1900 PF or Trattoria for Wedding "Rehearsal" Dinner

[AllThingsMickey4]

So my fiancé and I are getting married at the Wedding Pavilion on the morning of April 28th (95 days) We are trying to think of where to eat dinner with our parents and my grandparents the night before the wedding... we aren't having a bridal party, so it's not the typical rehearsal dinner (will only be 12 people at the most)

I thought I was set on Trattoria al Forno.. but I'm hesitant because I haven't been able to find a lot of detailed reviews on it. I started thinking that 1900 Park Fare would be fun with the characters, but not sure if it would be chaotic to do a buffet (FMIL hates buffets, but I'm not even sure if they will be coming to dinner the night before)

Sooo which one would you pick? I've also considered Artist Point, but I've never been to the WL so I'm not sure how long of a walk the restaurant is from the main entrance? (My grandma has trouble with stairs or long distances)

 

[sleepydog25]

Artist Point. I realize isn't one of your two listed choices; however, you did mention it in your last paragraph, so I consider it fair game. AP is not far from the main entrance--just through the lobby and to your left--with only short ramp to get up to the restaurant level.
PROS
- Gorgeous ambiance
- Excellent wait staff
- Superb menu
- Topnotch wine list
- Perhaps the quietest Signature
- Will make you feel as though it's a special event
CONS
- Pricey (though not a lot more than adult buffet prices at 1900 PF)
- Getting to WL? Some think it's too far out of the way--I'd disagree.
- Somewhat limited menu, though there is something for everyone
- No characters (which is not a Con for us)

Fair warning, I'm a bit biased. We eat at AP every trip, and it's a very sentimental place for us. My wife and I were married at the Lodge a few years back, and we had our wedding reception dinner there-10 people who were all family. It was lovely, and the entire staff was a delight. In fact, we still keep in touch with the manager and occasionally contact him when we know we'll be heading to AP. As for your grandmother, I'm certain the staff at AP would be willing to help as necessary. Good luck deciding and congratulations!

 

[kboo]

Where are you staying? If you take the boat to WL, it's not a HUGE walk to AP and it's nice. It's a shorter walk through the lobby and up a ramp a bit if you arrive at the front door.

If you're staying at GF the night before, here's what might be fun:

1900 PF - cinderella and the stepsisters might have a lot of fun with you if the know you're a wedding party. *IF* your wedding party is up to it. The restaurant is pretty small for a character restaurant, so it's not terribly chaotic.

Alternatively, Citrico's or Narcoossee's would be nice, as would Grand Floridian Cafe, actually (I really like it, it's a pretty setting and I like the food there.)

 

[need2travel]

First off congrats on your upcoming wedding!! I think a character buffet might be a bit chaotic for a family dinner right before your wedding. DH & I love Trattoria al Forno, we've eaten here every year since it opened (sometimes 2x per trip). The atmosphere is really nice, the service is very good & the food is sooo yummy. The Boardwalk is also such a nice place to be in the evening, between the views & the atmosphere it's a great place for a little stroll. Congrats again

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Another plus for Trattoria al Forno is the possible seating in the back room of the restaurant. This might provide a more intimate setting for your party size. Your group would not have the room to yourselves, but they can accommodate a group your size very readily. We really like the food. Prices are more reasonable than the signature restaurants or character meals as well.

 

[JZCubed]

So my fiancé and I are getting married at the Wedding Pavilion on the morning of April 28th (95 days) We are trying to think of where to eat dinner with our parents and my grandparents the night before the wedding... we aren't having a bridal party, so it's not the typical rehearsal dinner (will only be 12 people at the most)

I thought I was set on Trattoria al Forno.. but I'm hesitant because I haven't been able to find a lot of detailed reviews on it. I started thinking that 1900 Park Fare would be fun with the characters, but not sure if it would be chaotic to do a buffet (FMIL hates buffets, but I'm not even sure if they will be coming to dinner the night before)

Sooo which one would you pick? I've also considered Artist Point, but I've never been to the WL so I'm not sure how long of a walk the restaurant is from the main entrance? (My grandma has trouble with stairs or long distances)

If for no other reason - 1900 Park Fare for the humor.

But buffets don't generally work for my family either and I would never do that to a guest.

So really, Trattoria al Forno.

But have you considered the private rooms at Shula's or just the one at BlueZoo?

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

If for no other reason - 1900 Park Fare for the humor.

But buffets don't generally work for my family either and I would never do that to a guest.

So really, Trattoria al Forno.

But have you considered the private rooms at Shula's or just the one at BlueZoo?

