Angel M.
Google
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.5/5 — Still one of our favorite places!
We had an amazing time at CJ Barrymore’s, as always! The staff is consistently SO friendly and helpful — you can tell they work hard to keep things running smoothly and make guests feel welcome.
Here are a few helpful tips for first-timers or returning visitors:
Bag Policy: The new purse size limit is 12x12x4, which is a huge improvement from the tiny fanny-pack rule they used to have. It might be a little less strict safety-wise, but it’s much more practical for parents juggling kid stuff.
Re-entry: While there’s technically no re-entry, if you're just running something out to your car (like pizza or extra supplies) and you’re polite with security, they’ve been really understanding.
Water Tips: You can bring in a reusable cup as long as it’s empty — super helpful on those 90°+ days. Once inside, you can fill it up. But no outside food or drink, even sealed water bottles, are allowed.
Now for a personal story: I took my daughter for her 11th birthday. She unfortunately lost her purse, phone, and all her birthday money. She was heartbroken, and we left halfway through the day. I honestly didn’t think we’d get any of it back. But the next day, security called and told us they found everything — money still inside. That meant the world to us. HUGE thank you to the team for their honesty and kindness.
That said, I do have a few suggestions for improvements:
1. Seating: Dining areas are limited, and people tend to camp out at tables even when they're not actively eating. More seating is definitely needed. Even a few clearly marked eating-only tables would help. Some patios exist, but they’re reserved for private parties, so general seating fills up fast. Sitting on landscaping rocks isn’t ideal, especially for germ-conscious guests. I just kept thinking at some point in time these have been thrown up on. Or those with bad backs as they're low.
2. Shade & Cooling in Lines: Lines for rides like go-karts and the zip line can be brutally hot. More umbrellas or misting fans — especially for the employees who are out there all day — would go a long way. The staff at the front entrance especially could use some airflow. They stand in direct sun for hours, and while they’re given water, fans or shade structures would be a great addition. (From 11-4 the sun sneaks under the awning)
3. Employee Uniforms: Most of the employees wear black, which attracts heat. I’m not sure if there’s a specific reason for this, but lighter-colored uniforms might help them stay cooler. And brighter ones might make them more noticeable to patrons who need help (safety first).
4. Water Access & Pricing: Water should not be this expensive, especially when guests aren’t allowed to bring their own. Many people don’t realize they can bring an empty reusable cup. Filtered drinking stations would help cut down on the need to stand in long concession lines just to hydrate. When you're with a group, even souvenir cups for tap water add up quickly — and unfortunately, the water isn’t filtered.
Despite a few of these comfort concerns, we had a fantastic time and will absolutely be back. This was probably our fifth or sixth visit. I just hope management takes a moment to consider some of these ideas — not just from a guest’s perspective, but also from the hardworking employees’ point of view.
Thank you, CJ Barrymore’s, for another memorable day 💙
Edit: I know this should go without being said but remind your kiddos to hold on to those game cards tightly. I think the only issue we have time and time again is that the kids set them down and forget them and unfortunately it's not a very honest world.
Because we're celebrating her birthday i gave each kid 100$ game card. 2 of them lost their cards after just a few games. And just like most places there's nothing that can be done. My daughter found a game card and turned it in to the lost and found. 90% of people are not going to do that and even if they do there's no way to prove it's yours. So bring a marker. It might help your chances.❤️