One of the things we love most about working at Metropolis is getting to create experiences families look forward to year after year. Whether you're visiting for the first time or you've been making memories with us for years, we're grateful every time you choose to spend your time here.

In this episode of Fun Intended, Kate sat down with our Director of Sales & Marketing, Mariah Geisert, to talk about appreciation. What started as a conversation about our annual Customer Appreciation Party turned into a discussion about something much bigger: why making people feel welcome has always been at the heart of what we do.

It's All About How People Feel

One thing we've learned over the years is that while attractions bring families through the door, it's often the way they feel during their visit that brings them back.

When Kate asked Mariah what stands out most after seven years at Metropolis, her answer wasn't a favorite attraction or event. It was the people. Making guests feel seen, welcomed, and valued is what hospitality is all about.

Of course we want families to have fun, but we also hope they leave feeling a little more connected, a little more relaxed, and with memories they'll talk about long after the visit is over.

Why "Appreciation" Is More Than Just a Party

Like many businesses, the years following COVID gave us an opportunity to think differently about the guest experience.

Families have countless ways to spend their time together, and we never take it for granted when they choose to spend that time with us.

That's one of the reasons we brought back our Customer Appreciation Party. It's our chance to say thank you in a tangible way, but it's also a reminder that appreciation isn't something we save for one day each year.

Throughout the year, we look for little opportunities to make a guest's experience extra special. Whether it's a thank-you note after a birthday party, a birthday surprise waiting in a hotel room, or simply taking a little extra time with a guest, those small moments matter.

Relationships Matter (Honestly, Sometimes More Than the Attractions)

As much as we love opening new attractions and creating new experiences, some of our favorite moments have nothing to do with rides or games.

They're the conversations with returning families. Watching kids grow up over the years. Seeing grandparents bring a new generation to experience the same traditions. Celebrating birthdays, reunions, and milestones alongside the families who choose to celebrate with us.

Those relationships are a big part of what makes hospitality so rewarding, and they're something we never want to lose as Metropolis continues to grow.

Our Guests Always Know When We Care

One thing Mariah mentioned during our conversation is that people can tell when appreciation is genuine.

That's why we've always wanted our Customer Appreciation Party to feel like more than just another event on the calendar. Every year we look for ways to make it a little different, whether that's adding new activities, finding new surprises, or simply creating more opportunities to spend time with our guests.

One of the best parts of the day is seeing our leadership team serving food, playing games, and having conversations with families. It's a chance to slow down, connect, and say thank you face-to-face.

Why We Love Those Little Moments (And Why They Matter So Much)

Some of the stories that stay with us the longest aren't the biggest ones.

During the podcast, Mariah shared the story of a young guest who mailed back a lollipop after realizing he'd left without paying for it. Along with it was a handwritten apology.

Instead of simply accepting it, she wrote him a letter back thanking him for his honesty and invited his family back for another visit.

Moments like that are a reminder that appreciation goes both ways. They're small acts of kindness, but they're often the stories people remember for years.

Community, Growth, and What's Next

As Metropolis continues to grow, so does our opportunity to welcome even more families through our doors.

Whether it's a Customer Appreciation Party, a birthday celebration, or simply a Saturday afternoon spent together, our goal stays the same: to create a place where families can make memories together and feel genuinely appreciated while they're here.

If you've been part of our story, thank you for letting us be part of yours. And if you're planning your first visit, we can't wait to welcome you.

Join the Fun, You’re Invited!

Ready to experience all the behind-the-scenes planning for yourself?
Book your next family stay at Metropolis Resort.

And if you want to keep up with our expansion journey, make sure to check out the full podcast right here!