Disneyland FTW Question...

[Janet2k]

Back when I was planning my wedding I had a couple of great MHT pics but they seem to ahve disappeared ove the years.

RangerPooh, oh, I am so sorry to hear that! I know that I used to know where some photos existed on the 'net, but over the years I have lost track of those locations. Darn me for not bookmarking those webpages. *grumble* *grumble* Again, it's such a shame that Disney doesn't put those photos on their own website.

I can tel you that when we were planning we wanted to do this as our reception and were quoted what we thought was relatively high $10k+ (as the mins at the time were only $5k. This was due to all of the mismatched chairs, cups, sauces, teapots, lantersm, etc were purchased for each individual event and were not typically stored. Therefore the extra cost for the event. But this was when they had just started promoting it back in 2002. So things may have every well changed since then.

That is excellent information to have. Thank you for sharing it. If I decide to pursue a Mad Hatter Tea Party type of event in Disneyland, I will let you know what I find out. I have a funny feeling, though, that the pricing will still be on the wild side. But hope springs eternal that it might be more reasonable. With Disney, you just never know what they're going to say.

 

[RangerPooh]

Janet,
Please do keep us updated on it. I think that it would be a blast to do this as a birthday party, family gathering, or anniversary event in the future.

 

[Janet2k]

Please do keep us updated on it.

RangerPooh, I will keep you posted.

I'm wondering where the FTW folks will hold this event in the near future. In September, Disney announced plans to expand the Grand Californian Hotel. The photos that I have seen of the Mad Hatter Tea Party were held on the grounds of that hotel. My uneducated guess is that those grounds will be out of commission now. Is there an outdoor area at either the Paradise Pier Hotel or the Disneyland Hotel that could hold the tea party?

Below you'll find Disney's official press release regarding the Grand Californian Hotel's expansion:

- - - - - -
18 September 2007

Disneyland Resort Expanding Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

First West Coast Disney vacation villas planned

ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept 18, 2007 – Responding to a growing demand for guest accommodations in Anaheim, the Disneyland Resort today celebrated an expansion of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa that will increase accommodations by more than 30 percent and will include the first Disney Vacation Club villas in Anaheim.

This expansion, scheduled for completion in late 2009, will involve 300 union construction jobs and result in 100 new hotel jobs. It underscores Disney’s long-term commitment to growing and investing in Anaheim. The expansion also marks the latest in a series of major additions to the Resort that include the newly launched Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s California Adventure.

“This expansion underscores our commitment to growing and investing in both the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Resort Area,” said Ed Grier, president of the Disneyland Resort. “These new hotel rooms and villas will give more people the opportunity to enjoy the immersive vacation experience Disney is known for. We know that our guests value being able to stay in the middle of the magic with our world-class theme parks, shopping and dining just steps away.”

The 2.5-acre expansion on the hotel’s south side will add more than 200 new hotel rooms and 50 two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas. Those vacation villas, to include kitchens, living and dining areas and other home-like amenities, will mark the West Coast debut of Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s innovative vacation-ownership program.

“For more than 50 years, the Disneyland Resort has been investing in our community and they have helped us build a world class resort destination in which all of Anaheim can be proud,” Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle said. “Thanks to Disneyland and the Anaheim Resort Area, Anaheim boasts one of the fastest growing markets in the country for hotel occupancy.”

Other elements planned for the project include a rooftop deck for viewing fireworks, a new swimming pool and about 300 underground parking spaces. Peter Dominick of 4240, architect for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa as well as Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is designing the ambitious expansion. It will reflect the same California Arts & Crafts architecture of the existing hotel, which immerses guests in a turn-of-the-20th-century California experience.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa currently features 745 guest rooms, including 44 suites. Upon completion of the expansion project, the hotel will feature 945 guest rooms, including 44 guest suites, and 50 Disney Vacation Club two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is an architectural and artistic celebration of California’s renowned Arts & Crafts style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One of three hotels at the Disneyland Resort (others include Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel), Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is home to the nationally renowned and award-winning Napa Rose restaurant, where Wine Country cuisine tempts taste buds and expert sommeliers help guests make selections from one of the world’s finest collections of California wines. The nearby Storytellers Café lets kids and adults alike enjoy a dining experience that only Disney can do, complete with an array of popular Disney characters.

