Dessert parties

[Janet2k]

Janet2k this is a little OT but can you tell me if you had to use Disney photographic services for your vow renewal reception since it was in park, or were you allowed to use an outside vender had you chosen to?? TIA

Skylarr29, believe it or not, I never really asked that question. I wanted Disney to photograph my event so that those photos could be shared with other folks who were interested in hosting a party inside the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park. If I had used an outside photographer, that could never have been done (at least not by Disney).

In hindsight, I am awfully glad that I went with Disney for my photography. I had two photographers and they did a beautiful job with my photos (one shot the standard photos while the other shot the artistic photos). A few of my photos were finally added to the official FTW website a few months ago. There is a post somewhere here on the Dis that mentions exactly what photos are in use (please do a search if you're interested).

I'm sorry this isn't the answer that you were seeking! Please ask Disney what the rules are for photo/video if you are interested in hosting an event inside a theme park. I know that in the past it was possible to use outside photography & video, but I don't know what the current rules are.

 

[Janet2k]

I completely forget to mention something else about the Grand Floridian’s beach. Yikes! To see how lovely it can be for a party, please read a post that I added the other day to the GF FAQ thread here on the Dis: click here.

The post is a little convoluted, but if you make your way through it, you’ll come to a link for a music video that was shot on the beach of my favorite resort. I laughed when I discovered that little bit of resort history. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that other “beach” people had walked on the same sands as I did.

 

[Skylarr29]

Skylarr29, believe it or not, I never really asked that question. I wanted Disney to photograph my event so that those photos could be shared with other folks who were interested in hosting a party inside the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park. If I had used an outside photographer, that could never have been done (at least not by Disney).

In hindsight, I am awfully glad that I went with Disney for my photography. I had two photographers and they did a beautiful job with my photos (one shot the standard photos while the other shot the artistic photos). A few of my photos were finally added to the official FTW website a few months ago. There is a post somewhere here on the Dis that mentions exactly what photos are in use (please do a search if you're interested).

I'm sorry this isn't the answer that you were seeking! Please ask Disney what the rules are for photo/video if you are interested in hosting an event inside a theme park. I know that in the past it was possible to use outside photography & video, but I don't know what the current rules are.

Thanks Janet! I will look into it further. I have seen your photos on Disney's website and I have read through your wedding and planning session trip reports! That is one of the main reasons I fell in love with the location! Thanks again.

 

[jojoandhb]

I'm not opposed to a custom wedding. I'm only having 11-13 people. I was going to have 20-ish, but my family just cannot get along. Most of my guests allready live in FL (less than an hour from Disney), so I'd have a huge problem with the 25 room nights. Plus, I didn't like the locations for the receptions. Eleven people in a big ballroom has a weird vibe. I thought I'd do the intimate, add Cinderella's carriage, upgrade the photos, upgrade the cake, have a great dinner somewhere and then see the fireworks somewhere, somehow. I considered the yacht for Wishes, but some of my guests are prone to sea sickness and one hates boats.
I'm going to make gift baskets for the guests and buy Lenox Disney ornaments for favors. I would like to have a welcoming party or a night before the wedding party. Neither of us is going to go out and look at strippers. Neither of us drinks, so having a Bachelor/Bachelorette party seems ludicrous. I thouhgt one big, fun, homey feeling casual party would be awesome. I just didn't know where to begin. I looked at some of the grand gatherings, but I haven't found anything that just jumps out at me. I have a long time to plan, and I know I will find something. I'm really impressed with what you've shown me all ready.

 

[Janet2k]

I love the pumpkin with the bride and groom's faces on it.

Jojoandhb, that pumpkin was a hoot, wasn't it?! It was also a "surprise" for my husband that had been planned by my Event Manager. The man was a genius, I tell you, and it is a shame that he is no longer with Disney (please note that he left on wonderful terms). I really miss him since he had planned my Summerhouse party, my FTW custom vow renewal, and had he still been around, I would have asked him to plan the event that I just hosted at the GF this summer (drats! but my new Event Manager did a wonderful job with it, have no fear).

I put the following post into one of my trip reports (click here). I thought I would share it here so that you might catch a glimpse of just how creative the Disney folks can be.

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On the night before my Fairy Tale Weddings vow renewal, my husband and I hosted a “Welcome Party” for our family and friends at the Grand Floridian’s marina. I didn’t want to post photos of that event until I had written about it in my trip report. But with Halloween quickly approaching, I began to feel guiltily, very guilty, that I was hoarding knowledge regarding another type of event that the Grand Floridian’s Convention Services’ staff was capable of producing. The party that they put together for my family that night was lovely. Hauntingly beautiful, actually.

