Has anyone done the Intimate Dinner at GF?

[nosy parker]

I'm in the process of reserving one of these and I wondered if anyone has any feedback if they've done it.

Was it super romantic and is the terrace really private?

Thanks!

 

[shortchange1026]

This was discussed on a previous thread..someone also asked about the private dinner @ the GF. I booked one for our anniversary next month. This is what one poster said:

My DH and I booked a private dining dinner at the GF and were offered the 3rd floor overlook. We were able to choose anything we wanted to eat and had the private butler. The food and service were wonderful - the location was not. The 3rd floor overlook is not private at all - it is like sitting in a hallway. If you can afford to book the Grand 1 for your private dinner I am sure it is very nice and very private.

I believe we are booked on the 3rd floor overlook as well and I was told it is semi-private. On another web site, it stated they will do private dinners around the resort. I'm not sure if they offer any other areas or if they offer only this area and you have to ask if they can do anything else if this isn't what you are looking for.

The semi-private thing doesn't really concern me, I'm looking forward to the personalized menu, the private butler and the view of the fireworks.

 

[nosy parker]

A hallway??!! Oh my, that is very disappointing! I would hate to feel like I was sitting in a hallway! Especially given the price. We are already on the DlxDP so this is an OOP expense that I will have, but am only willing if it is supreme! I actually have Citricos booked for our dinner but figured this would be more special. Do you have any idea how much more for the Grand 1?

Do you have the link to the other thread?

thanks!

Anyone else with a review of this experience?

 

[nosy parker]

Just bumping for the evening DISers.

Anyone? I'd love to hear from others before I make my final decision.

Thanks!

 

[CDizney]

I have a Intimate Dinner reserved in a few weeks and was wondering how the seating location was as well. It doesn't sound like the 3rd Floor Terrace is too good if it feels like your sitting in a hallway. Not sure how GF can say the seating for this is semi-private if everyone can see you.

Anyone that can tell us all more about the seating location on the 3rd Floor Terrace or has a picture of it that would be great.

 

[BCV23]

We had a private dining experience at the GF a couple years ago. I'm not sure if it's the same spot but suspect it is. It was on the third floor. It felt quite private to me. There is a balcony that runs by the door but very few people walk down that particular as only a few rooms and perhaps suites are past it.

Our event was during the day but I didn't notice anyone passing by. In fact, the table was placed in such a manner that it felt quite private. There was a solid wall behind us not windows if I remember correctly.

Others in the past have talked about having a dinner at the very end of Sago Cay near the lagoon.

Can you share any info on your private dinner....menu choices, prices, etc.? TIA.

 

[BCV23]

OK, I found this picture on one of the old GF FAQ. This shows the spot that I think may be called the third floor terrace. We had our private tea there after we saw this. The last I knew, the tea was no longer an option which is just a shame. We had a wonderful time.

Anyway, I think our table was tucked back in the corner a bit more. It did feel private to me. But in the photo right before this one, you can see the windows to the balcony behind the table. But again, not many people should be passing that way.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=16135352&postcount=3486

Ok, here's another picture of their tea. You can see the windows to the balcony in it. The views were just lovely BTW.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=16135215&postcount=3485

 

[nosy parker]

Thank you BCV 23 for the great pics! If that is indeed the terrace on the third floor, it makes me feel better. It doesn't seem to be a hallway.

Were you seated outdoors for your dinner as well (like the pics)? Because you say "you can see the windows to the balcony behind the table" and I assume you mean those windows look into the hotel (third floor) right? Are you alone on this balcony? Because from these photos it does seem rather private.

As for the details of our dinner, I have yet to confirm and finalize. I am waiting for clarification on a couple of things from the private dining co-ordinator I spoke to. One thing I asked was what exactly "semi-private" meant. But basically the price starts at $85 per person (depending on menu selection) plus a $75 butler fee, plus 6.5% tax and 18% gratuity. This does not include beverages so obviously alcohol/wine would also be additional.

