This is our second year coming to storybook experiences at the RVC location and it's truly magical for kids. Last year we got there early and entered right in time, this year we were 6 minutes late, they called us at the 5 min mark and i told them we were 1 min away. They were nice about it but next time i will leave a lot earlier due to traffic from the Bronx to Long Island on a Friday night. Thankfully we were dressed up and were able to enter quickly. My son loved this experience, from the allergy free cookie, to the gold coin and reindeer food, but most of all, the staff and Santa! This time my son went into the room when Santa was not there, after taking a few pictures he wished for Santa and Santa appeared! So nice and magical, i know the pictures will be just as great as they were last year! It does take a bit for the pics. Last year we went Dec 6 and got the pics about 3 days before Christmas. This year it was Dec 5 so i am expecting about the same. We are already planning to go back next year for their new experience with Santa & Mrs Claus ! Highly recommend booking early, this booking was made in July and the previous year in August. I plan to book this time with early release in January/February! read more

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2.5 stars rounded down. Storybook Experiences offers a private meet and greet with Santa that includes photography. The session lasts about 20 minutes and costs $400. Like most families, we booked this experience with the expectation that, as a professional photography business, photos would be delivered in a reasonable timeframe, specifically in time for Christmas. We reserved our session well in advance for November 25, assuming that a full month would be more than sufficient to receive proofs, select photos, create Christmas cards, and share images with family, teachers, and school staff before winter break. Today is December 17, 22 days after our session, and we still have not received our photos. At this point, it is far too late to use them for Christmas cards, gifts, or even framed photos. This completely defeats the purpose of booking a holiday photography experience. What is most frustrating is that the business is fully aware of the seasonal time sensitivity of these sessions and still charges a premium price. When we asked if we could receive just one or two photos early so we could at least make a Christmas card, we were told no. While I agree with other reviewers that the Santa himself is wonderful--engaging, kind, and genuinely memorable for the kids--the overall experience does not justify the cost. Paying $400 for a 20-minute session with no reasonable photo turnaround time is unacceptable. In previous years, this experience cost less and photos were delivered in time, which makes this even more disappointing. From my perspective, this feels like a business that has overbooked, raised prices, and prioritized revenue over delivering on what families are actually paying for. A professional photography business should be able to manage editing and delivery timelines, especially during the busiest and most important season of the year. Bottom line: Great Santa, but not worth the price. If you are expecting to receive your photos in time for Christmas, I would not recommend this experience. I would not book this again. UPDATE: We received the pictures too late to make any cards (12/19 which was 24 days from our shoot date). The images look like they were edited by a child. Steam coming out of cups of milk? Random stars/sparkles placed on some of the photos though one just didn't have any. Cannot believe they want us to believe it takes over 3 weeks to add some stars to a picture. The business shared an apology video, which was 17 minutes long and made some grand plans however that requires spending more $$$$ at this business which I never would do again. read more

A company that genuinely strives to make every moment magical. During our Santa Experience, my son, who has some sensory challenges, became overwhelmed and cried through much of the session, which was reflected in the photos. The Storybook Experience team reached out as soon as they delivered the images and immediately offered a complimentary reshoot to help us get better pictures. In the second session, my son did wonderfully thanks to the incredible head photographer, Lilly, and the head assistant, Alyssa. Their patience, thoughtful approach, and gentle support made all the difference. This experience is just one of the many reasons we return year after year. read more

I don't know if anybody else has been experiencing a delay in receiving their photos, but this has been a nightmare. My daughter has been promised at least four times in the past 10 days that pictures have been sent or will be sent and the latest was at 4:30 today and she still has not received them. The manager Ginny never calls back. I'm wondering if they really have the pictures or if they are just lying about everything and don't really care. I'd be interested to know if anybody else has had this experience with this magical "EXPERIENCE". read more

Do not go to this place it's a SCAM. We spent a lot of money here to get our photos for Christmas cards and we never got them. They keep saying we are getting them soon but still nothing and now it's a few days before Christmas. Save your money I hope this place goes out of business read more

