Breakfast in France?

[melanieewr]

Ahhhh...but who could ever stay away...your adventurous spirit is intoxicating

I have to agree that the Breakfast in France expenditures actually seem reasonable to me. And I am very excited about the options there. It is such a lovely location.

Yes, the Excursion Vehicle is the same one. I am glad you like it. I was a bit concerned that it seemed too "closed in". I still may put this event off for another trip. We will already be doing so much in just 4 days!

I honestly think that you may have been the "pioneer" for some of Disney's Event Concepts. I am pretty happy with the proposal for GMR. It is the only one that is fairly complete so far. Did you have the trio in the Western scene? I may cut my costs slightly by just having a strolling guitarist since our group will be small. We will be having a piano player along with several other performers in the gangster scene. There will also be several performers in the western scene. The proposal includes a very elaborate menu. You can imagine with only 10-12 people and the minimums we have to meet!

I may start to sound like a broken record, but I do want to say thank you for inspiring me almost 2 years ago. It has stuck in my memory and now I find that the planning takes the place of the "down" moments I had sometimes been experiencing

 

[Janet2k]

Brier Rose...VERY COOL… I know Janet2k had a cookout style dinner there also. I bet you have read her report and have gotten some ideas to add to you own!

Yes, Brier Rose has read my trip report and perused my photos. She has also bombarded me with private messages and has picked my brain to the Nth-Degree. I do believe that in scientific terms that is called the Vulcan Mind Meld.

By the way, I am crashing her party. I figure that it’s the least that she can do for me in repayment for all the weeks that I’ve slaved over her event. Brier Rose, my beer better be cold that night.

 

[Janet2k]

Ahhhh...but who could ever stay away...your adventurous spirit is intoxicating

Be careful with your attempts to butter me up. Just ask Brier Rose how much trouble she got into with that tactic. Believe me, it is working out to Disney's advantage. And if Brier Roses' husband ever meets me, well, for my sake I'm hoping that it won't be in a dark alley. ~Gulp!~ I don't know if the poor man knows what ideas I've put into his wife's head. *Insert evil laugh here.*

I have to agree that the Breakfast in France expenditures actually seem reasonable to me. And I am very excited about the options there. It is such a lovely location.

I am definitely looking forward to hearing how your breakfast event turns out. Over the years I have seen just a handful of photos of private events that have been held in France. They all looked lovely. But I don't remember hearing about anyone dining there for breakfast. That is a very unique time of day. I bet your event will turn out splendidly.

Yes, the Excursion Vehicle is the same one. I am glad you like it. I was a bit concerned that it seemed too "closed in". I still may put this event off for another trip. We will already be doing so much in just 4 days!

Yes, you have lots of things planned. Your head will be swimming (and I bet your guests' heads will explode!). But if you decide to go ahead with the safari, I hope you enjoy the tour vehicle. As you saw in my photos, the windows could be opened so that you could get a good view of the animals. I thought it worked out very well.

I honestly think that you may have been the "pioneer" for some of Disney's Event Concepts.

This might be true. But I like to call us "guinea pigs." Your terminology is far too formal for my merry band of mischief makers.

I am pretty happy with the proposal for GMR. It is the only one that is fairly complete so far. Did you have the trio in the Western scene? I may cut my costs slightly by just having a strolling guitarist since our group will be small. We will be having a piano player along with several other performers in the gangster scene. There will also be several performers in the western scene.

I have more info to share with you regarding my event, but I probably won't get around to posting it until tomorrow. Please hang in there with me!

I may start to sound like a broken record, but I do want to say thank you for inspiring me almost 2 years ago. It has stuck in my memory...

