20 November 2009
Posted in
Birthday Parties
Frequently Asked Questions
Every party package allows you and your guests to explore the Orlando Science Center before and after your party – that’s all of Orlando Science Center, all day! Just inform Admissions that you are attending a birthday party and they will give you a wristband for admission to the Orlando Science Center.
The Orlando Science Center provides maximum celebration with minimum hassle. Our parties are appropriate for ages 5-12.
What does the Party Host do?
Your birthday celebration begins with a Party Host that will greet your guests in a private room. The Party Host will provide age-appropriate educational activities related to the party theme. The Host will lead the singing when the Publix cake comes out.
All the paper products are provided and the Party Host will cut the cake and serve ice cream to all the guests. When it is time to open gifts, the Party Host will be taking notes for you of who gave each present. You will be able to enjoy the moment and take photos of this special time while leaving the clean-up to us.
What times can I have my child’s birthday party at the Orlando Science Center?
Saturday & Sunday Party Times:
- 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
How do I reserve a date for my child’s birthday party?
The Orlando Science Center offers private party rooms for children’s celebrations. Reservations can be made by phone or in person and are based on space and time availability. We require reservations be made within at least 2 weeks in advance. A $75 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your party. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, check or cash.
To book a party, contact our Reservation Office at 407.514.2112.
After your reservation is booked, all additional questions can be answered by Orlando Science Center's Birthday Coordinator at 407.514.2059.
What happens at an Orlando Science Center Birthday party?
At the Orlando Science Center, we have birthday parties down to a science! Our all-inclusive party package is designed to take the hassle out of party planning so you can relax and celebrate with your child. The experience will begin with parking in our covered garage and walking across Orlando Science Center’s sky bridge to the lobby. You and your guests will enjoy celebrating in one of our private birthday rooms for 90 minutes. This will include themed activities, the cake and ice cream and the opening of presents. Everything is provided for this celebration, even the candles! Your guests will receive a wristband that will allow them admission to Orlando Science Center for the whole day.
Each party will include:
- a Publix cake
- ice cream
- lemonade
- paper products.
- Educational theme
- 90 minutes in one of our birthday party rooms.
PLEASE NOTE: Parties with 30 or more guests will be using our classrooms. These rooms are not decorated for birthday parties.
Where do the party guests park?
The Orlando Science Center has a covered parking garage that is attached by a sky bridge for your convenience. Parking for all of your guests is included in the party package. The parking attendant will have a list of birthday parties that are being celebrated that day. Please have guests let the attendant know that they are here for a birthday party to receive complimentary parking. Otherwise, parking is $5 per car.
What do I do when I arrive at the Orlando Science Center?
When you arrive in the Lobby on Level 2, walk down the stairs to Level 1 where our birthday rooms are located. Since several parties are booked in a single day, please arrive to your designated birthday room no earlier than 10 minutes prior to your party. Birthday party attendants are available in this area to direct you and your guests to your party room. If you have any problems finding your designated room, ask an Orlando Science Center Staff Member for assistance. Please ensure your guests to arrive at your designated party time. The Party Host will start your party no later than 15 minutes after the designated time.
Is there an invitation for me to hand out to my guests?
For your convenience, a printable birthday invitation is available. It includes a map to the Orlando Science Center on it for your guests.
What if I want to invite my guests prior to my designated party room time?
Not a problem. Your party rate fee includes all-day admission at the Orlando Science Center for your guests. Have your guests go to the Lobby located on level 2 for wristbands. The will simply need to let the Admissions staff know that they are here for a birthday party. You and your guests may enjoy the 4 levels of exhibits while you wait for your party room to be available. Special engagement exhibits are not included. Ask about a group rate.
What kind of cake comes with the birthday package?
Every party comes with a themed Publix cake. The cakes are ½ sheet, single layer cake with buttercreme frosting that serves 30-40. You can select from chocolate, vanilla or marble as the cake flavor. Please inform the Birthday Coordinator of any special requests or food allergies. We will try to accommodate any special requests or dietary needs. If it requires any additional cost, you will be charged the day of the party. Remember, no birthday cakes can be brought in from the outside.
Can I bring my own party paper goods?
Delivering a terrific birthday celebration for your child, hassle-free for you is our top priority. Paper goods are provided through the Orlando Science Center. Our special party rooms are designed for your celebration. You are welcome to bring your own birthday hats and tablecloths, which are not provided by the Orlando Science Center. You are welcome to bring in your own special themed plates, napkins or cups. If you are planning to bring added decorations, please inform the Birthday Coordinator in advance so we can plan your party accordingly. You may also bring goody bags for your party guests.
For safety reasons, NO HELIUM or MYLAR BALLOONS, CONFETTI or STREAMERS are allowed.
Can I bring my own food and cake?
The Orlando Science Center’s party packages are all inclusive. If you would like to add additional food or beverage selections these may be purchased through Orlando Science Center. Please contact the Birthday Coordinator to add any additional items. We order our birthday cakes through Publix only.
What film will we see?
The Dr. Phillips CineDome is a wonderful place to take your birthday party guests to experience a film or planetarium show on an 8 story giant screen. A giant-screen film reservation is included for your group with the Super Science Birthday Party package. Our Birthday Coordinator will help you select a film and time. The film schedule can be found here.
What if I need to cancel my party?
There is a $75.00 non-refundable deposit required to reserve your preferred party date. The balance is payable the day of your party. Should you have a change of plans and need to reschedule your party, you may contact Reservations. Orlando Science Center can transfer the $75.00 deposit to another date if one is available.
Late party arrivals risk a compromised time schedule. No refunds are available for late arrivals. A party will be considered cancelled if the Birthday family doesn’t arrive within 25 minutes of the designated party time.
What if I have children/siblings coming that are under the age of 3?
Children under the age of three are free and not included in the head count unless they are participating with the birthday child as a guest. Adults attending with children under the age of 3, however, are included as a participant.
Birthday "participants" include both children and adults for safety reasons. Anyone over the age of 3 is counted as a participant. Please inform us if large numbers of children under 3 are attending (occupancy and staffing concerns).
When will I settle my bill?
The bill will be settled immediately following your party time by your Party Host. Your host will go through the invoice and provide you with a copy. The $75 deposit placed to reserve the party time and room will be deducted from the amount owed for the party.
What if I still have questions?
The Birthday Coordinator will confirm your party details with you by phone in advance. Your final head count and any upgrades must be determined at this time. For additional questions, please call the Birthday Coordinator at 407.514.2059. We will respond to you as quickly as possible.