I did have a private room at Il Mulino booked, but it was going to cost a minimum of $1000 (not including tax or gratuity).. which isn't completely unreasonable for 12 people, but since I don't know if my fiance's family is going to be there.. $1000 for 8 people would be a lot. I looked into the ones at Shula's and BlueZoo and I want to say those were in the $2000 range. It looks like Trattoria might be the best option as far as keeping costs down...

 

[JZCubed]

I did have a private room at Il Mulino booked, but it was going to cost a minimum of $1000 (not including tax or gratuity).. which isn't completely unreasonable for 12 people, but since I don't know if my fiance's family is going to be there.. $1000 for 8 people would be a lot. I looked into the ones at Shula's and BlueZoo and I want to say those were in the $2000 range. It looks like Trattoria might be the best option as far as keeping costs down...

I enjoy reading that someone has done their homework before getting scattershot answers.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

So my fiancé and I are getting married at the Wedding Pavilion on the morning of April 28th (95 days) We are trying to think of where to eat dinner with our parents and my grandparents the night before the wedding... we aren't having a bridal party, so it's not the typical rehearsal dinner (will only be 12 people at the most)

I thought I was set on Trattoria al Forno.. but I'm hesitant because I haven't been able to find a lot of detailed reviews on it. I started thinking that 1900 Park Fare would be fun with the characters, but not sure if it would be chaotic to do a buffet (FMIL hates buffets, but I'm not even sure if they will be coming to dinner the night before)

Sooo which one would you pick? I've also considered Artist Point, but I've never been to the WL so I'm not sure how long of a walk the restaurant is from the main entrance? (My grandma has trouble with stairs or long distances)

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

We LOVE Artist Point! It's our favorite signature at WDW and, IMHO, would be really special for a rehearsal dinner. You don't mention where you are staying, but if you choose this, I would recommend taking cabs/uber/Minnie Vans to the front of WL. It will get you closer to AP than if you were to take a bus or boat. To get to AP, you simply walk through the lobby and go up a ramp to the left. It will actually be less walking than if you are planning on arriving at the BWI entrance for Trattoria.

If you want to do something at GF, instead of 1900, Citrico's is really lovely. Again, I'm not sure how you are arriving at the resort, but Ale and Compass might be something to consider as well. The entrance to that restaurant is very close to the YC lobby.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

We LOVE Artist Point! It's our favorite signature at WDW and, IMHO, would be really special for a rehearsal dinner. You don't mention where you are staying, but if you choose this, I would recommend taking cabs/uber/Minnie Vans to the front of WL. It will get you closer to AP than if you were to take a bus or boat. To get to AP, you simply walk through the lobby and go up a ramp to the left. It will actually be less walking than if you are planning on arriving at the BWI entrance for Trattoria.

If you want to do something at GF, instead of 1900, Citrico's is really lovely. Again, I'm not sure how you are arriving at the resort, but Ale and Compass might be something to consider as well. The entrance to that restaurant is very close to the YC lobby.

My fiancé and I will be at the GF and our family will be at the BC. Artist Point might be the easiest because my parents and grandparents can Minnie Van together over there and then my fiancé and I could take the boat from GF.

 

[sleepydog25]

My fiancé and I will be at the GF and our family will be at the BC. Artist Point might be the easiest because my parents and grandparents can Minnie Van together over there and then my fiancé and I could take the boat from GF.

I don't believe there is a direct boat from GF to WL. You'd have to get to MK or CR to boat over. From GF, you could monorail to MK or CR then boat over. Your quickest bet would be to use some from of paid transportation.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

I don't believe there is a direct boat from GF to WL. You'd have to get to MK or CR to boat over. From GF, you could monorail to MK or CR then boat over. Your quickest bet would be to use some from of paid transportation.

Yeah I always forget about having to transfer to get to WL. Not really a big deal. We could Minnie Van if needed, but we will be taking Minnie Vans all week to visit our dogs at Best Friends, so we might have to save $20 and boat hop

I was meaning to ask you.. have you dined at AP recently? I've seen some reviews that say it isn't as good as it used to be. Just want to make sure it's still on par with other signatures!

 

[sleepydog25]

Yeah I always forget about having to transfer to get to WL. Not really a big deal. We could Minnie Van if needed, but we will be taking Minnie Vans all week to visit our dogs at Best Friends, so we might have to save $20 and boat hop

I was meaning to ask you.. have you dined at AP recently? I've seen some reviews that say it isn't as good as it used to be. Just want to make sure it's still on par with other signatures!

