Choosing Swan over Memories VR

[quandrea]

Well I think we will go with the Swan for our VR. I've crunched the numbers and I think the Swan wins. That and I can have a few more people. With memories, my parents wouldn't have been able to attend the ceremony. DH even says that with the money we save we'll be able to get a character (now which one should I choose? Ideas please.)

So for the VR I have my dress, it just arrived on Tuesday. I have minnie ears for me and my dds. We have our grape soda boutoneires and grape soda earrings. The minnie mouse flip flops for me and my girls are on the way.

We have to nail down all the details with the Swan still.

Anyone have any suggestions for a place to eat afterwards. I am having Swan catering cost out a high tea reception (scones, pastries, etc.), but I'm expecting it to be too much. We are definitely going to have a cake at the ceremony site immediately following. Probably just something basic that they offer.

I'd love any ideas/ input you may have. Should I do favours. It's just the nine of us. My dh and our children then my two sisters and parents. Anything I might do to add to the day? We are trying not to go too crazy with costs. TIA.

 

[pixie921]

Congrats on making your decision! I believe you'll be really happy you chose the Swan.

I just got done going over light reception options with the Swan. I had hoped to have a luncheon out at Crescent Terrace right after our VR. They first told me their minimum was $5K, but when I told them we only had 16 people and were just looking for something simple, they offered to lower it to $2K. However, since we're not serving alcohol, there's no way we could meet that minimum (plus I didn't want to spend that much). So for now, we're having a group lunch at Kona Cafe. I'm still not 100% thrilled at that idea, but I haven't been able to come up with anything better yet.

When we had a larger group planning to come we were going to use the private room at The Wave at the Contemporary, but again, with losing 6 of our guests, we really didn't qualify for the private room and we wanted a menu with a bit more variety, so we chose Kona. We also looked into the Grand Floridian Cafe for lunch, but we could never get them to call us back -- it was very frustrating.

 

[leonix8238]

Well I think we will go with the Swan for our VR. I've crunched the numbers and I think the Swan wins. That and I can have a few more people. With memories, my parents wouldn't have been able to attend the ceremony. DH even says that with the money we save we'll be able to get a character (now which one should I choose? Ideas please.)

So for the VR I have my dress, it just arrived on Tuesday. I have minnie ears for me and my dds. We have our grape soda boutoneires and grape soda earrings. The minnie mouse flip flops for me and my girls are on the way.

We have to nail down all the details with the Swan still.

Anyone have any suggestions for a place to eat afterwards. I am having Swan catering cost out a high tea reception (scones, pastries, etc.), but I'm expecting it to be too much. We are definitely going to have a cake at the ceremony site immediately following. Probably just something basic that they offer.

I'd love any ideas/ input you may have. Should I do favours. It's just the nine of us. My dh and our children then my two sisters and parents. Anything I might do to add to the day? We are trying not to go too crazy with costs. TIA.

What about the Grand Floridian Cafe? Or at have an afternoon tea at the Garden View Team Room?

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/garden-view-tea-room/

As for a character you can't go wrong with Mickey!

 

[quandrea]

Congrats on making your decision! I believe you'll be really happy you chose the Swan.

I just got done going over light reception options with the Swan. I had hoped to have a luncheon out at Crescent Terrace right after our VR. They first told me their minimum was $5K, but when I told them we only had 16 people and were just looking for something simple, they offered to lower it to $2K. However, since we're not serving alcohol, there's no way we could meet that minimum (plus I didn't want to spend that much). So for now, we're having a group lunch at Kona Cafe. I'm still not 100% thrilled at that idea, but I haven't been able to come up with anything better yet.

When we had a larger group planning to come we were going to use the private room at The Wave at the Contemporary, but again, with losing 6 of our guests, we really didn't qualify for the private room and we wanted a menu with a bit more variety, so we chose Kona. We also looked into the Grand Floridian Cafe for lunch, but we could never get them to call us back -- it was very frustrating.

