas village in Center City, filled with vendors including a Thrive Flower hut where you can purchase CBD and THC flower to smoke or edibles for eating all without a medical marijuana card. (That struck me as a very odd vendor for a family friendly environment). And the light show was a bit underwhelming but kind of cool. The Philadelphia sport area is a must for any Philly native. Pictures with Gritty every Friday(extra charge of course and you'll be ejected if you attempt to take his picture with YOUR phone or camera)and the B101 bee has been seen entertaining and playing with the crowds. The biggest turn off is the ticket prices, although I heard you can save a lot through Groupon. Be prepared for low temperatures and long lines because even though they require you purchase a time entry ticket, there is no regulation of time spent. For example once you've got a wristband for the ice trail there is no regulation of the 1 hour time limit, so come early and stay until closing and no matter how crowded the ice gets no one will tell you your hour is up, because they in fact have no system...

The one lady in the Union lodge was very rude. I asked for the crab fries and tender combo, she only gave me fries and then caught an attitude when I told her that I wanted the combo. She says, “so you don’t want the fries anymore?” and snatched them away. I NEVER said just fries. Every time I said something, she turned around to grab it before I finished which is probably why she didn’t hear me. I ordered 2 hot chocolates. She went over to get them and proceeded to stand over there by the hot chocolate machine for 10 minutes and never communicated anything or apologized for the wait. Once she came back all she said was “I’m waiting on hot chocolate.” I asked her “Do you know how long? Should I come back?” She responds, “You can come back”. I sat at a table with my 3 children and fiancé and ate. While eating, my son says, “juice mommy” and I remembered my hot chocolates and that she never gave me my water. I went back to get my hot chocolates and water that she never gave me that I PAID for and she accused me of lying and persisted that she gave me the water. She says, “I wouldn’t ever not give you your water” as if she couldn’t have made a mistake (which she did). I have never felt so insulted in my life. That interaction really dampened the experience for me. The staff really need customer service training. Very little holiday cheer from the staff. The lines were extremely long- my children became antsy waiting. The ice slide, picture with Santa, and ice skating are an additional cost; Nothing is included in the ticket price. The line to the ice slide was so long, we only rode once (You get 3 rides for $10). The entire experience is...

I visited the Tinseltown event since it started during the pandemic in 2020 at the Wells Fargo Center. I visited in 2021 and 2022 in Oaks, PA.

The big draw for my son is a chance to meet Gritty. In 2020 there was separate fee to see Gritty due to pandemic restrictions. In 2021, we were able to take a nice (free) picture of Gritty. Suddenly things changed in 2022. I was in the process of taking a picture when somebody shot in front of me and said no photos. Huh? When did that happen?

This year there were signs saying "No camera photos". Good. I have a a DSLR camera so I guess I'm Ok. Nope. There was a spy assigned to look for people taking a photo of Gritty. Apparently this is a major crime. Why? Well, they can charge up to $40 for photos with Gritty, Santa, etc. A real money grab.

What is the point of the entry fee if you have to pay for everything else? The food is expensive, the drinks are expensive, you need to pay $10 to ride a tube and the excessive prices for photos.

Basically, we have to pay to see the same giant reindeer and 'Jawn' light signs every year. Big deal. I think this our last time visiting Tinseltown.

BTW, I managed to get a nice, free photo of Gritty. I might get arrested for this crime. Ridiculous. Gritty has many free public appearances. Just wait to see him away...