I never got my pictures in their timeframe of 16-18 days. For the price paid, I find the experience to not be worth it if you are not receiving the pics in time to use for the holiday. I don't think they should accept the amount of appointments that they do or not take any after a certain date to avoid this disappointment. read more

We just had our second experience with our grandson. It was fabulous!! I can't begin to tell you how much fun my son, daughter-in-law, my grandson, and I had here! The photographer and her helpers were so kid friendly and so warm and had great senses of humor! My grandson had so much fun with them! Santa was the best Santa ever!! My grandson loved him and was kidding around with the entire time. We are going to book again in January for a fall photo session. It books fast so don't delay!! Love this place!!! Thanks Storybook for a memorable time!! read more

This is the third time I've used this company and it has been a disaster this year. I don't have my photos and I'm not sure when I will get them. Booked the appointment in January with the expectation of a turn around time that they cannot honor. Will not be back and will not recommend. read more

It makes me sad to write this review, but this company seems to have bit off more than they can chew this year. I have been bringing my kids for these photos for the past four years and after this year, we will never be back. We took photos on November 5th and didn't receive our photos until late December 5th. That was after multiple calls, emails, and 5 false promises our photos would be delivered sooner. Not sure if Ginny the manager is even a real person, as she never once returned our call or responded to emails. The turn around time of 14-18 days is simply false advertisement. This company is eager to book as many sessions as they can, but cannot keep up with the amount of editing that is needed. In addition, the finished product this year is definitely not up to par with how much this experience costs to families. read more

Horrible, we waited three weeks for our pictures to only just now get an email that they are delayed another 9-14 days, which brings us to the week of Christmas. The pictures we took and spent a lot of money on were for our Christmas cards, and now we can not use them. We booked for the middle of November on purpose. So disappointed will not be going back next year. read more

Wonderful experience! The staff could not be nicer or try harder to get amazing holiday pictures. The decorations photograph so nicely which is why we have come for five years straight. The time the children get here is so much more memorable than the one time we tried to go to the mall. Thank you for making this so enjoyable for my family and for the pictures I will treasure for years to come. read more

We went to the one in Rockville center but it doesn't have a page. I mean this place is amazing they set up the whole vibe from the jump start toddlers are obsessed. The photos they take are completely professional it's so hard for me to even choose. The Santa is perfect Santa like perfect, had the kids smiling from ear to ear even when we left. Turn around time is great. I would recommend hands down. read more

Loved the experience! Well worth the 2hr trip each way. I have been dying to book here for the past 5 years and finally did. Experience was exceptional, exclusive and magical! My children are 6 and 9 and even my 9 year old loved being there. The experience was genuine and we did not feel rushed. Ginny, who I would text with was also extremely helpful when I needed guidance with downloads or had any questions. My only comment would be with the two girls at the check in desk, they were lacking enthusiasm and personality. My son even said they stood out as being grumpy and the only part of the experience that was not polished. Other than that we will treasure these photos for the rest of our lives! Thank you! (Rockville Centre). read more

Storybook Experiences - Session Photography Near Me - West Islip, New York

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What a MAGICAL experience from start to finish! We came for the Christmas shoot and were delighted to see that every detail was thought out from the scent of Santa's cookies to the thoughtful goody bag at the end. We felt like we had been transported straight to the North Pole, and that joy came through so beautifully in the best holiday photos my family has ever taken together! Each set was so unique and well crafted that we had the hardest time choosing one for the holiday card -- a great problem to have! Can't wait to make this part of my family's tradition read more

This place is terrible! I have been trying to book a shoot for 2weeks! No one answers the phone it rings nonstop. I got the owners cell number from a family friend. Ive called/texted him over 10 times, no response and then he blocked my number. Go to a private photographer, give the small guys your business. This place is wayyyyy overpriced and impossible to get on the phone! Double thumbs down! read more

