Illuminations Dessert Menu Question??

[roozlilone]

Okay, trying to figure out what I want for the Dessert Party, got the menu yesterday from the coordinator. Trying to figure out how to ask this..... hmm...Can I have a "Buffet Dessert Action Station" or a "Buffet Dessert Enhancement" without a "Buffet Dessert Party" selection. Does that make sense? For instance, can I have a "Hot Fudge Sundae Flambe", $13 per person plus "Giant Cookies" $8 per person and not do anything from the first page?? Has anyone done this? Because on the 2nd and 3rd page, they give prices when you are doing it in addition to the buffet and without??

 

[hope1826]

My understanding is that the enhancements and action stations can be used separate in addition to OR instead of one of the buffet dessert packages. As long as you meet the Food & Beverage minimum for your site. But the packages include coffee and other beverages in the price, while the enhancements and action stations do not include any beverages. I may be wrong though!!

 

[roozlilone]

My understanding is that the enhancements and action stations can be used separate in addition to OR instead of one of the buffet dessert packages. As long as you meet the Food & Beverage minimum for your site. But the packages include coffee and other beverages in the price, while the enhancements and action stations do not include any beverages. I may be wrong though!!

Well I didn't think of the beverages, Ugh! We are having a DP in Morocco, do you know if they have a minimum for that site, we are doing an escape VR, not wishes, so I don't know if that makes a difference!

 

[pink_tink8i8]

don't know if this helps or not but I got this from mouseweddings.com:

Epcot - Morocco Terrace

Capacity of the Morocco Terrace is 20 guests minimum, 60 guests maximum.

Food and beverage are provided by the Epcot Catering department.

All talent performing within this area must fit the theming of the area and must be approved by Epcot and secured by Walt Disney Entertainment through your Wedding Planner. All floral and décor items must be provided by Disney. Disney charter bus transportation is required to use this venue, at a minimum cost of $440 per bus (each bus carries about 47 people).
Site Rental Fee:

*$275, plus 6.5% tax.

if this is correct it doesn't sound like there is a minimum expenditure.

 

[hope1826]

Oh btw.... we picked Upper UK even though the site rental fee was about $50 more than Morocco because there are 7 tables with 4 chairs each already there.

I think if you choose any other locations and you want tables and chairs, you may have to rent them from Disney. I believe some locations like Lower UK have a couple of benches.

I'm not sure how much information you already have, but this is what ours comes out to (excluding services charges (20% of F&B) and taxes (6.5% of total including service charges))....

We have 40 guests (Upper UK is for 20 min to 50 max)

$325 - Site rental fee for Upper UK

$19.50 pp - The food and beverage minimum for Upper UK. I'm assuming that all locations have a F&B minimum, but I honestly only know that Upper UK is/was $19.50 as of December 2007- There are a number of minimums and fees that don't show up on the Disney Wishbook or anywhere else for that matter- We are not really happy about that and depending on how my first planning session goes next Monday "not really happy" may turn into "REALLY MAD"!!

$12.95 pp (plus tax) - Illuminations Viewing Fee (All locations, applies to each guest who does not have an Epcot ticket for that day)

$440 (plus tax) Motorcoach (Our dinner reception is at The Attic at the Boardwalk Resort. It's a 5-10 minute walk to Epcot Upper UK. We asked if we walking was an option, we were told "NO", but I just re-read our contract and the motorcoach is NOT in our contract. We may use it anyway. Not sure yet. )

No table & chair rental needed


These are pics of the Upper UK tables (also from www.mouseweddings.com)...

 

[hope1826]

Oh and I honestly don't know if they price the Dessert Party fees and minimums differently for a VR.

 

[BayouPrincess]

$440 (plus tax) Motorcoach (Our dinner reception is at The Attic at the Boardwalk Resort. It's a 5-10 minute walk to Epcot Upper UK. We asked if we walking was an option, we were told "NO", but I just re-read our contract and the motorcoach is NOT in our contract. We may use it anyway. Not sure yet. )

See, here's another case of, "It's all in who you talk to". My Coordinator has told me on more than one occasion that our escort will meet us at the International Gateway and walk us to the Dessert Party (UK Lower). With that, I have not planned for a motorcoach.

Good Luck Hope! I hope that it works out for you!

Anybody know if there are some "sugar-free" or diabetic items that can be added to the dessert party? I have a few people who are attending my event, and I want to make sure they are not left out.

 

[pink_tink8i8]

See, here's another case of, "It's all in who you talk to". My Coordinator has told me on more than one occasion that our escort will meet us at the International Gateway and walk us to the Dessert Party (UK Lower). With that, I have not planned for a motorcoach.

Good Luck Hope! I hope that it works out for you!

Anybody know if there are some "sugar-free" or diabetic items that can be added to the dessert party? I have a few people who are attending my event, and I want to make sure they are not left out.

I read somewhere that they can accommodate dietary needs but you have to tell them in advance. That was through catering. Are DP from the catering department?

 

[hope1826]

I need to know that also. I will ask during my phone session on Monday afternoon and let you know, if no one else already knows.

See, here's another case of, "It's all in who you talk to". My Coordinator has told me on more than one occasion that our escort will meet us at the International Gateway and walk us to the Dessert Party (UK Lower). With that, I have not planned for a motorcoach.

Yeah, it drives me crazy that they are so inconsistent.

 

[PrincessBride07]

I just wanted to say that I only had the fondue enhancement for my dessert party. They upped the price on it to meet the minimum. Also, they did include the coffee, juice, and hot chocolate with it.

