PADI's description isn't really helpful in the parent arena, so I guess I'll have to find a LDS to see what exactly they do in Bubblemaker. As for cost,the birthday is in August when school's out & a lot of his friends aren't in town, so he's really quite bummed out about it. A mere pool rental runs up a few hundred so if the Bubblemaker cost is similar (& pool is included) it makes more sense costwise. Plus he's been bugging me for a mask fin snorkel set everytime he sees one whether it be from the Dollar Store or Bass Pro Mills

My backup plan is to have a GI Joe themed beach party with water guns and a kiddie obstacle course.