These dining experiences, coupled with a luxury spa, onsite shopping and other amenities, helped the hotel earn the No. 3 spot on Travel & Leisure Family magazine’s list of the top family-friendly resort destinations.

Disney Vacation Club

The development of 50 two-bedroom equivalent vacation villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa represents the first dedicated Disney Vacation Club accommodations on the West Coast. Disney Vacation Club is a vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, families enjoy flexible vacations at Disney destinations worldwide as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.

Disney Vacation Club, currently celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary, has grown to serve more than 350,000 individual members from more than 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states.

“We are excited to bring our hugely popular Disney Vacation Club to the West Coast for the first time,” said Jim Lewis, president of Disney Vacation Club. “Our member community has more than doubled since 2003, which illustrates families’ deep desires to enjoy quality vacations for years to come. Like most Disney fans, our members have great affection for the original Disney vacation destination, and we’re thrilled that this expansion project will allow our members to call the Disneyland Resort ‘home’ for the first time.”

The expansion project marks the latest growth for Disney Vacation Club, which recently opened the first phases of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The new Disney Vacation Club resort, located at the popular Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, is scheduled to open in phases through early 2009.

Construction is already underway on the new Kidani Village building and amenities, with completion scheduled for late 2009.

About the Disneyland Resort:

Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort includes the Disneyland® and Disney’s California Adventure® Parks, three hotels with a total of 2,224 rooms and the 310,000 square foot retail, restaurant and entertainment Downtown Disney® District. With 20,000 employees, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest single-site employer and a $3.6 billion annual contributor to the local economy. In January 2004, the Resort welcomed its 500 millionth guest since opening on July 17, 1955.

About Disney Vacation Club:

The Disney Vacation Club family of resorts also includes five other Walt Disney World properties as well as resorts in Vero Beach, Fla., and Hilton Head Island, S.C. Disney Vacation Club has sold out of inventory at its first six resorts, and sales remain ahead of schedule at its seventh property, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, which opened in May 2004 near the Downtown Disney area at the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as at the aforementioned Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas.

###

Media Contacts:
Disneyland Resort
Bob Tucker 714-781-4614

Disney Vacation Club
Rena Langley 407-566-3648
- - - - - - -

 

[RangerPooh]

The PPH lacks a nice outdoor grassy area, so that's out unless they put it next to the pool (no grass but a larger open space used to events). IMO it's not that great of a location. My guess is that it will be on the grounds of the DLH. There are a few different loactions possible. 1 being the great lawn between Crocs Bits and Bites and the Pavillion Room (above Goofy's Kicthen). I posted a pic of this area in the DL FAQ sticky. Another option might be in the RCG itself. There is also the lawn area to the side of the RCG where the small rehearsal gazebo sits. FTW would just have to rope this area off from tourists as there is a walking path through the lawn. But that's not a big deal. One last option might be to have it in the Brisa Courtyard over at the GCH (pic in FAQ thread). There's no grass but it's a semi secluded area that the monorail goes above. A different outdoor location might be use the 5th floor balcony of the GCH. It's usually used for private parties such as rehearsal dinenrs or family gatherings. It's on outdoor location that overlooks the pool and DCA. It does have potential with decorations added.

 

[Janet2k]

The PPH lacks a nice outdoor grassy area, so that's out unless they put it next to the pool (no grass but a larger open space used to events). IMO it's not that great of a location.

RangerPooh, as always, you're a wealth of information. Thank you!

I've stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel a few times now and am familiar with the location that you mentioned. That wouldn't be a very private venue unless it was during a colder time of the year when the pool deck was empty.

