as much as I love a good McD's breakfast, I hate it for regular food. I wouldn't be thrilled to go to a party there, to be honest. I would tell my kid they don't do parties there and have it someplace else. And yes, I will admit I would be embarrassed to host a party at McDonald's - yes, I said it!
Why not? I've been to one and apparently they have great party deals and the kids had fun so I see nothing wrong with it..it's what kids like, and it's about them.
One of the kids at kidlet and kiddo's daycare had a party there last year. We went and now they want a McD party or comment "is this the one where M had her party?" It was what her mom could put together and afford for all the kids at the daycare (she worked there so her daughter had friends in several age brackets) and the kids had fun. I drank my water and talked to the other parents and soon enough it was time to go home and we'd survived. The kids had fun and that's what I cared about.
I went to a mcd's party as a kid. It was lame. Because you're just hanging out in a fast food joint.
My kid thinks it's a blast just to go to the grocery store, so a playground AND french fries is pretty damn exciting to him.
McDonalds does have legit party packages. My kid (and I'm sure the other kids) would love it, but it would seem lame as hell to the adults. I think the party would pretty much be the kids eating a happy meal, having a piece of cake, and then playing on the playground.
A random pic of a McDonald's party I found online. The whole thing makes me cringe, but then I feel guilty at the idea of trying to talk my kid out of the party he wants. I do need to just tell myself that he's easily distracted and will forget all about this idea if I come up with something else.
Honestly, neither of my kids remember their birthday parties from when they were 3 ( other than the photos they see) so I wouldn't worry so much about taking away the party he "wants". If your social norm is to have 3 year parties at gymboree or bounce house places, I wouldn't do a party at McD's. I'd just do a 2 hour party at home and call it a day. Tell him McDonald's doesn't have a party time available for your date, and take him there on his actual birthday.
I'd be thrilled if my child was set on a McD's party at that age! Everyone has pretty much agreed that they will probably forget it anyway. They aren't likely to b scarred for life, and I'd get to make my kid's dream come true on the cheap! I figure it won't be long till they want a pony and a ticket to space camp, so I'd take advantage of the simple life while it lasts!
I would go to the party and not judge. DH would judge because he has quit eating McDonalds, Burger King and Taco Bell but NOT Wendy's because "its different" ((eye roll))
I would. I take DD to play in the McDonald's play place often in the winter since there aren't any good indoor playgrounds.
DD got to choose where to go to eat for her 4th birthday and she chose McDonald's. Maybe you could talk him into going to McDonald's on his actual birthday and have his party somewhere else.
That's a great idea! If it was a Chuck e Cheese I wouldn't go, but I love McDonalds.
Like, why not host an "old McDonald" themed party at home or the park?
We just had family over for dinner and Lu was beside herself with joy because we had a Dora ice cream cake. Three year olds are easy. Don't give in yet!
This is a great idea!
As for fast food McDonald's I might judge a little, but I would go.
This is a great idea. But. It is a TON more work. It doesn't seem like more work, but it is, because you're inviting squirrely easily distractible children to your HOUSE, and then have to entertain and corral them. Not to mention the prep work, and needing to have stuff/food ready for the adults accompanying them as well (because seriously, how many threads have we seen about some super lame party at a house with *gasp* no booze!). A location is FAR easier, across the board.
I see the appeal of McDonalds, because although the adults in us all cringe, what kid didn't totally want to have their party there? I sure as hell did. The kids will love it, and it will be an hour or so of their lives. The adults can suck it up and deal.
I will say though, I was pleasantly surprised by the Chuck E Cheese party I recently attended w/ Natalie. It was in the middle of the morning, on a school day, so the place was totally empty except for us. No overwhelming obnoxious noise, well lit, pretty low key all things considered. The food was way better than it used to be, and I actually enjoyed myself more than I expected. Just hanging out, playing games w/ my kids, and letting Natalie run around without having to worry about being mauled by a rogue 10 year old on a mission for more tickets.
Post by JamaicanPineapple on Apr 11, 2013 7:14:32 GMT -5
Man, my area used to have the best McD's party place. It had 3 different seating areas to choose from (one was a train, 2 kids per "car", each car was a table), a few different play structures modeled after the McD characters (Hamburgler, Grimace). I had a party there when I was 5 or 6 and it was AWESOME!
Now, I'd definitely take my girls to one but I don't think I'd host there. Mainly b/c I think DD1 has only ever been there once. I love me some fast food but I'm not a McD's food fan.
I love you for using myriad correctly. Love you hard.
Do people use myriad incorrectly on a regular basis?
Also, this thread has helped me decide to stop at McDonalds for breakfast, so thanks, guys.
I love the mommy oneupsmanship that comes out in these threads. "My kid doesn't even know what McDonalds is!" Ok, here's your blue ribbon.
People usually say "myriad of ..." That's wrong. I almost never see it used correctly.
And can I do a onedownmanship here, then? When we go to McDonald's with the kids, I get a plain hamburger for my 11 month old and let him eat the meat.
I would go and not judge. I'd even host one there and I'm confident none of my friends would judge either. Its their birthday ffs. Let them have chicken nuggets and frenchfries with their friends.
Post by Jalapeñomel on Apr 11, 2013 8:09:04 GMT -5
You are a mommy martyr if you do a "real" party and spend $1000 on a kids birthday party, but you are gross and disgusting if you throw a birthday party at McDonalds. WTF.
Someone give me what is the right way to throw a party, so I can get it right.
Okay. I thought I was going nuts reading this thread in bed last night. I don't think it's a big deal and I fucking HATE McDonalds and pretty much never eat there except for an egg mcmuffin every once in a while.
If my kid REALLY wanted it, I'd do it. It's his fucking birthday FFS. lol. Not mine. Fuckers could judge away.
I had one there as a kid (before they had play places even!) and loved it. My niece had her party there a couple years ago and it was fun. The kdis played on the playground, they had an employee do games/contests with them w/prizes and the food was cheap. I like McDonald's, no judgment from me.
This thread inspired me to get an egg mcmuffin & diet coke for breakfast.
Anyway, I had a McDonald's party when I was 5 or 6. It was fun. I live in the Deep South now, and run with a middle class crowd. I wouldn't bat an eye at a McD party. I've gone to a couple for friends' kids, and the children all had a blast.