Dessert Party Style Reception

[sarah_n_brian2006]

Has anyone had a reception in the parks for Dessert Party, with a Custom wedding? Help me trying to decide if I want this. I want fireworks pictures. We're having our ceremony at the Gazebo and want to have reception at the French Islands. Do I need a bus? How did the food work out? I need details! Thank You

 

[dznystar]

We're doing it. Our ceremony will be at the WP at 7:30 followed by the Illuminations reception at the French Island from 8:30 pm- 1:30 am. You have to have bus transportation because of the hours and your guests will have to enter backstage. We're having a buffet dinner. Our planning session is next week. I'll post more later.

 

[sarah_n_brian2006]

Has anybody had a reception or party at a french island and walked in the international gateway?

 

[ExCPKate]

I am pretty sure that if you or your guests want to enter through the International entrance, you must have park tickets. Otherwise if you use the buses, you will pay a $12.50 Illuminations viewing fee for each of your guests plus reception/dessert party food costs. That's a nice option because I know some people coming to our wedding aren't going to be down there long enough to go to the parks, and wouldn't have a way to get in. If you have a really small party, and you know everyone will have tickets then using your park tickets would save you money.

Good luck with your decisions!

 

[disprincessatheart]

We're doing an Illuminations reception too - Ours will be on April 24th. Our ceremony is at 5 and reception is from 6 to 11.

We're doing the busses and the $12.50 viewing fee. I *THINK* though that if they all meet at the IG and walk in with a Disney escort you can still do the viewing fee only. I believe it's just the Bride and Groom that can't use a regular entrance. We have to have busses because we're getting married at the WP, but if you're at the gazebo and want everyone to walk or take the boat to the IG, I don't see why that wouldn't work. Then you and DF can take other transportation - Limo or towncar I think are the options.

Oh, as far as the food goes. The only meal option at French Island is a buffet because there's no kitchen nearby. The choices are really nice though - you use the EPCOT catering department and they have a huge menu and are very open to ideas beyond that. We did our tasting with them in September and my parents who have been to Disney many times were so impressed they talked about that tasting the rest of the week. There are a few food limitations because you're outdoors - no mouses for the cake, no ice cream, no frozen drinks, nothing that they think won't keep outside. We were able to do all the food we wanted, just had to switch from chocolate mouse filling in our cake to chocolate ganache filling, which wasn't a big deal to me.

If you have any other questions, I'm happy to help!

 

[JonetteA]

I need to understand what you mean by dessert reception. I have been to two different types of events with Illuminations and heard of a third. There is a dessert party that is just desserts. This is what we had the night of our wedding a few hours after our reception. I have also heard of it is a pre-reception option for reception in the park after a late wedding at the WP. And I have seen it used for appetizers for a welcome party. Can you let me know which one you are looking at and maybe I can help further!

 

[ChocolateMouse]

We're doing the busses and the $12.50 viewing fee. I *THINK* though that if they all meet at the IG and walk in with a Disney escort you can still do the viewing fee only. I believe it's just the Bride and Groom that can't use a regular entrance.

Yes, this is correct! I confirmed that with my wedding consultant yesterday.

 

[sarah_n_brian2006]

Thanks guys you're a big help. I emailed Joe yesterday, but no response. I am planning on a reception, dinner reception, to clarify things. Does anyone know how much a town car costs? Again, thanks so much!!!!