I've been reading your planning journal. I've been thinking about starting one too, but don't know how to post pics so it would be pretty boring. Given your experience, we'll probably end up doing a meal elsewhere; no way we'd want to spend even $2k. Thinking Cape May for dinner.

What about the Grand Floridian Cafe? Or at have an afternoon tea at the Garden View Team Room?

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/garden-view-tea-room/

As for a character you can't go wrong with Mickey!

Thanks. We has originally thought tea and the gf cafe is my dh's favourite restaurant, so maybe we'll end up there. Do you think it is too far to go from the Swan or is that silly? As for Mickey--that's what dh says.

 

[quandrea]

Congrats on making your decision! I believe you'll be really happy you chose the Swan.

I just got done going over light reception options with the Swan. I had hoped to have a luncheon out at Crescent Terrace right after our VR. They first told me their minimum was $5K, but when I told them we only had 16 people and were just looking for something simple, they offered to lower it to $2K. However, since we're not serving alcohol, there's no way we could meet that minimum (plus I didn't want to spend that much). So for now, we're having a group lunch at Kona Cafe. I'm still not 100% thrilled at that idea, but I haven't been able to come up with anything better yet.

When we had a larger group planning to come we were going to use the private room at The Wave at the Contemporary, but again, with losing 6 of our guests, we really didn't qualify for the private room and we wanted a menu with a bit more variety, so we chose Kona. We also looked into the Grand Floridian Cafe for lunch, but we could never get them to call us back -- it was very frustrating.

I've been reading your planning journal. I've been thinking about starting one too, but don't know how to post pics so it would be pretty boring. Given your experience, we'll probably end up doing a meal elsewhere; no way we'd want to spend even $2k. Thinking Cape May for dinner.

What about the Grand Floridian Cafe? Or at have an afternoon tea at the Garden View Team Room?

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/garden-view-tea-room/

As for a character you can't go wrong with Mickey!

Thanks. We has originally thought tea and the gf cafe is my dh's favourite restaurant, so maybe we'll end up there. Do you think it is too far to go from the Swan or is that silly? As for Mickey--that's what dh says.

 

[leonix8238]

From the Swan to the GF is not too far at all, especially if it's a favourite

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I don't know whether you have read my PJ/TR, and if so, I apologize for repeating myself!!!
We recently had our VR at the Swan and it was perfect!!! I don't think you will have any regrets, and if you have Karen as your planner, you are in excellent hands!!!
We followed up with cocktails and dinner at the GF and it wasn't too far at all!! Admittedly, we hired a limo, which made the journey easy and hassle free!! The GF is such a pretty place for photos too!!
I e-mailed back and forth a few times with the manager of the GF cafe, because we were considering having a meal there after our VR. She was lovely, and very helpful, but unfortunately, could not guarantee that our whole party would sit together (we were a party of 14), so we decided against it. Maybe a smaller party would be easier to seat together. I am afraid that I do not still have the e-mail address for you, but I am sure somebody will pop up with it!!
We had afternoon tea at the Garden View Tearoom the day before the VR (just the girls) and it was heavenly!!! Highly recommended!!!
Interestingly, here in England, we call scones, pastries etc afternoon tea and high tea is more a cooked meal eaten at teatime. Is it different in the US as I notice you called scones etc high tea?
If I can help in any other way, don't hesitate to ask!!

 

[quandrea]

I've been reading your planning journal; haven't finished yet. I think we will go with the Grand Floridian Cafe. I don't think we can make it to tea in time. I think their last sitting is at 4:10. I'm going to book the cafe for 5pm. If anyone has the email for the cafe please PM me, as I may want to set out favours, etc.

Glad to hear it isn't too far to go. I reconsidered Cape May because I don't think a buffet is a good idea in a wedding dress (too many people stepping on my train etc.) Sitting down would be better. I'll keep you all posted as the details come together.