If you are contemplating having your kid's party here, DO IT!! Trust a mom who has had many'a less…read moresavory party experiences in the area. We had my child's birthday party there on Friday evening, and oh my goodness, we could not have had a more positive experience.
Prior to party day, I spoke with Goldi on the phone. She was so kind and warm and helpful, it felt like I was talking to an old friend. She answered every question and was amazing. The day of the party, I was greeted at the entrance with the bright shining faces of Makayla, Goldi, Lisa and Brett.
From the second I walked in, they were a cohesive, unbelievably efficient team. Just as Goldi had made me feel on the phone, all four of them made me and all of my guests feel completely at home. My husband and I divided and conquered party day, so I was the solo party prepper (or so I thought!). Goldi and Lisa, like a real life Sonic and Tails, whipped up a beautiful party area for our group with personalized touches, tailored to my son's interests. They did the *work* part, ALL of the *work* part, and let me creatively direct.
I let them know my son gets nervous when being sung to, center of attention, etc. and they were beautifully accommodating to that, including pushing off the Huggie parade until he was comfortable. Lisa (Huggie! :]) was patient and fun with all of the kids. Goldi was her right hand lady (literally) to keep things moving, fun and safe. We had one little girl in our party who wanted to see Huggie, but was scared to get close and crying. Goldi approached her so gently and kindly, demystifying the aspects of Huggie she was worried about, and giving the little girl space to choose. Our girl got a huge smile, ran to Huggie and HUGGED him. A child who just moments before was hiding behind her friend in fear, smiling her tears away and facing her fears. It was beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
Makayla stayed at the front for the first half of the party, and I'm so happy she did because although we'd have loved her company, having her as the first person you are greeted by is a great call by KE Ballwin, because she is sunshine in human form. She kept the lines moving safely and efficiently in both directions, while chatting with and brightening the days of those entering and leaving. She and Brett took over as the primary party people once Goldi and Lisa had to leave, and Goldi physically brought us together to thank me for coming, and verbally handing us off to Makayla, so all of us were on the exact same page the whole time.
Brett was also incredibly helpful and seems to be like a backstage manager. It seemed as if they were physically positioned in a way to be able to communicate and work together effortlessly, even from across that giant building! He could not have been sweeter or more helpful either, even reminding me a couple times to absolutely not lift a finger cleaning up our party.
I did not have one single minute of stress from the time I reserved my party time to the time we got home with that post-successful party joy! If I ran the world, Goldi, Lisa, Makayla and Brett would get a raise! But at the very least, I feel their kind hearts, work ethics, and clear expertise deserve to be recognized.Thanks so much, guys! You made returning Kids Empire guests of my family, and all of our guests!!