Frequently Asked Questions

Before sending a e-mail or calling please review this page for your questions. If you still have questions please send an e-mail to rainbowfaerie02@yahoo.com. Thank you! :-)

 I also ask that upon booking a party with us you read this over if you haven't done so previously just to have a good idea what to expect.

Question: What do the mascot characters do? Do they come alone? Do they bring the music?
Answer: More about this is listed on the 'Rates' page. But, to give a general idea the mascot characters dance to interactive and game type songs with the children, pose for pictures, and participate in the birthday singing. The characters can talk a little if requested, but keep in mind we cannot imitate all of the voices very well so we try to keep talking to a minimum, but do use it to communicate. We are better at some than others. We do not typically play games with the children in the mascot costumes because it is almost impossible to organize them and usually wastes a lot of time. If you have a second character that is a non-mascot character there, they can organize actual games. We do play game type songs with the children, such as the hokey pokey, Simon says, freeze dance and other similar songs. If you would like to special request that games are played, like hot potato or musical chairs, please note this ahead of time and have an adult at the party on hand to organize the children for the activity. Also keep in mind that some costumes are harder to move in than other, such as Purple Dino and Sponge Guy due to their shape. We do our best in all of the difference costumes. We also give hugs, high fives and other fun interactions with the children during our performance. We can do special requests such as handing out goody bags (provided by you) or do special songs if you wish, but please include that in the comments section when filling out the party request form on the contact us part of the website.

Mascots do come alone. This is a way for us to keep the cost down for the families. We are efficient on our own and might only need a tiny help with putting the costume on and other minor things, but we will let you know if this is the case. ***Update*** We are trying to send a party leader to each mascot party for no additional charge. We cannot guarantee an extra person will come to assist, but we are working to make this happen for every mascot party we do.

The performer will bring a CD player and a CD play list of some character related songs and then some general kid songs. We purchase good quality CD players, but occasionally they might skip. If there is already a sound system at the location, that may be utilized instead. The portable CD players can only get so loud, so some outdoor venues might require the children to gather around to be able to hear the music. Most of our CD players can run of battery if needed, but please let us know ahead of time if there will not be an electrical available to use. The sound quality on battery mode is usually not as good as when plugged in, so we will try to plug it in if at all possible.

If you wish to special request songs the fee is $1 per song (to cover the iTunes fee) and if 5 or more songs are purchased, we will go ahead and make a full playlist including those 5 songs and burn it to a disc and allow you to keep it for further use.

Question: What to princess, super heroes, simple friends, and faeries do (non-mascots)?
Answer: Because the performer does not need change out of the costume (some exceptions for costumes with attached gloves, such as Spider Hero, Iron Hero), the character can stay in costume for face painting and balloon twisting. A basic non-mascot performance automatically comes with face painting, balloon twisting, picture posing and birthday singing unless requested otherwise. In one hour up to 15 children (but less is better as 15 might feel a little rushed) may be accommodated for the aforementioned activities, however, it will be small, simple cheek art (flower, hearts, spiders, snakes, etc.) unless there are few children. If half face or full faces are requested, more time needs to be allotted. If you would like different or more activities, some other choices are storybook reading, games, dancing and sing-a-longs, overseeing of a craft (provided by parent), or for an upgrade price of $20 a 15 minute magic show may be built into the allotted time (limited availability). Most non-mascot costumes we try to arrive in, unless we are coming directly from another event. Spider Hero, because of the nature of the one piece suit, will need to change into the costume at the party.

Question: Is there anything special about the Spider Hero performance?
Answer: Yes! Our Spider Hero does a mini stunt show (If stunt show is added on, which is $25 extra), just like a real super hero! He does some handstands, flips and some other need acrobatic moves! A similar show can be done for the Red Ranger is requested. He can also do all other non-mascot activities, but face painting, balloon twisting, and magic show need to be done out of costume.

Question: Can I rent just the mascot costume itself?
Answer: Yes, but there are some circumstances. Parties booking for a full hour are given priority over costume rentals as the rental will put that costume out of commission for the whole day for us. Costume rentals may be requested as soon as the week before an event, but not sooner so we can see what parties are already booked and if it will be available or not. Costumes are to be picked up in Bowie, MD the night before the party or morning of it and are to be returned the night of the event (if feasible or told otherwise). Costumes must be well taken care of and renters are responsible for any damages made during their usage. Costumes are not to be left in hot cars, or left inside of a bag right after use. Costumes can not be used in damp grass or mud or allowed to get dirty, please! They should be aired out after use as this makes it a lot easier for us to steam clean. The fee per suit is $75 + $15 cleaning fee and no discounts are given on additional ones, except the cleaning fee on additional ones are only $10. Availability is limited. A playlist CD may be purchased for $5 as well, but that is your gift to keep. Please keep in mind these costumes are very hot and do not fit everyone, so please send me the dimensions of the person in the request so I can make sure the suit will fit.

Question: How far in advance do I need to book? Can you accommodate last minute party bookings?
Answer: The sooner the better, especially if you want a specialty performance, like Jingo, Santa, Magic, DJ Dance to name a few. Singing Telegrams are more spontaneous in nature so booking those last minute is perfectly normal. For party events, generally at least 2 weeks prior is good; however, we will do everything in our power to accommodate any last minute requests, even ones the day of the party (if possible). There have been times we have been able to pull it off. Not all the time, but we always try! A lot of people tend to apologize for booking last minute. Please do not do this! We are happy to hear from you and will do what we can to fit you in. We might not be able to offer you exactly what you originally requested, but we will give you what we can do and will go from there.

