Site Map | FAQ  |  Contact Us | Party Themes | About Us

Make Believe Parties
providing the best in Children's Birthday Parties since 2001
serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando, Manatee, Sarasota and Pasco Counties
Amazing Children's Parties in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Brandon-Valrico Area,
Wesley Chapel, Plant City, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Lutz and most Bay Area Cities
We are available to travel* to many central Florida cities including: Sarasota, Lakeland, Bradenton,
New Port Richey, Largo, Zephyrhills, Seminole, Palmetto, Venice, Ellenton, Homosassa,
Tarpon Springs and many more
*Travel Fee may apply
813-234-4032

©2011 Use of our website content is strictly prohibited.

This includes text, photos, images or ideas.

 

 

How do I reserve my party? Once a party date is confirmed, a non-refundable deposit of $100 and a signed party contract must be receive within one week to secure your reservation. The balance is due the day of the party. We gladly accept cash, credit cards and personal checks made payable to Make Believe Parties.

How far in advance should I book my party? If you have a specific date in mind, we recommend calling well in advance of your chosen date. We are often booked up for 2-3 months. You can reserve the date with a deposit and decide the details when you are ready.

How soon will I receive my invitations? Our invitations are custom created for your event. We often order special designs for your party or create them by hand. Therefore, please allow 2-3 weeks from your booking date for us to design, create and mail your custom invitations. There will be a rush order charge of $25 for all invitation orders, if you would like them sooner.
Effective beginning June 2008

Who will be hosting my child's party the day of the event? All Make Believe Parties are hosted by the owner and professional party planner, Laura Johnson. Her husband and business partner, David, may join her in hosting events with large numbers of boys. Only in the event of illness or emergency, will another professional party hostess be substituted, ensuring that your event can take place as scheduled. If the emergency or illness is at the last moment or a suitable substitute is not availably, we reserve the right to reschedule your party.

Will you take party photos and will they be used on your website? Every party guest leaves our parties with a party photograph as a party favor. Some photos may be used on our website or Facebook, however, no identifying information will be published. If you do not wish to have your child on our website, please let us know.

What if I need to cancel or change the party date? Your deposit is non-refundable and cannot be returned for any reason. In the case of illness or emergency, we will gladly reschedule your party with another available date. If new invitations, food and beverage are needed, an additional fee may apply.

Do you bring an assistant? Sometimes, depending on the age and gender of your guests and theme of your event. An assistant's fee of $50 may be charged for groups over 12 if all attending are girls, 12 if boys and girls are on your guest list. Some themes for boys and girls will have another host fee built into the price to account for the extra host. Another additional third assistant may be added for parties over 16 guests. If you would like us to bring an assistant regardless of the number of guests, we would be happy to provide one. If you request an extra assistant, this assistant can help you serve cake and beverages to your party guests.

What if there is inclement weather? In the event of severe weather making it unsafe for us to travel to your event, Make Believe Parties reserves the right to reschedule the party. Most parties can go on as scheduled indoors if it is a rainy day. We recommend having a back up plan for outdoor parties.

Is there a travel fee or delivery charge? There is a $1 per mile charge for distances over 30 miles roundtrip. The distance will be determined using Google Maps. If your home is 40 miles each way from our location that is a total of 80 miles roundtrip, you will be charged $50 for the additional 50 miles. This helps us cover our travel time and fuel costs. We will also add in toll charges.

When do you need the final RSVP count? Please contact us within 5 days of the party to review the guest list and determine the final count for your party. Some themes, such as Stuffing Parties or parties needing special orders, require a two week advance RSVP date, to insure delivery of the materials.

If a child doesn't show up, do I still pay for that child? Yes, your final RSVP count determines the price for your party, not the number of children that show up. This is the number we prepare crafts and favors for. You may keep the party favors for any no-shows. If a child chooses not to participate during the party, you are still charged for your final count.

What about siblings or unexpected guests? If a child is expected to participate in the party in any way, please include them in your guest count. If unexpected children participate in the party, we can add them to your total. Special favor bags are available for older or younger children.

Does the party hostess come in costume?  Our party hosts provide a high energy experience and come dressed in comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely and interact fully with the children. Our hosts do not wear costumes, but wear theme appropriate attire or coordinating colors of slacks/shorts and polo shirts. We always dress neatly and professionally for each event. Costumed characters may be arranged, please call for details.

Where can I have my party? We are a mobile party company that provides parties in your home. Make Believe Parties will set up and clean up all of our activities and will treat your home like a castle. An indoor area is required for costume changes.
**We cannot provide parties in parks or outdoors only facilities.

What is the minimum and maximum number of children? Our packages have a minimum number of eight children, including the birthday child. Parties smaller than eight will still be charged for eight children. Many themes have a definite maximum number of guests. To provide our best services, we recommend between 8-12 guests, but can accommodate larger groups with certain restrictions. An assistant's fee of $40 will be charged for groups over 14 if all attending are girls, 12 if boys and girls are on your guest list. Another assistant will be added for parties over 16 guests.

My child is turning one, but our guests are all ages. What kind of party is best for us? We have a variety of themes that will accommodate a variety of ages. When planning a first birthday party, most families choose a theme or entertainment that will suit the needs of most of their guests. If you have lots of families coming with children may we suggest: Under the Sea, Teddy Bears Rubber Duckies or Bubble Fun. We can create a custom party based on your theme. Call for details. Pricing for custom parties is different than our pricing for our existing themes.

I'm having a very large group. Can you plan a party for me?  Absolutely, Make Believe Parties has created many large
 events. We can create a custom party package just for you. So, if your inviting the whole neighborhood or the whole
     class, we can create a special party to make your child's day a wonderful celebration. Call for details.
         Assistant fees and custom event design fees may apply.