Having two boys in the primary grades at elementary school, we’ve done the birthday party circuit a time or two… or twenty-eight.
That’s right. Between Ryder and Reid, twenty-eight invitations have made their way into our home this past school year. And don’t get me wrong; I’m thrilled that they’ve been included in the celebrations of their peers, as social acceptance is high on the list of desires for a 6- and 8-year old. However, not so thrilling is the standard script: snacks, cake and an hour or two at the local indoor playground, featuring a bouncy castle nirvana.
You know I could never adhere to the standard script.
I began thinking, what do my boys love? Well that’s easy – they love movies. And, I was willing to bet that their classmates loved movies too! Yet, in all the invitations we’ve received over the past school year, not one had been for a movie theatre party. What’s up with that? It seemed like the perfect solution (food, friends and fun entertainment of the less-rowdy variety) and I was determined to learn more about what was offered.
So, I began researching Cineplex Popcorn Parties. And I decided – within minutes – it was perfect for Ryder and Reid’s combined birthday bash.
Do you have a child’s birthday around the corner, and you’re looking for a fun, affordable alternative to an indoor playground? Listen up, because here’s how Cineplex Popcorn Parties will help you flip the script, too.
First, decide between a Standard or Premium party. Since there is only one main difference between the two, let’s chat about what’s included in both packages:
Movie. Select the latest and most popular movie that you think your party will love, keeping in mind that not all movies are available at all locations, and films will not be confirmed until the Tuesday prior to your party date. The boys and their friends will be watching Finding Dory this weekend!
Kid’s Tray Combo. What goes best with a movie? Snacks! Each child attending the party receives popcorn, a drink, and a treat.
Popcorn Parties Host. Your host will meet your birthday group upon arrival at the theatre, take you to your seats, and provide each party guest with a Kid’s Tray Combo and a party food option.
Reserved Theatre Seating. Sit together in a reserved section of the theatre to watch the movie.
Birthday Child Gift. A birthday gift from Cineplex – one (1) free admission for the birthday boy or girl’s next visit to Cineplex! I have a feeling that this will be a hit with both boys.
Now, if you opt to go for the premium package, you’ll also have access to a private party room for one hour, which includes a party food option (for example, a hot dog or slice of pizza) and refreshment. You can also serve birthday cake (you’ll need to bring your own, but Cineplex will provide the plates/utensils) and have a place for the kids to group together and giggle before the main event.
During the movie, your group will sit together in reserved VIP seating (very exciting for the kiddos!) and while they enjoy a feature film, you’ll be patting yourself on the back for a party well-executed.
The best part? You can calculate the cost of a Cineplex Popcorn Party online, and you’ll see that the price of a 3-hour party is not much more than the cost of a couple of hours at the local bouncy playground. Seriously! It’s an affordable, entertaining option for the movie lovers in your family.
This weekend, wish us luck as we wish both boys a very Happy Birthday, with family, friends and Finding Dory. For more information on Cineplex Popcorn Parties, visit cineplex.com.
Anne Taylor
What a great option for birthday parties! Sounds like a blast!
Lena
It was so much fun – can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Cheryl
So great! Whenever I’m at the movies I see someone in the room celebrating! Such a wonderful idea
DARLENE WISSENZ
Had a few of these for my children on their birthdays, now it is the grandkids turn
Lena
I will only have Popcorn Parties now! So easy and the kids loved it!
Susan T.
This sounds so fun! What a great idea for a party. Is it only for kids? :)
Stephanie LaPlante
OMG What a great idea! I would’ve love a popcorn movie party as a kid!
heidi c.
My kids would definitely enjoy a popcorn party. They love going to the movies and enjoying a kid’s popcorn pack!
Debbie Bashford
I did not know you could even do this, what a fantastic party idea!
Lena
I’m surprised that I never thought of it sooner myself, but it makes perfect sense and the kids had an amazing time!
Judy Cowan
Sounds like a great party option and I think all kids like going to the movies!
Marissa
What an excellent idea!Have fun and I’m sure the kids will love this popcorn movie party!
kathy downey
What a brilliant option for birthday parties,i can see all my grandkids loving this,thanks for the info!!!Enjoy your weekend !
Lena
They would adore it!!
lori n.
I enjoy these parties, they are less stressful on the parents (though quite loud in the party room) but the kids enjoy it so much.
Lena
Hahaha it *was* quite loud in the party room, but thankfully we only spent about 30 minutes there before we went into the theatre!
June M
Wonderful idea for birthday party! No fuss or mess
Stephanie
The best part of these parties is that there’s no mess for you to clean up afterwards! To me that’s worth my time in gold!
Lena
The BEST part, Stephanie!!
Anna Roszak-Robinson
Great ideas :)
Julie
Wow, you’re right that is totally affordable and such a great idea, love it!
Mishelle
I have always wondered about those – I think my son would love one.
M
Donna Wilson
A great idea for a birthday party!
Amanda Buckle-Pineau
What a great option for birthday parties.
Julie
I love this affordable birthday party option, I would have thought it would have cost much more to host a birthday party like this!
Laurie P
we done popcorn parties before! It was perfect everytime, and worked out very well for all the other parents as well!
Alayne Langford
We were involved in a few of those popcorn parties! I am so happy they are still popping up!
sarah alexis
I arranged a popcorn party 2 years ago for my son’s birthday. It was really great because I loved that everything was taken care of and my house stayed clean!! Lol
kathy downey
I think my grandkids would love a popcorn party,maybe over the summer!
Debbie White Beattie
Having a Cineplex party is such a great idea because the kids are happy and so are the parents
Alicia
What did you put on the invitations for the party time? I just reserved a party for my son and since they can’t confirm anything until the Tuesday before the party, I’m not sure what I should say. Cineplex told me that the early matinees start between 12-2pm and we would have the party room for an hour before the movie.
Lena
Hi Alicia!
I just put down the date and the time frame, with confirmation to come. I specifically set up my email address for RSVP (didn’t offer option to call) and that way I had a list of all the parents I would need to update before the party. Hope that helps!
Joanna
Hi Lena, great post. Would love to know what did you do with the parents of the attendees? Do the parents wait outside? Im starting to plan my daughters birthday and thinking of doing this popcorn party. TIA
Lena
Hi Joanna!
You have three options: the parents can a) drop off their child to the party room and pick them up after the show, b) hang around with their child in the party room until the movie starts, and then come back when the movie ends, or c) attend the movie with their child. You can specify that they’ll need to purchase their own adult admission, or you can purchase an admission for them if you’d rather not babysit during the performance. Or, you could always say to make it convenient, you’re happy to buy their ticket for them, but please include x dollars in the birthday card as reimbursement for an adult ticket. Happy planning!
Andrea
We really want to do this. Thanks for the great posts! How many kids did you have? My daughter is in a combined class with 30 kids so I’m expecting about 20!