Fifth Anniversary IllumiNations DP

[lpizzuro123]

We were married in WDW in November 2008 (thanks to so many disbrides here the wedding was wonderful). We are now thinking of doing a 5 Year Anniversary IllumiNations DP and then a Disney Cruise. Not looking to do a VR - just DP.

Checking out the Disney Cruise website - the Dream leaves on a 4 night cruise on our anniversary (November 10, 2013 - Sunday). I would love to do a DP the night before - which would be a Saturday. I know things with Disney are always changing, but does anyone know what the rules are for IllumiNations DP. We are looking at between 16 to 20 people. The DP that we had the night of our wedding was in UK Lower and we had 50 people so I know we will not be able to get that space. What spaces are available in Epcot for that size party. Our ceremony was in Italy so I would love that area (besides I love watching IllumiNations from that spot) - or I know UK Upper is for less people. Also, how far in advance can these arrangements be made.

I would also love to have our wedding photographer (Misty) attend and take some photos. I know you are no longer allowed to have outside photographers at in park events but we would ask her and her husband to attend as guests and take some pictures. I do not want to go against Disney rules - so would something like that work? I am not looking at wearing a wedding gown or anything like that - maybe just a pretty dress and my DH would be in nice pants and shirt (no tux).

I have enjoyed reading everyone's PJ here even 3 years after our wedding. It kind of got me in the mood for an anniversary party. I have mentioned this to a few of my friends already and they seem interested.

Thanks,
Linda

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

I think that sounds like an incredibly sweet idea, but I would be very, very careful about hiring a photographer.

Also I believe you would contact Disney Catered Events to have a DP like that.

 

[princesswendy720]

If the food and wine festival is still going on, it might be difficult to book it on a Saturday. Around our year mark our consultant told us that Epcot was no longer taking bookings for dessert parties on Saturdays during food and wine due to crowd levels and we were lucky we had already booked.

The photography policy only applies to events arranged through DFTW, Disney Catered Events doesn't have this rule so it should be fine to bring a photographer.

 

[lpizzuro123]

If the food and wine festival is still going on, it might be difficult to book it on a Saturday. Around our year mark our consultant told us that Epcot was no longer taking bookings for dessert parties on Saturdays during food and wine due to crowd levels and we were lucky we had already booked.

The photography policy only applies to events arranged through DFTW, Disney Catered Events doesn't have this rule so it should be fine to bring a photographer.

I am worried about not being able to book the DP location. I think that is the last weekend of the F&W - not sure yet. Our other option would be to book for Friday night but not sure when most people would be coming down. I guess I could also look into a Wishes DP or depending on how many people attend a Wishes cruise.

I booked our Dream cruise last night. A 4 night cruise on November 10, 2013 to Nassau and Castaway Cay, porthole room was around $1,500 with taxes and insurance. Now I have to see if I can get my friends on board.

Thanks for all the replies.

Linda

 

[lurkyloo]

Hi Linda! I have a complete tutorial on booking non-DFTW dessert parties here: http://disneytravelbabble.com/how-to/private-party/epcot-dessert-party/

As for locations, 20 people is enough to get you offered places like Morocco Oasis, Parisian Point, and the other standing-room-only venues. You might also see about UK Upper and Rue de Paris (though it doesn't have the greatest view). If it were a slower time of year, you might be able to switch to a larger venue like UK Lower, French Island Upper, or Italy West Plaza at the last second if Disney isn't able to book a larger party into them. It's worth asking, anyway, as you get closer to your date.

You can start talking to Disney Catered events at 12 months out, but most of the actual planning doesn't start until 90 days out.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Hey Carrie - I knew you would be here soon to help me out. Gotta love these boards. Thanks for the link - I will check it out over the weekend. My main concern is that I think the date (November 9th) might be the last weekend of the F&W festival and they might not schedule any DP during that time on a Saturday.

We just booked our Dream cruise last night - now I need to see how many of our family and friends would be interested in joining us. Hey, if no one wants to join us we might just make it the two of us for the cruise and have a private DP like you and your DH did for your first anniversary.

Thanks so much for all your help and I will keep everyone posted here.

Linda