November 17, 2023

How to Train Your Dragon Party

My daughter recently celebrated her 6th Birthday! Where did the past year go? It seems like just yesterday that we celebrating her 5th Birthday! Miss M has been obsessed with the How to Train Your Dragon movie and TV shows – and with the latest release of the sequel ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ we decided to make that the theme for this year’s party!

We decided to book the party at the Sunshine Castle  – because how AWESOME would it be to have a Dragon Party in an actual REAL castle!!

Read on to see and hear all about our party…you could also WIN a Children’s Party at the Castle *see T&C’s located at the bottom of this post.

Party at the Sunshine Castle

The Costume 

Miss M chose to dress as her favourite character Astrid. She actually resembles a ‘real life’ Astrid in so many ways, unafraid of everything, she’s tough, loyal and funny too!

Firstly we set about making the costume – I ordered some brown tulle and used some brown fake leather to make an easy no sew tutu skirt – we used this method here for the tulle and secured some fake leather strips using some sturdy safety pins, we also added some plastic shields that we found at our local Discount Store. We paired it with a faux fur vest we found at Big W and some other ‘Viking-esque’ accessories. We added some faux fur fabric to the tops of her boots too. The very talented Miss Donna was able to replicate the ‘war-paint’ that Astrid wears while riding her Dragon in the ‘How to Train Your Dragon II’ movie – this was the finishing touch that ‘made’ everything come together!

Astrid Costume - Amazing Face Paint!

The Birthday Party Invitation 

We ordered these personalised invitations via this Etsy store and had them printed at a local photo printing store.

How to Train Your Dragon Party Invitation

The Entertainment – Part 1! 

We were thrilled to book Miss Donna the Clown to help entertain the children (and adults too!). Miss Donna is a well known kid’s Performer and Entertainer here on the Sunshine Coast – she is AMAZING with the children! They were all in fits of laughter during her special 20min show. Miss Donna is also an amazing balloon twister! She created some amazing balloons for each child to take home. Click this link to watch a short Instagram video of Miss Donna’s performance on the day ~ here.

We would highly recommend Miss Donna for any upcoming function or party you might be planning! You can get in touch with her via this website or click here to find Miss Donna the Clown on Facebook.

Miss Donna The Clown at the Sunshine Castle

Miss Donna The Clown Performing at the Sunshine Castle

How amazing are those Baby dragon Balloons!

Great Balloon Dragons and Princesses made by Miss Donna!

And everyone LOVED this incredible Baby Rattle Balloon – it actually rattles with those confetti beads!! So beautiful!

Balloon Twisted Rattle - too cute for a baby shower centerpiece! By Miss Donna the Clown

The Party Food – Dragon themed and very delicious! 

To say we were amazed and impressed when we entered the foyer to be greeted by this huge feast would be an understatement! We were all transported back to a ‘magical’ time when Dragons roamed the earth and knights guarded the Castle walls! Each place setting was paired with an individual knight’s helmet – these were gifts for each child to take home! These helmets really helped to set the mood and sparked each child’s imagination. If you’re planning a Knight’s party you can order these plastic helmets here through Absolut Toys.

Knight or Dragon Themed Part Table Ideas

This Fire Breathing Watermelon Fruit Display had every adult and child gasping with joy! This was made specially by the wonderfully talented staff at the Sunshine Castle to match our Dragon Theme and to also add a healthy element to our party. We couldn’t have been happier with the result!

Fire Breathing Dragon Fruit Display

We selected ‘Dragon Tails’ from the party menu (quality German sausages in a half hot dog style bun), they were served with hot potato chips and were SO GOOD!! Nothing like your average hot dog!

These were also accompanied by the ‘standard’ Fairy Bread, Marshmallows and lollies – not that the children had much room for these after devouring the scrumptious ‘Dragon Tails’!

Birthday Party at the Sunshine Castle

Knight or Dragon themed party table at the Sunshine Castle

The parents certainly didn’t miss out on the feast – each adult was welcome to enjoy a barista prepared hot drink from the Castle Cafe, or a cold refreshment…as well as these specially catered platters pictured below.

Party Appertisers - available at the Sunshine Castle

The Entertainment – Part 2! 

While we were enjoying the end of our lunch we were treated to an amazing sword fight show from Sir Justyn and his Squire! The looks on the children’s faces was priceless – a REAL sword fight! Sir Justyn was very entertaining with a light-hearted ‘comical’ spin placed on the show, they even referenced parts from the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movie with one knight fighting to protect the Dragons – they involved the children too by asking them if we humans could live happily with real dragons…to which this very loud answer was replied by the children – “YES!!!”.
You can view a short segment of this battle via our Instagram account here.

Sword Fighting at the Sunshine Castle with Sir Justyn

There were so many great photo opportunities throughout the castle with nearly every child having a turn locked in the ‘Pillory’.

Sunshine Castle - great place to have a Birthday Party!

Then came more awesome and energy exerting FUN…JOUSTING practice! The children were all instructed on Jousting and then they each took turns running the jousting circuit whilst aiming for the targets. It was so much FUN and it was great to see the party guests enjoying the lovely Castle gardens!

You can view a video of myself taking a turn here via our Instagram account.

If you would like to book Sir Justyn the medievalist for your next party simply head here or contact him here via his Facebook page.

Jousting at the Sunshine Castle, Sunshine Coast QLD

Miss 6 and her guests proved to be very worthy Knights in training :).