My guess is that it will be on the grounds of the DLH. There are a few different loactions possible. 1 being the great lawn between Crocs Bits and Bites and the Pavillion Room (above Goofy's Kicthen). I posted a pic of this area in the DL FAQ sticky.

Even though I have stayed at the Disneyland Hotel quite a few times, I wasn't sure of the area that you mentioned. Thanks for pointing me at your photos -- they really helped.

That area looks like it will work. I don't know how much foot traffic the sidewalk gets during the day, though, but hopefully it's not too much.

Another option might be in the RCG itself. There is also the lawn area to the side of the RCG where the small rehearsal gazebo sits. FTW would just have to rope this area off from tourists as there is a walking path through the lawn. But that's not a big deal.

I haven't walked through that area in years but the photos that you shared made it look simply lovely. It would be a beautiful venue for a party. Of course, this would have to be coordinated around any Rose Court Garden weddings. I don't know how busy that venue is for weddings, but hopefully a time could be found where the tea party could be held.

One last option might be to have it in the Brisa Courtyard over at the GCH (pic in FAQ thread). There's no grass but it's a semi secluded area that the monorail goes above.

I am quite familiar with that area, but with the hotel undergoing construction, I wonder if the courtyard would act as an echo chamber for any exterior construction noise. If so, that would totally ruin the ambience. Plus, that area has a lot of foot traffic. That concerns me.

A different outdoor location might be use the 5th floor balcony of the GCH. It's usually used for private parties such as rehearsal dinenrs or family gatherings. It's on outdoor location that overlooks the pool and DCA. It does have potential with decorations added.

I had an outdoor balcony booked for a private dinner at the Grand Californian Hotel two years ago. I was told that the guest limit was small, though. I didn't go through with the dinner since our vacation plans changed (we were traveling with friends and wound up doing something different). RangerPooh, have you been on that balcony? How many people do you think it might hold (ballpark range)?

Again, thanks for all of your help. The Rose Court Garden and Grand/Great Lawn sound like two lovely venues where the Mad Hatter Tea Party could be held. That's good news.

 

[RangerPooh]

It has been ages since I have been out on the balcony but my guess would be between 20-35 people. 35 might be on the high end though... So I did a search and I think* it's called Park View Terrace and it fits 100 people. I don't know the number with tabels though. Guess it'e bigger than I thought.

The Brisa Courtyard can feel seculded depending on the time of day, day or the week, and month. All of which influence traffic flow of the area. We had our cocktail reception here and publuic foot traffic was not an issue. Here is some info I found on the Brisa Courtyard for table rounds and capacity (ignore the 1, 2, 3). HTH.
Brisa Courtyard 1 - - - - 12 Rounds 200
Brisa Courtyard 2 - - - - 8 Rounds 140
Brisa Courtyard 3 - - - - 9 Rounds 160

When considering GCH I would ask about the hours that construction is occurring as this might influence your decision. If there's any sort of sound ordinance then they might not be going 24 hours a day.

 

[Janet2k]

It has been ages since I have been out on the balcony but my guess would be between 20-35 people. 35 might be on the high end though... So I did a search and I think* it's called Park View Terrace and it fits 100 people. I don't know the number with tabels though. Guess it'e bigger than I thought.

RangerPooh, that number is larger than the number that I remember being given. That's good info to have. Thank you.

When we stayed at the hotel two summers ago, I remember looking up from the pool deck and seeing some sort of children's party happening on the balcony (or perhaps it was a baby shower). I saw decorations and balloons. I wish I would have thought to stop by the balcony during my stay so that I could have seen it up close and personal. *Drats!* But tonight I found a photo of it right here on the Dis website: click here.

The Brisa Courtyard can feel seculded depending on the time of day, day or the week, and month. All of which influence traffic flow of the area. We had our cocktail reception here and publuic foot traffic was not an issue.

I'm glad to hear that foot traffic wasn't an issue for your event.

We stayed at the hotel during the official 50th anniversary celebration. Believe me, there were lots & lots of folks everywhere. I would have hated to have had an outdoor event planned during that time -- yikes!