It is a bit pricey (to me anyway) so I really want to be sure about the location and atmosphere before I commit. As I said earlier, I already have an ADR for Citricos for that dinner which would be lovely as well, I'm sure. I just wanted to do a little something "extra special" for myself and DH if it was worth it.

 

[CDizney]

Hi Nosy Parker,
I also am waiting back from the GF coordinator about the pricing of the event after I gave her my food likes/dislikes. She said it could take up to a week or so for the chef to come up with our dinner menu and pricing. I asked if there was a set menu I could just pick stuff off of for the Intimate Dinner to make things easier and she said no that each menu is hand made by the chefs.

I asked for appetizer, salad, entree, dessert, bottle of wine, and two glasses of champagne with dessert so I am anxious to see what the price comes to. I figured I can scale down my dinner plans to bring the price down if it comes back too high.

I'll let you now what I hear.

 

[shortchange1026]

nosy parker..please post what you find out. I'm booked for the private dinner and am just waiting on my confirmation. I'm going to go thru with it, it's our 5th wedding anniversary and wanted to surprise my DH with something special other than dinner at one of the park or hotel restaurants. I've been saving up all year so the extra money is already accounted for. Just curious as to what they tell you about semi-private, etc. What you listed as the cost is what they told me as well. Everyone has their different opinons about things so I'm not worried about the hallway comment after seeing the pics the other posted listed.

 

[nosy parker]

Hi Nosy Parker,
I also am waiting back from the GF coordinator about the pricing of the event after I gave her my food likes/dislikes. She said it could take up to a week or so for the chef to come up with our dinner menu and pricing. I asked if there was a set menu I could just pick stuff off of for the Intimate Dinner to make things easier and she said no that each menu is hand made by the chefs.

I asked for appetizer, salad, entree, dessert, bottle of wine, and two glasses of champagne with dessert so I am anxious to see what the price comes to. I figured I can scale down my dinner plans to bring the price down if it comes back too high.

I'll let you now what I hear.

Oh thanks for that info CZDizney. I didn't know you could include alcohol as a selection to include in the price. I am not as far along in the process as you are! I've only submitted my date and such but not my food preferences yet. I was also told that each menu is personally created for the guests, by the chef. That does sound lovely. I e-mailed her yesterday morning and have yet to get a response to my questions. Does she usually take a couple of days? Otherwise I'll call her. Trying to keep this secret so e-mail is best.

 

[nosy parker]

nosy parker..please post what you find out. I'm booked for the private dinner and am just waiting on my confirmation. I'm going to go thru with it, it's our 5th wedding anniversary and wanted to surprise my DH with something special other than dinner at one of the park or hotel restaurants. I've been saving up all year so the extra money is already accounted for. Just curious as to what they tell you about semi-private, etc. What you listed as the cost is what they told me as well. Everyone has their different opinons about things so I'm not worried about the hallway comment after seeing the pics the other posted listed.

I'll let you know. I think I'll tell her that I did a little bit of research and that a previous guest described the location as "like a hallway", and see what she says. I feel much better after seeing the pics posted also. Yes, I've also been saving up for little "extras" as well so the money is also not the issue. But at the same time I don't want to be disappointed at the location because, saved up already or not, it's quite a bit of money for a meal and I want it to be worth it.

 

[nosy parker]

Btw, do any of you know if it is customary to tip the butler in addition to the gratuity already charged?

 

[BCV23]

No, it's not a hallway. It is a terrace.

I see why you're confused about "balcony" in my post. The balcony is an interior one (what I think the poster quoted may have called a hallway ). If you picture the lobby of the GF, do you remember how balconies surround it on 4 floors? Those windows (and there is also a door with windows along there) look into one of those interior balconies.

Yes, we were seated in the same place except I think our table was a little closer to the solid side. We had six though so it was also larger. Ours was a tea too.

The third floor is a club floor so no one can access it except guests staying Royal Palm Club. A CM met us by the grand piano and escorted us upstairs. So not many people up there anyway. The club lounge is on the 4th floor but the concierge desks are on the 3rd.