You're welcome. As I've said before to others here on the Dis, I try to share as much as I can, and sometimes I go overboard with the information. But I'm not always sharing things just for one person. I'm sharing things for those who might be lurking. I'm trying to show a side of Disney that most folks don't know exists. Sure, they'll probably never use the information that I'm sharing, however, one never knows what the future holds. You're the perfect example of that. You conversed with me a few years ago and now you're planning the most wonderful events for your family and friends. But I have to warn you that there is a catch. You must pay it forward. You have to come back here and share your experiences with others. With all the future Brier Roses and Melanieewrs who are lurking amongst us.

Again, I'm so glad that you're healing and moving forward with your life. I can't imagine a more fun way to celebrate the stage that is ending for you now, and the one that is beginning for you in October, than the planning of a wonderful event in Walt Disney World. Happy (early) birthday!

 

[Janet2k]

It sounds like the Cinderella's glass slipper that you mentioned would be a fantastic surprise!

Brier Rose, Melanieewr brought up an excellent suggestion -- an engraved glass slipper. I received one of those from my Fairy Tale Weddings Sales Manager. It was such a lovely surprise, especially since I am so not the Cinderella-type (even though I wish I were). Here are a few photos of my engraved glass slipper:

Glass Slipper Photo # 1
Glass Slipper Photo # 2
Glass Slipper Photo # 3 (engraved with words FAIRY TALE WEDDING)
Glass Slipper Photo # 4 (engraved with words JANET & RICK)

During my vacation last summer, I finally received the “matching” glass slipper. This one came from a Disney Cast Member and a French television crew. And it was actually delivered to me while I was doing, of all things, laundry at the Grand Floridian Resort. I wrote about it in the GF FAQ thread on the Resorts Board. It was a very funny story (if you want it, I can try to dig up the link to my post, just let me know). Here are a few photos of the glass slipper that was delivered to me:

Glass Slipper Floral Arrangement Photo # 1
Glass Slipper Floral Arrangement Photo # 2

So, even when you’re in your 40’s like I am and have been married for 22 years, your heart still misses a beat when you’re presented with a glass slipper. I think a girl is never too young, or too old, for a piece of Disney magic.

 

[Janet2k]

Melanieewr, I have to end for this evening. I'll pick back up again tomorrow with Post # 22 of yours. I probably won't get around to posting until after my daughter's Tae Kwon Do class is over (unless my husband takes her to class -- which he often does on Saturday).

I'm sorry that I'm posting in chunks. It's easiest for me since I don't know how much time I can devote to the Dis. If I post in chunks, at least some of the information makes its way from my head to this message board. If I attempt to post everything in one fell swoop, goodness only knows when it will get posted – if ever. I still have things to post in the GF FAQ thread that have been sitting half-written on my laptop for weeks. Yikes! I hope to make my way over to the Resorts Board one day soon (hope springs eternal).

 

[melanieewr]

Would a different venue be better suited to your needs? There are other venues inside the theme park that don't require such a large entertainment expense. Just something to think about and possibly discuss with your Event Manager.

I know that GMR will be perfect and luckily, the expense will not cause me to miss any meals...whew They actually had given me a couple of other ideas. the Stunt Car Show or Narnia that of course are both within MGM. Even though the entertainment costs are high, I am understanding the need for them. I was just worried about it being a bit "overwhelming" for a small group. After the proposal, I really believe they know what they are doing...but more that I do????

Remember, the theme park is across a very busy street from the BoardWalk. Surrey bikes would be too dangerous (not to mention quite a ride).

You know, we have never walked to MGM from the Boardwalk and really didn't realize that about the street. We could walk back, but after my friends enjoying themselves for several hours...and alcohol being involved...it might not seem like such a good idea.

Yes, Brier Rose has read my trip report and perused my photos. She has also bombarded me with private messages and has picked my brain to the Nth-Degree. I do believe that in scientific terms that is called the Vulcan Mind Meld.

She must be a Master Mind Melder to get you submit to revealing your "secrets"...

