Thunderbird Roller Rink

Just this past weekend I had my son's birthday party here. I was skeptical because I had read all the negative reviews. But I have to say it was GREAT! I don't know when the management changed and if I was dealing with the old management the complaints seem to be about or new management. But I paid by CHECK (I saw someone mentioned they don't acceot check or credit) my $100 deposit and paid the reminder by debit card at the end of the party. I'm not sure how manyemployees worked the party, but there were at least 3 people making and slicing the pizzas, a dj (who also offered to use my camera and take pictures, while taking requests, awesome!) and the owner must have asked me about 20 times if there was anything I needed. We spent the extra $100 for the private party up to 50 skaters and had about 25 kids and their parents skating. The pizza was actually pretty good (16 inch pizzas) I ordered 5 for 50 people and it worked perfectly. I think they were $14 a pie. We brought our own cake and table settings. And the kids were anxious to hurry and eat so they could get back out to skating again. And so were the parents. They also allowed us to use the skate assists which looked like walkers on wheels for the little kids, who absoletly LOVED skating because of them. Obviously it is a roller rink and not the most sanitary place so there's always room for improvement. But I brough a bottle of hand sanitizer for each table. Oh soda/drinks were included in the price. Forgot to mention that. I would ask next time if I could bring in maybe bottles of water, that would have been helpful. Not ONE of the employees was rude at all. And in fact exctremly pleasant. The dj took the kids requests and played games like limbo etc. The kids never seemed bored and mine were upset when it was time to leave after 2 hours. We have had birthday parties at all the usual spots (bounce houses, Lifetime fitness, etc) and I can honestly say I thought this was the best one. I also got a ton of glow in the dark necklaces from oriental trading company since we did a glow and roll. And If your looking for suggestions as for gift bags we had tee shirts made that said my open skate and a roller skate on it through discount mugs (whom we've used before). I also made chocolate molds of roller skates (from amazon). We have used discount mugs before for water bottles made for rock climbling last year and had a gtreat experience as well. I would highly recommend :\r 1. getting the private party so that you don't have to share the rink, especially if your kids are younger.\r 2. Go check out the rink on a Saturday before you book so you can see if it works for you. \r more

My friend planned her 6 year old's birthday party there. She bought a $300 dollar package and was never told that ONLY the children were able to get free skates. All of the parents and any siblings were required to pay ($7) for the rentals. And you have to pay cash. So think about showing up and waiting in line to get in just to be turned around to go somewhere else to get cash, with your children. To go along with it, they do all of their book keeping out of a notebook and require cash for every single thing- even her $300 HAD to be cash. Along with their lack of technology, there will be no reciepts given. My son is 5 and could not skate for very long so he asked if he could walk with us while we skated. The people told us that he was ablsolutely not allowed on the floor without skates (only the parents can). When we asked the manager about it, he said it was because they are little and he doesn't want them to get hurt. How does that make sense? He is much more likely to get hurt ON the skates than off! My poor little guy cried because he wanted to be out there with everyone else but he was too tired and it was too hard for him to skate! Anyway, when you walk in, it smells bad, the skates look super gross, even felt odd, don't know when they vacuumed last, the sides of the rink are rickety, the drop-in ceiling tiles were water damaged, dingy, some of which were missing and bowed so badly that they will be falling down shortly I'm sure. Also, their party rooms are fine overall, but still pretty pathetic compared to other childrens party rooms. They were painted with a different color on opposite walls but they were super small, had to shimmy by each other and their version of decorations was a single ""Happy Birthday"" banner that they must have gotten at the dollar store. Now, this is nit-picking, but having an adults only song while you have 3 young childrens birthday parties running, doesn't seem very freakin smart. Do that during nights, not at 3pm on a Sunday. Duh. more

3 stars only because I like it's still open. But it is so worn down and smelly. Plus ONLY accepts Cash (without receipt). Inconvenient when you bring 15 kids and need to go to the local ATM inside and pay $5,- extra fee (local ATM and BofA). Not really friendly too. more

Seriously!! Not letting a child in a wheelchair on the rink at a birthday party??? Are you looking for a lawsuit?? more

The owners of the building decided to not renew the lease of the previous management in March of 2010. Not quite the same rink as it used to be. Still a great floor. Pros: Fast floor, but what's the point? Cons: Blah DJ's and music, money goes to shady business thieves more

We attended a birthday party at Thunderbird Roller Rink this past weekend and had a blast! I had heard that the rink was closing, but it is not! I t is up and running. The original owner has taken the rink back over and has really made some positive changes. My children had a blast!!! We will definitely be spending our summer at Thunderbird. more

the original owner has taken back control and is getting everything in tip top shape.... we had a great time this afternoon. Pros: very kid and family centered more

Wow!! Too much fun! The music is great and I love the D.J.'s! The staff is really nice. Friday nights are the best. Also, private parties are sooo much fun, you get the whole place to yourself. more