Fun things besides a Dessert Party?

[Cosi Bella]

Has anyone done something like an IllumiNations Dessert Party for their wedding that was really fun? I'm trying to think of something to do for our Rehearsal Dinner (since I dont want to just do a dinner) that is really fun, memorable, and different. IllumiNations DP is not an option, nor is the MGM Fantasmic DP, or the WIshes DP.

I have heard that the Luau at the Poly is so so, and we're trying to do something affordable (no more than 50$ per person) so that's not really an option either.

Thanks!!

 

[myprincessgirlisa]

some girls i know have done other things like

the movie/campfire at fort wilderness
the wishes cruise(not dessert party)
Ive heard of Tea partys at the GF
ALOT of girls do ohanas for the rehersal dinner
whispering canyon is a fun place to consider for dinner!
mini golf
im sure there are more options...just cant think of any right this sec

 

[Cosi Bella]

some girls i know have done other things like

the movie/campfire at fort wilderness
the wishes cruise(not dessert party)
Ive heard of Tea partys at the GF
ALOT of girls do ohanas for the rehersal dinner
whispering canyon is a fun place to consider for dinner!
mini golf
im sure there are more options...just cant think of any right this sec

AWESOME, thanks for so many great ideas!!! I'm going to check these out and get more info on them!! Thanks again!

 

[Racey]

what about a wishes cruises (depending on how many you have in the party depends on how many boats)

or, is there something you could do to get togeother on the beach of the grand floridan??? a beach pic-nic (not sure if its allowed tho?).If you like the idea ask you wp about it? I was going to look into doing something on the beach of gf for my wedding evening

 

[lurkyloo]

The Grand Floridian started a campfire program similar to the one at Ft. Wilderness recently. I think it doesn't have movie though.

You could also do mini-golf at one of the two Disney Golf Courses. They don't do parties anymore, but you could all meet up before or after a meal someplace else.

 

[melanieewr]

One of the things that I looked at for my Bday was dinner at Animal Kingdom. They did have a reception menu and if I remember correctly it could be done for under $50, depending on your number of guests as they do have a minimum. It would have been held at the Tamu Tamu courtyard...really lovely and there were several entertainment options. I decided against it because I already had several other events planned, but I want to do it someday!

Also, we had breakfast in Epcot before the park opened and that is fabulous. Breakfast also tends to be much less expensive. We also had entertainment there.

The GF beach picnic that was mentioned is a great option. Mine did get rained on and had to be moved inside. So, consider that with any outdoor location. Always have a backup plan!

We did breakfast in the Attic at the Boardwalk a couple of weeks ago and that was truly enjoyable. I did this for my granddaughter who is a huge Mary Poppins fan, so we had Ms. Poppins and Bert! I was worried about the location, but I absolutely loved it! They set up the buffet out on the patio and we actually ended up moving out there since it was a beautiful morning.

I bet you will be surprised at how many options there really are!

 

[lov2b@disney]

One of the things that I looked at for my Bday was dinner at Animal Kingdom. They did have a reception menu and if I remember correctly it could be done for under $50, depending on your number of guests as they do have a minimum. It would have been held at the Tamu Tamu courtyard...really lovely and there were several entertainment options. I decided against it because I already had several other events planned, but I want to do it someday!

Also, we had breakfast in Epcot before the park opened and that is fabulous. Breakfast also tends to be much less expensive. We also had entertainment there.

The GF beach picnic that was mentioned is a great option. Mine did get rained on and had to be moved inside. So, consider that with any outdoor location. Always have a backup plan!

We did breakfast in the Attic at the Boardwalk a couple of weeks ago and that was truly enjoyable. I did this for my granddaughter who is a huge Mary Poppins fan, so we had Ms. Poppins and Bert! I was worried about the location, but I absolutely loved it! They set up the buffet out on the patio and we actually ended up moving out there since it was a beautiful morning.

I bet you will be surprised at how many options there really are!

who do you book these with?? If you are not doing a wedding.They are private events I assume.

 

[lurkyloo]

You can book through Walt Disney World’s Catering and Convention Services team (407-828-3200).

However what I have found is that the minimums and site fees do not correspond to those I was quoted for a wedding reception. For example, the morning food and beverage minimums at the Attic are much higher than we paid for our reception.

But, unlike DFTW, they can accomodate small groups - even two people. You just don't have as many location/food options as you would with a wedding reception.

 

[Sweetsus]

Just wondering - has anyone done the Mad Hatter's Tea Party ? I was thinking of doing it as a family-friendly girly get-together before the wedding.
I've heard it is quite expensive tho so was wondering if it is worth it?

 

[tiggerrifficheidi]

I have asked my WP about a Mad Hatter Tea Party. Here are some of the "options" she sent me. It can really add up, but I think there was a bride (Allisonwonderland, I believe), who had one without a lot of the "extras" and it wasn't TOO expensive (but that's relative, I guess )

White Picket Fence - $120 for 3 feet sections. I would recommend at least 4 sections 2 of each side so that you have at least and entrance gate to the party
Cheshire Cat $532
Caterpillar $ 750
Mushroom $110
Watch Clock Face $200
Large Tea Pot $700
Small Tea Pot $600
Flowers Large & Tall $278

White Wooden Folding Chairs $5.00 each to rent with a $215 delivery fee
If you want any characters like Alice or Mad Hatter himself it is $800 for 1 of them and $1200 for the 2 of them
The Mad Hatter cake is $985.00++
The floral people do anything from changing to bright colored linen $15.00per table and $3.00 for napkins tied with ribbon in colors with a fun funky centerpieces with Daisy's usually start at $85.00++ per

Here's a proposed menu from BW. I think those at GF would be similar, but you'd have to ask your planner.

Mad Hatter Menu Proposal
$45.50++pp

Fresh Salad Greens From the March Hare’s Garden
With Various Toppings and Dressings

The White Rabbits Mini Tea and Finger Sandwiches To Include:

Brie and Cranberry Chutney
Ham Salad
Tuna with Fresh Watercress
Egg Salad

The Mad Hatter’s Toasty Favorites:

Mini Burgers With All The Toppings
Mini Grilled Cheese On Toasty Bread
Mini Panini Sandwiches:
Roast Beef, Stilton and Mushroom
Turkey and Smoked Gouda

The Queen Of Hearts Treats:

Fresh Fruit Tarts
Variety of Freshly Baked Scones
Orange Marmalade and Strawberry Jam
Assorted bright multi colored Large Cupcakes

Accompanied By The Cheshire Cats Favorite Assorted Teas

 

[Sweetsus]

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll have to think about that one. Has anyone else done anything different? I heard that there is an evening cruise with Captain Hook that Disney do as part of their Grand Gathering programme.