2024 - Irving, Texas - Friday Play Date (Crop)

Friday Once Upon A Time Play Date:  Everyone loves a good Happily Ever After story and at EXPO we are no different. Our Once Upon A Time crop is sure to turn your night of cropping into a fairytale ending. Maybe you will finish those pages you have been wanting to complete. You can cast a spell and all of those cards you have been wanting to create will magically be done with a wave of a magic wand. But beware with good comes evil... well not on this night it is only filled with that Once Upon A Time of your life happiness. Create your favorite Once Upon A Time character costume and decorate your table with that Happily Ever After ending.

Play Date Details
  • Seating is open and available on a first come first serve basis.
  • Each crafter who attends will have an approximate 4’ x 24” space to create. Size of space may vary at certain locations.
  • Seating is arranged in sets of four or eight and does vary per location; so plan on making a few friends during your stay.
  • Receive your “I Played” button.
  • You can come and go as you please and create as you wish.
  • The Play Date area is quiet during the day; but come evening the party comes to life!
  • Prizes & contests will start after the show floor closes each day.
How is the theme incorporated into the evening Play Date?
  • Decorate your table.
  • Come in costume with your friends
  • Prizes are awarded for theme related enthusiasm
    Limit 1 Table can win (with a maximum up to 8 people)

** Admission to the show floor on Friday & Saturday is sold separately from the individual Crop Nights. However Friday & Saturday Admission is included in the All Weekend Crafter Package.

 

Have Questions? We Got Answers!

How does seating work?

  • General Seating at the Play Date is an open seating system and guests are seated on a first come first serve basis.
  • Each crafter who attends will have a chair and approximately 48" x 24" of space to create. Locations such as Irving and Orlando may vary.
  • Seating is arranged in sets of four or eight and does vary per location; so plan on making a few new friends during your stay.
  • For guests returning to the Play Date the next day, please see the "Leaving My Stuff" tab for useful information.
  • If you would like to guarantee seating with your friends, please be sure to check out the "Online Reserved Seating" Tab. Reserved seating is not necessary as all seating is on a first come first serve basis. However, this option is available to guarantee that your party will be seated together, without having to exercise our first come first serve policy. There is an additional fee to reserve your seats prior to the event.

How do I Reserve seating before the show?

We know how important it is for you to sit by your friends. Our hosts do an amazing job helping guests find seats together. If you have a party up to Eight guests and would like to reserve your seats prior to the event you are welcome to do so. Reserved seating is not necessary as all seating is on a first come first serve basis. However, this option is available to guarantee that your party will be seated together without having to exercise our first come first serve policy. There is an additional fee to reserve your seats prior to the event.

  • Reserved seating is available for a party of up to 8 guests.
  • Each guest will need to purchase their own Mega Make & Take Extravaganza or Play Date ticket online.
  • Once your party has purchased their individual Mega Make & Take Extravaganza or Play Date tickets, one person from the party will need to visit our "Reserved Seating Application" to reserve your seats.
  • In an attempt to offer seating reservations for everyone, groups may be seated with other patrons to make the most of our seating capacity.

The daily fee for reserved seating is based on the size of your party. This fee is not per person, it is a flat fee for your party.

Party of 1 Party of 2 Party of 3 Party of 4 Party of 5 Party of 6 Party of 7 Party of 8
Fee: $10 $15 $25 $25 $35 $40 $50 $50
  • Once we receive your application, we will add the reserved seating to your order. Please allow 48-72 hours to process the application as these are done manually.
  • Once your application has been processed we will send you an email confirmation letting you know that we have added the tables to your order.
  • When you arrive at the Mega Make & Take Extravaganza or Play Date; please notify your host to assist in locating your reserved seating.
  • Online seating applications close one week prior to the show. See cutoff dates below.

Special Requests: If you have any special medical requests or needs, please be sure to add this request to the seating application. Special medical requests or needs are filled to the best of our hosts ability and not always accommodated.

Moving Reserved Seating Tent Cards: Much time is taken to fill requests for those that have paid extra to "Reserve Seating" ahead of time. We ask that you PLEASE be respectful and do not move your tent card or other guests tent cards. All reserved seating tent cards will be marked with their row/aisle number for our hosts to assist guests in locating their reserved seating. If tent cards are moved; that party will forfeit further seating reservation privileges in the future. We ask that you please see your host if you have any concerns with your seating arrangements and they will be happy to assist.

Online Seating Application
Deadline - 11:59 PM Pacific Time 1 Week before the event.

Online Reserved Seating Application Available After Pre-Registration Opens

How do I Reserve seating during the show?

Guests are not obligated to reserve seating as seating is open and on a first come first serve. However, we know that for many of you this is an important feature that you would like to take advantage of.

Policy Changes: We understand that there may be times when you are not able to reserve seating online prior to pre-registration closing. Guests will still be able to reserve seating onsite; however, you will no longer be able to reserve seating during the evening hours with the host. Guests will need to reserve their seating by 5pm the day prior to their schedule event. Same day seating reservations will not be permitted. Please see the steps below if you wish to reserve seating for a party of up to eight guests onsite.

  • ALL Onsite reservations will need to be made at the registration counter by 5pm one day prior to your scheduled event.
  • Guests can reserve seating for up to 8 guests. You will need all printed tickets in hand, in order to reserve.
  • In an attempt to offer seating reservations for everyone, groups may be seated with other patrons to make the most of our seating capacity.

