Illuminations Desert Party

[DrKnow77]

Anyone ever had an illuminations desert party? We're looking at getting reservations for 10 people. Would the pontoon boat cruise for Illuminations be more economical?

Any information is appreciated!

 

[JulieWent]

I don't know about arranging it, but we attended a dessert party last Friday night, and it was wonderful. Two great DIS'ers arranged it, and we paid, I think, around $19 per person to go. For our family of 3, it was much more economical than the Illuminations cruise. We have also gone on an Illuminations cruise before, and it was wonderful, no doubt. But our view of Illuminations, the opportunity to visit, and, of course, the wonderful pastries made the dessert party better in our opinions.

 

[mom_rules]

I'm curious-what is a dessert party?

 

[torismom]

Thisa sounds like a lot of fun. Looking forward to reading the replies.

 

[JulieWent]

I don't know exactly who you contact, but you arrange a party (I think there has to be a minimum, but I don't remember what it is). There is a "per head" price, and that includes these wonderful dessert trays -- eclairs, tarts, creme puffs, chocolatey things, etc., coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. It was indeed the most wonderful hot chocolate -- a big dollop of whip cream all laced with dark chocolate sprinkles. It was a little chilly that night, and it was incredible to sit and watch Illuminations while drinking that wonderful chocolate. It was held on the little pavillion just to the right of Rose N Crown. There were tables and chairs for all of us, and the view was incredible. They let us onto the pavillion at 8:30, so we had time to visit and pig out before the fireworks started. It was definitely worth the per person that we paid, and probably then some. (My DS, age 7, just refers to it as our "sweet party.")

I'll check through my emails about this to see if I can find the original post that described what the party was going to be, how much it cost, and who was in charge. The people who arranged it are here on the DIS (Maddie and Janet, I think), but I will look for the email address, too. (They may still be down in WDW right now. They had just arrived, I think, when we had our party last Friday night (Jan. 3).


Note: Just found this on one of the emails that I had saved about the party. I was wrong about the price. It was a little more expensive than I had thought. It was still worth it.

Cost per person:
22.50 for desserts, beverages, and private viewing location
1.35 for 6% tax
4.50 for 20% gratuity (required by Disney Catering)
1.80 for event guide cast member (required by Disney Catering)
30.15 per person total

 

[DrKnow77]

Julie,

Thanks for the information! I called Disney's information line on Friday and they had never even heard of an Illuminations Desert Party.

If you happen to run across who I should contact or how many people are required for a minimum, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks again!

 

[rangebob]

I am curious about this myself. I called up the Disney operator and she gave me to EPCOT Special Events and they said that Group sales over at the Reservation center handles this. The phone # for group sales is 407-828-3200 but they only work M-F 8:30-5:30. From what the special events person told me was that there is no minimum but I'm sure the price would be more p/person for a smaller number than if you had a larger group. I will try to find out more info about this on Monday and post an update.

 

[JulieWent]

I went back through the old post that started the Illuminations Party that I went to. Here is the name and address of the person at Disney catering that apparently took care of things for us. (I wish I could link you to the post. If I figure it out, I will)

Julie

Dante Gibilisco
Park Catering & Event Services Manager
Phone: 407-566-6482
Fax: 407-566-5777
Pager: 407-945-1751


Okay, maybe this is a link to our post. If it's not, I apologize and blame my basic lack of computer literacy.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=269507

 

[Puffy2]

Anyone interested in trying to set one of these up for Jan. 26, 28, or 29th??? I'd have two willing to go on one of these dates.

 

[Puffy2]

Just read on another thread that the min. cost for a group is $700.00 . That's a lot of money. ;You would have to have a pretty big group to make it worth while.

 

[rangebob]

I'm willing to give it a try. I will see what I can find out from this end.

 

[littleducksmom]

robert,
we would be interested, if the price was reasonable, on any of those nites puffy2 mentioned. actually any nite the last week of jan would be ok.
debbie

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

I would be interested in something the last week of January also. If anyone can get the details and needs help setting it up, I would be happy to help!

Hope we can work something out!!

 

[urchin]

I called the special events # and tried to book a party for 5 people. I was told that the minimum was for 20 people at a starting price of $17.50 per person (did not include tax or set up charge or other costs). She said I could have the party for 5 people but I would have to pay for 20 and she quoted me a price of about $550. with everything included.
Boo Hoo ! I won't be able to afford it, I've already done the illuminations cruise & I wanted to do something different.

 

[jiminyfan]

if we get enough it should be worth it.

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Okay, so how many people here would be interested in trying to set up one of these parties for January 27, 28, 29 or 30th? If we can come up with enough people here who are interested I will make the call and see what we can do.

Apparently, we need at least 20 people and the total amount of $550 quoted to the poster above indicates it will be at least $27.50 a person.

If you are interested, please post your preferred date(s) and how many people (kids over 3 count the same as adults).

I would be interested in this for me and my dh (dd is under 3 so she won't "count" for the total number).

Anyone else?????

 

[pattybe]

I will be there Mon and Tues and would love to do this-2 people.

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Okay, that makes 4 - anyone else?????

 

[JulieWent]

Just a suggestion -- When Maddie and Janet were planning the one we went to, they posted an open invitation on a board. That might be a way to get more people interested.

Oh! on the link that I put in above, someone has posted pictures of the party on 1/03. Thought you might like to see them.

Good luck.

Julie

 

[littleducksmom]

rhonda.
thank you for trying to put this together at the last minute..........we would have 3 paying and 2 younger than 3. email me if i can help.
debbie