I sometimes hesitate to recommend a place because any restaurant can have an off night. However, we've been going to AP now for over a decade, and as general recommendation, it's an excellent Signature. There was a time for about two years where we would have good service and food one trip (we average about twice a year) then one or the other would be off the next. It was highly inconsistent, primarily because the chef at the time tried an Asian-fusion thing with the typical more earthy Northwest fare and it just didn't work. That guy is gone and the menu has stabilized quite a bit. Plus, the manager has been there a few years now and has shown he cares about consistency.

Our experiences the past 3-4 visits--including our wedding reception--have been very good, exceptional at times. The buffalo is back to being a tenderloin (they experimented with various cuts but are back to this one now); the mushroom bisque is still one of the best soups to be found on property; the salmon is still there, as is the berry cobbler (which is admittedly smaller and not quite as good as it was a half dozen years ago, but is still quite tasty). And they've added great selections such as the braised short rib bolognese appetizer, their charcuterie, and warm house made donuts which are killer.

The manager will work with you to set up a great event, and though there isn't a separate room, there is plenty of space to put tables together for a group of your size. We requested the tables be close to the window if at all possible, and they did just that so that it was window, our tables, then the other restaurant guests' tables. It was quite a lovely meal; service was great; and the food was expertly done. Again, there are no guarantees in life (especially restaurants), but we've had good experiences for the most part. Now, it isn't an inexpensive place to eat to be sure, but for us it is worth the splurge.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

I sometimes hesitate to recommend a place because any restaurant can have an off night. However, we've been going to AP now for over a decade, and as general recommendation, it's an excellent Signature. There was a time for about two years where we would have good service and food one trip (we average about twice a year) then one or the other would be off the next. It was highly inconsistent, primarily because the chef at the time tried an Asian-fusion thing with the typical more earthy Northwest fare and it just didn't work. That guy is gone and the menu has stabilized quite a bit. Plus, the manager has been there a few years now and has shown he cares about consistency.

Our experiences the past 3-4 visits--including our wedding reception--have been very good, exceptional at times. The buffalo is back to being a tenderloin (they experimented with various cuts but are back to this one now); the mushroom bisque is still one of the best soups to be found on property; the salmon is still there, as is the berry cobbler (which is admittedly smaller and not quite as good as it was a half dozen years ago, but is still quite tasty). And they've added great selections such as the braised short rib bolognese appetizer, their charcuterie, and warm house made donuts which are killer.

The manager will work with you to set up a great event, and though there isn't a separate room, there is plenty of space to put tables together for a group of your size. We requested the tables be close to the window if at all possible, and they did just that so that it was window, our tables, then the other restaurant guests' tables. It was quite a lovely meal; service was great; and the food was expertly done. Again, there are no guarantees in life (especially restaurants), but we've had good experiences for the most part. Now, it isn't an inexpensive place to eat to be sure, but for us it is worth the splurge.

This is exactly what I needed to know! So glad to hear that we are likely to be seated together! That has been one of the most challenging things when making reservations for a large party. The Yachtsman wouldn't let me book a party greater than 8 and they said we probably wouldn't be sat together. Then I considered Monsieur Paul, but after looking at pictures I realized there was no way we would be sat together. Looks like Artist Point might be the perfect choice!

 

[Nancyg56]

For a special occasion i would choose Al Forno over 1900 PF.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Yeah I always forget about having to transfer to get to WL. Not really a big deal. We could Minnie Van if needed, but we will be taking Minnie Vans all week to visit our dogs at Best Friends, so we might have to save $20 and boat hop

I was meaning to ask you.. have you dined at AP recently? I've seen some reviews that say it isn't as good as it used to be. Just want to make sure it's still on par with other signatures!

We just ate dinner at AP on Dec. 22. It wasn't a wedding rehearsal dinner (we are just a family of 3), but the food and service were exceptional. This was our fourth visit to AP over the past 6 years and it was by far the best and it was on an incredibly busy night as well. This was our last dinner of our trip and by far the best (exceeding Cali Grill just a few nights before). I think they will go out of their way to make your evening a special one.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

We just ate dinner at AP on Dec. 22. It wasn't a wedding rehearsal dinner (we are just a family of 3), but the food and service were exceptional. This was our fourth visit to AP over the past 6 years and it was by far the best and it was on an incredibly busy night as well. This was our last dinner of our trip and by far the best (exceeding Cali Grill just a few nights before). I think they will go out of their way to make your evening a special one.

So glad to hear this! We did California Grill last May and we were not impressed with the service or food. The food was just okay, but the service was very rushed and impersonal. Especially once we dined at Yachtsman and Tiffins later in the trip (we had amazing service at both places). I'm officially booked for 6 PM at Artist Point on April 27th