The daily fee for reserved seating is based on the size of your party. This fee is not per person, it is a flat fee for your party.

Party of 1 Party of 2 Party of 3 Party of 4 Party of 5 Party of 6 Party of 7 Party of 8
Fee: $15 $20 $30 $30 $40 $45 $55 $55
  • All tickets will be verified that are not already associated with an existing reservation.
  • Once verified, we will print your seating ticket & receipt for your party. Please present to your host.

If you are looking for others to group up with, we do suggest that you join our Facebook page to meet up with new friends. As an added convenience we will also have a bulletin board located by the Exclusive Entrance for those that are looking for others to group up with.

Join Our Facebook Group

    Calling All Weekend Crafters! Yes…that’s right…several days of amazing fun when you purchase the MEGA Make & Take Extravaganza and our themed Play Dates. Just take a look below at all of the amazing perks our “All Weekend Crafter Pass” has to offer. Not only will you have a great time at the MEGA Make & Take Extravaganza learning great new tips and techniques but our themed Play Dates are sure to keep you busy throughout the day and well into the evening...while making a few new friends along the way!

    2024 All Weekend Crafter Perks

    • Pickup your tickets at Will Call (the afternoon of the Mega Event) and head over to the Play Date Area for Expedited Check In!
    • Receive an awesome Badge Holder to display and store your All Weekend Pass...no more wristbands to get into the Play Date Area!!!
      (Shopping Floor Wristbands Still Needed)
    • By-Pass the Check-in Desk Each Day!

    Just a Few Extra's!

    • Collectible "I Played!" Button
    • Friday and Saturday show floor admission included (Wristbands Needed to Enter Shopping Floor)
    • Separate "Exclusive Entrance" Shopping Line at 9am
      ***Seating is first come first serve. Please visit the tab section for more information on additional seating options and other event details.

Can I leave my stuff overnight?

Guests attending the Mega Make & Take Extravaganza or Play Dates throughout the weekend have the option of leaving their stuff overnight. Here are two helpful tips.

  • If you have purchased Reserved Seating for the next day, you will need to inquire with your host before leaving. Your host will have a special tent card that you will place on your table.
  • For those guests who do not have reserved seating, but are planning to attend the next day...you are more than welcome to leave your items overnight in a designated area. Unfortunately, you will not be allowed to leave your items at your table. Please inquire with your host.

Will there be tools I can try/use?

Check out the Creation Station! We’ve chosen the most popular types of tools and have some new tool sponsors you can try. Bring your own files to cut on the Silhouette Cameo 3 or Cricut machines. If the files are on your laptop, bring your laptop to hook it up! Remember to bring a hot spot, not all venues have free WiFi.

  • Cricut Joy
  • Cricut Maker
  • Silhouette Cameo 3
  • Spellbinders Platinum 6 Die Cutting
  • Sizzix Big Shot
  • Multi Purpose Heat Tool from Darice
  • Cutterpillar Paper Trimmer

What supplies will I need?

When attending the Mega Make & Take Extravaganza or Play Date, you will need to bring supplies that will keep you busy throughout the day.  Many guests will bring their rolling storage totes filled with paper, scissors, trimmer, adhesive, embellishments, albums, pens, ink, stamps…you name it!   Remember, some events are 15 hours, so bring whatever will keep you busy.

For those attending the Mega Make & Take Extravaganza here are a few suggestions that you may need during this event: Variety of adhesives (such as liquid adhesive or tape runner), paper trimmer, scissors, corner rounder, paper piercer, stapler, hole punch, acrylic block, distressing ink pad, baby wipes, and journaling pen.

 

What do I do when I'm hungry?

Concessions will be available throughout the day and into the evening at each of our show locations. Times vary during the evening hours. Your Host will notify attendees when concessions are about to close, so you can be sure to stock up on any last minute drinks or snacks.

Please note that the facility does not allow outside food.  Concealed snack food is okay, but please no rolling coolers.  Pizza delivery is also discouraged.

Are children allowed?

We love our young scrappers!  Children are welcome to attend our events, however we do ask that those under 18 be accompanied by an adult and must purchase a Play Date or Mega Make & Take ticket for the event.

 

What should I wear?

Controlling the temperature in a large hall can sometimes be difficult.  We do suggest that you bring a sweater or sweatshirt to make your stay more comfortable. When in doubt dress in layers so you can adjust to get comfortable.

Will there be electrical power available?

Want to operate your die cut machines, photo printers, lights and laptop computers?  We can arrange for the Venue Electrician to supply power for your needs. Price varies per location $60 - $230 and includes 1 power strip to plug in your devices.  You must first pre-register online for your event tickets and then contact us by phone (951) 403-9781. Our staff will be able to assist with electrical pricing and the seating reservation application. Please note that Battery Packs are not allowed.  Also note Wall Outlets are not available for public use.  There will be a Cell Phone Charging Area for your convenience.  If you have any questions about Electricity don't hesitate to contact our office or speak with the staff at the show.

 

Will there be Music?

We try to have a variety of all types of music at our events.  Guests who wish to bring and listen to their own music are welcome to do so, however you will need to have headphones so the crafters around you can enjoy the music provided by the EXPO.