Choosing the right party character can feel overwhelming with so many options! This guide walks you through the decision-making process to find the perfect match for your child's celebration.
Step 1: Ask Your Child
This might seem obvious, but it's the most important step! Observe:
- What do they watch? What shows/movies play on repeat?
- What do they dress as? For playtime, not just Halloween
- What do they talk about? Which characters come up in conversation?
- What toys do they love? Dolls, action figures, stuffed animals
If They Can't Decide...
Some kids want "all of them!" or change their mind daily. In this case:
- Go with their most consistent favorite over time
- Consider which character matches the party theme you're planning
- Book their current favorite (they'll love it in the moment!)
- Consider a multi-character party if budget allows
Step 2: Consider the Age Group
Ages 1-2 (Babies/Young Toddlers)
- Best: Mascot characters (soft, huggable)
- Popular: Mickey Mouse, Bluey
- Avoid: Scary or intense characters
- Note: Some babies may be overwhelmed by any character
Ages 3-5 (Preschool)
- Best: Both mascot and face characters work well
- Popular: Elsa, Paw Patrol, CoComelon
- Note: Some kids are shy—let character approach gently
Ages 6-8 (School Age)
- Best: Face characters for more sophisticated interaction
- Popular: Superheroes, princesses with activities
- Note: Kids appreciate character's "performance"
Ages 9+ (Tweens)
- Consider: May be "too cool" for characters
- If interested: Superheroes often work
- Alternative: May prefer other entertainment
Guest Ages Matter Too
If party guests vary widely in age, choose a universally appealing character. Spider-Man, Elsa, and Mickey work across ages. Avoid characters that only appeal to very young kids if older siblings will attend.
Step 3: Match the Venue
Pool/Beach Party
Outdoor Summer Party
- Best: Face characters (handle heat better than mascots)
- Consider: Moana, adventure-themed characters
Indoor Venue
- Best: Any character—all work well indoors
- Mascots: Perform great in AC environments
Winter Party
- Perfect: Elsa (ice theme!)
- Consider: Holiday characters
Step 4: Understand Character Types
Face Characters (Princesses, Superheroes)
Pros:
- Can speak and have conversations
- Sing songs from their movies
- More nuanced interaction
- Better in hot weather
Best for: Ages 3+, kids who want "real" princess/hero experience
Mascot Characters (Bluey, Mickey, etc.)
Pros:
- Soft, huggable, approachable
- Less intimidating for young children
- Physical play-focused (hugs, dancing)
- Great for photos
Best for: Ages 1-5, shy kids, first-time character experiences
When to Book Multiple Characters
Good Reasons for Multiple Characters
- Large parties: 25+ kids benefit from multiple characters
- Character pairs: Elsa + Anna, Mickey + Minnie
- Mixed interests: Princess + superhero for siblings
- Long events: 3+ hour parties
Popular Combinations
- Elsa + Anna (Frozen fans)
- Spider-Man + Batman (superhero fans)
- Mickey + Minnie (character fans)
- Princess + Superhero (sibling parties)
Quick Selection Guide
| Situation | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Shy toddler | Mascot character (Bluey, Mickey) |
| Princess-obsessed | Their favorite princess |
| Action-loving | Spider-Man, superheroes |
| Pool party | Moana, Ariel |
| Mixed ages/genders | Mickey, Bluey, Spider-Man |
| First birthday | Mickey, Minnie, mascots |
Final Thoughts
The "right" character is the one your child loves most. Don't overthink it—if they're obsessed with Elsa, book Elsa. If they want Spider-Man at their princess-themed party, that's okay too! The magic comes from seeing their favorite character in person, regardless of whether it "matches" perfectly.
Still not sure? Contact us—we're happy to help you choose!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child changes their mind after booking?
Contact us as soon as possible! We can often accommodate character changes with enough notice. This is common with young children whose favorites change frequently.
Can I book a character my child hasn't seen/doesn't know?
We don't recommend it. The magic works because children KNOW and LOVE the character. A surprise character they don't recognize loses much of the impact.