It's wonderful that you will be able to join her in her celebration! Since we will all be there at the same time, it might work out where I could sneak away from my friends for a bit to meet you ladies. You know, I told you I saw you at MNSSHP 2 years ago...I just didn't want to intrude on your "family time". It was during the fireworks. I wish now that I had just said a quick "hello"

I would love to read the link of "Cinderella" finally being located in the middle of her horrible day ...being "swept away" by her French Prince...with him holding her glass slipper. Fairytales really do happen!

 

[Brier Rose]

Be careful with your attempts to butter me up. Just ask Brier Rose how much trouble she got into with that tactic. Believe me, it is working out to Disney's advantage. And if Brier Roses' husband ever meets me, well, for my sake I'm hoping that it won't be in a dark alley. ~Gulp!~ I don't know if the poor man knows what ideas I've put into his wife's head. *Insert evil laugh here.*

Yes, Brier Rose has read my trip report and perused my photos. She has also bombarded me with private messages and has picked my brain to the Nth-Degree. I do believe that in scientific terms that is called the Vulcan Mind Meld

.

Janet..you do make me laugh!

Now considering that I started out just planning a sweet little birthday party for my DD, and ending planning a private "Janet" party complete with a LONG list of your demands..just who is the Vulcan I ask??

BTW..was that one cabana boy or two??

 

[Brier Rose]

Brier Rose, Melanieewr brought up an excellent suggestion -- an engraved glass slipper. I received one of those from my Fairy Tale Weddings Sales Manager. It was such a lovely surprise, especially since I am so not the Cinderella-type (even though I wish I were). Here are a few photos of my engraved glass slipper:

Geez..here you go again Janet!

You just HAD to show me the pictures..now I have no choice but to buy one.

Every time I turn around you're costing me more money!

 

[Brier Rose]

Oooh..I found this one on the Disney Florist website!

Do you think this is the same type of slipper that you both are talking about?

http://www.disneyflorist.com/product.html?website_id=485745524856546565&source=&product_id=09-4086AA:slipper&catalog_website_id=&index_id=custom

 

[Janet2k]

You know, I told you I saw you at MNSSHP 2 years ago...I just didn't want to intrude on your "family time". It was during the fireworks. I wish now that I had just said a quick "hello"

Melanieewr, I remember you mentioning that you had stood next to my family during the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. I wish you would have approached me. I’ve kinda gotten used to being recognized now. Well, that is, ever since #1HockeyMom stalked me in the concierge lounge of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. But she went on to become one of my favorite Dis’ers, and I’ve joined up with her (and other Dis’ers) during my past couple of vacations. Everyone who I've met has always been so nice. Please don’t be shy the next time you bump into me.

 

[Janet2k]

Yes, they are telling me that I must have entertainment and the biggie for me is that cannot be varied much from their "entertainment package". There are some things I feel like I could do without. There are "transistion" cowboys from the gangster scene to the western scene that I feel could be left out, but they really don't want to. But, they are willing to concede that the Western Trio could be changed to a stolling solo guitarist. We had even talked about just having dessert in the western area and just strolling through Oz on our way out. I don't know that they would let me omit that...even if I want to.

Melanieewr, I am not into “country” anything (I’m a City Girl), so when I was planning my Great Movie Ride event, I initially wanted to bypass the Western scene completely and dine in the Land of Oz instead. Disney was willing to work with me on this. But after I spent some time really thinking about how the Disney-MGM Studios folks had laid out the flow of the Great Movie Ride event, I changed my mind. I think Disney was a little surprised that I had done so, but I could tell that they were pleased. And after having personally experienced the entire event the way that it was supposed to play out, I’m glad I followed their lead.

Believe it or not, this City Girl really enjoyed the Western venue. I said to my friend who was sitting to the right of me that night, “I can’t believe how intimate this venue feels. I love it.” And I meant every word. The Western venue was very cozy. I honestly felt like I was dining in someone’s backyard. It was very quaint and yet had such a wonderful presence.

