Disney not on a budget

[LaurenT]

Check out Gifts of a Lifetime (giftsofalifetime.com).
They have pixies who arrange for in park surprises. My DD had Tinkerbell leave notes throughout Magic Kingdom that ended up in a signed photo from the Jonas brothers (two of her favorites).. They will customize for a group or individual.

 

[burnurcomputer]

Be like Tom Cruise and rent out the Castle?

you said NOt an a budget

 

[PinkLemonade7503]

Is there a minimum party amount for the private dessert party? Also, where do you call to arrange it?

 

[SamSam]

You can work with Disney Private Events to plan anything your heart desires. From character appearances to private in park events they can make it happen. You must be staying at a Disney resort to utilize their services. They can be reached at: 321-939-7278.

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This! We celebrated our 40th anniversary last year and had appetizers and drinks, etc. in UK Lochside Terrace overlooking the lagoon. We had it in the evening so we were there for Illuminations and it was wonderful. We had 30+ family and friends and the cost is$$$ depending on the food and drinks but it was worth every penny.

 

[mom2aandj]

Is there a minimum party amount for the private dessert party? Also, where do you call to arrange it?

I used this article to plan our party. There is no minimum people requirement, the writer of the article did a party of 2 and my family was 4. There is a minimum amount of $$ you must spend.
http://disneytravelbabble.com/how-to/private-party/epcot-dessert-party/
Eta: I think our total cost was similar to Tara's.

 

[jpmom]

We did a private Epcot Illuminations dessert party. Rented the smallest pavillion (UK Pubside - behind the fish shop), and had 7 people with the following: Asti sparkling wine, baked brie, apples, grapes, figs (I think), assorted bread/crackers, tuxedo strawberries, caramel ganache bars with sea salt, peanut butter chocolate marshmallow squares, fruit tarts, creme brulee, fruit punch, water, tea, coffee, a personal server, and a Rum Cake all for under $600.

The rum cake, wine, brie and fruit were add-ons. If we only had the desserts and beverages, it would have been $38 per person +$150 venue rental. Oh, then add a tip for the server of course. I think we tipped ours $30 for the hour. It was awesome, and so reasonable really that we are thinking of doing it whenever we have the whole family down there together, which isn't very often.

And it was a hoot sharing all our leftovers on the plane. Disney rum cake makes for a very amusing plane ride home.

I LOVE This.... and I think it would be more fun than the Illuminations Boat viewing. The UK pavilion is a great place to watch Illuminations.

Our friends recently did the VIP tour. They thought it was the way to go.... but it was their first trip to Disney, so now they will have to do it every time!
I kinda feel sorry for them.

 

[mousermerf]

I used this article to plan our party. There is no minimum people requirement, the writer of the article did a party of 2 and my family was 4. There is a minimum amount of $$ you must spend.
http://disneytravelbabble.com/how-to/private-party/epcot-dessert-party/
Eta: I think our total cost was similar to Tara's.

Technically it's based on a minimum amount for a designated number of people.. but if you pay the base price they don't care how many people show up.

 

[Raenstoirm]

Been to Disney many times but not in awhile, taking kids for first time and some family memebers. Celebrating our anniversary and dad's BDay.

I've already sent some goodies to the rooms, in-room celebrations, gift snack bags.

What can I REALLY do now??? If there was a site with have barbershop quartette serande us as we arrive I would add it to the shopping cart. Please help me make Disney richer At club level if that helps. Looking for some info

Can I come with you??????? Please Please!

You can work with Disney Private Events to plan anything your heart desires. From character appearances to private in park events they can make it happen. You must be staying at a Disney resort to utilize their services. They can be reached at: 321-939-7278.

Yup these guys will get it done.

 

[Robbi]

We've done the VIP Tour and also Gifts of a lifetime. Both are fantastic! You can also have your room decorated by Disney Florist.
The gifts of a lifetime was fabulous! I had Jane do a scavenger hunt through Epcot. At each country my daughter and her friend had a task. Once they accomplished it, they got a prize. In Japan, they each got a beautiful kimono, in England, they got a tea cup and saucer, in China, they got a doll, etc. That was I believe 7 years ago when they were 12 and they still talk about it. It really was the most fun adventure.
Hmm, might have to do it again with more grown up presents.

 

[SA mom]

I've always wanted to do one of Seas Aqua Tours in Epcot.

I had some friends use the VIP tour service...everyday for four days. They said it was great. Talk about not having a budget!

 

[smellyia]

I love the recs so far and will be using a few to enhance our trip!

OP- can you share what treats you've already arranged and how? I have a DD3 who is all Disney all day and we are planning a ten day BC stay in May/June- can't beat that SAB for the kiddos! - and I'd love to arrange some additional pixie dust.

 

[imposterdamus]

Heading back, any new ideas? and some reviews/pointers going forward.

Went last January and August, two different deluxe resorts. Club Level is definitely not "the Ritz Carlton Club Level".

The Pros were, they sorta greeted us when we arrived to take us to the Club Level lobby/check-in. It was nice not getting in to the cattle lines. With two young children and a couple of other people with us, it was nice to be able to get milk "for free" when needed and some snacks. At the Polynesian your room has a view of the castle and the fireworks show and the Club Room pumps the audio from the fireworks show in, that's fun. Tricked ourselves into club level again....

