FAQs

Delivery, Pickup & Setup

Refundable Deposit

Rain, Weather, Cancellations, Refunds

Concession Extras

Shopping Cart Error

Cleaning

Equipment Questions & Specs

Popcorn Machine

Cotton Candy Machine

Hot Dog Steamer

Snow Cone Machine

Movie Screens

Movie Projectors

Frozen Drink Machines

Photo Booth Packages & Photography Backdrops

Delivery, Pickup & Setup

Delivery Areas

  • Minimum $50 Order
  • Free Delivery to your front door (Setup/Breakdown NOT Included) in the following Lakewood Ranch Area: East of I-75, West of CR-675, South of US-301and North of University Pkwy
  • For areas outside the above described Lakewood Ranch Area, you can pick up your order, or pay a delivery fee.  
  • If you are inside the Free Delivery area but the website is charging you a delivery fee, please contact us.

Delivery & Pickup Details

  • Your Order includes Delivery and Pickup to/from your front door within our Lakewood Ranch Map. Setup/Breakdown is NOT Included  After your reservation is completed, we will contact you to schedule a specific Drop Off and Pick Up time.  
  • Your Order is normally dropped off in the morning and picked up later the same day.  We can also drop off one day, and pick up the next, if you have an evening party.
  • *All Orders require a $50 minimum purchase.

Non-Delivery Areas

  • Yes, you can come pickup your order if you're out of our delivery areas.  Please Call 941-254-1754.

Customer Pickup

  • Yes, you can come pickup your order if you're out of our delivery areas.  Please Call 941-254-1754.

Do you Setup the equipment?

  • Items are dropped off and picked up at your front door.  Items are not carried to or from your backyard.  Tables, chairs, linens, etc. are not set up.  We can walk you through setting up movies, electronics, etc.  Generally, the customer, DJ or caterer will set up equipment.
  • Feel free to call us before or after you reserve your items to discuss setup of electronics or concessions.
  • There are also many instructions and How To's for specific equipment in this FAQ.

Refundable Deposit

How Much is the Deposit?

  • A $50 refundable deposit is required for each order.  

When will my deposit be returned?

  • After the equipment has been picked up or returned, we'll process the refund ASAP.  Usually within 24 hours.
  • You will receive an email confirmation of the deposit refund.

Rain, Weather, Cancellations, Refunds

  • Our goal is to take the worry out of your party planning.
  • Cancel for Any reason 24 hours before your rental for a full refund.
  • Florida Weather can be Crazy!  For Weather or Rain, you don't have to worry.  You can Cancel and get a refund, Reschedule or Revise your rental to move it Indoors.  We're flexible!  
  • Just give us a call or text at 941-254-1754.

Concession Extras

How can I purchase Extra cotton candy sugar, snow cone cups, popcorn, etc?

  • You can add concession extras to your cart during your initial order.  

How many cups, cones, bags, etc. come with the equipment rental?

  • Please see Individual Equipment Listings.

Shopping Cart Error

$50 Minimum Purchase

  • We require a $50 minimum Purchase for all orders.
  • Your cart will show at least $100 ($50 minimum purchase + $50 refundable deposit).

You are outside our delivery area

  • We currently only deliver our products to Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County, FL.  Please contact us if you are outside our delivery area if you would like to schedule a pickup.

Cleaning

Reasonable Cleaning is included with rental

  • Reasonable Cleaning is included with rental at no cost for all items.    
  • Stains, gum, etc that are time consuming to remove or are not able to be removed may result in additional fees.

