Ive been to the Chicago one. Its all built to be very social media selfie friendly and theres a bar that is really built on 21+ drinks. We were semi bummed how little interesting or good or even local ice cream is available beyond its few, when functioning, “treat stations”
Had a good time still, but having built up to the “sprinkle pool” as its considered the grand tour finale, their big climax showpiece, seeing what it was like vs its marketing i immediately turned to my wife and said “oh, this is a lawsuit”
Like, lol, its a cool concept and visual but its SO obvious no one should actually ever get in it. Ours was like knee/thigh deep but of course to get pool illusion for all the hashtag selfies the tour guides practically command you, beg you to take, people would bury in, the guides verbal language was a clunky mix of encouraging getting in (gotta stay positive!) while kind of insinuating “…but the sprinkles are actually really hard/stiff with little give, so have fun, but its the opposite of a ballpit despite its enticing visual appearance!”
Usually there would be no real staffer in the room AT ALL, as this is where guides leave you, its right at the exit/gift shop, but after the last group stop at the bar/concession bit. So what happens is even if a staffer did say something, it was only ever sporadically, with mixed signals to 1-2 lone people, but we were left alone, you filter out, spend as much time as you want, new guides drop new groups off.
You would get new people in and with no reason not to theyd treat it like a ballpit to there profane laden reaction that it is not that. Guests would try to forewarn new guests.
Myself, even gingerly stepping in slowly, it is not a ballpit, there is no give, bad angles, the sprinkles shapes are horrible for human feet, its nearly impossible to move, stand flat, so its a twisted ankle nightmare all around.
The signs which are “sprinkled” (ha!) Among the kitschy decor are small, mild, mildly phrased and really dont do it justice. Ballpits tell you no head first diving right? You dont think much more of the signs than “oh like a ballpit” plus its too easy to walk in and get in unsafely without really being forced to ever SEE a sign.
Like, i hear you, but this was the most inevitable, i was not surprised at all lawsuit ever. Its more like a hardpacked sandbox. Cool idea, cheap as all get out execution.
…id recommend going though, what? I like dumb touristy quasi franchisee places. Im not saying go twice, but its a neat one off time killer. Dont get in the pool.
