Grand Floridian Private Dining Reception?

[WineGalTina]

Has anyone done this? I am trying to think of something really great to do for our intimate wedding reception and was tossing around the idea of doing the private room at California Grill and then watching Wishes from the roof. I thought I saw the idea of doing private dining at GF and watching the fireworks from there and was wondering if anyone had any experience or info on that.

 

[Skylarr29]

I don't think Disney allows intimate weddings to plan events/dinner through private dining, maybe someone else can confirm. I have heard stories on this board about events being cancelled if they were booked through private dining. The California Grill is amazing and the private rooms are very nice. I have heard of intimate brides working with them and having good experiences.

 

[chipscinderelly]

Actually many have now been able to work out private events with an intimate wedding! It takes patience and perserverance as do most things when planning a special event

 

[Janet2k]

I am trying to think of something really great to do for our intimate wedding reception...

WineGalTina, please discuss this with the FTW folks. They are the only ones who can tell you what Disney's current rules are in regards to the various wedding packages. We here on the Dis can only tell you what has been done in the past, and things sadly didn't always work out for the wedding couples as planned. We don't want anything to go amiss with your upcoming FTW event, and thus everyone here usually suggests that you discuss things in detail with the FTW folks.

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. And let us know what you find out. Happy planning!

 

[WineGalTina]

WineGalTina, please discuss this with the FTW folks. They are the only ones who can tell you what Disney's current rules are in regards to the various wedding packages. We here on the Dis can only tell you what has been done in the past, and things sadly didn't always work out for the wedding couples as planned. We don't want anything to go amiss with your upcoming FTW event, and thus everyone here usually suggests that you discuss things in detail with the FTW folks.

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. And let us know what you find out. Happy planning!

Oh of course I will discuss it with FTW - I just wanted to see if anyone else had done this or had any input on the idea since it was the first I had heard of it. I am tossing a ton of ideas back and forth and just like to get some thoughts from people who may have had experience or more info. Thanks

 

[Janet2k]

Oh of course I will discuss it with FTW - I just wanted to see if anyone else had done this or had any input on the idea since it was the first I had heard of it. I am tossing a ton of ideas back and forth and just like to get some thoughts from people who may have had experience or more info.

WineGalTina, gotcha.

Yes, some folks have been able to do some special things with the FTW folks' blessings, while others have not. It is really quite frustrating for all involved. Of course, there are also a few couples who wound up planning something a little out of the ordinary and found that it put them into the "custom" category. It's always nice when that happens (but maybe not so nice for their checkbooks!).

I would look into the private dining room idea at a few of the resorts. You've already suggested the Contemporary's California Grill. Don't forget that the Animal Kingdom Lodge's Jiko also has a private dining room, as does the Grand Floridian's Citricos.

There are also some private dining rooms at the Downtown Disney establishments. Fulton's Crab House comes to mind. The Portobello Yacht Club supposedly doesn't have a private room, but I've read that they are sometimes willing to accommodate private parties.

I hope this helped.

 

[Janet2k]

One final thought. I'm not sure what size your party is, but look into the Grand 1 yacht. I know that it was recently upgraded, but I can't remember what the new guest limitation is (sorry about that).

I've been on an evening / fireworks cruise aboard that vessel and it was a lot of fun. The person who booked it pre-ordered a custom cake, munchies, and beverages (both soft and hard). Having food & drink during our cruise really made it just that much more special.

 

[Janet2k]

While surfin' the 'net this evening, I found the following info -- it was dated July 24th, 2007, so I think it's pretty accurate info. It claims that the yacht can hold "as many as 18 people." Of course, please verify it with Disney.

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'Grand' Luxury Yacht Sets Sail on Seven Seas Lagoon

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Grand 1, the most luxurious watercraft at Walt Disney World Resort, offers a pampered VIP boating experience on the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake just outside Magic Kingdom. A personal captain and deckhand launch the 52-foot Sea Ray yacht from the marina at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Morning and afternoon excursions on the Grand 1 offer guests a spectacular view of Magic Kingdom, Disney's Wedding Pavilion and several Walt Disney World resorts, including the rustic Disney's Wilderness Lodge and its faithful geyser that erupts in a shower of steam and water every hour.

For an elegant evening voyage, romantic music sets the mood as the sun sets over the gabled roofs of the Grand Floridian. On select nights, guests can view "Wishes," a magnificent fireworks display above Magic Kingdom from the boat deck or the dining and salon areas that feature panoramic, wrap-around windows.

For the ultimate cruise, the Grand Floridian private-dining staff can whip up anything from an evening snack to a gourmet five-course meal with fine wine pairings. A private-service butler can also cater to guests' every need.

As many as 18 people can sail for $450 per hour plus tax, including charter fee, boat captain and deckhand. Dining service and private butler are available for additional fees.

Reservations for Grand 1 can be made by calling 407/WDW-PLAY.

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GFGRAND1-2/rev:7-24-07:gab
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[Janet2k]

I'm sorry that I forgot to mention that you should look into the Swan and Dolphin hotels in regards to a private event. This webpage of theirs describes a few private dining options: click here.

 

[Skylarr29]

I just wanted to say that my fiance and I just took out the new Grand One yacht last week and it was just spectacular. It was seriously one of the most amazing night of my life so it would definitely be great for a wedding event. I know told him that I 'HAVE' to have it for a bridal brunch during my wedding festivities LOL. He doesn't know what a monster he has created.

 

[WineGalTina]

As much as I would LOVE to do the Grand 1 and maybe will look at it for an anniversary thing down the road, DF has said that his mom is deathly afraid of boats and was almost swept out to sea in one very similar to Grand 1. While I pointed out that being swept out to sea in DW was highly unlikely, nonetheless we will still have the full 20 people so it probably won't work. Thanks for the info though!!

 

[chipscinderelly]

Hi Janet - Just a quick note that many can do things now with DFTW blessings - by simply contacting the resort. It's pretty common and well received as long as you are speaking to the right people at the resorts (eg the bell desk won't know but private dining or the restuarant managers will).