Reception location indecision

[emc1123]

Hey:

I would love your thoughts on certain reception ideas.
We are getting married 11/7/2013, we just within our year window and I want to get everything settled so we can get our contact.
We have decided on SBP for our ceremony, either 12pm or 2:30
following by an informal reception and final dessert party to watch Illumination. We are having 30-35 tops.
We can't seem to agree on certain places and its driving me mad.
What does everyone think of an outdoor reception, either Canada terrace or Italy Isola? A buffet is perfect for our size party and we were not planning on getting a dj so that works too?
Also, does anyone have any information on the loft above the Norway restaurant. I have seems some mentions of it but no real information.

Other options are indoor, the Wave, Sonoma or Napa rooms,
Fiance does not like the Attic or the Hollywood Hideaway at DHS.

Any help would be super welcome!

Thanks

 

[CityGirlLost]

Check out LurkyLoo's blog Disney Travel Babble -- she has photos of all the locations.

You should probably buy her book too, the Passporter's Guide to Disney Weddings (that's not the actual title...but the link is right.

 

[emc1123]

Thanks, I have her book, its amazing!! I recommend it to anyone just getting started!

 

[minniebride]

I think Italy Isola is fantastic! I have seen receptions there before and it is truly a gorgeous location. We wanted to book it for our DP, but it had a minimum of 100 guests and we only had 55. We ended up having our DP in France Lower Terrace, which ended up to be a wonderful location as well.

I would choose Canada as my second favorite-it's also quite beautiful.

To me, if you are going to get married in Disney, the most magical venues to book are in the parks because it may be the only time you have to be able to take advantage of such a perk. I know, at my DP, I felt on top of the world to be celebrating with a private event directly inside my favorite park

 

[lurkyloo]

Here's a link to the Norway Loft photos on my site mentioned by CityGirlLost: http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/norway-vip-lounge/

It is very... '80s up there. What are you interested in knowing? I have a ton more pics, I just have to dig them out.

As much as I love the atmosphere of Canada, I'd have to say that Italy Isola would be a better bet for the reception if you want fireworks because you can see them from there—no need to move elsewhere for the dessert party. Then again, if your ceremony is midday, you're going to have a gap somewhere in there til fireworks time, so maybe you'd prefer to have that between the reception and DP rather than between the ceremony and reception.

I'm not sure that DFTW books the Wave for Wishes events. The Napa and Sonoma rooms are popular, Napa more so because it overlooks the Magic Kingdom. Photos of these are also on my site.

 

[emc1123]

Well just wondering how much it would take to dress up the Norway loft, thinking a ton of decorations. I was looking at the Attic, I know that is where you had yours. I like it, he doesn't. The decor is too old fashioned for him. Can they change out the chairs?

 

[lurkyloo]

Hmm... It's not too terrible in Norway Loft, just very bland. I'll try to dig up the rest of my pix when I get back to town and post them on that page.

They can't change out the chairs at the Attic, but I think your fiance needs to see it in person before he dismisses it. It really feels more "nostalgic beach house" than grannyish inside. Plus, if he's like me, he will be absolutely mesmerized by how shiny the floors are!

 

[kkbutterfly]

Hmm... It's not too terrible in Norway Loft, just very bland. I'll try to dig up the rest of my pix when I get back to town and post them on that page.

They can't change out the chairs at the Attic, but I think your fiance needs to see it in person before he dismisses it. It really feels more "nostalgic beach house" than grannyish inside. Plus, if he's like me, he will be absolutely mesmerized by how shiny the floors are!

I agree with Carrie, I had my reception at The Attic and it was lovely! It allows for a much more laid back feel if that's something you're looking for and you can't beat the indoors/outdoors option!

 

[emc1123]

Thanks! I am sold on the Attic! I will convince him its the perfect place!

Can't wait to get this part done so the real planning can begin.

 

[emc1123]

Thanks! I am sold on the Attic! I will convince him its the perfect place!

Can't wait to get this part done so the real planning can begin.

He won't commit to the attic, is adh too big for a small party of 30-35?

 

[emc1123]

He won't commit to the attic, we are now thinking Ariels.

 

[lurkyloo]

Are you going to be able to do a planning session visit? Because you could add a site visit and see all three locations, which might help you decide. You don't have to have the locations set in stone when you first make contact with DFTW either.

Also, I have seen smaller parties in ADH and they all seemed to be having a good time.

 

[lpizzuro123]

We had our reception at Atlantic Dance Hall with 50 people in November 2008. It was the perfect size for us. We had a 9:00 ceremony in Itlay, then our reception was from 10:00 to 3:00. We had a break until 8:00 then continued our day with an IllumiNations DP in the UK.

The timing for everything was perfect. 50 in ADH was great for us but not sure if Disney will let you have a reception there for 30 to 35 people. We had our prereception upstairs for an hour and then everyone went downstairs for the reception. We had them set up 5 tables of 10 and our sweetheart table.

Here is how our dance floor looked.

We also had a buffet brunch so that was set up in one corner.

All our guests on the dance floor with Mickey and Minnie.

We had also checked our Ariels and loved that place also. That might be a better place, or the Attic, for a group your size, but definately try to visit Disney before deciding.

Our anniversary is November 10, 2008 so next November will be our five year anniversary and we will be down in Disney celebrating - and then going on the Disney Dream for our anniversary. Maybe we will run into you.

Hope you have a wonderful wedding. The brides on these boards are amazing and helped me so much (especially Carrie aka lurkyloo).

Linda

 

[tinkandonaldfans]

we had our reception in the St James Room. No room hire, outside patio to yourself and no food and bev minimum. We had a buffet and our party was only 14 and 2 babies

No One had book side B so they opened the whole room up. It was really a great location and not far to walk after the ceremony!

We had a mexican themed buffet which was delicious

I initially wanted the Attic but was proving to be a little expensive and no one like it as much as me!

 

[emc1123]

Thanks for all the ideas.
We decided on ADH, our consultant said we would be fine with our guest #.
Its a beautiful place and was my first choice, but I was torn about the size.
Received our LOA! Got butterflys when I opened it.
Its really starting....

 

[Kippy52]

We just received our LOA yesterday and we are excited as well. We are doing WP, Living Seas and a DP at UK Lochside for our roughly 35 guests on 11/14/13. Congrats on your LOA amd upcoming DFTW!

 

[ssbn740]

We just had my daughters wedding 11/17. You should be real pleased with the DP at Lochside UK. I was worried since we had about 55 for the DP with 4 in wheel chairs. After visiting several times, I just couldn't fathom how they could fit us all in there but they did and there was room for more.

We had a morning wedding at WP and brunch reception at ADH for about 125. So much fun and I've never seen my daughter happier. Worth every penny paid.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Thanks for all the ideas.
We decided on ADH, our consultant said we would be fine with our guest #.
Its a beautiful place and was my first choice, but I was torn about the size.
Received our LOA! Got butterflys when I opened it.
Its really starting....

Yeah - you will LOVE ADH. Let me know if you would like to see any more pictures. It is a beautiful place and so unique. We have been back to ADH many times and it is nice to be able to go back and relive our wedding day.

Here is a great picture outside ADH before our reception.

Linda