Cruises for larger groups? (or other ideas)

[srferson]

So, we are having our wedding at 11am at Shades of Green in October and then will be having lunch somewhere Disney (not sure where yet). Anyway, I am trying to figure out what to do for the rest of the day that will be special.

I really like the idea of the Illuminations or Wishes cruises, but our party may be up to 17 adults, one seven year old, one two year old, and one five month old. And it doesn't seem like there is anything like those cruises that we could do for that many people. I'd love to be able to have a wedding cake on the boat or something.

Anyway, does anyone have any ideas for special things to do that day? Or any information about cruises for larger groups?

Oh, and suggestions for where to eat (lunch and/or dinner) would be cool too.

 

[Bride-to-be]

I think you can do the Grand 1. Some people say it has an 18 person max and others say it has a 20 person max. I would call and ask - because I think they would let you do it, especially since 3 are small kids. Another option would be to do 2 pontoon boats - but then you are all split =o(.

 

[srferson]

Well, I was hopeful, but our Dreams Unlimited agent called and then I got this email from her:

The Grand I Yacht Cruise will not accommodate your group. The only option you have for your entire group is the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage. Reservations on this voyage can be made 90 days in advance.
I did ask if there was any larger boat and was told NO the only option for your group is the Pirates and Pals.
Another Option might be the International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Reception. this is a Grand Gathering Event with a buffet international dinner, storytelling, live music and then a reserved viewing area for Illuminations with a buffet style dessert.

I'm not going to completely rule out the Grand I because we may have a couple less people than we invited, but I don't know yet.


Anyone have any other thoughts or suggestions? Anyone have opinions on the International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Reception?

 

[ElleBren]

I'd call disney directly on the Grand 1. They might be able to work with you.

 

[Bride-to-be]

I agree I wouldn't go through a travel agent. Truthfully I think you best bet is to go through the wedding department I think the coordinators/planners have more pull than anyone else would. Certain websites do say the boat holds 20 people. Another option could be to just book it for 18 and show up with 2 extra little kids. I don't think they could turn the kids away.

In the past I have heard about people taking the big TTC boats and using them for floating receptions. I just don't know if they would do it during park closing, I guess it might depend on the season and how busy the parks are.

 

[srferson]

Well, the Dreams Unlimited agent has been extremely helpful with the rest of our complicated plans and I love not having to make the calls myself. But as we find out for sure how large our party would be and get closer to the 90 days mark, I'll make sure to check back.

I'm not sure what you mean by going through the wedding department. We aren't having an actual Disney wedding.

What are the TTC boats?

 

[Bride-to-be]

ahh sorry I forgot it was SOG. Maybe go through your SOG coordinator?

 

[CNPHILLY]

Having done the Grand1 a couple times for a fireworks cruise, I will tell you that it will definitely NOT accommodate your group because it is too large. The boat is big, and there are places for people, but not 20. I wouldn't even be too comfortable with 15 (probably around 13 would be my max). In fact, when booking, I think they limit the amount of people to 12 or so.

While you could conceivably get 20 people on the boat, people would have to sit on the beds in the bedrooms, etc, nobody would be able to move around, and at most only 6-7 people would be able to stand out back and get a view of the fireworks. It's just not practical in your situation. If you narrow the group down to maybe 10-15 (including kids), then it might be worth checking into (though like I said there is a limit on the amount of people). Otherwise, I would look into other options.

 

[srferson]

Having done the Grand1 a couple times for a fireworks cruise, I will tell you that it will definitely NOT accommodate your group because it is too large. The boat is big, and there are places for people, but not 20. I wouldn't even be too comfortable with 15 (probably around 13 would be my max). In fact, when booking, I think they limit the amount of people to 12 or so.

Ah. I see. wdwinfo.com had a description of 17/18 people max, but I do see that the Disney World site does say 'up to 14 people.'

I'm thinking of looking into the Illuminations dessert party. Anyone have opinions on that?

 

[Bride-to-be]

I can tell you that if we go with our plan B (we will know in a few weeks). We are doing a DP at French Upper. During our site visits I was told that the chefs are super flexible and if you don't like thier menus they can create anything or even pull desserts from your favorite restaurants around world showcase.