Here is some info I found on the Brisa Courtyard for table rounds and capacity (ignore the 1, 2, 3). HTH.
Brisa Courtyard 1 - - - - 12 Rounds 200
Brisa Courtyard 2 - - - - 8 Rounds 140
Brisa Courtyard 3 - - - - 9 Rounds 160

That venue sounds like it can hold a nice-sized crowd. How many people were at your event? Did you have large rounds -- or scattered high-boys and small tables? Also, did Disney handle your decorating needs or did you contract that out? If Disney handled the decorations, did they do a nice job? (I'm obviously pumping for info here!)

When considering GCH I would ask about the hours that construction is occurring as this might influence your decision. If there's any sort of sound ordinance then they might not be going 24 hours a day.

Since the official press release stated the following, I'm hoping it might be a moot issue for me:

"This expansion, scheduled for completion in late 2009..."

But I will definitely look into how the Grand Californian Hotel construction will impact outdoor (and indoor) events when I speak with the FTW folks next year.

 

[Pezalicious]

Hi Janet! I'm so excited to see you planning another VR event and I can't wait to read one of your finished trip reports. I've already scoured over your old ones and you had me so excited!!

I'm not sure if it's possible, and I have no idea if you're a fan, but I thought it would be great fun to have some sort of an event with Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. I love all the Billy's, but the Elvis Billy has me cracking up every time I'm in Disneyland. I wonder if they'd be able to come up with something.

 

[Janet2k]

I'm not sure if it's possible, and I have no idea if you're a fan, but I thought it would be great fun to have some sort of an event with Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. I love all the Billy's, but the Elvis Billy has me cracking up every time I'm in Disneyland. I wonder if they'd be able to come up with something.

Pezalicious, I see that you live in my favorite city. I am very jealous (but in a good way)!

Oh, I love Billy Hill and the Hillbillies: click here and click here. What a wonderful suggestion! Do you think they're on Disney's entertainment list for events? And do you think their act would fit in on a Mark Twain Riverboat cruise? I have no idea if either of those two things are bookable, but if they are, they might be a very fun combination. Hmmm...

Please keep those ideas coming. The more unique, the better!

 

[Pezalicious]

I'm not sure if they can be booked through Disney. I've read so little about Disneyland weddings, it's hard to get a gauge for how outside the book they'll go for their FTW.

Here's a link to the Billys' site (it looks like it's part official and part fan page): http://www.jansworld.net/thebillys/billys-main-page.htm

Halfway down the page, it shows some photos taken at a private party. So it sounds like they do that sort of thing, it's just a matter of getting Disney's approval.

 

[RangerPooh]

Janet
For our event we had ~60 people in the bRisa Courtyard and had plenty of space. ALthough we only had a few tables, a scattering of both Highboys and regualr height tables, plus a small bar area. We didn't decorate the ara as it was only for an hour, but Disney did provide the standard GCH table linens which are nice. Disney can decorate it for you. It's included in your floral budget if you have Disney do your floral, otherwise they charge a setup fee for setting up decorations that they didn't provide.

I think that teh Billy's would be great! I was just thinking this same thing about a month back. Using them on the Mark Twain would work well IMO. I would contact FTW and Events to see how their pricing/availability is. Or you could always see if there is a contact link on their persoanl site and see if they ahve doen this before.

 

[Janet2k]

I'm not sure if they can be booked through Disney. I've read so little about Disneyland weddings, it's hard to get a gauge for how outside the book they'll go for their FTW.

Pezalicious, your post was cute -- "...it's hard to get a gauge for how outside the book they'll go for their FTW." I have a funny feeling that I'm going to find that out next year.

Here's a link to the Billys' site (it looks like it's part official and part fan page): http://www.jansworld.net/thebillys/billys-main-page.htm

Halfway down the page, it shows some photos taken at a private party. So it sounds like they do that sort of thing, it's just a matter of getting Disney's approval.

