Chuck E. Cheese's Ticket Redemption Policy Changes Explained

Chuck E. Cheese has been a beloved fixture of family entertainment since 1977, offering games, rides, and food. The franchise has recently undergone a significant evolution, introducing new games, interactive dance floors, live shows, and a Grown-Up menu. However, one notable change has been the shift from paper tickets to electronic tickets or E-Tickets. This transition occurred in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the industry embraced contactless service. The E-Tickets are automatically saved on the Play Pass or Play Band, which can be scanned by employees to track the number of tickets collected. While Chuck E. Cheese no longer accepts paper tickets, they continue to honor those currently in circulation.

Chuck E. Cheese switched to electronic tickets in 2020

In 2020, Chuck E. Cheese made the switch from paper tickets to electronic tickets, also known as eTickets or E-Tickets. This change was implemented at company-owned locations and was part of a digital shift and a move towards contactless service.

The switch to electronic tickets meant that instead of carrying around cups of paper tickets, guests' tickets would be automatically saved onto a Play Pass or Play Band. This change also phased out the Ticket Muncher, a machine that counted paper tickets and printed a receipt with the total number of tickets. Now, employees can simply scan a guest's Play Pass or Play Band to see how many tickets they have collected.

The Play Pass is a card with a radio-frequency identification chip that can activate selected games. It can be purchased at a kiosk or from an authorized employee, with an activation fee of $2. Play Bands work just like Play Passes but are worn on the wrist. Both options are reusable, and points or minutes can be added at any time.

The electronic tickets are also carried over from visit to visit, as long as guests bring their Play Pass or Play Band back. These tickets can be redeemed for treats, take-home games, and other prizes at the Prize Store.

Paper tickets are still available at birthday parties

If you're looking to host a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese, you're in luck! Paper tickets are still available at birthday parties. In fact, Chuck E. Cheese offers exclusive birthday experiences that include games, pizza, and unlimited soft drinks for every guest. Each birthday package includes unlimited gameplay for the duration of the two-hour birthday party.

One of the highlights of the birthday party experience at Chuck E. Cheese is the Live Birthday Show, featuring none other than Chuck E. Cheese himself! The show is available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL), ensuring that all guests can enjoy the performance.

In addition to the live show, birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese also include the Ticket Blaster Experience. This exclusive experience allows the birthday star to step into a huge wind tunnel filled with ticket vouchers and grab as many as they can in 30 seconds. These vouchers can then be exchanged for prizes.

Chuck E. Cheese offers different birthday party packages to suit varying budgets and group sizes. The "New Party" package, for example, costs $99.99 and includes six kids, two hours of unlimited gameplay, the Chuck E. Cheese Birthday Show, the Ticket Blaster Experience, upgraded prizes, and unlimited soft drinks.

For larger groups, the "Mega" and "Ultimate" packages offer even more perks, such as additional pizzas, Dippin' Dots® Ice Cream, and higher bonus E-Tickets for each child. These packages also include a dedicated party host, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience for the hosts.

So, if you're planning a birthday celebration, consider hosting it at Chuck E. Cheese. With their paper tickets, exciting games, and exclusive birthday experiences, they promise to deliver a memorable event for the birthday star and all the guests!

E-tickets are saved on Play Pass cards or bands

Chuck E. Cheese's Play Pass system allows guests to play games at participating locations in the United States. The Play Pass is a card with a radio frequency identification chip that can activate selected games inside Chuck E. Cheese. Each game requires either a specified number of Play Points or time remaining on the card to play. The Play Pass can be purchased at a kiosk, at the cashier register, or as part of a reserved birthday party package. There is a dollars 2 activation fee for each Play Pass card.

Play Points can be added to the Play Pass at a kiosk or cash register using cash, credit, or debit cards. These points do not expire and are stored on the Play Pass. The Play Pass card can also be used to collect E-Tickets from playing games, which can be redeemed for prizes at the Merchandise Counter. E-Tickets do not have a cash value and cannot be refunded or exchanged for cash. They can, however, be saved and used for future visits to any participating location.

In addition to the Play Pass card, Chuck E. Cheese also offers Play Bands, which function in the same way but are worn on the wrist. Both the Play Pass and Play Band are lightweight, reusable, and easily reloadable with time or points. With these options, guests can enjoy a more touchless and convenient gaming experience at Chuck E. Cheese.

Play Pass cards can be purchased at a kiosk or cashier

Chuck E. Cheese has discontinued the use of paper tickets and tokens, switching to electronic tickets (e-tickets) in 2020. E-tickets are automatically saved onto the Play Pass (or Play Band). Play Pass cards can be purchased at a kiosk or from a cashier.

Play Pass is a card with a radio-frequency identification chip that can activate selected games inside Chuck E. Cheese. The card can be loaded with playtime or points, and the card automatically collects e-tickets for redemption at the prize store. Play Pass cards and bands are reusable, and you can keep adding more game points or time.

Play Pass cards can be purchased by following the on-screen prompts at the kiosk or from an authorised Chuck E. Cheese employee at the cashier's register. The cards require an activation fee of $2.00 each. The Play Pass can be used to purchase either points or minutes/time. Points allow kids to play at their own pace, while minutes allow them to play as many games as they want within a set time frame. Minutes do not roll over and expire at the end of the day, but points do not expire and can be saved for the next visit.

E-tickets are earned by playing games and are automatically added to the Play Pass card. These e-tickets can be redeemed for treats, games, and swag at the prize store.

Play Points do not expire

Chuck E. Cheese has been using paper tickets since its opening in 1977. These tickets are earned by playing games or catching them in the Ticket Blaster, and can be redeemed for candy, collectables, and toys. In 2000, the company introduced the Ticket Muncher, a machine that counts tickets using a sensor and prints a receipt with the total number.

In Fall 2020, Chuck E. Cheese switched to electronic tickets (or E-tickets), which are automatically saved onto the Play Pass or Play Band. This was due to the industry's move towards contactless service during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the company is discontinuing the use of paper tickets, it will continue to honour all tickets currently in circulation.

The Play Pass is a card with a radio-frequency identification chip that can activate selected games. It can be purchased at a kiosk or from an authorised employee, with an activation fee of $2. Play Points can be added to the card, which do not expire, are not subject to a maintenance fee, and are stored on the Play Pass. These points can be saved for another visit and can be combined from multiple Play Pass cards.

Frequently asked questions