Illuminations party - a lot of questions!

[hwygirl1928]

Hi guys... I keep hearing about the illuminations party. So I have some questions now because I am starting to consider it. What time does it normally start at? Does it count towards your food and beverage minimum? Is it worth the money? Does it cost much? I have read that it is a minimum of $17.50 per person... but then there is admission on top of that of $12.50, is that right? I guess if someone is willing to share the scoop on illuminations that would be great. We are about 50 that are going to Florida, and I have about 13 kids out of that 50, and I just think it would be great for them!
Thanks again guys!

 

[jennycee]

Illuminations usually starts at 9PM. We were in the Rotunda for our reception and they started moving us out of there at about 8:40 to walk over to the Isola for our Illuminations Desert Party. Yes, it is $17.50 and the $12.50 is considered a "viewing fee" since the guests did not acutally pay admission into the park. They gotta make their money some how! I believe it does count towards your minimums, but I am not definite on that. I think it is a great idea! Our guests were all totally surprised and amazed by it. It is such a different thing to do, especially for the Disney Virgins in the group. Our family and friends are still raving about it. I say if you can do it, go for it!

 

[InstImpres]

Just FYI, depending on your guests and when you do the Illuminations party, you can avoid the viewing fee on any guests that have AP's or were in the park that day already if you are comfortable asking people to show their tickets. I know it is a little tacky but it could save you big $$$.

 

[Mary626]

I believe it only counts towards your wedding minimum if it is hosted on the day of your wedding. I am doing a fantasmic Dessert party two days before our wedding, and my coordinator told me it wouldn't count towards our $10,000 minimum. I'm guessing it's the same way with illuminations.

 

[care403]

Jennycee - What time was your wedding? I'm trying to do the same thing - with the American Adventure and then Italy Isola, but it sounds like there's not enough time to get in and out of the American Adventure before Illuminations. Can you go back in? They made it sound like I would have to do a 5:30 ceremony and then 7-9 Illuminations cocktails and THEN into the American Adventure for dinner and dancing. I know you can't get into the pavilion before 7, but what if I eat really fast...?

 

[umaangel00]

Can you have a party for just the two of you?

 

[twojo21]

hwygirl1928 - we are doing an illuminations dessert party for our 64 guests & are spending about $2000 with the "child in you menu" which is $18pp plus some extras like the bride & groom strawberries at the uk terrace. the $12.50 fee is a viewing fee unless your wedding guests had used a ticket for epcot that day or have annual passes which they can present. we feel the $2000 is definetly worth it for this once in a lifetime occasion & fireworks view. its the perfect way to cap off our evening.

fyi - only custom dftw brides can wear there wedding dresses to the illuminations dessert party.

umaangel00 - yes & no. there are minimums for the illuminations dessert party locations from 25pp to 150pp (varies by location) minimum to book. you could book a standard dessert party through epcot but you will have to pay a small party fee & be limited to the viewing area. another idea for two (or up to 10) is an illuminations specialty cruise from the yacht club on a pontoon boat or the breathless. it runs about $140 & you can add appetizers, dessert & drinks on board through catering at the yc. 407-wdw-play.

 

[mufasa0505]

You can also arrange to have a private dinner at Epcot with an excellent view of IllumiNations.

 

[InstImpres]

Can you have a party for just the two of you?

There are 2 very small areas for private viewings (parties under 10) but they still get a high F&B min. which you won't easily meet so it is pricey but in Disney, if you have the money you can do anything. If you want a big area like UK lower or French Island, you can pay for more guests than you actually have.