That is excellent info. Thank you for passing it along.

I remember when I heard that one of the WDW brides had booked the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra for an event. This was quite a few years ago and I've never heard of another bride booking them. But it certainly was nice to know that at least WDW was willing to allow someone to "think outside the box." Hopefully, Disneyland will be willing, too.

Again, thank you for the information. And please keep it coming.

 

[Janet2k]

For our event we had ~60 people in the bRisa Courtyard and had plenty of space. ALthough we only had a few tables, a scattering of both Highboys and regualr height tables, plus a small bar area.

RangerPooh, thank you for filling in more pieces of the puzzle.

I have been in the Brisa Courtyard before, but since it was always empty (that is, it wasn't set up for an event when I walked through the actual courtyard), I had a hard time figuring out what size crowd would fit there. When I saw the "200" number the other day, that seemed like a large amount of people for that space. I was concerned that it would be too tight if tables & chairs and other party items (bar, food stations, etc.) were set up. Your guest list of 60 sounds much more manageable for that space.

I'm not sure how many people we're going to invite to our vow renewal (0, 10, 20, ?), but I don't think it would be anywhere near as many people as you invited to your wedding. It's nice to know that my group would fit in that location.

We didn't decorate the ara as it was only for an hour, but Disney did provide the standard GCH table linens which are nice. Disney can decorate it for you. It's included in your floral budget if you have Disney do your floral, otherwise they charge a setup fee for setting up decorations that they didn't provide.

More excellent info for me to have. Thank you!

I think that teh Billy's would be great! I was just thinking this same thing about a month back. Using them on the Mark Twain would work well IMO.

Excellent! There are now three of us who think the Billys on a boat would make for a very fun event. I also know that the Side Street Strutters jazz band would make for a very nice event since I personally experienced them on that boat two summers ago. Can you think of any other musical acts that would work? I'm definitely open to suggestions since I'm in "research" mode (and will be for the next year or so)!

I would contact FTW and Events to see how their pricing/availability is. Or you could always see if there is a contact link on their persoanl site and see if they ahve doen this before.

Oh, I like the idea of shooting the Billys an e-mail just to see what they've done in the way of events before. And, of course, I'll run everything by the FTW folks once I meet with them next year.

Again, thank you for all of your help. And please keep the information coming!

 

[RangerPooh]

If it was possible.....(and DL FTW can be discouraging unfortunately, but this is a "what if" situation)

I would start out by seeing if it was possible to use the Golden Horsehsoe Review for a showing of the Billy's as a warm up. Then I would make my over to the Mark Twain and have the Jazz band perform for the duration of the event. Heck, just ahving the jazz band on board for the enture event would be great as they are a good group. Or what about them floating by on their own raft like during the pre-Fantasmic! show. That would be fun.

Another group are the Dapper Dans. I have not heard of anyone using them at DL but that would be a nice option.


Just came to me...
two other locations that you can use for your event inside DL are Big Thunder Ranch and The Festival of Fools arena. Neither would go with a Mad Hatter theme but are unique locations. I know of one person who was recently considering using the Festival of Fools arena for her reception. Unfortunately i don't know any specifics.

 

[Pezalicious]

Was the Festival of Fools the short-lived Hunchback of Notre Dame show area? Is it accessible to guests right now, or is it just an empty space waiting to be used in the future?



Another idea for interactive characters would be Mary Poppins and Bert. I saw them during my last trip to DLR and they were GREAT! I could see them singing and mingling with guests and doing a perfect job. Then again, nothing beats Billy and his hillbilly teeth!


Hmmm... thinking about Disneyland ideas is making me wonder if I should do a WDW wedding or a DLR one. I'd kind of like to do a reception in the Animation area, with a private drawing lesson for everyone and maybe a caricature artist there, waiting to sketch anyone who would like a drawing of themselves.

I used to see people climbing the side of Matterhorn Mountain.. I wonder if that could ever be turned into a party of some sort. Probably not, and I certainly don't know enough people who could climb a mountain, but it would be an awesome event!

