After backlash, Santa visits at N.J. mall free again!
Update: The Cherry Hill Mall has had a holiday change of heart. Mall management sent the following statement to the Paste BN Network:
"Our customers and their mall experience is our number one priority. After last year's wildly successful debut of "Adventure to Santa – A DreamWorks DreamPlace," at Cherry Hill Mall, we decided to bring back the interactive journey for families to enjoy this holiday season.
A truly unique Santa experience, Dream Works' "Adventure to Santa" at Cherry Hill Mall is an immersive, interactive 17-20 minute attraction that takes families on a trip to the North Pole to see Santa –and is one of only 12 locations in the nation.
In the spirit of the holiday season, we want to keep things festive and bright. We have heard and value our loyal customers' feedback and as a result, have decided to remove the photo package purchase requirements.
We appreciate our loyal customers and will continue to incorporate social and compelling experiences into the mall environment throughout the year for all to enjoy. We hope families from around the region check out this must-visit holiday destination at the Cherry Hill Mall and also visit our other traditional Santa experiences at our six sister properties in the Philadelphia region."
Original post:
Santa Claus is coming to town for those who can afford to see him.
The Cherry Hill Mall in New Jersey has decided that seeing Santa has a $35 starting price tag.
The Adventure to Santa experience, which takes families on a 4D virtual sleigh ride to the North Pole with Shrek and friends, ranges from $35 to $75 per family or person, according to the mall website.
Kids can not sit on Santa's lap without paying the entrance fee, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Naturally, this has some adults, especially parents, up in arms.
Jim Granelli wrote on Facebook: Scrooges...What Next, The Grinch Instead???
Karen Wilson wrote on the mall's Facebook page on Nov. 14, "Any child should have the ability to see Santa at the mall without having to pay money to go through an attraction first. Have an alternate entrance to see Santa or separate Santa from the attraction part."
So, why the required price?
"Families who experienced this exciting amenity last year commented that it was nothing like any Santa visit they had ever had before, and parents were thrilled with not just the adventure but the quality of the photos as well," the mall's management, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, said in a statement Sunday, according to the Inquirer.
The exhibit is one of only 12 Adventure to Santa attractions in the U.S., PREIT said. But last year, the experience was free.
"We were mindful of all our customers' wishes and therefore host the more traditional Santa visits at our six other PREIT malls in the Philadelphia area," the statement said, according to the Inquirer.
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