Party With The Fishes F.A.Q.
Here are some of our most common questions.
Call us at 813-273-4015 or e-mail us at education@flaquarium.org for more details
How can I book my Party with the Fishes?
Simply call our Education Reservations Office (813.273.4015) to place a deposit on the space you would like to book. The reservationist will then go over all of the party options with you.
What options will I be asked about upon calling the reservations team?
The Location. You will be asked whether you would like to have an Aquarium Party or an Explore-A-Shore Party. Aquarium parties take place indoors and include a personalized dive show. Explore-A-Shore parties take place outside at the aquarium’s waterpark and provide a private space at Explore-a-Shore for you and your guests.
Date and Time. Parties are held only on Saturdays and Sundays. The two timeslots available are 10 AM – 12 PM and 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM. The Reservationist will first check to make sure the space you would like at the date and time you would like is available. To insure that the space you want will remain available, a non-refundable deposit must be placed at the time of booking.
Birthday Child. You will be asked for your child’s name and the age he or she will be turning.
Attendees. You will be asked for an estimated head count for your party. This will include children and adults. This will determine the cost of your party, and can be adjusted up until the Tuesday before your party at 4 PM. If your guest count is greater than what is on your reservation, you will be charged for the difference in the cost of your price bracket. If fewer people attend the party than what you have reserved, a refund will not be provided. In order for our Birthday Hosts to provide the best possible experience for you and your guests, an accurate head count is essential. Aquarium parties have a maximum of 40 people. Explore-a-Shore Sea Stage parties have a maximum of 30 attendees. Explore-a-Shore Overlook Deck parties have a maximum of 50 attendees. (Overlook Deck parties with greater than 30 people will be charged for the Overlook Deck Premium which is an additional $150, due to the need for more space.)
Pizza Order. We offer cheese, pepperoni, and veggie pizzas at $15 each. Pizzas are cut into 8 slices, single cut, or 16 slices, double cut. Because the pizzas are specially ordered ahead of time, orders are required to be placed by Tuesday at 4 PM. If your order is not placed by that time, you will not be able to add pizzas. Café Ray is located in the first floor lobby of the aquarium and has a variety of menu items. (The menu for Café Ray can be found under “Dining” on the aquarium website.) Guests are free to leave the party and purchase food from Café Ray on their own. Outside food is not permitted in the aquarium.
Beverages. Each party includes lemonade and water. Café Ray is located in the first floor lobby of the aquarium and has a variety of beverages. Guests are free to leave the party and purchase beverages from Café Ray on their own.
Cake. Party packages include a ¼ Sheet cake for parties of fewer than 20 people and a ½ sheet cake for parties of 20 people or greater. For parties of 20 people or fewer, you have the option to upgrade to a ½ sheet for $25. Our cakes are provided by Publix Greenwise. Our exclusive Florida Aquarium themed cakes are as follows: Raldo the shark, Nakita the octopus, Percula the clownfish, and Mandy the Mandarin fish.
Party Animal. Each party includes an encounter from one of the aquarium’s party animals. Party Hosts will present the animal to the birthday party, provide fun facts as well as educational information about the specific animal and its role in its habitat. At the end, party guests will be allowed to get up close and touch the animal (as directed by the birthday host). Because the aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, there are strict guidelines to which we must adhere, so we are unable to guarantee a specific request for an animal. However we can exclude any animals that you may not want to meet, whether it’s because you met the animal previously or someone in your group is uncomfortable around that specific animal.
Shirt size. The birthday child’s gift from the aquarium is a “Party with the Fishes” t-shirt, which is set on the table at the beginning of the party along with fabric markers so guests can sign it. We have child’s sizes extra small, small, medium, and large.
The Deposit. In order to hold your birthday space, we require a deposit of $150. This deposit will be subtracted from your total at the time of final payment.
Final Payment. Final payment can be made as soon as the number of attendees and all other details of the birthday party have been finalized. It must be made by the Tuesday before your party at 4 PM. If final payment is not received by this deadline, they party will be cancelled and a refund for the deposit will not be provided.
I have twins. Can they share a Party with the Fishes?
Yes. To add an additional birthday child, the fee is $50. This fee covers the additional cake as well as the additional t-shirt. We limit one additional birthday child per party.
Who will host my party?
Parties of fewer than 30 people have one host. Parties with 30 or more are assigned two hosts. Birthday Hosts lead the party through the activities, set up and clean up parties, serve pizza and cake, and conduct the animal encounters.
Can I set up a time to come to the Aquarium and view the party spaces?
Appointments to view the party spaces and receive more detailed information can be arranged. The times available are during business hours on Saturday or Sunday. If you would like to make an appointment for a birthday tour, please call (813) 273-4015 to coordinate a date and time. We ask for at least a week's notice to set up birthday tours.