Question: I am having face painting at my party. Do I need anything special for this and is your paint safe?
Answer: All the performer will need is a small table with two chairs (or a picnic bench), a couple napkins or paper towels and two cups of water for the brushes. The performer will bring the paint and the brushes. We only use professional grade face paints, which includes the following brands: Snazaroo, Wolfe Brothers, and Paradise. All are FDA approved and hypo-allergenic. We believe in high quality! Face painting takes about 2 - 3 minutes per child for small, simple cheek art and 4 - 6+ minutes for full faces depending on the request. Please note this when scheduling in face painting. I will automatically use the time needed for the 'simple' cheek art when quoting packages that involve a mascot character with a face painting add on. Please let us know ahead of time if you are looking for more intricate and larger designs.

Question: I am having balloon twisting at my party. Do I need anything special for this? Do they pop a lot?
Answer: Not at all. Just a little space for the person to twist the balloons. Balloons take about 1 minute per child as we keep to one balloon sculptures to keep it quick and efficient. It is good to leave several extra minutes as well to allow for children to make up their mind. If you book just a balloon twister you will receive one of our more talented balloon artists that can make more complicated designs for the balloon art (but will take much longer per sculpture). We only use Qualatex brand twist balloons, which are the highest quality in these type of specialty balloons. Sometimes they do pop, but it is not often at all. It is best for the children to keep the balloons off the the grass as sometimes the grass can act like a knife and pop the balloons. Please do not let the young children teeth on the balloons either.

Question: Will the performer arrive on time?
Answer: Majority of the time we are and can be early as well. Sometimes unexpected traffic happens (accidents), that we cannot foresee or have any control over, and we might run late, but the performer will be in contact to alert you on the situation if this does happen. We try to leave well before the estimated travel time to ensure we will either be on time or early, but occasionally things happen that we cannot predict. In the event that the performer is late for whatever reason, he/she will stay the time needed to make up for this if possible. If this is not possible because the party is ending at a certain time, or for any other reason, then an appropriate discount will be worked out at this time.

Question: Not all the children I expected to show up came. Do I still have to pay the full amount?
Answer: Yes, because the quoted amount is based on time spent at the party regardless of what activities are done. This topic really only applies to instances where 'one at a time' activities are scheduled, such as face painting and balloon twisting. Once that time has been booked and the slot/character/performer has been reserved for that time frame, it cannot be changed right at the party, as this is not fair to the performer because that amount of time was reserved for that party. However, there is good news. If less children come, then the performer can focus more on each individual child and provided more intricate work. Adjustments to the booked time frame will be made to ensure that you receive your money's worth!

Question: More children showed up than I expected! Can the performer stay extra?
Answer: In some cases yes, and in some no. It really depends on if the performer has another party directly after or their personal plans. You may let us know ahead of time that there might be more children and we will try to let you know a day or two prior is purchasing additional time at the event is possible. If the performer(s) stays past the booked allotted time, it is a rate of $25 per 15 minutes. The rate is per performer. We always try out best to accommodate extra time if we can! We want all the children to have a great experience!

Question: Is a deposit required? What forms of payment are accepted? When is the payment made?
Answer: Deposits are not required currently, but can be paid if you would like. Please note, once a confirmation is sent to you to book an event and you accept the confirmation details, we have you down in the schedule. Please do not book if you think you are going to cancel. It is not fair to us, as we would not cancel on you! We understand circumstances happen where you might need to reschedule and cancel for whatever reason, but please only do so when absolutely necessary. The payment is made in cash at the event. Organizations may pay with a non personal check if needed. Paypal may be used, but there is a 5% service charge to cover fees. If you need to pay via credit card, you will need to book us directly through gigmasters.com, but note, there is a $20 booking fee the site charges for this. If you want to use gigmasters.com to pay with a credit card and cannot figure out how, please ask me for help. If you wish to pay a deposit, if can be paid via check, money order, paypal or cash drop off and the remaining balance is due in cash at the event. Any bounced checks are assessed a $30 fee. Personal check are not acceptable payments at the performance. Please make sure to have the money ready by the end of the booked time. Sometimes we have other events we need to get to and will need to leave right on time. Please keep in mind performers do not have change on hand.

Question: Should we tip? Is it customary in this field? How much should I tip?
Answer: Tipping an entertainer is customary as we are providing a service, but is not required (because we do not add it into the price). So, if you tip is at your own discretion and should only be done if you are happy with everything. We understand the economy is tough, so if you cannot tip, but did like us, or can only give a small amount, we will not be upset! Just let us know how we did and if you were pleased. Our main goal is making the children smile and have a good time as we are children's entertainers. :-)

Question: Do you offer moon bounces or other party rentals?
Answer: Not currently, but we do work with April from Mikcos.com, which is a local party rental place. She has a lot of great stuff to offer. Please tell her Amanda at Bubbles Productions sent you and she might be able to work out a deal with you if you are booking something with us already for entertainment.

**********************************************Thank you for reading! Have a great party! We hope to make it your best yet!**********************************************