Birthdays! We celebrate them every year. Do you remember what it was like celebrating when you were growing up? For me, it was a family dinner with a cake, normally one that I shared with my grandpa because we were born a day apart (well, 60 years and a day, but you get my drift). Sometimes it was dinner at a nice restaurant which meant a scratchy dress and uncomfortable shoes and panty hose. Oh, then there was that one year when we I got to go to Chuck E. Cheese’s with my sister and two cousins; mainly because the closest Chuck E. Cheese’s was about 45 minutes away. Years later, now that I am a parent, oh how things have changed!
This year, my daughter is a first grader and birthday parties are all the rage {Is that still a trendy word?}. Parties in the park, swim parties, movie parties, crafting, restaurant with playground parties, pizza, burgers, cake, ice cream… you name it and the kids in our class have covered it. Luckily, I don’t think our class is focused on who’s party is cooler than who’s but they do try to make sure that they don’t replicate someone else’s birthday shindig. After a park party, playground party, and crafting party it was our turn to throw our hat in the ring and make a statement. We had a cake and ice cream and craft party last year so we decided to switch gears this year and change things up. Besides, cake and crafting was sooo last year … see what I did there?
We gave Mini Me, our daughter, a few options and as soon as we mentioned Chuck E. Cheese’s she started jumping around and giggling; it was a clear winner by a long shot. I was thrilled with this for a number of reasons. 1. Pizza and games. 2. Pizza. 3. We can book the party online. Chuck E. Cheese’s has a user friendly website that allows you to plan the party from start to finish including the birthday package, party favors, dessert, and even the theme.
In fact, when I registered for our little one’s party, I noticed that the birthday themes are all new! We were able to choose from “Party Like a Rock Star,” “Dressed in Pink,” “Sports, Sports, Sports” and “Chuck E. Super Fan.” Since my daughter just turned seven, it was a no brainer. Everything in my house is pink at the moment, I may be embellishing a bit, so Dressed in Pink it was! There is a cake section featuring treats with sweet frosting, rich cake, and a splash of colored sprinkles, and even packages with goody bags!
When it came to selecting our Birthday package, the website was extremely helpful as they offer three price packages (Star, Super Star and Mega Super Star) and you are able to lineup a comparison shot that shows what each package provides. It’s simple; you look at your budget, the number of guests attending, and make your selection from there. Another added bonus of using the website, there are special offerings and bonuses for booking online. Seriously, check it out!
I booked our party, put down a small deposit to hold our date, and off we went. Thanks to Chuck E. Cheese’s, the invite process was painless and only took moments thanks to e-invitations that we were able to send to friends. All that was left was extra goodies and a special outfit for the birthday girl!
The day before the event, our Personal Party Coordinator called to see if we had any questions, obtain a final party attendee count, and to assure us the party would be everything that our little girl had hoped for and more. With less than 24 hours to go there was nothing more than pure excitement in the area. Chuck E. Cheese’s was handling all of the major details, I just had to make sure we all arrived safely, and settle in for some fun!
After a night of beauty sleep and a little girl asking, at least every five minutes, how soon until it was party time… the moment had arrived!! Upon our arrival we met Faith, our Party Coordinator. She showed us to our party table, went over the party plan with us, and then we all impatiently waited for our guests to arrive and the fun to begin.
Once the party began, I can’t tell you every single thing that happened and it feels like the two hours we spent there flew by in an instant. The good news is, I can’t tell you every single thing that happened because I didn’t have to worry about it. Our Party Coordinator, Faith, kept us on track and moving forward. The kids were able to enjoy a quick meet and greet where they ordered the drinks and pizza and then they were off to play games. As we set up the table with goodies, the kids were off enjoying themselves, in a secure area, and experiencing a bit of independence. We were able to take a step back, chat with the parents that opted to stay at the party for a bit of pizza and conversation, and not sweat the details because Faith was in complete control.
Faith started the “roundup” process when the food was ready and then it was time for hurried chat and giggles as everyone dug in and enjoyed the bubbling cheese and yummy goodness that is pizza. After a Happy Birthday dance session and pictures with the main mouse, Chuck E., it was time for presents, and goodies before the birthday girl took a spin in the Ticket Blaster. Then we enjoyed cake (well cupcakes) and the kids went back for more gaming fun before the party came to an end. There was so much packed into the two hours that I can hardly believe we made it through everything but we did, with ease, and the kids had an amazing time.
Once we made our main selections, the amazing Chuck E. Cheese’s staff took over from there and handled all of the party details, organization, and even cleanup. We left with smiling faces; some painted with a bit of pizza sauce and icing, and goodies galore. Fun was had by all and though I was tired, from packing so much in, I wasn’t left exhausted or with a mess to cleanup. After giving my daughter a quick post party survey I can say with ease and confidence that it was a double WIN in our book.
Chuck E. Cheese’s was absolutely fantastic and we can’t wait until our next birthday party event!
Have you been to Chuck E. Cheese’s lately? There’s something fun for everyone and it truly is the easiest place for a kid to be a kid!
Interested in a private event? Chuck E. Cheese’s hosts VIP Birthday Parties, too! The VIP selection offers guests a safe, contained play space for the birthday party with the bonus of no overwhelming crowds. VIP birthday parties get the whole party area to themselves before the restaurant opens, for 90 minutes and the Happy Birthday show will play exclusively for your party. For more details and party stipulations, click here for further information.
Chuck E. Cheese’s was thrilled to meet our little one and he will welcome yours with fun, dancing, and singing. See what Chuck E. Cheese’s has to offer and let us know what party theme you will be celebrating with your little one!
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Disclaimer: This post is written in collaboration with Chuck E. Cheese’s. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own.