As to the Western Trio, they were excellent. Even my Dad was impressed with them. He said to me that night, “Janet, those guys should be on tour. I can’t believe how good they are.” And my Dad meant every word. The trio played well, sang well, and were the perfect addition to the party. Here are a few photos of them:

Western Trio Photo # 1
Western Trio Photo # 2

I’m going to let the following two photographs show you what I thought of the Western venue’s Streetmosphere characters:

Cowboy & Cowgirl Photo # 1
Cowboy & Cowgirl Photo # 2

They were a hoot & a half. Truly laugh out loud funny. They were another perfect addition to the party.

Again, I’m awfully glad that I followed Disney’s lead and let the Great Movie Ride event play out the way that it was supposed to play out.

I don't feel like I need the "Good Witch" to conclude the evening...again, they do not want to omit that.

The Good Witch Streetmosphere character was a wonderful addition to the Land of Oz venue. But talk about a ham. She gave my daughter a run for her money in that department (my daughter is a big ham). Every time one of my guests picked up their camera, Glinda the Good Witch would stop whatever she was doing, strike a pose, and beam the prettiest smile that you ever saw directly at the camera. She was hysterically funny, but in a very elegant way, as only Glinda the Good Witch of the North could be. Here are a few photos of her:

Good Witch Photo # 1
Good Witch Photo # 2
Good Witch Photo # 3

I can only humbly suggest that you follow Disney’s lead when it comes to the Streetmosphere characters for the Great Movie Ride event. If Disney suggests a particular character or set of characters, they’re doing so for a reason. They truly know what works best in each of their venues.

 

[Janet2k]

It is in a format that does not allow the entire file to be copied. It is actually an "Event Concept".

Just thought I'd offer a friendly word of caution to everyone. Take a close look at the document. If it states something about it being confidential, please do not forward it along.

Two years ago I was working with the folks in Disneyland regarding a private event. Several ideas were shared with me and I was asked not to share them with anyone else since a couple of the events had never been done before. Believe me, I wanted to share the information because it was so wonderful, but I had to honor my word, as I had hoped that Disney would honor theirs.

So please make sure that it is okay to share something before doing so, especially information that is in document form. I wouldn't want any confidences to be broken.

 

[Janet2k]

Today I received "Melanie's 45th Birthday Party" event agreement and details. WOW...it was so nicely done. I was very impressed. And you are so "write" about the checkbook

Oh, Melanieewr, I feel your pain, I really do!

But it's always nice to receive the document in writing. It makes it feel very real, doesn't it?

 

[Janet2k]

You know, we have never walked to MGM from the Boardwalk and really didn't realize that about the street. We could walk back, but after my friends enjoying themselves for several hours...and alcohol being involved...it might not seem like such a good idea.

Melanieewr, I've never walked there, either. I've always taken Disney's transportation (bus or Friendship boat). But that street is very busy. I would be leery of crossing it, especially in the dark. Too many tourists driving rental vehicles, not to mention all the tour buses. Yikes!

As you probably remember (since you've read a few of my old trip reports), I don't share pricing info for my events. Now, with that being said, I have shared the beverage bill for my Great Movie Ride event here on the Weddings Board. Since the beverage information is pretty much common knowledge around these parts, I didn't mind sharing my final beverage bill. I'll try to dig up the link to it and I'll post it here. Granted, my event was different than your event will be, but it should give you an idea as to how freely the liquor flows at a Disney event.

 

[Janet2k]

Since it’s Saturday and I’m being extremely lazy, I’m just going to re-post the following in its entirety. The prices mentioned were from October of 2004.

I have been married for 21 years. I think that makes me one of the oldest people on this board. And with age, (thankfully) has come a little bit of wisdom. I’ll try to share some of that wisdom here.

On October 27, 2004, my husband and I celebrated 20 years of marriage with a custom vow renewal. Our ceremony was held inside the Wedding Pavilion, and our dinner party was held inside the “Great Movie Ride” at the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park.

