Taller means better, right?

 
 
     When it comes to the the height of a slide, bigger does not mean better. Every manufacturer makes their slides a little differently which means not every 21' slide is equal to other 21' slides. Some manufacturers make their slides taller by adding unnecessary height. They make a rainbow, or a tree, or a log, anything that can add overall height to make it more appealing to buyers and then to renters, but not add anything to the actual slide itself.
 
 
       Let's use our 21' tall Rockin' Rapids vs our 19' tall Tiki Island for example. Both are manufactured by the same company and are supposedly the same slide just different themes. The Rockin' Rapids is by far my personal favorite waterslide. It is the biggest, the fastest, and is the most fun I have ever had on a waterslide. It stands at 21' tall, and when you stand on the top platform you can see over some of your neighbors' houses. It is truly awesome.  The Tiki Island waterslide is the same slide just a different theme. The platform height is the same height and the actual slide area is a mirror image to the Rockin' Rapids. However the Tiki Island measures 19 feet tall, 2 feet shorter. That is because there is a few small logs on top of the Rockin' Rapids that add to the total height of the slide. It doesn't actually add any height to the slide but when you quickly look at the 2 waterslides, you automatically assume the Rockin' Rapids is bigger.
 
     When we look to buy new waterslides, we do a lot of research. There are several companies that add a faux decoration to the top of the slide to make it appear bigger than it really is. Some slides are actually equivalent to a 15 foot slide but advertise as an 18 foot slide just because it has a wave or dolphin or fish added to the top of it.  Although the Rockin' Rapids is one of those slides that has a (for lack of a better term) false height, we do not advertise ours as a 21 foot tall slide. We advertise ours as a 19 foot tall slide. Not everyone, and I mean no one else, in the valley does this but us. Sure it may decrease our sales but we will not lure customers into thinking they will be getting a much larger slide than they will actually get.

     Not all slides are created equal and just because it is advertised as an 18 foot slide does not mean it is equal to all other 18 foot slides. When calling around and looking for a slide don't just ask for the height. Ask for the platform height. A good rule of thumb is the platform height should be 8 feet or less than the total height of the slide. The best advise is use a reputable company, look at reviews and make sure you can trust what they say.

                                                 
                                                   
                                                 

Going the extra mile

       For those of you that have used us in the past, you know we pride ourselves on the cleanliness of our equipment. During the week, we inflate the equipment and spend quite a bit of time vacuuming and sanitizing just about every square inch of our bouncers (including the outside and places kids cannot even touch). We do everything possible to ensure the equipment you reserve is in the BEST possible condition that we can provide. Occasionally, the equipment is used the day before and we have to clean it when we deliver it. We will not leave it dirty and will make sure that it is up to the quality you expect from us before we let your kids in to play. You also know that we don't make it a regular practice to rent our equipment twice in the same day. This helps ensure you are getting a clean inflatable and a quality worth paying for.
       Occasionally, and I do mean it is rare, we will double book an inflatable but only when it will benefit all parties involved. This past weekend was one of those times. One of our customers wanted a Shopkins party for their little girl. But, we did not have a modular inflatable to put the banner on so they accepted a princess theme. Fortunately, there was 2 Frozen themed parties that were perfectly timed so we were able to double up Frozen Combo. With some extra hard work by our employee and friend Jose, we were able to give both parties a clean Frozen Combo and surprise a little girl with a Shopkins Combo for her birthday. Whenever it possible, we will always go the extra mile to give you the best possible party experience. That is what separates us from our competition and will always be a driving force of our company.  Thank you.

Monsoon season

    Wow, it has been a while since I posted on this blog. I am sorry. The purpose of blog is less to do about self promotion and all to do about ensuring you get the best party experience.  I will make sure that I do a better job giving you hints and tips that help you choose the best equipment and activities for your party.
    Arizona has over 300 days of clear sunshine. Most of the summer is just plain HOT, but those that say "at least it is a dry heat" are obviously forgetting about monsoon season. Humidity, early evening thunderstorms, flash floods and haboobs. All of these are issues that trump the heat in my book. You can always beat the heat. The kids keep cool on the waterslide, parents (that don't go on the waterslide) keep cool in the shade with an evap cooler or go inside with the air conditioning.  Monsoons though, can threaten the success of your party. Those storm clouds build up and before you know it, a haboob is on its way. With winds over 40 mph and enough force to damage roofs, push over trees and yes, even send an inflatable flying. When the wind picks up or a haboob rolls in, the inflatable must be put down which will hit the pause or even stop button on your party. 
     Most people book an inflatable for their party about 2 to 3 weeks in advance and there is no way to predict the weather that far out. But the easiest way to beat the monsoon weather is start and end your party earlier.  Here are a few reasons why starting your party at noon and ending at 4 pm is a good idea.

  1) Most monsoon storms or haboobs occur in the early evening. In our experience, if a storm is going to pick up, it will occur at +/- 5 pm. Having your party end at 4 will ensure you and your guests have had adequate time to enjoy the inflatable before a storm hits.
  2) If there is no storm, this will maximize your time with the inflatable. Most companies, like ours, will add extra time both before and after the event which benefits both you and the inflatable company. It allows you plenty of time to enjoy the inflatable and allows the company to create the most efficient delivery and pick up schedule. 
   3) The 4-5 o'clock hour is the hottest part of the day.
   4) The temperature can remain above 100° until the 10 o'clock hour. Although it dark out it is still hot.

    If the weather does turn for the worst, it is better to not risk it and turn off the inflatable. Bounce houses, waterslides, or any inflatable is not able to be used in winds of excess of 20 mph.
    Although the weather it is unpredictable, we at Dreamland Bouncers constantly watch the weather and will help you make the best decision as to what the weather may be like for your party. If you are considering an inflatable for your party during monsoon season and have questions or concerns about the weather, please give us a call. We will be happy to help you find the best equipment, time frame or even back up ideas to ensure your child's party will be a successful one.