We have both had and been to parties at Build-a-Bear. My childern LOVE Build-a-Bear. You (the party mom) sets the price limit for each child. If another mom chooses to spend more on her child, that is acceptable but I think it is rude to have others only getting the $25 or so for their bear and then that child gets anything they want. There is no place in the store for cake and presents, but the food court is not too bad if you do it at "off peak" times. We had a party at 10am and one at 3pm and both were great! The food court was nearly empty, so we had whatever tables we wanted. We set up our table cloth and cake and had a great time. My children are 7 and 9 and both would like to have another Build-a-Bear party. I love the idea of the Noah's Ark thing though. That sounds like fun to have it all in your own home, but then you have to deal with all the clean up from presents, cake and ice cream, etc. Anyway, as with every option for a child's party, there are pros and cons to Build-a-Bear. My daughter had her first Build-a-Bear party when she turned 2. It was so cute! One little boy decided to sit on the stuffing peddle instead of standing on it! TOO FUNNY!! Anyway, hope that helps.