HELP with reception venue location...

[samlingchan]

I originally booked my reception for the LSS, but have now decided that that's not the location I want to be in.

I am looking for something like The Belvedere - which I am told is not open for an April wedding - so does anyone have any suggestions as well as pictures for reception locations? Needs to be outdoors, preferably with lots of trees....

I am thinking my wedding will be 50-60 people at the very most...

Thanks.

 

[princesswendy720]

What about Tamu Tamu courtyard in Animal Kingdom?

 

[samlingchan]

I have been looking at that as an option, while I was perusing these boards, but it looks like it's a max of 50 people. What happens if 55 show up - do I tell 5 people they can't come? haha - I am also wondering about the Animal Kingdom locations as I see that it has to be used 2 hours after the park closes. My wedding is on April 20, which would mean my reception can't start until 8 (because it closes at 6)??? Which also means I have to scrap the dessert party? Me so confused! Can you help shed some light?

 

[lurkyloo]

Well, one thing you could do is have an IllumiNations cocktail hour instead of a dessert party and go to AK for the reception afterward... As for other large outdoor venues with lots of trees.... Hmmmm... Shipwreck Beach and Boardwalk Lawn don't have many (any?) trees... There are convention center venues that have patios with a few trees around them. French Island Arm has a couple big trees that make almost a canopy - if you had the reception there you could skip the dessert party or roll it into the reception.

 

[princesswendy720]

If you went above 50 people, they would probably move you to another location within the park (Flame Tree Gardens has higher capacity). Typically, yes, outdoor theme park events must start 2 hours after closing. There are a few theme park venues that can be used during park hours because they are not open to guests. Not sure if Animal Kingdom has one. If you wanted to do a dessert party, you could always do one as a welcome party of rehearsal dinner the day before your wedding.

Sago Cay at the Grand Floridian has some trees and can be used throughout the day. It is a more public setting than a theme park venue. Here are some pictures: http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/sago-cay-pointe/

 

[samlingchan]

Thanks so much ladies - I think I will ask my wedding planner with these ideas!

 

[sambycat]

welcome! not sure if you have/know about this already - but if you haven’t at least checked out the passporter’s guide to DFTW/honeymoons - you are missing out on some valuable info. i think about every bride on here will tell you there is info there that even planners aren’t fully aware of or at the least might not think of and it will really help you get ideas about other venue options etc..

happy planning!