Welcome to the Games Operations Training Module for Santa’s Wonderland. This guide covers the basics of working at our games and helping guests have a fun, welcoming experience.

Our Games

Santa’s Wonderland games include:

  • Catch a Character
  • Catch a Duck
  • Laughing Clowns

Each game has different rules. Please see the rules for each specific game below. Your supervisor will show you how to operate the game you’re assigned to.

Catch a Character

Prices
  • $10 to catch 2 characters
  • $20 to catch 6 characters
How to Play

Each character has a number underneath it. Add the numbers together to calculate the guest’s score. The higher the score, the bigger the prize they may win.

You can invite guests to play by saying: “Would you like to have a go? It’s $10 to catch 2 characters, or $20 to catch 6.”

Prize Categories
  • 0–55 points — Consecutive prize:* Offer the guest two prize choices. For example: “Congratulations, you scored 40 points. You can choose the unicorn or the butterfly.” Don’t simply tell guests to pick a prize from the bucket. Offering two choices helps keep service moving and makes the prizes feel more special.
  • 55–85 points — Small plush:* These prizes are displayed on the central chain and can also be purchased for $30 each.
  • 86–125 points: These prizes are displayed on the hanging floor chains and can also be purchased for $40.
  • 126–165 points: These prizes are located at the bottom of the central pyramid and can also be purchased for $50.
  • 166–205 points: These prizes can also be purchased for $80. Ask your supervisor where they are displayed.
    300–500 points — Giant prizes: These are generally displayed at the top of the central pyramid and can also be purchased for $200.
Offering Another Turn

After explaining the prize for the guest’s score, you can offer them the chance to play again. For example:

“Congratulations, you scored 40 points. You can choose the unicorn or the butterfly. Or, for an extra $10, you can catch four more characters and try for a bigger prize. Would you like to play again?”

If the guest chooses to continue, add their new numbers to their original score.

Additional Gameplay Pricing

The price structure continues as guests add more game plays. For example, it costs $10 to catch 2 characters or $20 to catch 6 characters. If a guest plays a third time, they can pay an additional *$10 to catch 2 more characters*. If they play a fourth time, they can pay another $10 to catch 4 more characters. Add each new score to the guest’s original score.

Catch a Duck

Prices
  • $10 to catch 2 ducks
  • $20 to catch 6 ducks
How to Play

Each duck has a number underneath it. Add the numbers together to calculate the guest’s score. The higher the score, the bigger the prize they may win.

You can invite guests to play by saying: “Would you like to have a go? It’s $10 to catch 2 ducks, or $20 to catch 6.”

Prize Categories
  • 0–55 points — Consecutive prize: Offer the guest two prize choices. For example: “Congratulations, you scored 40 points. You can choose the unicorn or the butterfly.” Don’t simply tell guests to pick a prize from the bucket. Offering two choices helps keep service moving and makes the prizes feel more special.
  • 5–85 points — Small plush: These prizes are displayed on the central chain and can also be purchased for $30 each.
  • 86–125 points: These prizes are displayed on the hanging floor chains and can also be purchased for $40.
  • 126–165 points: These prizes are located at the bottom of the central pyramid and can also be purchased for $50.
  • 166–205 points: These prizes can also be purchased for $80. Ask your supervisor where they are displayed.
  • 300–500 points — Giant prizes: These are generally displayed at the top of the central pyramid and can also be purchased for $200.
Offering Another Turn

After explaining the prize for the guest’s score, you can offer them the chance to play again. For example:

“Congratulations, you scored 40 points. You can choose the unicorn or the butterfly. Or, for an extra $10, you can catch four more ducks and try for a bigger prize. Would you like to play again?”

If the guest chooses to continue, add their new numbers to their original score.

Additional Gameplay Pricing

The price structure continues as guests add more game plays. For example, it costs *$10 to catch 2 ducks* or *$20 to catch 6 ducks. If a guest plays a third time, they can pay an additional *$10 to catch 2 more ducks*. If they play a fourth time, they can pay another *$10 to catch 4 more ducks**. Add each new score to the guest’s original score.

Laughing Clowns

Prices
  • $10 to play one clown
  • $35 to play four clowns

The four-clown option is often shared by two children, with each child playing two games.

How to Play

Each clown contains five balls. Release the balls into the tray, then invite the player to place them into the clown’s mouth, one at a time.

You can invite guests to play by saying:
“Would you like to have a go? It’s $10 for one clown or $35 for four.”

Prizes

Every player wins a prize. The winning numbers are displayed on the board, and the prizes for those numbers are arranged on the back shelf in front of them.

If the player doesn’t score a winning number, offer them a prize from the buckets and give them two choices. For example:  “That’s not a winning number, but you still get a prize. Would you like the butterfly or the unicorn?”

Offer choices that suit the guest. For example, you could offer a boy a boxing monkey or a dog.

Big Prizes

To win one of the big prizes displayed on the back wall, the player must score *5 or 30. They need to get all five balls into the clown’s mouth in **column 1* to score 5, or all five into the clown’s mouth in *column 6* to score 30.

Gameplay Online Tickets

If a guest has purchased game play online, they must redeem their ticket for a game-play voucher before playing. The ticket can be printed or shown on their phone.

Direct them to the VIP desk at the front entrance, where staff will scan the ticket and barcode and exchange it for a game-play voucher. Online tickets cannot be accepted directly at the game.

One game-play voucher is worth $10 of game play. If guests want to play again, they can pay at the game with cash or EFTPOS.

Answer questions clearly, and ask your supervisor if you’re unsure.

Running the Games

  • Follow the game’s instructions and your supervisor’s guidance.
  • Explain the rules before the guest starts.
  • Make sure each guest receives the correct number of turns or game equipment.
  • Keep the game area tidy and safe.
  • Practical training will be provided at each game so you can learn its specific setup and operation.

Prizes

  • Award the prize that matches the guest’s result and the game rules.
  • heck the prize level before handing anything out.
  • Larger prizes kept in the Back of House (BOH) can only be accessed by a supervisor.
Payments and Cash Handling
  • Follow your site’s process for cash, EFTPOS and game-play vouchers.
  • Check payments and change carefully.
  • A member of management will visit your game regularly to exchange your money bag. Remove your current bag, fold it in half and hand it to the supervisor. Collect your replacement bag with your new starting float.
  • Do not remove or count cash in front of guests.* The exchange must be a clean swap: hand over the old bag and receive the new bag.
  • Never leave the game with the money bag. If money needs to be taken elsewhere, go with your supervisor.

Creating a Great Experience

Be friendly, fair and attentive with every guest. By following the game rules and your supervisor’s instructions, you’ll help make Santa’s Wonderland a fun experience for everyone.

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