I can't wait to hear what you come up with! I'm sure it'll be more creative than I could ever imagine!

 

[RangerPooh]

Yes it is the HUnchback area. No it is not opent o the general public at the moment. It's used duirng grad nites, private functions, and possible some* holiday events.

The character selection is fairly limited. Everyone that I know who has had character had had M&M. That doesn't ena that others aren't available, but they are probably limited to certain characters ie, no princesses bcecuase it's your day. A characturist is a neat option that I know some have used at WDW. So it probably is an option.

I doubt that a "Matterhorn party" would happen as there are most likely legal issues associated with a group climbing the mountain. Additionally, you'd have to rent the park as a private event which isn't cheap. The closest you'd probably come is a party near the mtn and paying for climbers. But even that would be iffy as they climbed duringt he day and not at night.

 

[Malibelle]

Janet, I am so excited you are planning another event at Disney. I know it will be fantastic, just like your VR and othe other fun events you have planned. Keep us posted.

 

[Janet2k]

I would start out by seeing if it was possible to use the Golden Horsehsoe Review for a showing of the Billy's as a warm up. Then I would make my over to the Mark Twain and have the Jazz band perform for the duration of the event.

RangerPooh, I hadn't thought of The Golden Horseshoe. That's a great venue: click here. Hhhmmmm... The Golden Horseshoe and the Mark Twain. Surf & turf. That would make my husband happy.

Heck, just ahving the jazz band on board for the enture event would be great as they are a good group.

Yes, they are an excellent band.

Or what about them floating by on their own raft like during the pre-Fantasmic! show. That would be fun.

You are just full of ideas, aren't you?! How come I'm suddenly thinking of an old Pink Floyd song: click here? And an old Prince song: click here? At this pace, I'm going to have to go back to work as an engineer. I wonder if I should put on my resume, "Will work for a FTW vow renewal"? Do you think an employer would take pity on me?

Another group are the Dapper Dans. I have not heard of anyone using them at DL but that would be a nice option.

Oh, another great suggestion! I had a roommate in college who claimed that her brother was a Dapper Dan. Of course, that was way back when the dinosaurs were roaming the earth (remember, I'm older than dirt). I love the Dapper Dans: click here.

Just came to me...

Uh-oh! Call it a hunch, but I sense an expensive suggestion coming on...

two other locations that you can use for your event inside DL are Big Thunder Ranch and The Festival of Fools arena. Neither would go with a Mad Hatter theme but are unique locations.

Yep, I was correct. On both accounts. Big venues equate to big minimum fees. And the old Hunchback show was held in that venue.

Seriously, are those venues one and the same? According to the "Yesterland" website:

- - - - - - -
Big Thunder Ranch opened in Disneyland in June 1986 on land that had once been part of the Mine Train through Nature’s Wonderland.

Big Thunder Ranch closed in early 1996 to make way for the Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools outdoor theater spectacular. Big Thunder Barbecue became the Festival of Foods. The menu and the overall experience stayed about the same (although disney.com suggested that Big Thunder Barbecue had been “transformed into a Medieval Parisian seating arena”—Medieval Paris must have looked a lot like a Western ranch).

The Festival of Foods reverted to Big Thunder Barbecue, and then the Big Thunder Barbecue closed permanently.

Big Thunder Ranch is once again open during the daytime, and there are once again animals on display. The area is now hosted by Brawny. The Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools arena is used for occasional group events, such as corporate parties.
- - - - - - -

I remember seeing the Festival of Fools show during my old DL vacations. It was a great show. And I believe I was last in that venue for one of the 50th anniversary events two years ago. It's definitely a large venue.

I know of one person who was recently considering using the Festival of Fools arena for her reception. Unfortunately i don't know any specifics.

If you can dig up any info, please pass it my way.

Again, thanks for everything, RangerPooh. You're full of all sorts of ideas.

