Epcot vs Sago Cay

[sarahb01]

I have always been thinking in my head that I will have a DP at the end of the night in Epcot. But then I heard about Sago Cay, and that you can watch the Wishes fireworks (which I have never seen). I am going to be a Swan bride, so I would not be able to wear my dress into Epcot, or have my photographer there.

Since I have never seen Wishes, or been to Sago Cay, what is everyone's thoughts about this?

If we go to Epcot, I have to pay for entry fees for my guests, and I am not sure if I have to provide transportation or not. But if I go to Sago, then I don't have to pay for them to get in, but the minimum is higher and there is a set up fee.

Is it going to equal out? Does it take away the magic if we are not in the MK for the fireworks? I do plan on having the music piped in if we go that direction.


Which would you choose and why?

 

[Jilian]

Is there a setup fee for Sago? I thought it was the other way around, setup fees in Epcot but none for Sago? Lurky told me today that the minimum for Sago is $500 + + so I thought that Sago was the less expensive option. We're trying to decide between the two now too, our issue is the times. We're looking in March and Illuminations is at 9 but Wishes is at 10 (a bit later than we wated). IMO Wishes feels more "Disney" to me but @ Sago you don't get the music unless you pay the $500 to have it piped in. In Epcot you'd hear the music and wouldn't have to pay extra for it to be brought in.

 

[sarahb01]

Is there a setup fee for Sago? I thought it was the other way around, setup fees in Epcot but none for Sago? Lurky told me today that the minimum for Sago is $500 + + so I thought that Sago was the less expensive option. We're trying to decide between the two now too, our issue is the times. We're looking in March and Illuminations is at 9 but Wishes is at 10 (a bit later than we wated). IMO Wishes feels more "Disney" to me but @ Sago you don't get the music unless you pay the $500 to have it piped in. In Epcot you'd hear the music and wouldn't have to pay extra for it to be brought in.

There is a venue rental at Epcot around 250 depending on the location, but no set-up fee. There is a set-up fee of 75 at Sago, but no venue rental. I think

 

[lurkyloo]

There are setup fees in Epcot, too, you just don't see them cuz they're rolled into the venue fees.

In general, a Wishes DP is cheaper than an Epcot one because you don't have to pay the viewing fees or for transportation (though sometimes you don't have to pay for transportation at Epcot either). The prices on the menus at the GF are higher, but you can customize things to your budget, so that's not really an issue. The only thing that puts a Wishes DP over the top is if you pay the $500 (or more, if you have 50+ guests) to have the music piped in.

Personally, I prefer Epcot DPs. I like Wishes OK, but the view from the GF is from the side, so you don't even get the intended effect, and it seems so far away compared to IllumiNations, which is right in front of you.

Just my two cents!

 

[Chilly]

I think Epcot DPs have more WOW factor.

If you are having a photographer you just end up posing for photos all the way through the fireworks so the Bride & Groom don't really get to watch very much.

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

I'm having a Wishes DP at Sago Cay! I chose it over Epcot because... well... DF and I really don't like Illuminations! I'm one of those people who listens to the soundtrack to Wishes and bawls in the car on the way to work; so for me, it had to be Wishes.

There's pros and cons to each one, I think. The view of Illuminations is, of course, much better and you're actually IN a park, but Wishes is definitely more romantic, and I really like the Sago Cay secluded area. The view could be better, but I think it's just right for its purposes.

Good luck deciding!!

 

[transfergirl]

delete

 

[girli565]

I'm partial to Sago cay because I had our welcome DP there. I loved the view, my guests actually thought the fireworks display was just for them, lol. And the plus is that there's no viewing fees.

 

[transfergirl]

Just had a dessert party at Sago Cay. I hope yours is as tremendous as mine was, and mine was pretty minimal. It was about the grand fireworks display.

I'm not sure whether you've set a date, but if you're willing to schedule accordingly, I believe Hallo-Wishes has perimeter fireworks (correct me if I'm wrong, please).

 

[Nichole33]

We opted for Sago Cay since it was so much cheaper than Epcot. We are able to use decorations from the GF, so there is no set up fee or fee for the decorations

This was the final cost on our BEO:

Welcome Reception - Sunday, Oct. 23 (8-10:30 PM)
(Based on Grand Floridian Sago Cay w/Magic Kingdom fireworks projected at 9:30 pm)

Beverages
Cash Bar
Bartendar Fee @ $100.00++ = $0.00
(Fee is waived if bar sales exceed $500)

Entertainment
Solo Violinist = $575.00

Menu
Chocolate Fondue (~$11.50++ pp x 49 p) = $726.15
Pitchers of Ice Water = $0.00

Floral
Table Linens (existing black tablecloths from the resort)= $0.00
Decorations from GF = $0.00