Dinner on Grand or Pontoon Boat?

[weissjaz]

I am trying to plan an intimate dinner for 2 next May. I have looked at the Grand, but figure 2 hours for a meal would run into some real money. So what about other boat options? I will be staying at the WL so would want a boat that could pick us up there. Has anyone done a private dinner on one of the pontoon boats? Is the Grand really worth all the extra money?

Our other option is to use GF's private dinning. I know they will do dinner for the cost of the meal plus $50 for the butler. They have several locations including one somewhere outside near the beach.

Any recommendations? Could really use some advise on this one.

 

[DaveT1]

I'm sure someone will have a better answer, i don't think you can and wouldn't attempt a meal on a pontoon, but there were package options for those when i booked a cruise, such as the illuminations cruise, on the smaller captained boats that could add some food and drink items to them. I do remember you could add just desserts also. I don't remember an actual meal being offered other than sandwiches. Not sure exactly what you are looking for but i would think champagne and chocolate strawberries might do the trick after dinner at AP.

 

[ducklite]

I can give some advice.

The Grand One is fully climate controlled. If it's pouring rain sideways, or 90 degrees hot, will you really enjoy dinner on a pontoon boat? Also the Grand has an actual dining table, a microwave, fridge, etc. You can eat in the salon, then go to the bow or the bridge for the show.

A few other things to ponder. On the Grand there's a head (bathroom). Actually two. Very nicely equipped. With showers even!

On the Grand you can walk around, stretch your legs, lay down on one of the beds and take a nap, do a load of laundry (really!) whatever you want.

On a pontoon boat, well, not really too far you can walk to.

On the Grand you can bring along CD's, a DVD, whatever floats your boat (pun intended--yes, you can groan now).

And did I mention the fully equipped galley on the Grand?

IMHO, I wouldn't want to try to eat a full dinner on a pontoon boat. On the Grand you can eat your meal one course at a time, and use the microwave and fridge to keep things at a nice temperature while you take your time.

If I wasn't going to use the Grand One, I'd probably just opt for the Chef's Table at V&A's, or perhaps dinner at (insert restaurant here) and a pontoon cruise after.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

I'm sure someone will have a better answer, but there were package options when i booked a cruise, such as the illuminations cruise, that could add some food and drink items to it. I do remember you could add desserts also. I don't remember an actual meal being offered other than sandwiches. Not sure exactly what you are looking for but i would think champangne and chocolate strawberries might do the trick after dinner at AP.

When you book the Grand One you can opt to have a full meal catered by GF private dining.

Anne

 

[DaveT1]

Yes i was aware of meal options on Grand, i was referring to meals on the smaller captained boats. Just wasn't too c..l..e....a....r

Ok hope the edit makes more sense.

Damn, now i see i added another "n" to champagne, i give up i need more coffeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

[DaveT1]

1 cup of coffee later:
Specialty Cruises

All Cruise reservations can be booked by calling 1-407-WDW-PLAY (except where otherwise noted)

Cruises are offered all day, from noon to 10pm at two-hour intervals. Specialty cruises during fireworks times book quickly so call right at 7am! Packages have a 4-person minimum, with a maximum party size of 10 adults, or 12 people if the party includes children. Package plans range from Basic Plan (boat only) to Birthday packages and other levels that can include snacks, desserts, wine and cheese, and decorations.

Cost for basic plan (boat only – Sun Tracker Pontoon Boat Fireworks Cruise): $120 total.
Cost for Birthday Package: $220 total, includes birthday cake, non-alcoholic beverages, and decorations.
Level 1 package: $200 for up to 4 people, $20 for each additional person. Price includes sandwiches, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks.
Level 2 package: $275 for up to 4 people, $35 for each additional person. Price includes sandwiches, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, desserts, fruits, and cheese.
Level 3 package: $350 for up to 4 people, $50 for each additional person. Price includes sandwiches, all beverages including alcohol (1 bottle of Champagne, wine or beer), snacks, desserts, fruits, cheese, & boat decoration theming.
Cruise lasts for 1 hour and a credit card is needed to book. A 24-hour notice of cancellation is required to avoid penalty. Boats depart from Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. “Breathless” Cruise – a 1930 mahogany reproduction Chris Craft run-about boat. Seven guest maximum, available at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Daily departures between 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 10-minute excursion is $23.58 (not including tax) and a 30-minute excursion is $80.18 (not including tax). This cruise can be booked during the fireworks for $179.24 + tax. VIP Cruise on Grand I Yacht – a 45-foot Sea Ray yacht staffed by a captain and deckhand, 12 guests maximum, available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, $350 per hour. Must call (407)-824-2439 to book.

Specialty cruise can be booked up to 90 days in advance and there is a 24 hour cancellation policy. Call: (407)-WDW-PLAY

 

[weissjaz]

For all the good information. I was thinking about dinner at the GF and then the Grand for champagne and dessert. Maybe I will just stick with that. I already talked to the Marina and I know they can pick us up at the GF and return us to WL.