Mega Maze - Sunrise, FL

Mega Maze was a very short lived family entertainment center from 1993 that existed in Sunrise, Florida and was advertised as being "Broward's Biggest Maze". Not a lot of information is known about this establishment, as it is infamously known for having perhaps the shortest lifespan of any known Rock-afire Explosion entertainment center - approximately three months. The complex had grandiose plans after opening, with talks of a second unit being under construction, before closing abruptly and without warning.

History / Background

Mega Maze had their grand opening in August of 1993. Right away, their show was used heavily in advertising, even though the main draw of the restaurant was intended to be its “family fitness” aspects, like its play structures and the active classes it offered. The center’s logo was a dolphin, and it was advertised as "Broward’s Biggest Maze" (Maze referring to the Discover Zone style play towers). Even in the opening ad, franchising opportunities were advertised, as the owners sought to make this a successful chain in the vastly growing fitness-entertainment market of the early 90s. Not much is known about who started the chain, listed in public records was “Claudia Rockaport of Plantation" and “Andersonville International Investments".

Their show was a classic three stage Rock-afire Explosion with a Show Selector. The show appeared to be a brand new, and was bought directly from Creative Engineering. No customizations or unique additions seemed to be added to the show, and ads referred to it as “Three stage animation shows” where birthday kids could get a reserved entry in the “Animation Room” (for one hour). A Billy Bob walkaround would also roam Mega Maze, greeting guests.

In the fall of 1993, a second location began construction on Kendall Street across town. This never materialized though, and a shocking three months after opening, the original Mega Maze closed with zero warning. When families showed up who had booked birthday parties, they were met with a sign on the door that read “Out of business”. Deposits were not returned, no one was informed, and the building was completely gutted seemingly overnight. The local occupational license department wasn’t even aware of the closing, and was advising some residents to seek legal action to get back the money they had paid for their parties in advance. Members of the local community were able to go to the nearby Circus World Pizza in Coral Springs, which generously offered longer hours to accommodate families who had booked parties at the now-closed Mega Maze. The sudden appearance of the restaurant with little clue as to where the funding came from, and immediate disappearance mere months after opening led to speculation about shady business practices or mismanagement. The building was taken over by Explorations, another local children’s fitness center.

The show was returned to Creative Engineering. Shortly after the business closed the owners contacted CEI to sell the show back and exit the Show Selector lease program. Upon being returned to CEI, parts of the show (or the entire thing) were sold to Stageshow Pizza, later going on to be used at Animal House Pizza before being sold to various private collectors.

Information & Details

Mega Maze
3445 Hiatus Rd
Sunrise, FL 33351

Fate of the show: Returned to Creative Engineering