I have a great experience. Staff is very friendly, and patient with the kids. I did my son's first Christmas and Easter pictures. We are also doing his first cake smash. I only have good things to say about this place. I've been to no the of their locations in Long Island. They work with you and are great una como dating your needs or vision. Ginny is fantastic to work with. read more

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Really is a magical experience. My daughter is afraid of any person dressed in a costume. Santa came in nice and slow and the photographer was so patient. She cried for 2 minutes and then turned super excited to meet Santa. I was really happy with the entire experience. We did 3 different scenes and took 2 family pictures. Santa gifted my kids two gold coins to put under their pillows on Christmas Eve. I was originally on the waitlist and they ended up opening up slots for those on the waitlist. So we got lucky! Overall I highly recommend coming here for the experience, service was great and the pictures are beautiful. Howeverrrrr, they are pricey! The photo shoot alone is $350 ,.. out of 30 pictures I was only allowed to choose 14. For the amount of money they charge they should at least offer all of the raw images. I had to additionally pay for the prints and of course my Christmas cards. Loved loved the pics and experience but this was definitely a one and done for us. read more

Storybook Experiences - Session Photography Near Me - West Islip, New York

Our first time experience was amazing. My boys (6 and under 2), were so happy from start to finish. The personalized experience made it so realistic for them. We can't wait to do this again. Thank you! read more

As always Storybook Santa Experience is an extraordinary experience. This is the fifth year in a row my grandchildren have visited Santa and the pictures with him are nothing less than exceptional. The staff goes out of their way to accommodate you and they're very courteous. The photographer is knowledgeable and patient with children so that the pictures are perfect. The background designs are beautiful and what can I say about Santa except that he's the real deal. We look forward to this experience every year! read more

The experience here was beautiful; is my 3 year in the row doing this pictures and every year I love it more; pictures are unbelievable beautiful and they are so fast taking pictures with younger kids , specially if they cry with Santa; my son never saw Santa in the background ; thanks so much to everyone working in this place. read more

Storybook Experiences - Session Photography Near Me - West Islip, New York

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The most magical place feels like you're walking in to Santa's home !!!! Such an amazing atmosphere!!! Everyone was wonderful and so welcoming and warm love this storybook experience !!!!!!! read more

I would highly recommend The Storybrook Santa Experience. Everyone is extremely pleasant and easy to work with. Santa was wonderful and the themes for the pictures are all really cute. read more

We LOVE Storybook, we have been coming every year and will continue to come! We not only see Santa, but we have an EXPIERENCE with him and my child adores this (as do I). The staff is always amazing, the photos are terrific, the turn around time is great too! We love you guys -- Rachel T read more

Wife read about this place we had to book it a year in advance. It's super pricey but you will see why when you get there . The staff was very friendly and easy to deal with . There a small parking lot in the rear and a rest room to change and get ready for your pictures with Santa! read more

Storybook Experiences - Session Photography Near Me - West Islip, New York

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This years experience at the West Islip Location was less that ideal. This was our 3rd year and the first two were great. This year kids were 6 yrs and 5 months. We didn't even use the photos for our Christmas cards. We were greeted by the photographer as we came in. Who was a younger woman. She did NOT know our sons name and was dressed shabbily with dirty sneakers etc. Didnt exactly seem like a magical North Pole person. Loud tinny music was being played from a nearby desktop computer. But most of all we were rushed. Santa did his best but the rush job was evident when we got the final photos. We felt like we were inconveniencing them if we wanted to adjust the kids clothing etc. Babys shoe would fall off and they would want to keep shooting. Tell us "it's no big deal". Before we knew it we were being pushed out the door into the cold with no coats on. Very strange. Backgrounds we chose were pull down canvass. No magic this year. No real nice experience. No gold coin. Kids were given a chips ahoy in a plastic bag. Was more of a rushed photo shoot than a magical North Pole experience. Especially for several hundred dollars. Sorry. But We won't be back. In our humble opinion, They need to bring the magic back. read more

My kids absolutely love the experience!! It's a yearly tradition and I hope to carry on with the tradition for years to come. read more

