New Planet X adds fun for adults, too

CEDAR RAPIDS -- When Planet X Fun Center began planning a move into a new space, the big worry wasn't about keeping the children happy. It was the adults.

Planet X moved early in May into the former Theatre Cedar Rapids space in front of Lindale Mall from its longtime home at 225 Collins Road NE after that space was leased by Joann Fabric & Crafts.

A new floor plant was required for the former Theatre Cedar Rapids space, and the decision was made to give adults their space.

Operating Partner Malcolm Full said some grown-ups are visiting Planet X for fun, but many - especially parents - it's another responsibility.

“The kids start playing and always have a good time,” full said. “But mom isn't here to see how many tickets she can win and how big of a stuffed animal she can take home.”

Planet X hopes to change the experience by offering more adult offerings. They include microbrews, gourmet pizza, wines, Iowa City-made Heyns Ice Cream and some nice sedentary entertainment options.

The new design includes a sports lounge in the former entrance/lobby apart from the clamor of the amusement area. It's equipped with Wi-Fi and large-screen televisions.

Planet X also expanded its adult beverage selections to include Fat Tire, Peace Tree, and Backpocket Brewing microbrews on draft.

Full said Planet X is also developing an outdoor patio seating area on the side of the building facing First Avenue, where guests can get away from the hustle and bustle.

The building was originally constructed to house the single-screen Plaza Theater before the days of multiplex cinemas in Cedar Rapids. Full said it's smaller than Planet X's previous location, which was made from a multiplex cinema building, but its dimensions were perfectly suited to Planet X's needs.

In addition to the need to improve the adult experience, Full said the new Planet X reflects lessons learned about sanitation. Instead of carpet, the facility was left with polished concrete floors that are easy to clean.

An upper mezzanine level holds the party rooms, which overlooks the amusement arcade area. Full said the mezzanine offers adults another opportunity to supervise the fun from a safe distance.

The move also posed the challenge of providing an equivalent amount of fun for guests in less floor space.

Full said Planet X trimmed its 18-hole indoor miniature golf course to nine holes, but also made it ADA-accessible for wheel chairs.

“We found that quite a few of the kids were not playing the full 18 holes because they would lose interest before the end,” Full said. The mini golf course was given an old west theme, and decorated with barn board from the Full family's old family farm.

Other key attractions include a climbing wall, laser tag, arcade games such as Ski Ball, and a mammoth electronic version of Connect Four, the old Milton Bradley table game.

The Jump Shot trampoline game, a local invention, also made it into the new facility from the old. Developed by the late trampoline and diving champion Eddie Cole of Cedar Rapids, it combines a trampoline with basketball-type shooting skills.

Full and his father, Dave Full, transformed the theater space into a Planet X in about a month, condensing a build-out period that has taken three months in previous openings.

It was important to Planet X because they wanted to keep an annual booking commitment to the Montezuma High School for its post-prom party.