Equipment Questions & Specs

Popcorn Machine

8oz Popcorn Machine Specs

  • An 8 oz popcorn machine can produce 8-1oz servings per cycle.  About 160 servings per hour.  
  • A standard serving size is 1 ounce (2.5 cups).
  • Deluxe model with 3 control switches and 850 watts.
  • Exclusive whisper quiet motor.
  • Switches include: spot light warmer, stirrer and pot heater.
  • Tempered Safety Glass Walls.
  • High impact Polycarbonate doors.
  • Popcorn supply storage in base.
  • Warming Deck.
  • Built-in warmer light.
  • Popcorn scoop is included.
  • Reject kernel tray.
  • Kernel and oil scoop is included.
  • Heavy-duty powder coated steel and stainless steel construction.
  • Cleans up with water.
  • Makes roughly 20 cups of popcorn per batch, 400 cups per hour.
  • Works on standard 110 volt.
  • 850 watts
  • Machine is 17"L x 14"D x 24.0"H.
  • Popcorn Machine Weight: 28 lbs.
  • Machine and Cart is 26"L x 18"D x 60"H.
  • Popcorn Machine and Cart Weight: 49 lbs. (The machine and cart separate)
  • Cart has Large 16" diameter bicycle style wheels.

12 oz Popcorn Machine Specs

  • A 12 oz popcorn machine can produce 12 servings per cycle.  About 240 servings per hour.  
  • A standard serving size is 1 ounce (2-3 cups).
  • Deluxe model with 3 control switches and 1350 watts.
  • Exclusive whisper quiet motor.
  • Switches include: spot light warmer, stirrer and pot heater.
  • Tempered Safety Glass Walls.
  • High impact Polycarbonate doors.
  • Popcorn supply storage in base.
  • Warming Deck.
  • Built-in warmer light.
  • Popcorn scoop is included.
  • Reject kernel tray.
  • Kernel and oil scoop is included.
  • Heavy-duty powder coated steel and stainless steel construction.
  • Cleans up with water.
  • Makes roughly 30 cups of popcorn per batch, 600 cups per hour.
  • Works on standard 110 volt.
  • 1350 watts
  • Machine is 15 1/2"L x 18.5"W x 29.75"H
  • Popcorn Machine Weight: 44.5 lbs.
  • Machine and Cart is 31"L x 21"D x 65.25"H.
  • Machine and Cart Weight: 75 lbs. (The machine and cart separate)
  • Large 18" diameter bicycle style wheels.

How much popcorn comes with rental?

  • 3 Pre-measured popcorn/oil packages come with every rental, plus paper serving bags.
  • The 8oz Machine makes 8 servings per pouch.
  • The 12oz Machine makes 12 servings per pouch. 
  • You can also supply your own bulk popcorn, salt and oil, if you are serving many people.

How much popcorn do I need?

  • Our pre-measured 8oz and 12oz Popcorn & Oil packets produce about 1 serving per ounce.  
  • A 1 oz serving is about 3 cups, the size of a small popcorn at the movie theater.
  • If you want to have one serving per person, just order the number of ounces equal to the number of people.
  • If you want to have two servings per person, double the number of people to figure the ounces needed.

How Fast is the Popcorn Machine?

  • Our 8 oz popcorn machine can produce 8 - 1oz servings per cycle.  About 160 servings per hour.  
  • Our 12oz popcorn machine can produce 12 - 1oz servings per cycle.  About 240 servings per hour.
  • A 1 oz serving is about 2.5 cups, the size of a small popcorn at the movie theater.

Can I add my Own Popcorn and Oil instead of the Pre-measured Pouches?

  • Yes.  
  • You can supply bulk popcorn and oil to use with the rental.
  • Corn to Oil is a 3:1 ratio.
  • For the 8oz machine use 1 Cup (8oz) of Corn and 1/3 Cup of Oil.
  • For the 12oz machine use 1.5 Cups (12oz) of Corn and 1/2 Cup (4oz) of Oil.

Cotton Candy Machine

Cotton Candy Machine Specs

  • Makes one cotton candy cone every 30 seconds
  • Simple to use: turn on the motor and warm up for 2 minutes
  • 950 watt high performance heating element

Cartons of Floss Sugar

  • Cotton Candy Machine Rentals Include:
  • 1 Carton (64oz Box) & Paper Cones
  • Cartons make about 64 servings of one flavor.  
  • Additional Cartons are available for purchase.