This experience was done at the Rockville Centre location. I will say from the moment you enter the cute fairytale theme establishment we were greeted by a lovely woman at the receptionist desk. She greeted my daughter, husband and I so warmly with so much enthusiasm. Coming from a former position as an Childrens spa manager myself. Customer service is so important. Everyone who worked there greeted my daughter first and than us. I loved that. "Hellooo the experience is for her" cater to her first and than us. Parents are secondary in children establishments. They warmed her up and she did her thing when it was time for the cake smash. I cant remember everyone's name but the photographer Ms Victoria. I'm so sorrry but thank you all from the photographer, her AMAZINGGGG assistant and the great woman at the front desk. Winter thanks you all and we can't wait to see our pics. We will give an update than. read more

what a magical place, the rooms and set up are amazing, does not feel like a photo studio at all. the staff and santa are magical and the way they work with and for the kids are amazing. read more

Amazing experience! Everyone was so kind and patient. My daughter is typically shy and nervous around new people/experiences, so I was worried about how she would respond to the photo shoot. I was so pleasantly surprised at how well everyone engaged her! read more

We absolutely loved the entire experience. The scenes were spectacular and the pictures were incredible.

My daughter and I had our first experience at the West Islip location and it was so magical! I really didn't know what to expect walking in. The entire place is decorated literally as if you were in a Christmas storybook. The sets were beautifully put together, the staff was so friendly and patient with my 3 y/o, and it was most definitely a memorable, magical experience for my daughter. I cannot wait to get our photos back. read more

This was our second time visiting Santa here and I can't say enough about how wonderful the experience was! Everyone is fully committed to bringing the magic of Christmas to young and old and also couldn't be more professional. Thank you to Ginny, Dan, and the whole team! read more

We had the most wonderful Santa Experience and cannot recommend Storybook enough. This year was something exceptional about our kid and family pictures that we ordered them all, the whole package! We got stuck debating on the best one to choose and simply could not. All pictures came up of a good quality, bright, and picturesque with the new scenes. Amazing! Thank you! read more

We loved our Santa experience! My boys had such a great time. Santa was hilarious and had them laughing the entire time. Also the pictures came out amazing! read more

We have been going to Storybook Experience since my daughter was two and now, four years later along with our two year old son, we are still amazed. From the moment you walk through the door, the Staff ensures the experience is magical for the children. The session is filled with smiles and laughs for all which makes for wonderful pictures with Santa that go on our holiday card each year! I would highly recommend for all families! read more

3rd year in a row and each time just as magical as the last! Photographers are friendly, patient, and know how to interact with the kids! Santa is so real and great with the kiddos. The entire staff is respectful of individual child readiness! -- Theresa read more

The staff at Storybook Experience made my son's first time meeting Santa a wonderful and exciting experience. They were so friendly and kind! We loved it and will be back! read more

I received a Santa photoshoot as a gift for my first Mother's Day. I couldn't wait to bring my daughter. I was shocked with how cute they make the experience for your child. From the moment you park your car and step out you are in a winter wonderland. Music is going, decorations. The lobby is adorable and the amount of shoots you can pick from is great. They also make the experience so nice by giving your child keepsakes to take home to spark the Christmas magic! I also got my pictures earlier then expected which was nice. I hope to do this again! read more

Storybook Experiences - Session Photography Near Me - West Islip, New York

Look closely at the pictures- the scenes are magical but the actual kids in the picture are not being photographed with smiling faces. The photographers are absolutely NOT professionals and the "experience" was far from magical. Santa was PHOTOSHOPPED into the scenes read more

We had the most amazing experience for our Christmas photos with Santa at the RVC location! The photographer and her associate went above and beyond to get my moody (normal) toddler smiling and laughing. Santa was incredibly warm and jolly with us and the kids. We were in and out so efficiently and I didn't feel rushed at all. Can't wait for the photos! For those that complain about a 14-16 day turnaround, I find it highly worth it. Well worth the price. read more