If you are at the Polynesian and like spending a pool day, go for the Deluxe Cabana, that was definitely worth the added expense. We were there in August at that time and it was nice having that all to ourselves, along with the food and drinks provided. If there's something to add, that is one to add.

In-Room celebrations from the florist were nice, EXCEPT, they won't have it for the day you arrive but the next day... blew my mind. WELCOME FROM YESTERDAY!!!!!

Got all the pricing for having a dessert party in EPCOT, it looked nice but with the number of people we had and they min number of people to pay for, it was like our 3 and 2 year old were prices at a combines $300... be fun/not stupid. That's said if you have the numbers, rent out that lower section between France and England for a fireworks dessert party - the setup and choices were nice though they wouldn't bring the Dole Whip machine.

Just an addition, Jiko is great, that is all.

Anyway, any new ideas? How do you get a carriage to pick you up from a restaurant? Or anything like that. Been thinking about the Fireworks boats but with little ones, i'm concerned they'd be overwhelmed by the proximity to the explosions while confined to a pontoon.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Heading back, any new ideas? and some reviews/pointers going forward.

Went last January and August, two different deluxe resorts. Club Level is definitely not "the Ritz Carlton Club Level".

The Pros were, they sorta greeted us when we arrived to take us to the Club Level lobby/check-in. It was nice not getting in to the cattle lines. With two young children and a couple of other people with us, it was nice to be able to get milk "for free" when needed and some snacks. At the Polynesian your room has a view of the castle and the fireworks show and the Club Room pumps the audio from the fireworks show in, that's fun. Tricked ourselves into club level again....

If you are at the Polynesian and like spending a pool day, go for the Deluxe Cabana, that was definitely worth the added expense. We were there in August at that time and it was nice having that all to ourselves, along with the food and drinks provided. If there's something to add, that is one to add.

In-Room celebrations from the florist were nice, EXCEPT, they won't have it for the day you arrive but the next day... blew my mind. WELCOME FROM YESTERDAY!!!!!

Got all the pricing for having a dessert party in EPCOT, it looked nice but with the number of people we had and they min number of people to pay for, it was like our 3 and 2 year old were prices at a combines $300... be fun/not stupid. That's said if you have the numbers, rent out that lower section between France and England for a fireworks dessert party - the setup and choices were nice though they wouldn't bring the Dole Whip machine.

Just an addition, Jiko is great, that is all.

Anyway, any new ideas? How do you get a carriage to pick you up from a restaurant? Or anything like that. Been thinking about the Fireworks boats but with little ones, i'm concerned they'd be overwhelmed by the proximity to the explosions while confined to a pontoon.

Would you be willing to do an activity off-property?

I am thinking specifically of Discovery Cove. Add in the Elite package (cabana rental with an attendant, photo package with DVD of your swim & full CD of alll photos, personalized buoy delivered to you during your dolphin swim, etc.) and you have an incredible day of luxury and enjoyment.

Its an amazing park and unlike anything else Orlando has to offer. Its a great experience.

 

[Lorelei528]

I haven't seen ride buy-outs mentioned here at all. They usually are an add-on to a private event...but it's definitely something different.

What about dinner in a private room? California Grill has one, Citricos' does, Jiko does (that where we had our wedding dinner)...

If you have enough people at your IllumiNations dessert party, you can bring in almost anything from other locations on property.

Though not from outside EPCOT, we had the Grand Marnier Slushies as our signature drink at our dessert party in Morocco. I didn't think you could do it, but I asked my coordinator and she asked and we got it! She had said no one had asked for it before, so really you never know.

As far as carriages go, they are not allowed in the parks. I have only seen the Cinderella coach recently at a wedding in the MK and I think that was previously not allowed or it was an exception to the rule.

What about the Richard Petty Driving Experience for the adults?

Stay Concierge at AKL and do the Sunrise Safari. The kids will love it.

 

[mm1971]

Been to Disney many times but not in awhile, taking kids for first time and some family memebers. Celebrating our anniversary and dad's BDay.

I've already sent some goodies to the rooms, in-room celebrations, gift snack bags.

What can I REALLY do now??? If there was a site with have barbershop quartette serande us as we arrive I would add it to the shopping cart. Please help me make Disney richer At club level if that helps. Looking for some info

My family would be glad to come along and spend your money.:good vibes

Are there any special things your family may enjoy? I know we have done the fishing excursions and golfing in the past. As others have said, give Disney a call and tell them about your event. The VIP tours are a good way to get the Disney magic, especially a tour guide for the day (may be too expensive). It would really depend on what your family enjoys. A special dinner event for your Dad's birthday may be a good way to add something special.

 

[ethanwa]

How about just going and having a good time. Disney is a wonderful vacation, even without that kind of stuff.

Sounds like a post from someone on a budget.

Money DOES buy you some really cool extra stuff. Behind the scenes tours, VIP treatment, Grand Floridian suites and club level, theme parks views and themed rooms.

If you have done Disney before on a budget, and now you are free to spend, go all out. It's a totally different and new/fun experience!

Living like a king for a while is FUN.

 

[nhra67]

How about renting the Grand 1 yacht, taking a ride around Bay Lake then over to Seven Seas Lagoon to watch Wishes. They supply a captain and a deckhand, you can bring up to 18 people. I did it years ago, it was a highlight on that trip.