Astrid Costume - How to Train Your Dragon Party at the Sunshine Castle

The Cake 

I love to decorate birthday cakes but I must admit that I was a little daunted by the prospect of making a ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ cake!! Luckily we have a few toy figurines at home that I was able to use to help decorate the cake. I had a look on Pinterest and found the inspiration for our cake here.

We stuck with the second movie theme by placing ‘Sugar Shards’ into one section of the cake – these were from the Ice Breathing dragon that is found within the second movie.

We decorated the outside of the cake with grey fondant, handmade gumpaste flowers, grey fondant boulders with hand-rolled fondant grass. We also made a ‘Happy Birthday’ scroll by rolling some white fondant into a scroll shape and adhering to the front of the cake – we then painted it slightly with brown gel food colouring to make it look aged.

Overall it was an easy cake as we didn’t need to be concerned with any imperfections in the icing.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Cake with Ice Shards

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Cake

Goody Bags 

What party isn’t complete without a goody bag or Party Favor? The Sunshine Castle organised a lovely gift bag for each child to take home their Knight’s Helmet. These bags also included some magical ‘Fairy & Dragon Eggs’ (Waterbeads) – these were a great gift idea for the kids to take home and ‘grow’. You can order them here via Absolut Toys.

The Sunshine Castle (Australia’s Biggest Castle) is located at Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast, QLD.  They have an excellent choice of party packages available and are always happy to discuss added extras for your party. They arranged everything from the entertainers right down to the party favours that the children received at the end of the party (I did bring the cake but I love decorating cakes!).

You can find more information about the Sunshine Castle here on their fabulous website and click here to see their party packages, alternatively you can call them directly on (07) 5448 4477. They can also host many different functions and events like Weddings, Tour Group Lunches & School Workshops!

We are so grateful to all the staff and management at the Sunshine Castle – they did an amazing job and made this a Birthday Party to remember!! We are also thankful to the great entertainers for keeping everyone (including the adults) entertained for the 2 hour duration of the party!

The Dragon Party was a HUGE success…and SO MUCH FUN!! We look forward to visiting the Sunshine Castle again and again!!

Louise x

{GIVEAWAY} NOW CLOSED! Good luck to those who entered we will be announcing the winner soon.

We have kindly been gifted ONE Party for up to 15 children to GIVEAWAY!! That’s right, your child’s next party could be held in a REAL Castle too!! This prize is valued up to $750.00. Entry is FREE and EASY! Simply follow the prompts below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Please read full Terms and Conditions outlined in rafflecopter*

Sunshine Castle Birthday Party Prize includes:

  • A birthday party for up to 15 party guests  (children aged 3 – 12)
  • 12 months to redeem the party voucher for your knight or princess. (Queensland School Holidays and Saturday afternoon time spots excluded). Dates are subject to availability and can be moved at the discretion of management up to 3 weeks before the party date requested)
  • Entry into the Sunshine Castle Tour (self guided) for all party guests
  • Participation in the Castles Treasure Hunt and a free treat from the Kings treasure for each child (self guided tour with actively supervising adult helpers).
  • Castle host to meet and greet and look after your group whilst on site.
  • A special in theme decorated birthday table on our party terrace with an upgrade to the Courtyard if available.
  • Party food as per your choices – available on the package that is current at the time of your booking.
  • A annual family pass for the family of the birthday child (max 5 family members inclusive – redeemable at any time after the winner is announced)
  • A $50 Cafe tab for Adults (on the day of the party).
  • A $50 Absolut Toys Voucher for the birthday child.
  • One Castle savoury and one sweet platter for attending adults (on the day of the party).
  • A small party bag for each child to take home with a small gift (value @$8.50 per bag)

*see full terms and conditions via rafflecopter.

Good Luck Fun Mums!!

If you want to become a Fellow Fun Mum Member & receive all of our fun craft, recipes & activities as well as special offers & promotions – click the button on our home page : )
 
Oh, and why not pop over and ‘like’ us on Facebook OR perhaps Twitter is your thing. . You can also find us on Pinterest & Instagram too!    

 

14 thoughts on “How to Train Your Dragon Party

  1. The party was fabulous. My four children aged 2 to 7 all loved it. Those balloons by Miss Donna were a huge hit, Cate was still holding her balloon rattle when she went to sleep that night. Food was fabulous, I loved the salmon mousse on cucumber. When can we do it again! 🙂

  2. Wow, the party sounded amazing! So much fun, and my mouth’s watering over the food. I’ve been debating whether to take the kids to Sunshine Castle, but you’ve just helped make my mind up. Definitely going now. Thanks!

  3. I want my next party there. That looks amazing! If miss 4 holds onto her current interest I will have to revisit this post for inspiration for her 5th birthday party.

  4. Wow this looks simply amazing can I have my party here I’m 35 although I am entering for my daughter turning 5.

  5. WOW what a fabulous option for birthday parties! Thank you so much for sharing your magical day with your gorgeous little girl.

  6. This has come at a great time. My daughter is 6 next month. She loves dragons and hiccup and Astrid etc…. this would make her year!!!!!!!!!!

  7. Amazing! My little sister is having a “Doc Mcstuffins” Birthday, and I would love if you could maybe send me some ideas?

    1. Hi Victoria, we haven’t held a Doc McStffins Party but I’m sure there would be lots of ideas on Pinterest :). Louise x

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *