First time: McDonald's 1st Birthday Party

I have attended numerous birthday parties, different venues, different themes, different ages. It was always enjoyable because of the adorable celebrant, the yummy food, and the fun games. Now, it's a different story because it is our son who had his 1st birthday party.

It was a little difficult to plan Noah's party because, first and foremost, of the funds. As I have mentioned before, family income is down to half because the mother decided to take a leave. That's me! At some point in our discussion as husband and wife, we decided to just have a small family gathering. But when we told both sides of the family, they volunteered to shoulder the expenses for a real birthday party. Of course, being the first grandchild on my hubby's side and my generous lola who never fails to share her blessings.

We considered several options and landed with McDonald's. Our guests were a mix of family and community. A funny problem is that our families are big and so is our spiritual family. So we had quite a large number of guests. Good thing the branch that was central to everyone can accommodate us. We decided to hold Noah's 1st birthday at McDonald's Greenbelt.

The Pre-Party

Having a party at McDonald's made our lives a lot simpler and easier, and our expenses more affordable.

First thing we had to do is reserve the date and venue. McDonald's Greenbelt had two party rooms: Ronald's Room and Grimace's Room. Ronald's Room can accommodate up to 100 guests, while Grimace Room can accommodate up to around 60 guests.

Pay the reservation fee. The fee can be P2000 or P3000 depending on your chosen theme.

1. P2000 is for the regular McDonald's Theme
2. P3000 for other themes. Available for now is Spongebob Squarepants, Winx Club, Ben 10, or Adventure Time

Inclusions:

For a minimum of 10 guests, you get themed:

• giveaways
• game prizes
• invitation cards
• activity placemats
• party hats
• banner
• name tags

Plus:

• balloons
• party host
• McDonald's character mascot
• gift for the celebrant

We chose Spongebob Squarepants for our theme.

Choosing the food packages:

One mistake I made was to fail to ask the option of ordering regular value meals for the guests. I initially ordered from their party package, which came with loot bags. For that, even some adults got loot bags to bring home with them. It was an unusually fun idea in the end, although it meant a little extra expense for us.

The person in-charge will discuss the contract with you and let you sign. I believe this is very important for both the customer and McDonald's.

During the Party:

You are allowed to come earlier to arrange things and discuss details of the party with the host, who is actually the person in-charge. 

We were a little harassed when we arrived because we arrived later than the time we intended. I wanted to add candies and chocolates to the loot bags. Had I known the size of the loot bags, I would have arranged the ones I planned to add the night before. But with a little help from my really good friends, we were able to prepare the loot bags.

The loot bags that contain: a Lego Movie cup and a McDonald's Notepad

The party host and crew were very accommodating. The host, needless to say, knew what to do and had foresight. She informed us of the flow, accommodated our requests, and was quite pleasant, knew how to deal with children, and spoke proper/correct English. A bonus for us. Haha.

The flow:

• Welcoming and singing "Happy birthday" for the celebrant
• Games (for kids and adults)
• Eating time (picture taking for us)
• Candle-blowing
• Arrival/dance presentation from the mascots: We had Grimace and Birdie

One of the games that involved kids and adults

Candle-blowing

With Grimace and Birdie

The Spongebob themed prizes

One thing I appreciated was that they updated us with regards to the number of guests. When I requested that the babies be excluded from the kids meal, they agreed without hesitation.

The program was followed on time, food was served on time.

The cake can be ordered from them and may be served to the guests. Noah's cake was given by my sisters. If you bring in the cake, McDonald's does not allow it to be eaten there. My super talented friend also brought in mini cupcakes and oreos, and my in-laws brough it some chocolate and banana cupcakes. All of these were given at the end of the program.

The Post-Party:

In two hours party is done. Settle payment with party host. Bring home left over food and gifts.

Here is Noah and some of his gifts.

Diapers and more diapers

Books, books, and books

Deciding to have our son's 1st birthday in McDonald's was a good decision. It was convenient. They do almost everything for you. You just have to make sure that you discuss your preferences. 

In summary, here are the reasons, I recommend holding your child's birthday party in McDonald's:

1. The place is accessible, central to most, parking is nearby
2. You can be confident about the food, since everyone is familiar with and (most people) love McDonald's
3. Service offered was quick, reliable and they can adjust well to your requests. We were given only 2 hours. We ended exactly on time. They were so kind in sending us out of the venue for the next party. Kept apologizing. Very good in relating to customers.
4. Games were fun and involved children and adults. Again... The host can speak proper English.
5. The prizes and giveaways were nice. They weren't the cheap kind.

Wishlist for McDonald's:

1. I hope they can provide more themes to choose from.
2. I do not know if it is possible for them to indicate that food can be ordered from their regular menu. It maybe a marketing strategy, but for people like me who can sometimes focus on other things, it might be helpful.

the delighted birthday boy

Thank you, family and friends, for making it a pleasant experience for Noah, hubby and me. Thank you, McDonald's Greenbelt!

Another new experience for the new mother. It was an unforgettable and meaningful 1st birthday journey.