Dave's Cast of Characters Logo Dave's Cast serving NY, NJ, CT areas call 914-235-7100.  
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Dave's Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are your rides and activities covered by insurance?
Yes. We carry a $2,000,000 insurance policy covering all our rides, activities and performers.
2. Can I get proof of insurance?
Yes. Upon request, our insurance company can provide a Certificate of Insurance. We would need the name, address, phone number, fax number and 'attention to' person for the individual or entity to whom the Certificate is addressed.
3. How much space do I need?
Inflatables:
Of course, space and height requirements vary depending on which particular unit you have. We can provide you with the dimensions of any unit. Most inflatables need an additional 4-5 feet on the sides and back.

Performers/Shows:
There is no minimum space requirement for performers. The greater the available space, the more options the performers have; we will adapt to whatever the physical space may be.
4. Does an inflatable have to be set up on grass?
While a flat, grassy area is the best surface for an inflatable, it is perfectly fine to set up on dirt, concrete or blacktop. We do ask that if you need the unit set up on a hard surface, please let us know in advance so that we can adequately prepare.
5. How much power do we need?
Inflatables, rides and carts:
For each blower, ride and cart, we need a dedicated standard 110 household circuit within 50 feet of where you want the item set up. By dedicated, we mean that nothing else is running on that circuit. Many of our inflatables require multiple blowers - we can tell you how many are needed for your unit. It is your responsibility to determine if your house/facility can support the power needs. If necessary, we can supply generators for an additional fee.

Performers/DJ's:
Generally, only a single standard 110 household circuit within 20 feet of where you want to set up is needed. It is recommended, but not required, that this is a dedicated circuit. If you are having add-ons (lights, fog, bubbles, etc.), additional circuits may be needed.
6. Are there any delivery or set-up fees for inflatables?
No, we do not charge for delivery or set-up.
7. How soon should I reserve an inflatable or performer?
The best thing we can tell you is: the sooner, the better. We have only one of most of our inflatables and it's first come-first served. Our performers are in-demand professionals and are not always available on short notice. You can never book too early (we have many clients book 6 months to a year in advance), but you can book too late.
8. Can we have your inflatables set up in a park?
That depends on the park. We have set up inflatables in many parks, but you will need to check with the appropriate City, County or State Parks Department to be sure. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary permits required by the City/County/State. Please be sure to find out if there is power at the park close to where you will be set up. (If not, we can provide a generator, at an additional charge.) Most parks require that we provide a Certificate of Insurance, which we will be happy to do. (See #1)
9. What is your rain/snow policy?
Our policy is like the Post Office's: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night..." In other words, we show up unless you tell us not to! In the unfortunate event of evil weather, we do have alternate plans in place...

Inflatables, rides and carts:
In the event of severe weather, there are three choices: 1) We can erect a tent under which to hold your party (Of course, there are charges for tents); 2) We can reschedule; 3) We can convert to indoor activities. We have tenting services and a variety of indoor inflatables, carnival games and the like just so you will not have the inconvenience of rescheduling your party. If you prefer to reschedule, we ask that you work with us as far as date, time and unit(s), as we cannot hold the scheduled ride(s) for a specific rain date. Also, as our vehicles load up very early in the morning, we would request that you make the decision about threatened bad weather the day before. Of course, this is not always possible and we will be happy to work with you the day of the party if need be.

There is no fee to reschedule, but pricing may need to be adjusted (up or down) if different units are used as a result.

Performers/DJ's:
Usually, performers and DJ's can easily be moved indoors. If, however, you do not have an indoor space and wish to reschedule, we will be happy to accommodate this. If you need to reschedule, we ask that you work with us as far as date and time so that we can fit your show into our schedule.

In most cases, there is no fee for rescheduling a performer. There is one situation where there is a charge: Our agreement with our performers is that at 24 hours before the start of the party, we are obligated to pay the performer(s). For example, if you have a clown scheduled for 3:00 on Saturday, as of 3:00 Friday we are committed to pay the performer. If you cancel or reschedule after that time, we have no choice but to pass that cost on to you. (The exact amount will vary depending on the performer.)
10. If I need to cancel my party, what happens to my deposit?
If you book your party more than three (3) weeks in advance and cancel within one (1) week after making the booking, we will be happy to refund your deposit.

If you book your party less than three (3) weeks in advance or book your party more than three (3) weeks in advance and cancel beyond one (1) week after making the booking, then your deposit is not refundable. However, the deposit is not lost; you may apply that deposit to any party you book with us within thirteen (13) months from the original date of your event. Please keep in mind that the 24-hour policy will apply if you cancel a performer within 24 hours of the event (See #9). In that case, your deposit will first be applied to performer fees and the balance, if any, carried over to a future event.
11. How long does it take you to set up?
Naturally, that will depend on what you are having. It can be anywhere from 5 minutes for a facepainter to 2 hours or more for a big carnival. The important thing is that we are always ready to go by the designated starting time - usually well before.
12. Do you have a location at which we can hold the party?
Unfortunately, no - we do not hold parties at our location. If you need a recommendation for a facility, please give us a call. We know many different wonderful locations for your party.
13. Do you come to my area?
We cover a wide area throughout the tri-state region. We are based in Westchester County and travel pretty much anywhere in the area - New York City to Danbury; Long Island to Rockland County; Brooklyn; Queens; Northern New Jersey - all are in our usual range. Even if you are outside this range, we may still be able to accommodate your needs - just call us and ask; we’ll do our best!
14. When is final payment due?
Final payment is due on the day of the event. You can use credit/debit card, check or cash; whichever is most convenient for you.
15. Are gratuities included in your prices?
No, our pricing is for our services only. If you choose to give a gratuity to the performers or ride staff, it will certainly be appreciated.