One thing that really struck me is that the prices for an illuminations dinner are really reasonable. My packet is at home by I can try to post tonight if I remember. That might be something fun to consider.

 

[lurkyloo]

One thing to note: The International Dinner and Illuminations Dessert Reception done through Grand Gatherings that your TA suggested is different from the IllumiNations Dessert Party that Bride-to-Be is talking about. When you do a Grand Gathering, your group shares the experience with other Grand Gatherings groups, so it's not exactly private. Still, it's an easy way to do a fun event without planning a private thing yourself.

If you do want a private IllumiNations dessert party and aren't having a Disney wedding, you can set one up through WDW Catering & Convention Services by calling 407-828-3200.

 

[srferson]

Oh. Thank you all. I didn't realize they are different. Bride-to-be, are you possibly doing a private one? How does that work?
And if it's not a Grand Gathering, where does it happen?

 

[Bride-to-be]

I would shy away from the grand gatherings just because they are more for like big family reunions and such and I think you may prefer something private.

All around world showcase many of the locations used for dessert parties can be set up for dinner.

Courtney & Eric and Heidi & Tom both used Italy Isola for dinner parties. I am trying to find some pics but not having much luck. If you can either find online or watch the WETV special that is airing again in June you can see what Courtney & Eric did - I was really impressed. If you are going to be there when its is warm (not in the middle of winter like us) then I would highly recommend it.

Also if you really like the wishes show - you could do a dessert party at the GF. Another option for wishes is the Napa room at the top of the contemp - which we are doing for dinner.

Pretty much everything done through catering is private. Any of the options listed under grand gatherings aren't. You have to close your eyes and think about your favorite things at disney - favorite rides/ favorite shows, the disney things that make you happeist. Typically I would think that there is a way to make it your wedding reception.

As Lurkyloo said anything that is available through catering you can do. There are tons of choices depending on what your budget looks like.

 

[srferson]

EEP.

I'm grateful for all the information...

but now I'm overwhelmed as to where to go from this point.
So many options.

 

[Bride-to-be]

Join the club! Expect many sleepless nights.

We really didn't have a clue what we wanted until we did site visits. So if you can get there to look at some of the places you will have a good idea when you see them. They you will be much less stressed.

I guess these are my thoughts if you really want to do lunch after the ceremony then I would stick to a simple dessert party either at epcot or at the GF for wishes.

The GF is easy because you can walk there from the SOG and you don't have to deal with transportation costs that are required for epcot if you don't have park admission.

Epcot is really cool too!

If you want to skip the lunch and do a bigger dinner than I think an illuminations dinner at epcot could be really awesome. Or you could have dinner in one of the restaurants around worldshowcase and walk outside and surprise all of your guests with dessert and the fireworks.

I know you can do breakfast safaris at animal kingdom and a load of stuff at MGM after the park closes.

If you want characters to be at your reception then it has to be held indoors in private function space. - just something to consider.

my vote - do an illuminations dinner - I will try to post the details and price minimums for you tonight.

 

[lurkyloo]

EEP.

I've grateful for all the information...

but now I'm overwhelmed as to where to go from this point.
So many options.

You might be interested in this post where I broke down all the steps for having a private IllumiNations dinner and dessert party. We did it for two people (which became 6 people!) but the principles and the minimums are the same no matter how many people you have.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2121903

You might also do a search on these boards for the phrase "dessert party" - you'll find all kinds of great info. Here are some sample search results:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Dessert+party+site:disboards.com&aq=f&oq=


If you call the WDW Catering & Convention Services number I posted above, they will assign you a representative at the resort where you're staying, and s/he can tell you what locations are available for your group size, what the venue rental fees and food and beverage minimums are, etc.

 

[Bride-to-be]

Illuminations dinners -

Italy Isola West has a minimum of 20 guests and a max of 60. Food minimums are $60 pp plus $12.95 fireworks viewing charge for guests without park admission and the venue rental fee is $325.

French Upper and Lower both have a minimum of 30 have $50 minimums, $12.95 viewing charge and the venue rental fee is also $325.

I think these three are the only three that are small enough for your group for dinner.

I think transportation is still required and you would need minimal decorations. I think Isola West would be fun!