Brianna's Blog

NEW Merchandise at Como Town General Store and Midway Games!

brianna — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:10:10 +0000

It has officially begun! With the holidays behind us and the new year well on its way, I recently set out on an unforgettable trip to visit one of our premier toy and novelty providers in Rhode Island. In one day I traveled 3,465 miles and had an amazing tour of their showrooms and warehouse. As a result of our trip to Rhode Island, I am happy to report we will be introducing a brand new world of plush, toys, games, and adventure at Como Town this season. It has been my personal responsibility to revamp and redo the merchandise at Como Town. So I called on some of my friends at Rhode Island Novelty to help!

My friends Dan and Beth at Rhode Island Novelty invited me to tour their showrooms for new ideas, work on merchandise layout and help improve the overall look and feel of Como Town’s General Store. When Como Town opens this spring, the store and the midway games will have a fresh new look. Each individual game is now outfitted with new, bigger and better, prizes than in the past. For example, this year we will have University of Minnesota basketballs at Hot Shot, new cuddly frogs and sea turtles at Feed the Frogs and an array of neon friends at Winner’s Circle. Our goal is to creating a beautiful park with safe rides, fun games and attractions, free family entertainment, fun and affordable merchandise, and most importantly, affordable prices for families. So stay tuned as I continue to highlight the upcoming improvements planned for the 2011 season. And don’t miss my next blog where I’ll highlight our new affordable ride packages and pricing!

- Bri

Essay Contest Results Are In!

brianna — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:25:04 +0000

The results are in for this year’s essay contest! Congratulations to Ashley W. from Zumbro Falls, MN, our winner of the Como Town Essay Contest and to Betty Lou V. from Isanti, MN, our runner up! Click here to read the winning entry! Ashley is a frequent visitor and loves visiting Como Zoo and Como Town! Her winning entry is hanging in my office and makes me smile every time I read it!

Ashley will be receiving a 2011 Como Town Season Pass for unlimited riding all season long and our runner up, Betty Lou V., will be receiving a family four pack of Unlimited Ride Wristbands. Thanks for sharing your Como Town love with us Ashley and Betty Lou and we look forward to seeing you this summer!

Happy Valentines,
Bri

Como Town Essay Contest

brianna — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:21:25 +0000

Can you believe 2011 is already here! And while 2010 flew by it left us with fond memories. We have a lot of terrific 2010 Como Town memories that top our charts, but we would like to know yours. Enter our 2nd annual Como Town essay contest; send us a short one page letter highlighting your favorite 2010 Como Town memories. This letter can be about several visits to Como Town or it can be from just one visit. Be creative and highlight all the fun you had. Pictures/drawings are welcome as well!

We will draw one winner and one runner up. The winner’s story will be published on the Como Town Web site and in the February Como Town Gazette. The winner will receive a 2011 Como Town season pass. The runner up will receive a family four pack of Unlimited Ride Wristbands to Como Town to be enjoyed any time during the 2011 season. I look forward to reading all your wonderful Como Town stories, and helping create many more magical memories in 2011!

Please send your essay entry to:

Como Town
Attn: Brianna
1255 Kaufman Drive
St. Paul, MN 55103

Note: All entries must be received by Monday, January 31, 2011.

T’was the Night Before New Years…

brianna — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:56:15 +0000

T’was the night before New Years and all through Como Town
Not a ride was running and the Cotton Candy machines were silent.
While Will and I (Bri) had just settled down for warm cup of hot coco (it’s -3 below out here)
When out in the park there arose such a clatter we sprang from our desk chairs to see what was the matter.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a slew of Como Town Crew with all of their maintenance gear
I knew in that moment that spring was on its way
But how can that be when it’s so cold, dreary, and gray?

They spoke not a word, but went straight to work
Painting, fixing, assembling and cleaning up all this murk!
Before we knew it—it was here—the happiest time of the year,
The 2011 Como Town season had arrived, and we all let out a loud cheer!

I woke up with a smile, it was just a dream but I sprang to my feet
Let’s make this daydream a reality — boy will it be neat!
I gave my team a call, it’s time to make history
Just wait to see what we unravel, after all it’s one heck of a mystery!

And I heard them exclaim as they let out a squeal, “YIPPE, See you when Como Town opens!”

Some Very “BIG” Ideas for 2011!

brianna — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:55:10 +0000

Some may say it’s the holiday season, others may say it’s too cold to think of anything, while I say it’s time to plan the 2011 Como Town season. But this year instead of just thinking about 2011, I felt it would be best to think of the “big picture!” How can we impact our guests in a large way? And how can we increase the fun? Well thanks to my recent trip to Orlando at the 2010 IAAPA trade show I have some very “BIG” ideas….

Starting out on a small scale let’s focus on some of the items Como Town visitors suggested:

Better queuing lines - I couldn’t agree more! This coming season 2011 you’ll notice easier to follow and better organized queuing stations making your wait time hopefully much shorter.
Easier to understand point packages and costs – We are currently creating the 2011 ride packages with you in mind, making it easier to understand, and more affordable for everyone – especially large families. Stay tuned for family packages and passes!
Open late for working parents – You spoke and we listened! A lot of parents work late and want to be able to enjoy Como Town with your kids, so coming in 2011 look for extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
More activities and programs for kids and families – After hearing the importance of enrichment activities and kids’-only activities we are bringing back some old favorites and adding some fun new activities for everyone. Look for “Parent Date Nights,” Mother’s Day Tea parties, Como Town camp-outs, and more!

But now for the really fun stuff you’re all wondering about, the RIDES! While I don’t like to spoil any surprises I will say that we are working on a fun new attraction for everyone to enjoy this season, but stay tuned for the BIGGEST addition happening in 2012, we’ll have you swirling, screaming, and climbing to all new heights! Watch for sneak peaks into the 2011 season, and check out a few of the photos from our 2010 Orlando trip!