 

[Janet2k]

Was the Festival of Fools the short-lived Hunchback of Notre Dame show area? Is it accessible to guests right now, or is it just an empty space waiting to be used in the future?

Pezalicious, I guess I should have read ahead! According to what I found on Yesterland:

- - - - - - -
The Festival of Foods reverted to Big Thunder Barbecue, and then the Big Thunder Barbecue closed permanently.

Big Thunder Ranch is once again open during the daytime, and there are once again animals on display. The area is now hosted by Brawny. The Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools arena is used for occasional group events, such as corporate parties.
- - - - - - -

If I'm correct and that area was used for one of the 50th anniversary celebrations that I attended, it appears that venue is bookable for private events.

Another idea for interactive characters would be Mary Poppins and Bert. I saw them during my last trip to DLR and they were GREAT! I could see them singing and mingling with guests and doing a perfect job.

Do you think they're available as bookable entertainment? Someone recently mentioned to me that the entertainment that is available for DL FTW events is somewhat limited. I'm hoping that's not true. I had a few Streetmosphere characters at my WDW FTW event and they were incredible. I'm hopeful something like that is available in DL.

Then again, nothing beats Billy and his hillbilly teeth!

Gosh, I love those pearly whites: click here.

Hmmm... thinking about Disneyland ideas is making me wonder if I should do a WDW wedding or a DLR one. I'd kind of like to do a reception in the Animation area, with a private drawing lesson for everyone and maybe a caricature artist there, waiting to sketch anyone who would like a drawing of themselves.

Sounds good to me! I think you should look into it. It would make for quite a memorable event.

I used to see people climbing the side of Matterhorn Mountain.. I wonder if that could ever be turned into a party of some sort. Probably not, and I certainly don't know enough people who could climb a mountain, but it would be an awesome event!

I love watching them scale the Matterhorn: click here. I've seen it many times over the years (including for the 50th anniversary).

But I don't think it could be a bookable event. My guess is that the insurance liability would be astronomical. But I loved your idea anyway!

I can't wait to hear what you come up with! I'm sure it'll be more creative than I could ever imagine!

I don't know. I really liked your Matterhorn idea.

I do have a few ideas but everything depends upon how my husband & I want to celebrate. Do we want a quiet affair? Or a rowdy one? A big affair? Or a small one? The only thing I know for certain right now is that I'm going to spend the next year trying to figure that out.

 

[Janet2k]

The character selection is fairly limited. Everyone that I know who has had character had had M&M. That doesn't ena that others aren't available, but they are probably limited to certain characters ie, no princesses bcecuase it's your day.

RangerPooh, oh, I hate hearing that characters may be limited to Mickey & Minnie. If that is true, it will break my heart. The nice thing about having an event in WDW is that you can pretty much get any character that your heart desires. Yes, there are a few that are off-limits due to licensing agreements and such, but the selection is really quite large.

A characturist is a neat option that I know some have used at WDW. So it probably is an option.

I know that in the past, a caricature artist was available in DL. I saw a photo of a caricature that had been created during an event that was held inside the Animation Building. It was a lovely caricature. The artist was talented.

Additionally, you'd have to rent the park as a private event which isn't cheap.

I was actually vacationing in DL on the day that Elizabeth Taylor had supposedly rented it out for her birthday party many moons ago. I say supposedly since Disney got priceless PR out of that event and it wouldn't surprise me if they comp'ed the whole thing for Ms. Taylor (the lucky duck). We had to vacate the theme park, I think, by 5 PM that day. But the Cast Members actually began setting up for the party before the theme park was closed. The Skyway was still in operation back then and I remember watching the Cast Members transform the area surrounding Sleeping Beauty Castle as we rode overhead.

I have no idea why I digressed! I guess since it's well after midnight, my mind is wandering. But it was fun watching Disney set up the theme park for an after-hours event. We were staying at the Disneyland Hotel at the time and we saw quite a few newscasters broadcasting live from the grounds of the hotel (including the rooftop). Ahhhh! The good old days.