Disney Private Dining Event - Summer Safari and Karibu Dinner

[smhogar]

All,

I am planning on getting married at Shades of Green in June.
I am a very non-traditional bride. I don't want a big gown, dancing, flowers, etc...

I have talked to Disney Catering and they suggested the Summer Safari and Karibu Dinner at Animal Kingdom. Has anyone done this? heard of this?
If so how was it?

Thanks,

Sharon

 

[dakcp2001]

I would LOVE to hear more about this! Sounds pretty cool, how did they describe it to you? What exactly is it? I love the Animal Kingdom, I hope there is someone that has more info for ya!

 

[Wazzo]

Ooh, yes, please share if you find out more info!!

 

[smhogar]

Disney describes the Summer Safari and Karibu Dinner as an extended Kilimanjaro Safaris ride and then a family style dinner in Tamu Tamu Courtyard. There is a max of 50 guests.

There is the menu:

Medley of Wild Greens tossed with Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Salatet Zabadgbel Nema (Minted Cucumber & Tomato Salad)
Dalatet Fasulya Khadra (Green Bean & Onion Salad)
Artesian Breads with Olive Oil & Dukkah
Braised Chicken Tangine with Preserved Lemons & Olives
Tandoori Marinated Grilled Seasonal Fish with Tomatoes & Fennel Jallof Yellow Rice
Chefs Selection of Seasonal Vegetables
Mango Atjar
Blatnang Chutney
Mixed Dried Fruit Sambal, Moroccan Baklava, Glazed Fruit Salad & Chocolate Cake
Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Iced Tea & Lemonade

I am worried about the menu. Had anyone had these?

Thanks,

 

[lurkyloo]

While I'm sure the items on the menu are delicious, you can always work with Disney to customize it to suit your tastes - you don't have to stick with what they offer you.

Let us know if you do this - it sounds really fun!

 

[Lisacope]

We were supposed to have our pre-reception in the Tamu-Tamu Courtyard and got rained out and ended up in the Tusker House. I love the Tamu-Tamu Courtyard and was disappointed that we weren't able to have our pre-reception there. I have a jillion pix of that space if you would like to see them.

We had our reception at the Festival of the Lion King with a plated dinner that was awesome. We had:

Assorted Breads with Dukkah Butter and Olive Oil
Warm African Flatbreads Served with Authentic Blatjangs and Sambals

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Served with Yemiser
Selatta Lentil and Green Chili Ragout
Finished with Pili Pili Aioli and Phyllo Straw

Baby Spinach and Micro Greens with Toasted Almonds,
May Tag Bleu Cheese, Virgin Oil and a Pear Balsamic Reduction


Raspberry Champagne Sorbet Intermezzo


Meshoui Spiced Roasted Rack of Lamb with Onion Mzgaldi
Tamarind Marinated Braised Duck Breast
Served with Roasted Root Vegetable Couscous


Signature Chocolate Flourless Cake with Raspberry Couli Sauce

 

[honey2741]

Bump.

 

[smhogar]

All,

I had my event on June 23 and it was wonderful.
It rained so the event was moved to Pizzasafari.
The food was great! I did change the fish dish to Beef Bobotie.

Sharon

 

[melanieewr]

Please share the details! I would love to see the pics and hear more about your event and if your favorites on the menu. I am thinking of doing a safari and a dinner there also as I am taking a group of girlfriends in September and I think they would enjoy that. I did a breakfast this past January in the convention room of Dinoland. We had Minnie and Mulan for the girls. It was great and the food buffet was gorgeous and delicious. We were also supposed to be at Tamu Tamu, but it was just too cold. I wished that I had chose Restaurantosaurus (sp?) instead though...love the funky vibe there. It was fun walking in the back way to AK where the CM's enter.

I try to do something special every visit, so I need to get the September event and a November event planned! We have done the Great Movie Ride dinner, breakfast in France (rain), GF beach dinner with Minnie (rain), Boardwalk Attic breakfast with Mary Poppins and Bert (no rain!). Through all of these events, I have discovered how important it is to know your backup location in case of inclement weather!

 

[LLLBelle]

That sounds like a such a unique idea, can't wait to hear more about it!

 

[Pirate's Princess]

If you don't mind does anyone mind sharing with us the cost of these events?? Thanks

 

[melanieewr]

Pricing;

What I have learned through reading here on the wedding board is that Disney seems to have have different pricing for the brides than they do for someone like me. I don't understand that, but that appears to be the case. I have gained so much knowledge here in planning my events...so...thank you all!

Since I usually have characters for my granddaughters, my costs are much higher than if I just did food. Typically, for a breakfast the minimum cost is about $500, but I usually add omelet stations and Mickey waffles. Characters usually cost $1200 for 2. Then there are the venue fees, which are usually very reasonable, except for the GMR. That event was very pricey, but it was my 45th birthday celebration...very much worth the cost.

For small groups, the Grand 1 can be very economical and so much fun for a group. We do the Grand 1 every trip and it is always a highlight.

If you don't have to have characters, a breakfast is a great way to give your guests a special memory and will cost less than a dinner.


A few pics of the January breakfast;

The pampered bunny;

Mulan;

I wouldn't normally share the costs of these events as many people would criticize me for this, but I know that most of you here are familiar with Disney pricing and won't be shocked. Fortunately, I am financially able to do these things and love to treat friends and family. Before being diagnosed with breast cancer, I don't think I would have gone to the expense of these events. Now...I just want to enjoy my life to fullest and Disney knows how to make everything so special. That said...I usually have a group of about 10 people and I spend about $75 per person for the meal only. With characters, breakfast usually runs about 2k. If I remember correctly, the Tamu Tamu minimums were about 2k for the meal. I hope that has changed and I can do it more reasonably.


I would love to share the details of the next 2 events as they unfold. I just booked the flights and rooms, so I haven't even contacted my event planner. If anyone has any helpful hints about doing a safari and dinner, I would love to hear those!

Thanks again to all of you...and Janet2K...who have paved the way!