Warm wishes,
Bri

It’s Time for the IAAPA Trade Show!

brianna — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 19:04:55 +0000

This time next week I will be joined by thousands of my colleagues in Orlando testing new rides, sampling new “amusement park food,” checking out the latest and greatest entertainment, and of course snuggling up with some very cuddly plush-critters. And while it sounds like a vacation, it’s actually work! That’s right it’s that time of year again when amusement park operators, managers, and employees flock to the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) trade show and conference to learn about the newest and greatest trends in the Amusement Park business. I am attending in search of the prefect addition to our family-friendly park. Do you have any ideas on what that addition should be? A thrill ride? A water ride? Different food? A new Birthday Party package? What are your thoughts? Please share them with me! Send me an e-mail, bwarner@comotown.com and let me know what you’d like to see, after all it’s your park too! I look forward to hearing from you. And, check back, I’ll be posting photos from Orlando within the next few weeks so you too can join the fun and excitement of IAAPA!

- Bri

ZooBoo at Como Zoo

brianna — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:01:51 +0000

Como Zoo’s grounds are transformed into a storybook paradise where flowers can talk, pirates offer hugs and the tigers can dance. This year’s spooktacular fundraiser is scheduled the weekends of October 16-17 and 22-24 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. ZooBoo is a family-friendly, five-night adventure that is sure to delight all mummy’s little monsters. Guests follow a boooo-tiful trick-or-treat path, stopping at special themed stations while over 200 costumed characters entertain and interact with all the little ghosts and goblins along the way. Highlights include trick-or-treating at approximately ten treat stations, pumpkin bowling, craft activities and lots of surprises. Make no bones about it, this magical event offers families a safe, fun trick-or-treating alternative, so bring all your ghoul friends and come as you aren’t.

ZooBoo guests are encouraged to park their brooms and take advantage of the free shuttle service. The park and ride lot is conveniently located off Snelling Avenue and Como next to the International Institute of MN (1694 Como Ave.West), directly across from the Minnesota State Fair grounds. The shuttle runs from approximately 4-8:15 p.m. each evening.

Advance tickets for the ZooBoo are $6 and available at Como’s Garden Safari Gifts, all metro area Cub Food stores and online. Tickets may also be purchased at the gate each evening for $7. Tickets are good for any night of the event. The event is held rain or shine. Guests are encouraged to bring their own trick-or-treat bag. For more information call 651-487-8226 or visit www.comozooconservatory.org.

Como Town Rides are Fun and Educational!

brianna — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:18:46 +0000

Click above for the Como Town Physics Fact Worksheet

Can you believe in just one week the temperature went from 90 down to 50 degrees? Only in Minnesota do we run into these crazy weather phenomenon. But don’t fret, Como Town is open and whirling away every weekend in September. We’re open Saturdays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Como Town is a great place for families, and a great place to learn fun new facts to keep those wheels turning. Click here to print off an educational fact worksheet on the Physics of Como Town rides and come to Como Town to search for the answers. Complete your worksheet and bring it to any ticket booth to receive 16 free ride points! Have fun learning more about the science of rides and enjoy Como Town before we close for the 2010 season.

Stop by the Como Town General Store for fabulous year-end savings! Select merchandise throughout the store marked down 20% – It’s a good time to get Como Town gear for less!

- Bri

Time to Get Social!

brianna — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:02:57 +0000

Join us on our Social Networks!

Wow, hasn’t summer gone by fast?! Como Town has been having a great season so far, with the opening of the new Tilt-A-Whirl and Splash Zone, visits by Dazzling Dave the Yo-Yo Master, and special deals like Season Pass Appreciation Weekend! There is more to come, and Como Town wants YOU to know all about it!

Facebook has more than 400 million users from over 180 countries and Twitter has more than 106 million users! If you “like” Como Town’s page on Facebook or follow us on Twitter you will be the first to find out about special deals and events. And watch closely, because there will be some deals only for Facebook and Twitter followers.

Recently, Como Town has made it easier for you to follow us on social networking sites. When you visit Como Town, be sure to swing by the Midway Ticket booth to sign up for sweet deals, valuable coupons and most importantly become our ‘friend’ on all your favorite social sites.

-Bri

The NEW Splash Zone Grand Opening!

brianna — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:56:57 +0000

Did you know that yesterday was the first day of summer? That’s right! Happy Summer Solstice everybody! For Como Town this means that the park is in full swing. The weather is hot, the sun is bright, and the rides are operating in all of their glory. A new season means new attractions for Como Town, and we have the grand opening of an exciting addition to the park this week!

This Saturday, June 26 will be the grand opening of our newest attraction, Splash Zone! The Splash Zone is an area dedicated to that cool refresher we all love on those hot summer days: WATER. Fountains, sprayers, buckets galore, this area is full of that wet and wild fun every kid is looking for. The Splash Zone is located in Hodge Podge Park and is included with your Hodge Podge Park admission.

Get ready for some fun in the sun, as The Radio Disney Road Crew will be making a stop at Como Town this Saturday! At 1 p.m. the dancing will begin as station AM 1440 Radio Disney will be blastin’ their tunes for all to hear. Radio Disney games, prizes and music will last for an hour so stop by.

Could this Grand Opening get any more exciting you may ask? As a matter of fact, it most definitely could! This Saturday, only with admission to Hodge Podge Park and Splash Zone, you will receive one free game of Water Wars! Another way to cool down, Water Wars – the exciting new take on the classic water balloon fight – is the perfect compliment to every child’s Como Town experience.

Whether you come for the water, the rides, the music or the games, we hope to see you at the Splash Zone’s Grand Opening this Saturday!

Bri