Forum Index
»
Off-Topic
birthday parties
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| Has anyone used Andy's Parties or JW Tumbles for a toddler birthday party? Or a children's entertainer in your home? Do you feel the cost was worth it at this age |
Anonymous
| I've seen Mr Skip, O Susannah, and the Great Zucchini. All good but definitely not worth it at 2, definitely worth it at 4 (assuming you are already okay with the multi-hundred-dollar birthday party), a toss-up at 3. Have also seen and did not care for Broccoli. |
Anonymous
| P.S. Had one experience with Andy's Parties a few years ago and was extremely underwhelmed--they sent a zero-charisma teenager in a princess dress. I think the business was new then; perhaps it's gotten better. |
Anonymous
| I don't think it's worth it at 2 or 3. Definitely worth it at 4 and up. |
Anonymous
| If you have space, I think a moonbounce is perfect at 3. |
Anonymous
|
Had a JW Tumbles party in Arlington at age 3. Invited the pre-school class of 12. The kids had a blast.
Our house is small so no chance of having a party here. Plus, no clean up and the party is over when it is over |
Anonymous
| andi's parties-eh. I wouldn't hire them b/c they are unorganized, underwhelming, young kids w/ low enthusiasm, and most certainly not worth any significant amount of money. |
Anonymous
| I agree that expensive entertainers are better for 4, 5 and 6 yr. olds. I do not mind giving $$$ parties for my kids but, there is no point if they do't all love it. Save it for next time. We did my 3 year old son's birthday party at the firehouse off of Lee Highway right below 66 (I can't remember if its Arlington or Fairfax but think fairfax..) and it was worth the hike, it was not too expensive, and the firefighters were awesome (men and women btw!) The kids got to climb on the trucks and try on the eqipment and learned a little fire safety. It was worth it and they all, boys and girls, loved it!!! |
Anonymous
|
Hi - owner of Andy's Parties (and forum-addicted DCUM) here. I don't jump into most b-day discussions I see on the forums or list, but I feel the need to defend my company here. Feel free to ignore.
We run approximately 1000 parties each year, and we rely heavily on referrals and repeat business. Most of our clients (including many DCUMs) are very happy with our service. We couldn't stay in business any other way. We do occasionally have an unhappy client and we try our best to address the issue, and fix anything that needs fixing. Our staff is the best in the business. Yes - some of them are in high school. But, you don't want me running your party. I'm a mom. Our high school and college staff are MUCH more well-received by the kids, and are engaging, energetic, and fun. I know that b/c we ask every client for feedback. Have we ever had an issue at a party that was entirely our fault - yes. And we address it with the client. This is an anonymous forum...if you wrote the negative feedback about my company, please give me a chance to talk with you. I need to understand what happended and make any necessary adjustments to our program. Andy just wrote a blog post about this. http://www.andysparties.com/blog/09/03/person-dc-urban-mom-who-doesnt-us. Feel free to call me anytime - 301-309-2FUN, ext 3. To the OP - most of our theme parties are geared to kids age 3 and up. If you have a party for a 2-year-old, I can recommend some entertainers that are great. --Paula Ross |
Anonymous
There is a big difference between 2 years old and 3. There are tons of 3 year olds that are entertained by silly things understand silly humor geared to them. Even some 2 year olds will get it, although not all of them, but 3's are very entertained by performers that know that age. A straight magic show might be over their heads, but a silly show or musical person can certainly capture this age bracket. |
Anonymous
I went to a party at the Falls Church Fire Dept. (the one the pp is talking about) for a 3 year old and it was great. I also looked into it for my own son and it was comparable in price to JW Tumbles (about $200 to rent it + food). I have been to 1 party at JW Tumbles and will go to another in 2 weeks. One was for a 2 year old and this one will be for a three year old. At the 2 year old party, the kids had a blast. They have organized activities for the kids, but the kids can also just run around if they want, too. I don't think my 3 year old would be able to sit for long for an entertainer and I know my 20 month old could not. I would save those parties for when they are older |
Anonymous
| We went to a 4-yo party that Andy's did at a house. The kids seemed like they had a good time. I'm not sure I'd bother for a 2 or 3 year old. Cake and ice cream and a few toys and friends and they're as happy as can be. |
Anonymous
Remember 3 year olds can sit through the same movie 20 times, they can also sit through and laugh with an entertainer. It just has to be a show that is geared for that age. If a magician who is used to doing 10 year old shows tries to do the same show for a 3 year old it won't work. 3 year olds have different sense of humors than school age children, it has to silly and fun, and no question they will sit. They have better attention spans than you think. |
Anonymous
| The JW Tumbles on Duke Street in Alexandria should be avoided at ALL COSTS. The two times that I have been there for a party a child has been SERIOUSLY injured -- one child got a rope burn to the neck and the other time a child had to be taken to the hospital because they fell on the UNPADDED FLOOR and hit their head. The staff are teenagers who pay little or no attention to the childern (thank GOD the parents were paying attention). Please, please, please do not have parties at this location. |
Anonymous
| I have had a Little Gym party and thought it was worth every penny. But, it depends on what your tolerance is for hosting at your house. I have very little, I have discovered. |