My daughter is a huge Monsters Inc. fan. She isn't able to sit through most movies in their entirety — her attention span doesn't allow it — but Monsters Inc. is a different story...a silly, sweet and adorable story. We bought her the MI DVD for her birthday a few years ago. She watched it so many times, she literally wore it out.
She nearly blew a gasket when this float went by in the Disney World parade.
So when we heard Monsters University was coming out, we knew we HAD to see it in the theatre. Avery's birthday isn't until August, but we bumped it up to have her party coincide with the opening of the movie. Also her cousins who live far away were going to be in town, so having her celebration early just made sense.
Here's how we threw the EASIEST kids' party ever...
This is the first time in a long time that we outsourced a party and we're thrilled with how it went.
We booked the party room at our local movie theatre and opted for the Premium "Popcorn Party" package (this includes party food, plates and cups. Excludes cake). You can read more about package options here. Something to note, you're not allowed to bring in any outside food (other than cake/cupcakes) so a fruit or veggie tray isn't an option. My kids were crushed. Just kidding. I think they may have fist pumped.
You get the room for one hour before the movie begins. This is enough time for pizza, drinks and cake. We went with cupcakes — not as messy and plates/cutlery aren't required. I planned on making these Mike Wazowski Cupcakes.
Of course I left it to the last minute and didn't. But aren't they cute? If you make them, send me a photo won't you? Or just send me an actual cupcake. ;)
I took the easy way out and bought these mini cupcakes. Mini is the way to go if you ask me. Bite-sized, cute and delish. Little kids can usually only manage one or two. I tried to get green and blue cupcakes to match the Monsters colour theme. These were close-ish. Blue and keylime. My god they were good and the kids didn't even notice the colours. They never do.
A Party Helper is assigned to the room to serve the food and drinks. This is helpful, but it's important to know that she won't be there the entire time, so you may have to refill drinks or hand out pizza seconds yourself. The hour goes by very quickly so opening gifts probably won't happen.
You'll want to have something to keep the kids entertained. There is a TV in the room, but really?? They're going to be watching a movie so they can probably forgo the extra screentime. I printed and stapled together Monsters University activity booklets and brought crayons and scissors.
You can find some adorable Monsters U printables here.
Seats are reserved for party members and each child got a Monsters University snack pack to nibble on during the show. Adults who'd like to stay for the movie pay for their own ticket. Unless you're super generous and would like to pay for them.
Based on eleven kids, the entire party came to just over $200. This includes drinks, pizza and snacks and the movie ticket. Very reasonable and the best part, I didn't have to do a thing! Plus, I got to see the movie! I love the monsters too. I can't wait until it comes out on DVD so we can buy it (and a replacement Monsters Inc.)
One final fun touch, I bought these cute Monsters University t-shirts from the Disney store. Avery's says "We put the fear in cheer." You can find all kinds of Monsters University branded toys, juice boxes, stickers, etc. in stores now, if you decide to do loot bags. Our guests went home with the activity booklet, the drink toy topper and a smile. If you know me, you'll know that I think loot bags are loony, but it's your party so... if loot bags float your boat, have at it.
We enjoyed this stress-free party experience and would recommend it to parents looking for a fun and easy party venue. Avery had a blast and has been talking about it ever since. I'm not really sure what we're going to do when her ACTUAL birthday rolls around in August... I'm thinking ice cream cake and a day of swimming. Maybe I'll bring Avery with me. Haha.
Party on monsters!
~Lisa
Related: A Special Kind of Date Night — dinner and a movie out with your child
*This post was not sponsored in any way. I paid for this party out of my Party Mummy Purse. :)
Printer-friendly version