Dive into the magic! Turn into a real mermaid for an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime!
The Mermaid Transformation &
The Mermaid Lagoon Experience
The Mermaid Transformation
Experience
Our Most Popular Experience!
This whimsical makeover experience is perfect for little mermaids who dream of joining the shimmering sisterhood of the Neverland Mermaids.
✨ What’s Included:
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🐚 Magical Mermaid Makeover with shimmering makeup, face gems, glitter and colorful hair extensions
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🧜♀️ Dress-Up Time in a mermaid tail & seashell top
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🌈 A Mermaid Tea Party where imaginations run wild as we sip on delicious, sparkling pink Never-Tea
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📸 Photo Moments in our glowing Mermaid Grotto with a giant clam shell and LED waterfall
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🧜♀️ A real Tail Transformation in our indoor lagoon and grotto learning a mermaid tail dances and a mermaid lesson
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🎶 Mermaid songs, giggles, and magical surprises throughout!
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💫 A treasure from our mermaid treasure box & a land bubble! (or balloon, as human's would call it)
🌟 Perfect for Ages 3–10
💫 Hosted by: A Neverland Mermaid
📍 Located in our immersive under-the-sea venue on charming Balboa Island
The Mermaid Lagoon
Experience
Also known as "the beach experience!"
The Mermaid Lagoon Experience includes EVERYTHING in the Transformation Experience
✨ Plus:
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🐚 Our Famous Mermaid Beach Play! A trip to the sandy shores of Balboa Island, just a short walk or "swim" to dip your tail in the water for some seriously picturesque photo moments and play time!
🌟 Perfect for Ages 3–10
💫 Hosted by: A Neverland Mermaid
📍 Located in our immersive under-the-sea venue on charming Balboa Island & just out front on the sandy shores of Balboa Island
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"I honestly didn’t know what to expect—but this was beyond anything I could have imagined. The moment my daughter stepped into the grotto and met her mermaid, her whole face lit up in a way I’ll never forget. It wasn’t just a makeover—it was a full-on magical experience that felt so personal and real. The attention to detail, the way the mermaid spoke to her, the glowing waterfall… it all felt like something out of a fairytale. We left with beautiful photos, a precious keepsake, and a core memory I know she’ll carry forever. Absolutely blew us out of the water."
— Sarah D.
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"My daughter became a mermaid and I got a delicious latte and even champagne—what more could you ask for?! The entire experience was magical from start to finish. No chaos, no stress, just pure joy. Moms, this is the self-care + core memory combo you didn’t know you needed."
— Jenna M.
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What are “Daily Experiences” at Once Upon An Island?Daily Experiences are magical one-on-one or small-group visits with our mermaids, pirates, or princesses! From makeovers to tea parties and storytelling adventures, these are designed for everyday visits or even small celebrations—perfect for locals, visitors, or anyone looking to add a little magic to their day.
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Do I need to make a reservation in advance?Yes! Reservations are highly recommended, as experiences are limited and do sell out—especially on weekends and holidays. You can book online or by calling our front desk. Same day experiences are often available on the weekdays.
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What’s included in each experience?Each Daily Experience includes: Dress-up and/or makeover (based on the chosen experience) Private time with a themed character Activities such as story time, crafts, mermaid tail time, games, or a tea party Photo opportunities in our immersive venue Check each experience listing for specific details!
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Can I choose which character we meet?Yes, when booking a princess experience! Your favorite princess at the time of booking. Mermaid Experiences are our Signature Neverland Mermaid Characters, and Pirates are our Signature Neverland Pirate Characters (male & female) Our Mermaids have rainbow colored sparkling costumes and hair and fun, bubbly personalities! If you have any specific color requests, just let us know at booking.
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How many children can participate?Each experience is built for 1-3 children. If you wish, you can add a second-or 'tandem experience' to accommodate a maximum of 6 children. Call our front desk team to set this up!
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Is this a private experience?Princess Experiences are totally private! Just your group and your favorite princess. Mermaid & Pirate experiences are "social experiences" so in some cases you may be sharing the salon or space with other children having their own transformation at the same time- though you will never share a character!
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Can parents join in?Absolutely! Parents are welcome to enjoy the experience alongside their children, take photos, and relax in our lounge with a complimentary latte or bubbly juice. We also have "mommy and me" upgrades on each experience if you really want to dive into the magic with us for some unforgettable fun!
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What ages are these best for?Most of our experiences are perfect for ages 3–10, but we welcome all ages who love imagination and play! If you’re unsure what’s right for your child, give us a call—we’re happy to help
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Do you allow walk-ins?Walk-ins are welcome if space is available, but availability is very limited. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. We do have a mermaid in house daily, so ring our shell phone to find out if there are any open times for some magic same day.
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What should we bring?Just your imagination! We provide everything needed—from costumes to tiaras to treasure maps. A note: We do not allow any kind of catering or food service in the parents lounge- this is strictly reserved for Private Parties. Light snacks like goldfish and granola bars are always allowed of course for kiddos!
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Do you offer gift cards for Daily Experiences?Yes! Daily Experiences make wonderful gifts. Digital and physical gift cards are available for purchase.
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Can I take photos during the experience?Yes, we encourage it! You’re welcome to capture photos and videos throughout the experience. Our characters will also help guide some photo moments to make sure you get those magical shots.
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What if I’m running late?We understand things happen. Please call us if you're running late. We’ll do our best to accommodate, but experiences are scheduled back-to-back and may need to be shortened if you arrive late.
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Is there parking nearby?Yes, free street parking is available near our venue on Balboa Island. We are on the Ferry street (Agate Ave) not Marine (the Main Street) so parking is much more plentiful. It can get busy on weekends or holidays, so we suggest allowing extra time to find a spot.
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hat if I need to cancel or reschedule?We get it—life happens. We ask for as much notice as possible. Please refer to our cancellation policy at the time of booking or contact us directly and we’ll walk you through your options. Same day no-shows or cancellations with in 1hr of your booking may result in full charge for the service.
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Is there a dress code or should my child come in costume?No dress code required! We provide magical dress-up and makeovers during the experience. - We do recommend bathing suit bottoms if your experience includes beach play as your bottom will get wet on the sand. -We recommend easy to change clothes like leggings and loose fitting shirts or dresses
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Why are all of the princesses mermaids? Can they wear ballgowns?At Once Upon An Island, all of our characters are original creations with imaginative stories and unique personalities. While we do not portray or represent licensed characters, our Royal-Sea Princesses are inspired by classic fairytale characters in the public domain—reimagined with mermaid magic and adventurous tales you won’t find anywhere else. These ocean royals guard the treasures of Neverland, earning their fins through acts of courage and kindness—like Beauty, who befriended a shark to break an ancient spell, or Cinderella, who freed sea creatures trapped by her stepmother’s underwater magic. You’ll meet them in their shimmering mermaid gowns during our Princess Experiences. If your child dreams of a more traditional ballgown look or a character resembling popular fairytales, we offer optional upgrades through our trusted partners at OC Fairytales, an independent company that provides licensed-style characters.