Without giving too much away until I can share my story, I will mention the following information. My Event Manager knew that Halloween was my favorite day out of the entire year. He knew that Rick and I had met on Halloween. He also knew that my family had a very fun-loving attitude. He took all those things into consideration when he put together the most perfect party for us. I hope that comes across in the photographs that I will be sharing with you.

My Event Manager used just the right amount of touches to make my party completely personal. Pumpkins were carved in various images, including one in Rick’s and my image... Wait staff was attired in authentic Haunted Mansion ride costumes, including full face makeup... Grand Floridian furniture was used as elegant buffet stations… Homemade Halloween treats such as candy apples, Mickey Krispsies, and s’mores were served … Nostalgic candy from days of yore was available for the Trick ‘Or Treat bags… The list of personal touches that were used goes on and on.

Since the “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party” was held that night in the Magic Kingdom Theme Park, my guests viewed special fireworks from across Seven Seas Lagoon. In my photographs, you’ll catch glimpses of the "perimeter” fireworks that Disney sometimes sets off during their fireworks shows. Those fireworks were breathtaking. We were spellbound as we watched them light up the night sky.

Before I share my on-line album, I would like to note that the photographs in it were taken by Disney Event Productions. The same photographer who had taken my Summerhouse Dinner Party photographs also took my Welcome Party photographs. I think they turned out beautifully.

To view the on-line photo album of my Welcome Party, click here; or to view a slideshow of the photos, click here. Since a slideshow is more fun when it’s set to music, click here or click here.

Thanks to my Event Manager and the Grand Floridian’s Convention Services staff, my family and guests enjoyed a lovely night on October 26th. That Welcome Party perfectly set the stage for the magical vow renewal that began on the next evening.
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So, if you have a wild & crazy streak like I do, discuss it with the FTW folks to see what special and unique touches can be added to your event. Disney has a whole bunch of ~magical~ things hiding up their sleeve.

 

[Janet2k]

I'm not opposed to a custom wedding.

Jojoandhb, the key to the kingdom gets unlocked when you move into the custom category, so if you can swing it, definitely consider it. But that is a very personal decision that only you and your significant other can make.

(I'll try to comment on the rest of your post later on today -- I have to run right now. I'll be back soon!)

 

[jojoandhb]

We're actually spending more on our intimate than a custom would be. But for so few guests, a custom seems like overkill. We were just talking about it tonight. I kinda like having the intimate and adding things to it because the customs just aren't right for our small group that will be almost half children!

 

[Janet2k]

We're actually spending more on our intimate than a custom would be. But for so few guests, a custom seems like overkill. We were just talking about it tonight. I kinda like having the intimate and adding things to it because the customs just aren't right for our small group that will be almost half children!

Jojoandhb, I actually wrote my response before I read this one of yours. I think it still fits so I'm going to post it anyway. Here goes...

My custom vow renewal’s headcount was 22 people. It was the perfect size for me, and really the perfect size for the venue that I had chosen (the Great Movie Ride). When we dined inside the attraction that night, I couldn’t believe how intimate it felt (I vividly remember making that comment to the guests who were seated next to me). Disney truly pulled off an incredible dinner party. It was amazing. If they can make a theme park attraction feel like an elegant dining experience, they are capable of just about anything. I’ve learned to never underestimate them.

If you are from Florida and your guests are from there, too, then discuss it with the FTW folks. Maybe something can be done due to your place of residence. You’re not the first bride to live in that state who has hosted a wedding in WDW. I’m sure they’ve handled situations like yours before, but you won’t know unless you ask. Never be afraid to ask them your questions.

If you will be getting married in the pavilion and having Cinderella’s carriage, those two items add up. If you want to host a luncheon/dinner reception, a welcome/dessert party, add a Disney character or two, well, before you know it, your FTW bill is itching upwards towards the minimum for a custom event. If that is the case, then moving into the custom category will give you access to things that you won’t have access to as an intimate bride.

Sometimes going the extra mile is an easy decision to make, while other times it is a difficult decision to make. But before you make that decision, consider having an in-depth conversation with the FTW folks. During that conversation you can discuss the kind of wedding that you’d like to have and the budget that you’d like to work within. The FTW folks are there to answer your questions and help you plan your wedding.

Since it sounds like your wedding is a bit in the future, you’ve got time on your side. You can research the heck out of venues, thanks to the Internet and the FTW couples who have shared their stories, and create a list of a few events that appeal to you. When you finally sit down with the FTW folks to begin planning your wedding, you will have a good starting point to work from. The FTW folks will let you know what those events cost, and then you will select the one that bests fits your needs.