We were out there alone except for our server. I can understand describing it as semiprivate but it was plenty private enough for us. It felt very special. I think the only way to make it more private would be to hold it in your own room. It's really lovely. Of course ours was during the day. At night, the lights from the interior would be shining which may have affected the poster's feelings about privacy. But those seated outside could see in but not so much the other way around if you know what I mean.


Thanks for the details. We're celebrating our 30th at V&A with our grown children and DIL. I have a reservation for that but this sounds so special. I wonder if they would serve V&A's menu out there? Oh, never mind....it's in January and I think we would freeze at night!

Oh and we did tip extra....Dottie was just wonderful. She's a server at the GF Tea and I will certainly request her next time we go.

 

[shortchange1026]

Thank you sooo much BVC..what they offered me sounds exactly what you described. I hate to go by what is posted here sometimes as far as reviews of resorts and restaurants go because everyone's taste and opinions are different. What I may like, someone may not. But the description and the pics from the other poster were very helpful.

Thanks again!!

 

[J&K'sPrincessMommy]

Do you have to stay at the GF to be able to book a private dinner like this?
Does anyone have th econtact info they could pm or post for me?
TIA!

 

[nosy parker]

Do you have to stay at the GF to be able to book a private dinner like this?
Does anyone have th econtact info they could pm or post for me?
TIA!

I just pm'd you the info.

 

[nosy parker]

You've been most helpful, thanks! I wish I knew what you were talking about in reference to the description of the Grand Floridian lobby, but I've never been. This is our first trip and I can't wait (although staying at POP).

Congrats on your 30th anniversary (wow!) and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time at V&A. From everything I've read it is amazing. I would do that too, but, well, you can only cram so much into 8 days! And of course all of this is really starting to add up quickly! Special dinners and special cakes etc.... my hubby is celebrating his B-day while we're there and I am surprising him with a day at Discovery Cove for all 5 of us to do the Dolphin Swim! Will be giving him his gift the night before at Coral Reef (get the theme.. haha), although his actual b-day is on the day we arrive.

Anyway, thanks again for all your help and for finding those pictures for us!

 

[nosy parker]

Thank you sooo much BVC..what they offered me sounds exactly what you described. I hate to go by what is posted here sometimes as far as reviews of resorts and restaurants go because everyone's taste and opinions are different. What I may like, someone may not. But the description and the pics from the other poster were very helpful.

Thanks again!!

I so agree with you! Everyone has such differing tastes and therefore opinions. I'm pretty easy to please so I'm sure that this will be magnificent! BCV's description is just what I was hoping for.

 

[BCV23]

Thank you sooo much BVC..what they offered me sounds exactly what you described. I hate to go by what is posted here sometimes as far as reviews of resorts and restaurants go because everyone's taste and opinions are different. What I may like, someone may not. But the description and the pics from the other poster were very helpful.

Thanks again!!

You are so right. People's opinions are so different. Some things I read just amaze me. Glad I could help a bit. Enjoy your dinner.

You've been most helpful, thanks! I wish I knew what you were talking about in reference to the description of the Grand Floridian lobby, but I've never been. This is our first trip and I can't wait (although staying at POP).

Congrats on your 30th anniversary (wow!) and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time at V&A. From everything I've read it is amazing. I would do that too, but, well, you can only cram so much into 8 days! And of course all of this is really starting to add up quickly! Special dinners and special cakes etc.... my hubby is celebrating his B-day while we're there and I am surprising him with a day at Discovery Cove for all 5 of us to do the Dolphin Swim! Will be giving him his gift the night before at Coral Reef (get the theme.. haha), although his actual b-day is on the day we arrive.

Anyway, thanks again for all your help and for finding those pictures for us!

Oh, my. I'm sorry. I assumed you were a WDW vet since you planning such a great event. And everything else you've planned.....you are going to have an amazing trip. I'm in awe of that caliber of planning for a first trip!

Yes, we love V&A although we just go every few years. For our two youngest, this will be their first time there.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the GF lobby. The last picture is facing the balcony off of which we had our tea.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24073538&postcount=17

Have a wonderful private dining experience and a fantastic first trip.