Hot Dog Steamer Specs

  • Heavy Duty 20 gauge stainless steel construction throughout makes it the most durable hotdog steamer in its class.
  • Removable product trays and sliding doors allow for easy access to hotdogs and buns and makes clean up a snap!
  • All removable parts are dishwasher safe!
  • Revolutionary proprietary heating system features heavy duty submersible stainless steel heating element.
  • Low water warning indicator light and illuminated ON/ OFF switch.
  • Adjustable thermostat increases versatility. Unit performs in all cooking and holding conditions.
  • Accommodates up to a maximum of 200 hotdogs/sausages and 42 buns.
  • 8 quart water pan for increased holding times and is the largest in the business!
  • Quick to open water release valve eliminates burned fingers and spilled water.
  • Divided food trays accommodate both hotdogs and/or sausages to be cooked and merchandised simultaneously.
  • Small footprint. Cook and serve hotdogs in as little as 14" of counter space.
  • Brilliant graphics on both sides allows for either front-counter or rear-counter merchandising.
  • Capacity: Holds up to 200 hot dogs and 42 buns. 8 quart water pan. 
  • Electrical Requirements: 120 Volts  1200 watts  10 amps 
  • Unit Dimensions: 13 1/2"W X 16"D X 20"H 
  • Approx cooking time: 15-45 minutes 

Hot Dog Steamer Instructions

Be sure equipment is connected to properly grounded 120 volt power supply with 15 amp circuit.
1. Always clean unit before each use.
2. Make sure the water release valve is turned to the off position. Fill the water pan with water, up to 8 quarts (see page 10). For optimal performance, we recommend distilled water.
3. Insert hotdog and bun trays.
4. Plug cord in and turn the POWER switch to ON.
5. Turn heat control to “HIGH” position and allow the unit to warm up for 45 minutes.
6. Place hotdogs on the dog tray and steam accordingly. Always used pre-cooked hotdogs. Be sure to arrange hotdogs loosely to allow the steam to circulate freely between each of them. Hot dogs should reach an internal temperature of 170°F before serving. The time it takes to heat up the hot dogs will vary based on placement and quantity of the hot dogs.
7. Once all hotdogs have reached serving temperature, turn the thermostat down to between 160°F-170°F to keep them warm. CAUTION: Use tongs to remove hotdogs from the steamer as the product will be hot to the touch.
8. You can place several buns in the bun compartment as needed. This is a highly efficient steam generator and warmer, leaving the buns in too long will result in either soggy or overcooked buns.
9. If the low water indicator light comes on, add up to 4 more quarts of water to restart the heating element.
Steam is vaporized water, the visible mist is condensation as a result of boiling water mixing with the cooler air. This mist does consist of tiny droplets of liquid. Please take this into consideration when placing the hot dog steamer. There will be condensation, drops of water and possible pooling of water in, on and around the hot dog steamer and the surface on which it is placed. Lakewood Ranch Party Rentals cannot be held responsible for any water damage resulting because of this.

Snow Cone Machine

Snow Cone Machine Specs

  • This industry leading commercial quality snow cone machine will cool down a party on the hottest of days and the only worry you will have is having enough ice. 
  • Glass Walls
  • 1/4 HP Motor
  • 1420 RPM's
  • 500 lbs of ice/hour
  • Safety Shutoff
  • Cabinet Drain
  • Ice not included.  
  • You will need about 20 lbs of ice for 40 servings (6oz).

How Much Snow Cone Syrup Do I Need?

  • 25 FL Oz Syrup Containers serve about 40 Snow Cones.

How Much Ice Do I Need for Snow Cones?

  • You will need about 20 lbs of ice for every 40 Snow Cone Servings (6oz each)

Movie Screens

12 FT Inflatable Movie Screen

  • Screen itself is 96” wide x 58” tall 
  • Entire Inflatable size is 173" wide x 124" tall x 48" deep
  • A quiet fan inflates the screen in 2 minutes
  • The Fan stays running all of the time
  • Tie-down strings are attached to the inflatable and then to either ground stakes or sand bags
  • Weighs 18 pounds
  • Supports rear projection

