I booked Belle to come for an hour to my daughter's sixth birthday this past weekend. Less than TWO HOURS before she was supposed to arrive (and less than an hour before the party started!), I recieved a text message and an email that told me Belle had awoken ill, and tried to feel better do the party, but couldn't. I understand when someone gets sick, but they offered no replacement character and had no back up. All I got was a "I'm so sorry" and that my refund would be processed on Tuesday. I recieved no communication back when I sent a lengthy message and requested that I be told refund was processed. After sending a second email I finally recieved confirmation.
I'm most disappointed that I had to scramble last minute literally during my child's party and leave to buy something else as a surprise. I would have much preferred to know as soon as they did that there was a chance she would not be available. Instead it added to the stress already present from putting on a party, less than two hours before we were expecting her, and less than one hour before the party started.
Only knowing less than two hours in advance is not acceptable, and I highly advise Enchanting Events to review when they let people know their paid-for character (nor a back up of any kind) might not be able to attend. I understand people get sick, but this is a party business and I would expect there to be a back up option of some kind.
I'm not upset with the actress, but rather with how this whole situation was handled and how it negatively affected our day, my daughter's birthday party, and my own mental health. Some people (including us) give their child a choice of what to do for their birthday, and when that one thing gets canceled, it ruins not only the pre-planned activities for the party but the experience of the child. I had no extra money nor the capability of putting something else together so last minute to replace this experience for my daughter and I can't imagine any other average-wage person could either. I'm still very upset at how this whole situation was handled. read more
