french island or lower uk?

[twojo21]

we are in the middle of booking our illuminations dessert party location and i just wanted some input & opinions on these two epcot locations - french island and lower uk - from past brides, planning brides &/or guests to a dessert party at either of these two locations. was there enough room? were you happy with the location you choose? did you have tables? how did you decorate?

any input welcome, thanks so much!

planning bride2be,
twojo21

 

[EvilinaDM101]

we had booked the lower UK and then our EM told us that the French Island Arm would be a better location for us because . . . . 1. there is more room on the FIA. We have about 40 people planned for our wedding. 2. When we went to look at both sites there are benches in the Lower Uk that cannot be removed and I did not want benches in our pictures of us during Illuminations. PLUS it's just more room for all your guest. BUT the lower Uk is great if you are having an intimate Dessert party. The view is perfect from that spot also. I hope some of this helps. ALSO I have detailed pictures of both spots and I'll get them on here as soon as I get the chance!

hth

Shonnel

 

[JoD]

We had 100 guests on the Upper French Island Terrace. It was a perfect spot and it was set up so nice. We had the high tables with white linens it was so pretty. We had a fruit platters, cheese platters, dessert's and open bar. I really like the French Island.

 

[EvilinaDM101]

This is the French Island Arm

Different views of the French Island Arm

the View from the French Island Arm

This is the upper

More of the FIA

 

[twojo21]

thanks for the replies! i love the pics EvilinaDM101! we have decided on the french island for the space & beauty, so i'll have to book that tomorrow with ftw. yeah!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

I love them both and have attended Dessert Parties at both - we had UK Lower for 45 guests and we didn't find it cramped and I had tables and chairs set up - I forget how many you have going to yours twojo21 but FIA is wonderful and great views too and yes deffo more space

 

[twojo21]

yeah! i booked upper french island!

JoD and Fantasia Sam, did you decorate your tables with additional linens, etc? ftw wedding mentioned you can upgrade the decor, etc. what do the tables look like? should i upgrade the linens for our dessert party?

fantasia sam, we are having 50-55 guests for our wdw wedding & events. i remember seeing your wedding pictures & video clip from stvs, your wedding was just enchanting! we're having similiar locations yc gazebo, marthas vineyard & ariels.

 

[JoD]

twojo21,
We just had the white linens that they provided and it was very nice. We had the high tables in the back and short tables in the front with chairs. It was perfect.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

yeah! i booked french island!

fantasia sam, we are having 50-55 guests for our wdw wedding & events. i remember seeing your wedding pictures & video clip from stvs, your wedding was just enchanting! we're having similiar locations yc gazebo, marthas vineyard & ariels.

We went with the standard linens as well. Thanks for the kind words I cannot believe that it was nearly a year ago that I left for Orlando and our big day - how time flies. And you are so lucky that you got Martha's Vineyard - I tried to get that but Disney had stopped using it for functions for a while which was a shame - but oh I sooo cannot wait to see your wedding finally come together.

 

[ahutton]

Just to clarify - I believe the photos are of the French Island - not the French Island Arm. They are actually 2 different locations. The French Island Arm is over the bridge (towards UK) from France and the French Island. All three are great views and beautiful areas!

 

[pouncingpluto]

ahutton, I think you're right. A lot of people get the French Island and the French Arm confused. We recently switched from the French Arm to the French Island Lower (we have 40-50 people) because the view is better from the French Island. The French Arm is at a bit of an angle, so it would be hard for guests to remain at their seats (instead of standing up) to watch the show.

 

[EvilinaDM101]

The arm is the lower curved part of the French Island, right? Or am I wrong? Then there is the Upper French Island. Where is the lower French Island?

 

[EvilinaDM101]

I just spoke with our EM and was told that the Lower French Island is connected to the arm. SO when you book your spot, you book either lower or upper. We have the lower. Feeling better now! I was afraid all we would have is the ARM like right at the base of the stairs in the pictures. BUT it's the whole bottom area.

Shonnel

 

[mking624]

Oh wow, those pictures are beautiful! I love that location!

 

[ahutton]

Just to clarify - the French Island Arm is not connected in any way to the upper and lower French Island. It is over the bridge and closer to the UK terrace. It is a goo spot though.

 

[EvilinaDM101]

I think you are thinking that this is the French Island Arm.

But it's actually the lower UK location that Sam had. It is an amazing spot.