Once Upon A Party Eastleigh

Reviews

1. Ande P ★☆☆☆☆

   We booked Once Upon A Party for a children’s event scheduled to start at 10:00am. We arrived early at 9:45am, but by 10:15am, no staff had arrived and no one was answering the mobile or main line. Eventually, I knocked on 90A, where a relative of the owner tried to get in touch. It became clear the party had been completely forgotten. The event finally started at 10:45am, after a 45-minute delay. During that time, children were left waiting near a busy road, and parents were left apologising and trying to keep things together. Some had limited parking at the Swan Centre, and many had to change their plans for the day as a result of the delay. When the party did begin, it was slow, basic, and lacked energy. The two girls running it were not professional children’s entertainers. One clearly didn’t want to be there, and while the lead managed to run the event, she did so with little enthusiasm. The food offered was really poor, considering the amount paid and the final straw was a game of Duck Duck Goose, played in a confined space with a spillage on the floor, while the children were wearing dresses. It was careless and inappropriate. We were given free drinks when I requested, but that felt like the bare minimum. We immediately submitted a formal complaint, which was acknowledged immediately but 4 days have passed and we’ve had no follow-up since. Despite the clear failure to deliver the service we paid for, the company has not expressed any intent to provide a refund, which is deeply disappointing — especially for a business that claims to specialise in children’s events. It shows a complete lack of accountability and care for children, instead just simply a way to make money. We are now considering options to report the business, as this experience raises serious concerns about their professionalism and I would urge any parents planning a party to go elsewhere. Edit. Still no response, i've tried phoning aswell but they clearly recognise my number as it rings out. It's not worth it, please go and find another venue.

   almost 10 months ago
2. Isla Scott ★★★★★

   We had a party on the 13th July and it was such a lovely party, the staff was so friendly especially the main princess Aurora who was not only beautiful but was so nice to all the children and ensured they were all happy. Thank you so much and would recommend x

   1 year ago
3. Victoria moffitt ★★★★★

   A fantastic Party venue, we had our daughters 7th birthday here and it was the perfect few hours of fun for the children! Plenty of activities for all of the children to get involved in, well organised throughout. I would highly recommend. The cafe at the front was excellent for the parents, great location too! Anna thank you for making a little girls day! She had the best birthday party ever! - her exact words!

   1 year ago

1. abi cooley ★★★☆☆

   Not very impressed by this venue. Disappointed by the way the princesses looked, all my daughter wanted was Elsa at her party but the costume Elsa had looked very cheap and basic. Anna's costume was better but the girl in it seemed very reluctant to do anything with the children. For money we paid I expected them to look the part. Food wasn't great, most children barely touched it and pudding was a bowl of sugar (biscuits, cake and sweets) . Music was very loud to the point I had to ask them to turn it down as one child couldn't cope with it. The disco lights weren't great either so when they turned the lights off it was so dark my child said it was scary. The crafts were very basic. For the cost of the premier party I expected more. Giving 3 stars only because my daughter and the other girls seemed to enjoy it which is the main thing.

   almost 2 years ago
2. Emma Edwards ★★★★★

   Not just for girl's party's! My son had his 6th birthday party here and it was amazing! We went for the pirate theme and there was so much to keep all the children entertained with crafts, dancing and games. The staff are fantastic and really made him feel special. The girls doing the entertainment were amazing and really made the party. The lady doing to food etc was very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend. Very organized, friendly and helpful team ☺️

   almost 3 years ago
3. Tanya Smith ★★★★★

   My daughter had her 4th birthday party here and had a great time. The girls who were Elsa and Anna made sure my daughter was the centre of attention whilst also making all of the other guests feel special. The venue is beautiful and is a perfect set up for the party. The cafe is a bonus for parents who stay! Thank you OUAP!!

   almost 3 years ago

1. Lia ★★★★★

   Another wonderful party. This is the second time that my daughter has had her party here and it’s fab. Staff are so friendly and the girls loved every minute. I can’t recommend this place enough as it is such a magical experience for children. Nothing is too much trouble and the venue is a perfect setting for kids and also adults that want to stay for a coffee. If you are thinking about booking - you won’t be disappointed. .

   almost 3 years ago
2. Kirsty and Steven Hughes ★★★★☆

   Our daughter had a princess party here for her 6th birthday and thoroughly enjoyed herself. The venue is nicely decorated and the facilities were clean and well maintained. The activities were age appropriate and we found the hosts to be attentive and polite. The venue owner couldn’t have been more helpful in the lead up to the party, answering all my questions promptly. We were particularly impressed with the little touches, such as the tea and coffee provided for parents watching - and the sweet box invitations were a particular hit! Yes the food could be slightly more imaginative and there is not much space for parents to stay and watch (although there is a handy cafe on site if you did want to stay nearby), but the children all seemed to have fun and our daughter declared afterwards that it was the ‘best party ever’!

   almost 3 years ago
3. Casey Pearson ★☆☆☆☆

   I booked this venue for my Daughter's 6th birthday. Thinking it would be a magical fairytale experience. But unfortunately was the total opposite. One party hostess clearly didn't want to be their and spoke abruptly to the children. Dresses looked tatty had no magical touch. Children were left with no hostess to occupy them while they both went and sorted the cake! Food was basic and dry. For dessert the children had a cheap cupcake, with a custard cream and some rainbow drops. Whole experience apart from the venue was far from a fairytale ending. Would not recommend booking a party here. Contacted the owners but they are clearly not interested.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Courtney Hills ★☆☆☆☆

   My daughter had a party there today after a good review from a friends party previously. I was very disappointed to say the least. The party hostess was rude, clearly did not like her job, was moaning at children during the games, explaining the rules as if they were a lot older and then getting annoyed when they didn't understand. Many of the children were saying how moody she was. The food came out, tiny servings, carrots were dry as if they'd been left out all day, dessert was a cheap fairy cake and some rainbow drops. For the amount paid i am utterly disgusted in the way the children were treated. This was my daughters first ever birthday party and it isn't one id like to remember! The girls were young (fair enough, everyone deserves a chance) but come on, to speak to the kids like rubbish and moan at them when playing games is vile. Very poorly set up and managed, despite the venue being absolutely beautiful. Will not be recommending this venue to anyone anytime soon.

   almost 3 years ago

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