“I literally did not lift a finger” — Demi C., Huntington Beach“I took a boat to a magical island and met mermaids!” — Sage, via Grandpa Rick“The level of theming and execution of detail rival Disney” — Hana E., Newport Beach“They exceed even Disneyland quality” — Naz E., Los Angeles“Every single mom and kid said it was ‘magical’” — T K., San Francisco“My son is shy and he was having an amazing time” — Erin C., San Francisco“You really feel like you are in an underwater cavern!” — Leslie S., Tustin“Truly magical in every possible way” — Michelle D., Laguna Hills“10/10! Venue, the ladies, set up, ease was all A+!” — Stephanie C., Orange County“Such a dream come true” — Staci R., Rancho Cucamonga“The most special gift of our holiday season” — Chrissy H., Orange“Once Upon An Island is truly exceptional” — Sanaa E., Albuquerque

Find your magic

Three worlds. Three adventures.
One island of stories.

Every world has its own address, its own cast, and its own kind of magic, here’s where each story lives, and how to find your way in.

Which world is right for you?

Choosing between our locations

What’s the difference between Mermaid Cove and Once Upon an Island?

They’re two different kinds of magic. Once Upon an Island (118 Agate Ave, Balboa Island) is our flagship fantasy world, home to full Mermaid Transformationsprincess experiencesluxury birthday parties and ticketed public events, with experiences that run about an hour. Mermaid Cove (600 E Bay Ave, inside the Balboa Fun Zone) is our express location, walk-up mermaid transformations from $29.99 with braids, shimmer makeup and tail photos in about 20 minutes. Think of the Cove as the perfect first taste, and the Island as the full fairytale.

Which location should we choose for a birthday party?

Birthday parties, private celebrations and hosted events all live at our flagship, Once Upon an Island on Balboa Island, see all our party collections here. Mermaid Cove is a walk-up experience and doesn’t host private parties, though it’s a wonderful add-on stop during a Fun Zone day.

Do we need a reservation, or can we walk up?

At Mermaid Covewalk-ups are welcome whenever the Cove is open, it’s built for spontaneous magic during a day at the Balboa Fun Zone. At Once Upon an Islandexperiences are booked in advance so your cast and world are ready for you.

Where is Once Upon a Christmas?

Once Upon a Christmas is our seasonal holiday world at 114 Agate Ave on Balboa Island, right beside the flagship, with its own cast, story and limited-release tickets each holiday season.