I really wanted to love this experience for my daughter's 4th birthday. The girls did have fun, and…read morethe staff working directly with them were sweet, but unfortunately, the mothers and I were disappointed with the overall experience, especially for the price of the Pritzy Doll Party package.
My biggest issue was the inconsistency and lack of transparency. The package I initially read about was 1 hour and 45 minutes. In an email, I was told 1 hour and 40 minutes. After paying my deposit, I was then told 1 hour and 30 minutes, with the explanation that 15 minutes was reserved for cleanup. I had also asked beforehand how much time the girls would have at each station/activity and never received a clear answer.
My original requested time was 1:00 PM. While I was emailing questions and preparing to send my deposit, I was informed that the time had been taken. I was offered other times and ultimately accepted 11:30, under the impression that we would still receive the full party time quoted.
I planned to arrive 10 minutes early but had trouble finding the location, which I take responsibility for. However, our party started at 11:30, and I made it upstairs around 11:32. The owner immediately commented, "Alright, we have to get started, we're already behind." Being two minutes past the scheduled start and immediately hearing that set the tone for an experience that felt rushed and tense from beginning to end.
Communication beforehand also contributed to this feeling. The person I spoke with by phone came across as somewhat snarky, almost as though my questions were a bother, and repeatedly mentioned how busy they were. With the constant emphasis on other parties, how quickly we were moved through activities, and the next party arriving early, it felt as though parties were scheduled very tightly.
Several restrictions were also communicated only after my deposit was paid. I was initially told only three adults could attend and had to explain that these were toddlers and mothers were not going to simply drop them off. Additional parents were eventually approved. At the party, we were still questioned about an adult accompanying one guest, despite having six girls and six adults and being told one adult per child was allowed.
The manicures were cute, and they made sure the girls' fingernails were dry. Unfortunately, the same care wasn't taken with the pedicures, and the toe polish didn't last. "Karaoke" consisted primarily of the birthday girl holding the microphone and singing two songs before the girls were moved along.
I had also asked about bringing pizza and was told not to because there wouldn't be enough time for the girls to eat it and that snacks were included. I was told popcorn, fancy drinks, and a candy bar would be provided. I wasn't expecting individual bags of Smartfood and two small trays of mini Airheads/sour candy. I also learned after paying my deposit that full decorations were not included.
Throughout the experience, we were repeatedly reminded of what our particular package did NOT include and that they had other parties. It began to feel like we were being reminded that we purchased a lower package rather than being made to feel that the package we did purchase was worth the price.
The "party room" is also very small. Three staff members stood around the girls while they ate, leaving little room for the mothers to sit with them, take pictures, or enjoy that moment. We honestly felt like we were in the way and needed to hurry.
Despite being told 15 minutes was reserved for cleanup, our party ended before we even received the full 1 hour and 30 minutes. The next party had arrived early, tables were wiped as the girls finished, and I did not observe a separate 15-minute cleanup period.
To top it off, my reusable table runner/tablecloth went missing during cleanup. It was clearly not disposable. I was told someone would call me if it was found, but I have received no follow-up.
Again, the girls still managed to have fun, and I appreciated the staff members who were sweet with them. However, as mothers, we were disappointed all around. For the price, I don't feel the decorations, snacks, services, time, or overall experience matched the cost.
A children's birthday party should feel fun, welcoming, and special. Instead, we felt rushed, tense, and at times like we were in the way. Clear communication BEFORE taking a deposit about the actual party duration, activity times, adult limitations, food, decorations, and what is truly included would make a huge difference.