There were 22 guests at my vow renewal dinner party (that included my husband & myself). However, just as dinner was beginning inside the Western Area of the “Great Movie Ride,” my young nephew came down with a touch of diarrhea. That meant that he and his mom (my sister) had to leave the party, thus missing dinner, dessert, Mickey Mouse, dancing, and fireworks (it broke my heart that they had to leave so early in the evening). Another one of my guests left the party immediately after dinner had been completed (she had an early call at work the next morning). I am only mentioning all this so you understand that for some portions of my event there were 22 guests, and for other portions there were only 19 guests. Try to remember that when you view the beverage bill for my dinner party.

I should also note that 3 of my 22 guests were children (my daughter, niece, and nephew). 1 more guest was an "underage" adult (my college-aged son). Of the remaining 18 guests, 3 were in their late 60’s / early 70’s (my Mom, Dad, and Aunt). My parents do not drink and my guess is that held true during my dinner party.

There is one final thing that I should mention before I move onto the beverage charges. When it came to what I drank that night, I had one glass of champagne at the Handprint Ceremony (click here) and one cocktail at another point in time (actually, I only drank half of that cocktail). I didn’t touch anything else that evening. I don’t know why I didn’t; I guess I was just too busy enjoying my guests and the incredible Disney entertainment. If I ever get around to finishing my trip report about my vow renewal, you will learn that I paid dearly for the fact that I only drank 1-1/2 glasses of fluids during an 11-hour span of time. When 3 AM hit, I was so dehydrated that I thought I was going to pass out on the chartered bus ride back to my resort. I was in bad shape. Very bad shape. Shame on me. So when you view the beverage charges below, remember that one guest (me) only had two drinks all night long.

Here are the beverage charges from my final bill. I hope I have typed everything correctly (and I hope I have computed everything correctly too).

- - - - - - -
Cakebread Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$74 per bottle
2 bottles = $148
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$189.14

Fess Parker Riesling, Santa Barbara
$35 per bottle
1 bottle = $35
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$44.73

Franciscan Magnificat, Cabernet Sauvignon
$74 per bottle
2 bottles = $148
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$189.14

Stonestreet, Alex Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
$50 per bottle
1 bottle = $50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$63.90

Hosted, Domestic Beer
$4.75 each
9 bottles = $42.75
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$54.63

Hosted, Imported Beer
$5.25 each
7 bottles = $36.75
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$46.97

Hosted, Assorted Sodas
$2.75 each
23 glasses = $63.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$80.83

Hosted, Bottled Water
$3.50 each
21 bottles = $73.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$93.93

Hosted, Call Brand Cocktails
$6.00 each
9 glasses = $54
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$69.01

Hosted, House Cabernet Sauvignon
$5.75 each
15 glasses = $86.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$110.23

Hosted, House Chardonnay
$5.75 each
20 glasses = $115
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$146.97

White Zinfandel, CA
$5.50 each
10 glasses = $55
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$70.29

Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee Brut
$50 per bottle
5 bottles = $250
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$319.50

Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
$22 per bottle
1 bottle = $22
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$28.12

Total charges for beverages = $1,507.39
- - - - - - -

If you divide the above total by the number of guests, it works out as follows:

$1,507.39 / 22 guests = $68.52 per guest for beverages

There were no big drinkers at my event. No one got drunk. No one got tipsy. No one needed a cab ride home. And of my 22 guests, 4 were underage (3 children & 1 young college student) and another 3 were senior citizens. And don’t forget that the bride only drank two drinks all night long.

I hope that helped.

 

[Janet2k]

Melanieewr, I don’t have many photos that show the bar setups. I’m sorry about that. And since I didn’t really drink at my event, I honestly don’t remember how the beverages were handled. Except for the Gangster venue. I do remember seeing that bar, plus, I do have a few photos of it (click on the links below):

Gangster Venue Bar Photo # 1
Gangster Venue Bar Photo # 2
Gangster Venue Bar Photo # 3

I hope that helped.

