Epcot Illuminations Dessert Party for 14 guests?

[JenNel85]

Hi everyone! I'm newly engaged and DF has given me the okay to plan an Escape Disney wedding (WOOHOO). We just started working with a coordinator, and we're looking at a few possible dates/times this fall.

I've fallen in love with the idea of hosting an Illuminations Dessert Party the night of the wedding (pretty much thanks to all of YOUR amazing photos!). Including my fiance and myself, we will likely have a total of 14 people.

My question is what are the locations that are available to me with a party of 14? I realize that some of the most popular locations are not available to us because we're such a small party, which is fine. The coordinator originally tried to relegate us to either Kazbah Point or Vikings Landing, but I'm not 100% sold on either of those because of reports I've read here about those locations having obstructed views, etc.

My concerns/questions:

1.) I'm basically obsessed with photos and I'd really want to have some great shots of DF and me in our wedding attire with the fireworks in the background. So the best view possible for photos would be ideal!

2.) Both of our parents have physical limitations and wouldn't be able to stand for 1+ hours, so I'd need a location where there is at least some seating/I can pay to add seating. These two locations are listed as "standing room only," so that makes me a little nervous.

3.) I've gotten lots of ideas (mainly thanks to Carrie's helpful posts here and AWESOME book!) about where I might like to host my DP, such as UK Lochside, etc., but I'm wondering if with 14 guests I can even ask for those? Are they automatically off-limits because we don't have 20 people, or can we still potentially book them as long as we meet the food/beverage minimums?

So I was wondering if any of you guys can offer suggestions for the best Illuminations viewing/picture taking locations available to us with such a small party so that I can be a bit more prepared for my next call with the coordinator? ANY help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

 

[lurkyloo]

1.) I'm basically obsessed with photos and I'd really want to have some great shots of DF and me in our wedding attire with the fireworks in the background. So the best view possible for photos would be ideal!

It's tricky for groups of fewer than 20 because none of the spots they offer you have unobstructed views. The most open location would be UK Upper, if they'll let you use it. Canada Terrace is obscured but (I think) nicer than Vikings Landing. My advice is always to wait til about 30 days out and then try for the bigger, better locations (like UK Lochside) which they will often give smaller groups at the last minute if a larger group hasn't booked them.

2.) Both of our parents have physical limitations and wouldn't be able to stand for 1+ hours, so I'd need a location where there is at least some seating/I can pay to add seating. These two locations are listed as "standing room only," so that makes me a little nervous.

That's why I'd ask for Canada Terrace. They can fit seating in there. I mean, there are benches at the two locations they've offered you, but you can't bring in tables with chairs.

3.) I've gotten lots of ideas (mainly thanks to Carrie's helpful posts here and AWESOME book!) about where I might like to host my DP, such as UK Lochside, etc., but I'm wondering if with 14 guests I can even ask for those? Are they automatically off-limits because we don't have 20 people, or can we still potentially book them as long as we meet the food/beverage minimums?

See above.

 

[JenNel85]

Thanks SO much!! Canada it is. And I didn't realize you could try asking for a different location as the date gets closer, so I will DEFINITELY be doing that!

Really appreciate your help! I was SO overwhelmed at first but you/your book/your website have been invaluable so far! :-D

 

[lurkyloo]

Glad to help!