50th Wedding Anniversary Trip

[Garden Party]

I hope this is the right place to post this!

My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary by taking the family to Disney World in June 2022. The spent part of their honeymoon there in 1972. We will be staying in 5 rooms at the Bay Lake Tower. Looking for suggestions for this special event - specifically things to do to celebrate their anniversary, dining ideas, t-shirt ideas. I can remember hearing on the podcast about a facebook group - probably close to 2 years ago - for former Disney employees who found themselves out of work due to the pandemic. They were selling any number of things. Is that still a thing? Does anyone have a link to that? I think it was something that Pete started, or at least supported. Thinking about getting a cake and possibly even a catered dinner.

With 20 of us, dining reservations on property are not an option. We've tried calling Disney ourselves, using a travel agent, and talking to the concierge in person at the Contemporary. They all said the best option would be to do 3 reservations of 8, 8 & 4 and hope we get close to each other. We are considering the fireworks cruise, but the max per boat is 10, so again we are split up. The only other thing we are planning to do as a family is pool day at the resort with a cabana and fireworks dessert party at MK.

Any and all ideas are welcome and appreciated! And if I should put this in a different category, please let me know

 

[LaynahD]

This thread caught my attention because we are also going on a trip to celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary (except in just a couple weeks). They want nothing except to have the family together in Disney. I’m curious to see if anyone else has any other ideas for you as well - as I have also been trying to come up with what else to do.
As for your question - yes, there is a group on Facebook called Ear for Each Other. You’ll have to request access and answer a few questions but it is filled with talented former cast members doing everything you mentioned - baking, cooking, craft projects, etc.
We are ordering cupcakes and a treat box along with some breakfast boxes. You’ll find all of that plus charcuterie boards and catering options. We were able to find dining on property since there are only 9 of us, but there are definitely catering options on there and they do look amazing.
We have t shirts and are also doing the dessert party. Another possibility is decorating. There are cast members who are doing either door decorating and/or in room decorating as well if that’s something that interests you. Your parents can also get their anniversary buttons.
Last thing I can think of is maybe photos? We have several little ones but I’m hoping we can coordinate at least one good family pic to blow up for my parents later on. Maybe the Capture Your Moment photo shoot for your parents if that’s something they’d be interested in? I’m pretty sure there is a person limit so you couldn’t have everyone though.

 

[Garden Party]

Thank you, LaynahD, for your suggestions! I hope you have a great time celebrating your parent's 50th!

Today our booking window opened. Between 4 of us online/calling, plus a travel agent, we were able to get two reservations for 10 at Biergarten (my dad's favorite), breakfast for everyone at Steakhouse 71, and dessert party for fireworks (although only one family got the sit-down option we were all hoping for). Couldn't get the cabana or fireworks cruise we were hoping for, but the travel agent will continue to check for availability. We do have 3 Capture Your Moment photo sessions booked at Magic Kingdom back to back to back, but not sure how that will work out. Just kind of threw that in there and will adjust if necessary. Still need to work on the shirts and celebratory cake.

Update - my brother tried again and got two boats for the date we wanted, so fireworks cruise HERE WE COME!

 

[jtopp]

Congrats to your family for everyone celebrating your parents 50th. I have not anything to suggest, as you have already explored many options. Best of luck finding a unique way to celebrate, and congrats to your parents on this joyous occasion

 

[Garden Party]

Congrats to your family for everyone celebrating your parents 50th. I have not anything to suggest, as you have already explored many options. Best of luck finding a unique way to celebrate, and congrats to your parents on this joyous occasion

Thank you

 

[SandyinMonterey]

You can order a celebration cake, there is a cake chatter thread. I would add that I ordered an anniversary cake October 2021. It cost $145 and did not taste good...was beautiful though. If I needed a special cake, I'd just get it from that place in DS. Make sure you get Anniversary pins for them to wear, never know when/if they'll receive pixie dust. Make sure it's also noted on your reservation. Customs shirts can also be purchased on line at shopdisney.com. A portrait session with Disney photography would be nice.

 

[Bete]

You might be able to get a reservation for bigger parties at the Swan and Dolphin. Here's their verbiage:

Private Dining & Groups
When you’re looking for the perfect venue to host your next dinner party- look no further! Il Mulino at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is the perfect award-winning restaurant!

Whether you’re planning an important dinner meeting, an elegant dinner for the wedding party or a fun family reunion, we’ll help you plan the perfect dining event that your guests will appreciate and remember.

We offer a varied selection of private dining rooms or take advantage of the beautiful Florida evening weather and host a one of a kind event in our spectacular outdoor terrace location. This tranquil location is the perfect setting for your next celebration!

They use open table for reservations for their dining reservations. Good luck.
You can take a boat ride there for World Showcase in Epcot or you can drive there if you prefer.