Desert Parties

[HolyCowImADisneyBrde]

Hi girls! I have a question. How long do the Illuminations desert parties generally last? DF and I are torn between that or Fantasmic DP. I know a lot of people are against Fantasmic, but I know it lasts about 1/2 hour where Illuminations is 12 minutes or so. And I know the Fantasmic DP in all lasts about 1 1/2 hours, so I was just wondering how long the Illuminations one lasted, and if you girls that have had them think it's worth it. Also, if anyone has had theirs at the Upper or Lower UK, how was that? I really wanted to do Italy Isola, but we won't be able to meet the 50 guest minimum. Thanks for the help.

 

[PrincessBride07]

Well, my illuminations DP is 1 hour long at the lower UK. The show itself is as you said around 10-15 minutes. One big difference between Illuminations and Fantasmic is photography. I do not think that you can take professional pictures during Fantasmic. I am not sure, but I think because it has live actors performing whereas Illuminations does not. Also, consider the requirements. I believe that Fantasmic has a site rental fee, but no real requirements about food and beverage minimums. As for the difference between upper and lower, well upper you already have tables and chairs (thus saving some money). Other than that it is a matter of personal taste. There is a wall on the upper terrace, and (to me) seems a little less private because it is next to the main World Showcase walkway. The lower has a fence, is next to the water, and requires table/chair rentals.

I hope this helps, and if anyone notices any misinformation please correct it.

 

[disprincessatheart]

When I was trying to decide my planner told me the real reason they discourage the Fantasmic ones for brides is that Fantasmic is much more likely to be cancelled because of weather - again because it has live performers. Someone on here did a Fantasmic and in her TR I think she said they did the food portion indoors somewhere in MGM and then they were escorted into their area for the actual show. In EPCOT you'd be in one location for the whole thing, unless it's raining and then they'll have your food inside and you'll go outside for Illuminations.

HTH

 

[4luvofthemouse]

We are having a Fantasmic dessert party. We are scheduled for an hour & half. You can have photography at the party but if you are using an outside photographer they prefer you to use Disney photography. Everything is outside and in the same location but if the weather is a problem then they do move you inside for the food portion.
We were going to do illuminations simple because of the pictures that you get with the fireworks behind you. I was told that the party is about an hour long and we alos had trouble meeting the min. for certain areas but they will work with you to find a spot that you love. Unfortunately the week we are getting married they do not have illuminations dessert parties so we chose the fantasmic. I am super excited about fantasmic now but at the time I was really diappointed. Some of the pictures that I have seen look amazing.
I guess in the end it's just a matter of what you prefer. I think either way your guests are gonna love a dessert party..who wouldn't!

 

[padisneyfour]

Has anyone had one here? It would be the site I think would be closest to our numbers for an escape wedding. what is additional charge for tables etc. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[twojo21]

we were at our dp from like 8:45 to 10, watching illuminations, eating & taking pics it was great

 

[lurkyloo]

Has anyone had one here? It would be the site I think would be closest to our numbers for an escape wedding. what is additional charge for tables etc. Any info would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

I just heard someone mention that they are now giving you the entire Morocco terrace, including tables and chairs, so there wouldn't be an extra fee for those.

This bride had her dessert party in Morocco:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1446698

 

[Malibelle]

I had a dessert party in Italy. It was at least 1 1/2 hrs. The fireworks were only about 10-15 minutes. It was the highlight of the day. Check out my trip report, I have lots of picures posted and the tables and chairs w/ tablecloths were included in the price. I paid for the centerpieces extra.

 

[HolyCowImADisneyBrde]

Thank you!

 

[pixie08]

It is also possible to extend your Illuminations DP by an 1/2 hour. We did this. We started the DP around 8pm. Everyone ate and mingled for an hour then the show came on. Then they let us stay a little after and the whole thing wound up being 1 hour 45 min- 2 hours.

It was quite amazing and everyone was blown away and still talks about it! Oh btw my party was a wlcome party though! Good luck with your decision.