Help! Planning a 40th birthday/reunion!

[kjustice]

I am planning a week at Disney in June for my husband's 40th birthday. We live in Florida and although we go to Disney all the time (passholders) we have many out of town guests coming in. I need help planning the arrangements! Where should we stay???

I was thinking about the Boardwalk so there would be stuff to do AND options as far as lodging costs (Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin, etc).

I know there are experts out there and I have so many questions! Does anyone know if I can have a "dinner party" at one of the restaraunts on property?

Thanks in advance - I am looking for ANY suggestions!

 

[ducklite]

You need to get in touch with group dining. There are several places where you could host a dinner party--there are private rooms at Jiko, Citrico's, and the California Grill. If you party is small enough the Chef's Table at V&A's would be an option.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

If you will have less than twelve people, a truly remarkable private dining event would be the Grand One Yacht.

Anne

 

[kjustice]

Thanks! Any idea if it is "cost prohibitive". Do they have a minimum? Can everyone pay there own dinner?

Thanks for the ideas - anyone have suggestions for a logding location?

 

[ducklite]

At any WDW restaurant you can get seperate bills. They add an automatic gratuity (I can't recall, 15 or 18%) on party's of eight and over. There is no additional charge for any of the private rooms at andy of the restaurants. If you do'nt have enough people in the party, which varies from place to place, they will either seat others in the room with you, or seat you in the main DR.

V&A's has a set price for dinner, the chef's table is (I think) around $125 per person, plus gratuities.

The Grand One is $350/hour. It is customary to tip the captain and first mate as well. No food or beverage is included in that price. You would have to order in advance off the GF private dining menu, and it would all come on one bill. You would need a minimum of two hours for a dinner cruise. There is a max of 12 people for dinner, 16 people for cruising in general.

As far as lodging, how many rooms and what price range are you talking about? It's possible you will never get everyone to agree, I know on the two times I've traveled to WDW with a group, we gave up...some camped, some were at the BC, some were at CBR, some were at the DI, some were at SoG, and a few went offsite. We met up at a specified time and place each day. One couple got a suite which was kind of the central meeting place, and it worked out well.

Anne

 

[kjustice]

Thank you so much for the advice!!! You are a wealth of knowledge.

Your last comment is probably what we are going to do. I thought I would get a one bedroom suite somewhere (that's the question!!!) and then just let everyone stay where they want. Then our "family room" could be the meeting place.

I have looked at BWI villas, BC villas, etc. Even the Boardwalk cottages (they look awesome!!! I love the fenced in area for our kids!). I have even been watching Ebay for a DVC point purchase.

I would love to hear your advice and sage wisdom on the subject of rooms and location. Sounds like you have been in this position before.

 

[ducklite]

Have you looked on the DVC Rent Trade Board here on the DIS? renting points from a member is often the least expensive way to go. A DVC villa at the BC or BV would IMHO be the most convenient place for everyone to get to.

Anne

 

[zurgswife]

I have even been watching Ebay for a DVC point purchase.

Ebay isn't the best place to get a good price I would also suggest that you watch the DVC rent and trade board.