Discover online booking trends for FECs from PCS’s 2025 study and learn 5 actionable ways to increase party bookings, revenue, and efficiency.
Party bookings are still one of the most powerful revenue drivers for Family Entertainment Centers, but how families book has changed dramatically.
Party Center Software’s 2025 online booking study for FECs analyzed party bookings across venues nationwide, comparing online and in-house booking behavior, timing, and patterns. The results confirm what many operators are experiencing: families expect speed, clarity, and the ability to book on their own terms.
Below are five data-backed recommendations based on real booking behavior along with practical steps you can apply immediately to increase efficiency, reduce friction, and capture more party revenue.
One of the most important takeaways from the online booking study for FECs is how close to the event date families are actually booking.
Families are no longer planning far ahead. If your booking process requires calls, emails, or delayed responses, you’re likely losing bookings to venues that make it easier.
PCS online booking tools are built for this exact behavior allowing families to book instantly, even at the last minute, without staff involvement.
The shift toward digital booking is no longer a trend. It’s the standard.
Nearly 7 out of 10 parties are now booked online. Facilities relying primarily on phone or in-house booking are operating against guest expectations and placing unnecessary strain on staff.
Actionable takeaway:
Your website should function as your primary booking engine, not just a source of information.
With PCS, online booking integrates seamlessly with waivers, deposits, confirmation emails, and reporting reducing manual work while capturing more bookings.
3. Short Booking Windows Require Automation, Not Manual Follow-Ups
When booking windows shrink, operational efficiency becomes critical.
This leaves little room for:
PCS automation ensures nothing falls through the cracks, especially during peak seasons when staff bandwidth is limited.
A common concern among operators is whether online bookings reduce party value. The 2025 study suggests otherwise.
Online booking allows you to:
When paired with gift cards and post-booking follow-ups, online booking becomes a revenue multiplier, not just a scheduling tool.
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the online booking study for FECs is the advantage of visibility.
The most successful operators:
Without reporting, these decisions rely on guesswork.
PCS reporting tools turn booking data into actionable insights helping owners make smarter decisions around staffing, pricing, and promotions.
The 2025 online booking study for FECs makes one thing clear: families want fast, self-service booking experiences, and they reward businesses that deliver them.
By optimizing for last-minute bookings, prioritizing online reservations, and using real data to guide decisions, FEC owners can increase party revenue while reducing operational friction.
The facilities that win in 2025 won’t work harder; they’ll work smarter.
Want to see how your party booking performance compares or how to improve it?
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