Dessert Party

[bridetobe789]

Okay so ... I have no idea what this is?? Where can it take place?? Details! thanks!

 

[pixie08]

I have heard of the following places:

1. numerous places in EPCOT during Illuminations (such as UK terrace, France upper, lower or arm, UK patio, Italy Isola, Morrocco) just to name a few. Party size and prefernce would dictate location.

2. At hollywood Studios during fantasmic

3. At the GF marina during wishes (music piped in cost extra)

People have had these before weddings as welcome parties (this is what I did- we had about 65 people and used France upper), also after their wedding to end the party with a bang or even as going away parties the next day.

 

[bridetobe789]

Can I be rude and ask about how much these run??

 

[lurkyloo]

At Hollywood Studios you're on one of the two patios at the back of the amphitheater. Both have a $250 venue-rental fee. There's a $750 food and beverage minimum, and menus range from $20-$27 per person. There's also a $75 setup fee, and you will be required to charter transportation at about $400 per bus that seats about 50 (if you have fewer people, you may be able to charter cheaper transportation).

In Epcot you pay a site fee ($250-$575, depending on location) and then a minimum of $22 per person for food and beverage. There's also a $75 setup fee for any location but Upper UK, and you are required to charter transportation at the same rates posted above. UK and France parties *may* be allowed to skip the transport and have everyone meet at the International Gateway and walk in, but that's at Disney's discretion.

Also, both parks have a $12.95/pp viewing fee for any guest who doesn't have park admission.

Wishes parties at the Grand Floridian Marina have no site fee. The food-and-beverage minimums are $1,500 for the Marina or $500 for Sago Cay Pointe. Grand Floridian catering menus range from $27-$60 per person, but you can customize a menu to be less per person as long as you meet the food-and-beverage minimum for your site. You also don't have to pay viewing fees or charter transport, so this could be your cheapest option. However, you can't hear the music to the fireworks, and you are looking at a side view of them. If you want the music piped in, it's about $800.

All these prices are exclusive of 6.5% sales tax and 21% service charge, so figure that in too.

 

[PRPrincess1081]

WOW Carrie - you are great!

I have been meaning to ask you...how do you know so much?

 

[pixie08]

carrie- are they really charging $700 to have the music piped in now? Last year it was $300

 

[lurkyloo]

carrie- are they really charging $700 to have the music piped in now? Last year it was $300

Yeah, all the prices seem to be going up. The charge is for a sound tech, mixer, CD player, speakers - the whole shebang, and it's consistent with what they charge for a similar setup at weddings these days...

I have been meaning to ask you...how do you know so much?

I did a LOT of research for my wedding, and I try to keep current so I can help future brides not have to do as much research!

 

[bridetobe789]

We are looking into having a dessert party for sure now.... do you book these/find out all the details at your planning session or is this something i need to contact jennifer about in advance?

 

[lurkyloo]

You should probably let your planner know now, even if she can't book it for you yet. They don't really volunteer this stuff - you have to ask for it.

 

[Lisacope]

I had my DP at the GF (it was supposed to be on the Marina Patio but we got rained out and they put us in the Whitehalll Room). I paid to have the music piped in and it was $800. My DP menu was $40 per person and I paid $19.50 per guest for the Call Brands Bar. My DP was an hour and a half long. They served the assorted mini pastries, cookies and mickey rice krispy treats, a fruit centerpiece, and had an action station with hot fudge sundae flambee and bananas foster.

 

[steph1213]

We are having our DP in Epcot Italy. The biggest hassle for me I think will be getting my guests there as many will not be getting park passes for that weekend due to time constraints. So I will have to shuttle those people over to the venue, along with paying a fee for them to be there during the fireworks show. That's not a problem though. It's the logistics I'm concerned about.

ETS - I'm not having my DP after the reception. I'm having it the night before as a welcome reception for our guests.

 

[meryll83]

Just read on Pinkerbell1983's PJ that she was told by Disney they are stopping Dessert Parties?

Can anyone else confirm this?

Say it isn't so I've been dreaming of a DP since day 1!

 

[keenercam]

Wanted to mention that Sago Cay Pointe is another option at GF for the WISHES dessert party, as that is where ours will be. We are doing ours the night before our vow renewal and our guest list is a bit unconventional because it is larger than the list for the vow renewal and reception.

 

[lurkyloo]

Just read on Pinkerbell1983's PJ that she was told by Disney they are stopping Dessert Parties?

Can anyone else confirm this?

Say it isn't so I've been dreaming of a DP since day 1!

There are some times of year when DPs are not available due to special events, holidays, etc. - this may be what she heard.

 

[scarlet-la-belle]

Dose anyone have any photos or menu's of the desserts served in the Hollywood studios?
Thank you

 

[Tink901]

I was told by my Sales Manager last week that they are changing them around and during peak times they will not allow Friday night dessert parties and may start to limit Sat nights also at least for April and parts of May.

I had wanted mine the day of our wedding but since it is the Friday following Easter next year he said No as of now.

But he said it could change in early 2009 so we could add it to my contract if they do allow them to be booked.

 

[Lorelei528]

That is strange because I just had a call with Tanis about booking my DP on Friday May 1, 2009 the night of my wedding and she didn't say a word about it...

I actually just called her and got her in the office...she told me she has heard nothing about this and will ask tomorrow and let me know...

I am now freaking out as I'm sure lots of you are as well...will let you know after I hear back from Tanis tomorrow of if any of you get any other info, please let us know!

Thanks!
Lori

 

[Lorelei528]

ok, so my brain is already working...

What the heck are other options besides Dessert Party?!??! Especially for Escape brides?

Also, Tanis told me that if it is true and they are limiting DPs at Epcot, they will do so at DS as well...just in case any of you were going that way...

Please give me other options...is there some sort of fireworks cruise we could do? What is this Grand 1 thing I've heard about? I think I have too many people for that though...(20)

This might be the suckiest thing of all time!! sigh.

 

[lurkyloo]

Dose anyone have any photos or menu's of the desserts served in the Hollywood studios?
Thank you

The Magical Kingdoms site just added the menus ...check it out!

http://www.magicalkingdoms.com/ftw/wdw/menus/disneys_hollywood_studios_dessert_party.html

 

[bridetobe789]

Thanks a ton for all the great answers! They were quite helpful!