How to Setup Inflatable Movie Screens

  • It's Easy:
  • You can set up on pavement (use the provided sandbags) or on Grass (use either the provided sandbags or stakes).
  • You will need continuous power for the fan to keep the screen inflated.
  • What's in the box:  Black inflatable frame, white screen with velcro or clips, blower, pegs, rope, sandbags, tarp.
  • 1) Lay out the provided tarp.
  • 2) Lay out the black frame screen.
  • 3) Larger Screens - Attach the blower to the small black tube in the back.  Tie the attached ribbon around the blower and tighten it.  
  • 4) Close any openings near the fan. (either zippers or velcro)
  • 5) Plug in the fan and it will inflate the frame.
  • 6) Attach the white screen with the velcro or clips by stretching it and attaching it across the top, sides and bottom.
  • 7) Keep the blower running. 

Movie Projectors

  • Epson Home Cinema 1060
  • Built in Speaker (fine for a small room, but not a lot of bass)
  • Images up to 350 Inches
  • Brightness:3,100 Lumens
  • Contrast Ratio:  15000:1
  • Native Resolution: 1920x1080
  • Up to 34' projector distance
  • ±30° keystone correction
  • Inputs:  HDMI, RCA, USB Type A, USB Type B, VGA
  • DVD/Blu-ray Player (Most Common) or some type of Video device is required

How to Setup the Movie Projector

  • We rent an EPSON Home Cinema 1060.  Here is a link to the User's Guide:
  • https://files.support.epson.com/docid/cpd5/cpd53633.pdf
  • The Movie Projector has an HDMI input, similar to a regular TV (Not a "Smart" TV).   
  • Most often, a DVD/Blu-ray player with HDMI output is used to play the movies.  
  • We can supply a DVD/Blu-ray Player & HDMI cord if you need them, no charge.
  • Alternatively, the HD Movie Projector has multiple inputs, including HDMI, USB & WIFI.  See the Specs in this FAQ.  
  • Other formats like cell phones, internet video, etc. may require a special cable or device.   A good rule of thumb is:  If you can play it on your regular TV (Not a "Smart" TV), then you can play it on the projector.
  • Have Other Questions?
  • To chat with us about how you'd like to set up, please give us a call at 941-254-1754.

Frozen Drink Machines

  • Single Bowl Frozen Drink Machine Holds 3 Gallons
  • Freezes in 2 Hours
  • 1 Flavor is Included (It will make 2.5 gallons)
  • Mixes serve 30-40 people each.  
  • Additional Flavors Available for purchase
  • Alcohol is optional and is not included.  Add 1.75 Liter of Alcohol per mix or add 1.5oz to each drink individually.
  • Dedicated 120v outlet required
  • 80F or less (indoors with A/C)

Mixing Instructions for ALL Frozen Drink Mixtures (Alcoholic OR Non-Alcoholic)

  • To make 2.5 gallons of slush:
  • For non-alcoholic, add 2 gallons of water to the mix.
  • For alcoholic, add 1.5 gallons of water + 1.75 liter of alcohol to the mix.

How to Setup the Single Frozen Drink Machine

  • Single Frozen Drink Machine Operating Instructions
  • Have a dedicated electrical outlet
  • Unit must be set up inside with A/C (less than 80F)
  • Add Pre-mixed liquid from mixing jug (never operate empty or with just water)
  • Flip switch to FREEZE
  • Then turn all other switches to ON
  • Let freeze for 2 hours
  • If there are unusual sounds, turn everything off and call.

Adding More Mix to the Frozen Drink Machine

  • Adding more frozen drink mix keeps the party going, and doesn't take as long as the initial freeze.
  • When the slush gets to the "Low" mark, you can add more mix as high as the "Max" mark.  
  • Use the provided Jug to Pre-mix additional Flavor with Water and Optional Alcohol per the mixing instructions.  
  • Add the mixture while the machine is running as needed, and wait just a few minutes until everything is frozen again. 

Photo Booth Packages & Photography Backdrops

Rental Includes:

  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 7 Camera (manual "Polaroid" type camera)
  • Film for 20 instant photos (2.13" x 3.4" photos)
  • 10'x10' Black or Gold Backdrop with Stand