How Far You’d Need to Travel from NY to See the Chuck E. Cheese Make Believe Band

It was somewhat of a right of passage as a kid here in the Hudson Valley; you had to have a birthday party at this popular 'rat themed' spot at some point or another in your younger years. Yes, there are two Hudson Valley locations still operational, even all these years later, but pretty soon, an iconic piece of the Chuck E. Cheese experience that we all know (and admit it, love), will be be limited to a singular west coast location.

READ MORE: What Did This Former Chuck E. Cheese Location Turn Into?

Meet The Chuck E. Cheese Make Believe Band

Perhaps you've unfamiliar with the cast of characters that make up the Chuck E. Cheese Make Believe Band. Allow us to formally introduce you to Mr. Munch tickling the ivories, Jasper T. Jowls on guitar, Pasqually on drums and of course, Helen Henny behind the mic.

Over the past several years, many of of the 400 remaining Chuck E. Cheese locations nationally received major interior renovations, still holding onto the nostalgia of the early days while getting some much needed upgrades. A part of those renovations was the 'phasing out' of those infamous oversized members of the Make Believe Band.

Believe it or not, Chuck E. Cheese will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2027, and company officials have shared that we can expect some exciting announcements leading up to that 2027 anniversary celebration.  These days, though, the exciting news is that the Make Believe Band has secured a residency location.

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Animatronic Bands To Be Removed From All But One Chuck E. Cheese Restaurant

In a formal press release earlier this month, 'CEC officials' announced that The Make Believe band will call the Northridge California Chuck E. Cheese location home as they officially began a residency on November 10th. It will be the nation's 'only fun center to feature its new entertainment as well as an original animatronic band.' This particular location, not far from LA, is being billed as a 'destination for fans of all ages - past and present' due to the totally modern upgrade, and what company officials call a 'new vision.'

An '80's life' vlogger based out of California had the chance to swing by the Northridge location to scope it out for the rest of us who are watching closely from a distance.

The Make Believe Band will perform daily in California, shared David McKillips, President and CEO of the Chuck E. Cheese parent company:

As an important part of the legacy of the brand, we know that the animatronic band holds a special place for many fans in their childhood memories. We want our fans to know that the decision to keep the band here is meant as a gesture of love and gratitude as our legacy continues to evolve in new ways.

So, the obvious question becomes when should we plan our road trip?

And speaking of former Hudson Valley birthday party hotspots, remember Discovery Zone?