“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

Our flagship Balboa Island destination

You remember wishing
for a place like this.

She won’t have to wish. Here, she’ll flip her fins in the mermaid lagoon, hunt for treasure with a pirate crew, sip tea with her favorite princess — and have the birthday she’ll measure all others against. All of it real. All of it here.

Choose her story. Step inside.

Check Your Party Date See Daily Adventures

Our flagship world

Experience the magic, your way.

Once Upon an Island is our flagship venue — and one of our most immersive! You’ll find many ways to experience the magic here: birthday parties, private princess experiences, mermaid transformations, summer camps and more.

Parties Daily Adventures Mermaid Academy Public Events Traveling Magic

Our signature Mermaid & Pirate parties, magical Princess tea parties and more — this is not an ordinary party. Your child steps into the story and becomes the star. And the best part? We handle absolutely everything. You don't lift a finger, and you don't need to host or plan a thing — just show up and enjoy the magic as our guest. No mess to clean up, no food to serve, no stressful set-up.

Our parties are like hiring a venue, event planner, décor, rentals, characters, caterer and more — all in one.

Child celebrating inside the immersive venue Children enjoying a fully hosted birthday celebration A magical birthday moment with performers Children gathered for an immersive party Private celebrations Luxury Birthday Parties A private venue, a professional cast and a celebration led from beginning to end — while you relax in our parents lounge and enjoy the magic alongside your child. 1.5–2.5 hour grand celebrations · Up to 18 children · From classic themes for littles to trending themes for pre-teens Explore Birthday Parties

“I literally did not lift a finger at the venue.”

— Demi C., Huntington Beach · via Yelp

Mermaid, Pirate & Princess experiences for one child, siblings or a small group. Perfect for vacations, spontaneous special days, small celebrations and more.

Mermaid adventure at Once Upon an Island Mermaid adventure at Once Upon an Island Mermaid adventure at Once Upon an Island Mermaid adventure at Once Upon an Island Mermaid adventure at Once Upon an Island Mermaid adventure at Once Upon an Island Mermaid adventure at Once Upon an Island Mermaid adventure at Once Upon an Island Mermaid adventure at Once Upon an Island Mermaid adventure at Once Upon an Island Become a real mermaid Mermaid Adventures A full transformation — shimmering tail, flowing colored hair, and the moment she sees herself as a mermaid for the very first time. About 60 minutes · Ages 3–9, though all are welcome · Built for small groups of 1–3 Princess adventure at Once Upon an Island Princess adventure at Once Upon an Island Princess adventure at Once Upon an Island Princess adventure at Once Upon an Island Princess adventure at Once Upon an Island Princess adventure at Once Upon an Island Princess adventure at Once Upon an Island Princess adventure at Once Upon an Island Princess adventure at Once Upon an Island Princess adventure at Once Upon an Island Royalty for a day Princess Adventures Gowns, crowns and a royal welcome — a fairytale afternoon that becomes a core memory. About 60 minutes · Ages 3–9, though all are welcome · Built for small groups of 1–3 Pirate adventure at Once Upon an Island Pirate adventure at Once Upon an Island Pirate adventure at Once Upon an Island Pirate adventure at Once Upon an Island Pirate adventure at Once Upon an Island Pirate adventure at Once Upon an Island Pirate adventure at Once Upon an Island Pirate adventure at Once Upon an Island Pirate adventure at Once Upon an Island Pirate adventure at Once Upon an Island Ahoy, captain Pirate Adventures Treasure hunts, sword fights and the captain’s own ship — an adventure for the bravest recruits. Pairs perfectly with a sibling’s mermaid or princess day. About 60 minutes · Ages 3–9, though all are welcome · Built for small groups of 1–3

“I took a boat to a magical island and met mermaids!”

— Sage, via Grandpa Rick · Yelp review
Mermaid Academy summer program Mermaid Academy summer program Mermaid Academy summer program Mermaid Academy summer program Mermaid Academy summer program Mermaid Academy summer program Mermaid Academy summer program Mermaid Academy summer program Mermaid Academy summer program Mermaid Academy summer program Our famous summer program Mermaid Academy A week of transformation, creativity, performance and underwater adventure. Every June, July & August · Ages 3–9 · Limited spots each week Explore Mermaid Academy

Seasonal experiences, mermaid story times, mommy & me events, princess tea parties and more! A great way to dip your fins into the world of Once Upon an Island and introduce your little ones to our magical, flagship world.

Join us for a magical date Seasonal Events & Tea Parties Mermaid story times, princess tea parties, mommy & me mornings and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. See Public Events

Can't come to the island? Our worlds travel. From complete hosted celebrations to a single character knock at your door, we bring Once Upon an Island magic to your home or venue.

Full-service travel party tablescape Outdoor mermaid party setup Children enjoying a travel party Full-service styling station Immersive travel celebration A complete event brought to you Full-Service Travel Parties Cast, styling, entertainment and hosting at your home or private venue. Princess visit at home Mermaid character visit Princess character group Princess makeover visit Character celebration At your home or celebration Invite a Character Bring one of our performers to your child for a personal character visit. Our magical mobile salon styling children at a celebration Professional lighted styling stations ready for a travel event Mermaid stylist adding colorful hair to a child Mermaid salon performer ready to create magic Once Upon an Island mobile styling chair Character stylist applying a magical makeover Professional styling brought to your celebration The Traveling Salon Our illuminated styling stations, professional performers and transformation magic arrive at your home or event venue.

Where will your story begin?

Choose your next adventure.

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