Best Location for Dessert Party

[TexasCourt]

I know everyone probably has varying opinions, but I am wondering which dessert party location to choose: I am leaning towards France or UK, but am also considering Italy. All input is greatly appreciated!

 

[DLR2WDW]

The final choice will also depend on your number of guests. I think the isola in front of Italy has a minimum of 100 guests but the UK is much smaller...sI love Epcot and don't think you can make a wrong choice!

 

[PrincessBride07]

I agree with the previous poster about the size requirements. I believe that you can use the Italy Isola West wing with a min of 30 people. Another factor for the Italy Isola is the time of year. They told me that they do not book that for events when the Candle Light Processional is going. They use the island for extended queue lines for the show. Also, I think that Morocco has been used by some with small parties. I think that the UK or Italy would be equally good.

 

[M&M126]

I dont think you can really go wrong either. And the other ladies are right about the size factor. I'm using Italy Isola West and I have about 75 guests but the minimum is much lower I believe. Good luck with your decision!

 

[pouncingpluto]

We used the lower part of the France Island, for our smallish group (I forget what the min. is... it might be 50... and we intended to have 45, so they were fine with it... but then our flaky guest list dwindled down to more like 30 or so), and LOVED it. And if you have a big group, you can use both upper and lower. And for a small group, you can use the French Arm, which is basically the walkway that leads to the Island (on the right, if you're facing the water).

 

[Kashmir104]

I agree with the previous poster about the size requirements. I believe that you can use the Italy Isola West wing with a min of 30 people. Another factor for the Italy Isola is the time of year. They told me that they do not book that for events when the Candle Light Processional is going. They use the island for extended queue lines for the show. Also, I think that Morocco has been used by some with small parties. I think that the UK or Italy would be equally good.

Yup! I am having 32 people and have booked Italy Isola, but I believe if you are going to have the min. # of people there then you have to use the large round table (or half of the table) instead of a bunch of tables set up. They call it the "Oprah Table" and I think it looks really nice in that area!! You can see pictures of it in the Wishbook. Just to give you an idea of overall pricing, you can do the whole "round" table for $1,000 or half of it for $500 (in my case the whole would just have people around the outside and the half would people on the outside and inside of the table), and according to my contract, the site rental fee for Italy Isola is $575.00

HTH!

 

[Kashmir104]

Oops I forgot to mention that my site coordinator gave me the option of having my dessert party at the Italy West Wing, which is this area that jets out next to the Isola. It's not quite as "fancy," but it's still on the water, with the same fantastic view, and is great for smaller parties if you are looking to do a bunch of tables! I do not know the min. for that venue, however.

 

[Skylarr29]

Did you book the whole/regular Italy Isola? I thought there was a minimum requirement of 100 guests? Or can you just use a portion of it? I am confused lol.

Does anyone have any pictures of the Italy West?? TIA

 

[princessdisneybelle]

Did you book the whole/regular Italy Isola? I thought there was a minimum requirement of 100 guests? Or can you just use a portion of it? I am confused lol.

Does anyone have any pictures of the Italy West?? TIA

This is on Taz's site. Not sure which part is Italy West.

http://www.tazfoto.com/webhtml/italy_terraces.htm

 

[M&M126]

I believe the first photo on Tazs link above is the West part of the Isola. I have a picture of it on my planning journal but its mostly of the plant wall. Here it is again just in case

The stairs to the right are the stairs leading down into the Isola

 

[Kashmir104]

Did you book the whole/regular Italy Isola? I thought there was a minimum requirement of 100 guests? Or can you just use a portion of it? I am confused lol.

Does anyone have any pictures of the Italy West?? TIA

I am able to use the entire Italy Isola with my 32 people as long as I use the "Oprah" round table. At the same time, I have having both a rehearsal dinner and dessert party there all at once. I'm not sure if you can utilize the "Oprah" table for just a dessert party though, which may be why everyone is saying there is a higher min. We are assuming that after dinner, gifts, and speeches seated at the "Oprah" table, people will probably stand (or bring chairs over) and gather at the waters edge during Illuminations, but the rest of the area will be for the buffet and perhaps a cocktail area if I decide to do so. Sorry I didn't think of all that before when I posted!

Here is a picture my coordinator sent me of the Italy Isola area, and she pointed out to me where the West Wing is in comparison (seen in the back of the picture.) I added in the text and highlight of where the West Wing is located, so it's easier to see.

 

[princessdisneybelle]

I am able to use the entire Italy Isola with my 32 people as long as I use the "Oprah" round table. At the same time, I have having both a rehearsal dinner and dessert party there all at once. I'm not sure if you can utilize the "Oprah" table for just a dessert party though, which may be why everyone is saying there is a higher min. We are assuming that after dinner, gifts, and speeches seated at the "Oprah" table, people will probably stand (or bring chairs over) and gather at the waters edge during Illuminations, but the rest of the area will be for the buffet and perhaps a cocktail area if I decide to do so. Sorry I didn't think of all that before when I posted!

Here is a picture my coordinator sent me of the Italy Isola area, and she pointed out to me where the West Wing is in comparison (seen in the back of the picture.) I added in the text and highlight of where the West Wing is located, so it's easier to see.

That is a really unique table set up. I love how it looks. You are going to have a amazing event.

 

[Skylarr29]

Thanks so much girls! It's crystal clear now! I think I will stick with the French Island, although I LOVE the idea of having the rehearsal party and Illuminations dessert party there... hmmmmm, more things to ponder LOL.

THANKS!! The pics were super helpful!

 

[pixie08]

Personally they all great. I think size would dictate the locatiuon. For parties under 40 I perfer UK lower. I have been to 2 dp's at Disney and UK lower was the best location for a small party imo! For parties over 50 I would say French upper (we are having around 65-70 and this is our site) it has a great view and it has those great planters. Contractually for Italy (not the arm) you need a min of 100. it is a large site. from our site visits we realized Some of the other locations have partial obstructed views like a tree or what not although off the top of my head I can not remember which.. I would ask your coordinator! Good luck