 

[Janet2k]

Did you have the trio in the Western scene? I may cut my costs slightly by just having a strolling guitarist since our group will be small.

Melanieewr, as you now know, I did have the Western Trio and they were a wonderful addition to my event. A strolling guitarist sounds equally as wonderful. Disney's entertainers are very good. I'm sure you can't go wrong if you use the strolling guitarist.

We will be having a piano player along with several other performers in the gangster scene.

You have seen my photos of the “Gangster” Streetmosphere characters. The characters were very good and were an excellent addition to the event.

I also had the piano player. He, too, was a wonderful addition. I don’t have many photos of him posted (yet!), but here is one: click here.

There will also be several performers in the western scene. The proposal includes a very elaborate menu.

You’ve already seen photos of my “Western” Streetmosphere characters, and also of the Western Trio, and you already know my thoughts regarding them (they were excellent).

As to the menu that was served, it was created for me by my favorite Disney chef. Sadly, he is no longer with Disney (I really miss him). I’m pretty sure I shared my dinner menu in one of my trip reports. If you didn't see it, please let me know and I'll dig it up.

I would love to see the menu that has been created for your event. Please share it with us. I bet it's scrumptious. Yum!

 

[Janet2k]

She must be a Master Mind Melder to get you submit to revealing your "secrets"...

Melanieewr, be careful with Brier Rose. She's sneaky. Especially when she begins plying you with virtual liquor in her PM's.

Thankfully, I didn't divulge my pricing information. That's truly the only secret that I keep from everyone. Everything else is fair game (unless Disney and my guests have specifically asked me to keep something quiet -- I have always honored their requests).

Since I ~think~ I have answered all of the questions that you have posed so far, I'm going to close for now (I have to begin working on my daughter's soccer video -- and since she can kick my you-know-what, I better get crackin': click here).

If you have further questions, just let me know and I'll do my best to share with you my experiences. Please remember that for the definitive word on anything, only Disney can give it. What has been done for me in the past may or may not be possible in the future (but I'm hopeful that it can be).

 

[Janet2k]

Oooh..I found this one on the Disney Florist website!

Do you think this is the same type of slipper that you both are talking about?

http://www.disneyflorist.com/product.html?website_id=485745524856546565&source=&product_id=09-4086AA:slipper&catalog_website_id=&index_id=custom

Brier Rose, yes, that is the slipper that both Melanieewr and I were talking about. If you purchase that slipper in the Disney shops, it comes in various sizes. I've seen the slipper for sale in the Arribas Brothers shops within the theme parks and also in Downtown Disney.

The slipper in the floral arrangement is approximately 5-inches long. The link that you shared points to the arrangement that Disney and the French TV crew had delivered to me at the Grand Floridian Resort last summer. My arrangement didn't have the little bows on it, though. And as to the netting, it was a very pale blue (like Cinderella's gown) and had silver dots scattered throughout. The netting was lovely in person, even though it doesn't show up too well in the photographs.

Something else that doesn't show up too well in the photographs is just how wonderful those flowers (carnations) smelled. They were divine and I could have buried my nose in them all night long. Wow!

 

[melanieewr]

Just thought I'd offer a friendly word of caution to everyone. Take a close look at the document. If it states something about it being confidential, please do not forward it along.

Janet; I guess I thought that all of theEvent Concepts I received were pretty much standard fare...it certainly looked like it! It didn't say it was confidential, but I might should ask, just to be certain! I would imagine the Event Concept with all of my pricing and the contract would be confidential as most of it pertains to my specific event.

I would love to see the menu that has been created for your event. Please share it with us. I bet it's scrumptious. Yum!

I would love to share this with you! I will also post my ideas on some of the changes I would think would be nice. Please feel free to critique when I get it posted!

Your GMR event really does sound just like they have described to me.

Thank you so much for all of you helpful posts and pics. I would have never known all that was possible without you You're a doll...and I don't mean a "bobble head"....see, I do remember that also!