 

[roozlilone]

I just wanted to say that I only had the fondue enhancement for my dessert party. They upped the price on it to meet the minimum. Also, they did include the coffee, juice, and hot chocolate with it.

Can I ask how much you spent? Where they suppose to include the beverages or did you luck out?

 

[hope1826]

I just wanted to say that I only had the fondue enhancement for my dessert party. They upped the price on it to meet the minimum. Also, they did include the coffee, juice, and hot chocolate with it.

That is great. They told me "no" for mine. I'm going to ask again on Monday. It would be amazing to be able to save some money.

Did you have to pay a fee to rent chairs and tables?

 

[lpizzuro123]

We are having a IllumiNations Desert Party in November of this year in UK - Lower so yes there are benches but we are also planning on renting some tables and chairs. I believe (I hope) it is a one time set up fee of $75.00. Not sure if there is a separate rental fee.

We are not having our planning session until June so I do not know about transportation to the party but I am hoping we can all meet at the International Gateway and be escorted in. I hope I do not have to pay for another motor coach as we have to pay for one that morning to get into our ceremony in Epcot.

As far as people leaving after IllumiNations, most of our guest will be staying at The Boardwalk so it will be easy for them to get back to their hotel. We have other staying at Port Orleans and All Star Movies, I am hoping they let them go to the front of the park to catch a bus back to their hotel but they probably will not allow that.

Linda

Linda

 

[roozlilone]

I need to know that also. I will ask during my phone session on Monday afternoon and let you know, if no one else already knows.



Yeah, it drives me crazy that they are so inconsistent.

Okay, now I'm starting to freak out about this MotorCoach thing. Is the Motor Coach Required if we ARE NOT wearing wedding attire? We are all changing into shorts etc. before we go to Epcot so I had no plans on spending $440 for a Motor Coach. Is this only if you want to wear wedding attire? I'm getting so confused.

 

[PrincessBride07]

Can I ask how much you spent? Where they suppose to include the beverages or did you luck out?

I believe it was somewhere between $20 and $22 per person. I thought it was a bit extreme in the price jump, but I really only wanted the fondue. It was still cheaper than to add it on even the cheapest dp packages. I asked if they were going to include the beverages, and after looking into it they said ok. I guess in a way I really did pay for it anyways with the price increase.

That is great. They told me "no" for mine. I'm going to ask again on Monday. It would be amazing to be able to save some money.

Did you have to pay a fee to rent chairs and tables?

I would ask again. Hopefully this isn't one of those situations where it depends on who you have for a planner. I used the standard black linens and plastic chairs that come with the site.

 

[hope1826]

I believe it was somewhere between $20 and $22 per person. I thought it was a bit extreme in the price jump, but I really only wanted the fondue. It was still cheaper than to add it on even the cheapest dp packages. I asked if they were going to include the beverages, and after looking into it they said ok. I guess in a way I really did pay for it anyways with the price increase.

Are you happy you went with just the fondue station? Did you and your guests enjoy it. I'm thinking about asking for that if they allow me to.

Did you have to use a Motorcoach? Do you know if it is "required"?

I think I am confusing roozlilone even more. My planner said that it was required... but the fact that it's not in my contract makes me think that it is NOT required.

 

[PrincessBride07]

Are you happy you went with just the fondue station? Did you and your guests enjoy it. I'm thinking about asking for that if they allow me to.

Did you have to use a Motorcoach? Do you know if it is "required"?

I think I am confusing roozlilone even more. My planner said that it was required... but the fact that it's not in my contract makes me think that it is NOT required.

To answer your first question, I am very happy that I just went with the fondue. I really didn't want all that extra stuff there to begin with. Plus, we had a lot of food already and this was not over the top. My guests loved it. They gave a lot of choices for dipping. I think some of the guests just ate the dipping stuff without dipping into the chocolates.

As for the Motorcoach, yes and no. Again, this might be who you talk to. I did use the motorcoach, and it was required of me; but I also had my reception in Epcot. If you are having your reception in Epcot, then yes you must use the motorcoach. If you are only having the dessert party, then you may not. I have heard of some brides, particularly the escape brides, that have all there guests meet at the International Gateway and are escorted in. Now I know the bride and groom still wore their attire, but I am not sure about the guests. You must have an escort with you if you choose to stay in your wedding attire.

Hope this helps

 

[lov2b@disney]

I just got back from my planning session- here's info I got-

12.50pp is charged on your BEO- a refund is giving after the event for those who had a ticket

We are not going to be in wedding attire(but this was not discussed at our session so our planner does not know)- we are meeting our guests at the International Gateway and walking to our dp location- Which is Italy west- not very private but AWESOME viewing location- it was like some of the fireworks were right over our head!- More on that in our ps report

 

[hope1826]

princessbride07 - Thank you. You have helped me! I hope roozlilone got some help too.

My planner didn't even tell me that a fondue station existed or was possible. After you posted, I found a menu for it on another thread. I am going to ask my planner about it on Monday and try to do what you did. It sounds wonderful and my DF LOVES the idea. So thank you!

12.50pp is charged on your BEO- a refund is giving after the event for those who had a ticket

Wow, that's interesting to know. I can't wait to read your PS report.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Thanks for posting. Any idea what happens after IllumiNations. If we meet everyone at the International Gateway to get in - do they have to leave the same way. Most will probably be going back to their resorts and it would be great if they could walk to the front of Epcot to catch a bus rather then having to go to the Boardwalk to catch a bus.

Linda