I hope this helped.

 

[Janet2k]

We're actually spending more on our intimate than a custom would be.

I've had a minute to read this now. If you meet the custom requirements, then definitely consider moving into that category since you'll have access to more options than you would have had otherwise.

An acquaintance of mine ran into some roadblocks earlier this year because she was in the intimate category. Disney told her that if she moved into the custom category, she could plan a few of the things that she was asking for, but if she remained in the intimate category, those things were off-limits to her. Disney took a stance and the acquaintance had to make a decision. It was a difficult one for her to make.

I have another acquaintance who is in research mode right now since her vow renewal is a few years off. She is fortunate in that she saw what I went through when I planned my own vow renewal, so she already knows what to expect. She will be a custom bride since she wants access to the unique things that Disney has to offer. It will be fun for me to watch her plan the vow renewal of her dreams, especially since she’s already asked me for my help.

Each person is unique, and each wedding / vow renewal is unique. The best ones are the ones that come from the heart. If you listen to your heart, it won’t lead you astray. I know that’s easier said than done, but it is possible. I’m living proof of that. I had a very, very simple vow renewal ceremony, and a very wild & crazy dinner party. It was perfect for me, and perfect for my husband. You’ll find the right ceremony & reception for you & your significant other, have no fear. Just remember to listen to your heart.

 

[mjslvswdw1]

Hello! I am a former Intimate Bride, and we had a "Welcome Party" aka an Epcot dessert party at the UK Upper the night before our wedding. It was a magical evening. We couldn't(or didn't want to) afford to move up to a custom.
My one wish was to have a dessert party at Epcot my personal favorite park. We asked our intimate cordinator, and she opened up a few doors for us.(This may not happen anymore, due to the fact our wedding was almost two years ago. She and I spoke often and we were very friendly with one another.)
I worked with a person at Epcot, as we were not a custom wedding. They were fantastic, and the UK Upper was magical. We had the Child in You dessert menu, with Bride and Groom strawberries, and wine and beer.
I do not have the total breakdown, but I found the reciept with the total on my credit card, it was $850. All of our guests had park tickets so we didn't have to pay for the viewing views.
I wouldn't trade that night for anything. Other then myself, parents, sister and niece, none of our other 15 guests including my DH had ever been to WDW. The look of amazment at the site which Epcot decorated and went over the top, to watching Illuminations without an obstucted view was awesome. The only thing that I regret was that we didn't have Stan from STVS videotape the evening.
As you can tell I cannot say enough good things about the Epcot staff or Disney in general, our whole "Disney Wedding and Disneymoon" was unbeliveable, even if we were just an intimate. They made all of my dreams come true from Epcot, to my extra "Cinderella Pumpkin Flowers", to our cake. It wasn't a wedding in a box. Sorry this is so long!

Melissa

P.S. We were told you needed at least 50 ppl for the UK Lower but only 20ppl for the UK Upper!

 

[jojoandhb]

My fiance and I sat down last night and looked at the Custom Wishbook for 2 hours. The reception locations just do not appeal to us. And, paying $900 for a table for 10 without the flower arrangement is ridiculous. I feel like doing the custom limits us. The only reception venue that we liked was the Great Movie Ride, and it said in small print that the reception takes place AFTER the park closes. That's just too late considering the 2 year old, 4 year old and 6 year old that will be coming along. Plus, what do we do in between time, hang out at the hotel in our wedding clothes? That doesn't sound fun. We are spending more than the minimum for the custom, but that doesn't bother us. I feel like I am getting more because having dinner at a restaurant, I don't have to worry about overpriced tables. I get to spend more money on the guests.
I don't live in FL, but my brother and sister, who are half of the guest list, do. There are two couples flying in from the north. One is staying at GF also for 6 nights and the other is staying for 3. We're staying for 6, so the most room nights we can get is 19. I don't want to pay $600 for room nights when I could spend that on the perfectly princess tea party, Bippity Boppity Bootique, and the Christmas parade.

 

[JDR2b777]

Well, I am going to inquire on the Grand Floridian Marina fireworks. It looked great and they already told me I could not have the Illumination @ Epcot because I am getting married on a Holida. My only option was the "private firework" show at the wedding pavilion and she said it lasts longer than they used to in the past. I replied back and mentioned the Marina and am awaiting a response. Wish me luck!

 

[DLR2WDW]

By the way...the wish book just shows some examples of table styles and floral, etc. It does not show everything that is avialable (it's limitless!) and the tables that are shown do not need to be used with all of the componants...they can be peiced together and still have a lot of the same look/style.