Is the Illuminations Dessert Party Worth It?

[roozlilone]

I know, seems like a stupid question, but I keep asking myself that question... should I do the dessert party or should I just do an illuminations cruise? I thought I had it all figured out. I booked the dessert party a few months back for our VR in July. We are doing an Escape VR so I chose Morocco because we are having 18 guests.

Well, we went to Disney a couple weeks ago. We actually went to the Morocco location while they were having a dessert party and I came back not so impressed and in doubt weather or not I want to do it now. I guess I just wasn't impressed for what I know is going to cost almost $1000. For several reasons, #1, there is a big wall at the Morocco location, a wall tall enough to obstruct my 8 year olds view of the fireworks (we are having several small children attend), #2, no speakers in Morocco (I didn't realize they don't participate in the illuminations celebration ) Crazy! You can't hear the music as well at this location and you can't hear the music they play before illuminations at all (which is one of the reasons we love illuminations). #3, there is a loud band right next to the location that plays until about 5 minutes before illuminations starts (again I guess because Morocco doesn't participate) #4 the setup we saw, which would be similar to what I can expect just doesn't scream $1000, it's just not that impressive.

I know maybe I'm being too picky. When I think of the dessert parties I think of the ones I've seen in the UK and France, which just blow the Morocco location away, but I don't have that option. I'm not a Wishes bride.

I'm torn, I want something different, and something special that we can all enjoy together and it's really not all about the money, it just seems like I could get more for $1000 doing something else. I've thought about doing the illuminations cruise, just get 2 boats, which is cheaper than the dessert party. And maybe order some dessert from Private dining.

Anybody have any thoughts or experience with the dessert party at the Morocco location? Any opinions on what I should do?

 

[padisneyfour]

I have pondered the same question,but I still have lots of time. I have been on a wishes cruise on the pontoon boats and it is very nice but if would do that for our VR I would prefer the Grand 1 (if an option) if not would probably do two boats .... Will be interested in responses too!

 

[lpizzuro123]

No experience with Morocco but it sounds like you are really not impressed and this will put a damper on everything. I have also never done an IllumiNations cruise so I can't comment on them but I have heard both good and bad. As far as bad goes, you are watching from under a bridge, if the smoke is blowing that way it is no good and as you are so low in the water you do not see when the countries light up. I just read that today on another board and it made me not want to do an IllumiNations cruise. I guess the good part is that you get a private area to watch the show and you do not have to fight to find a spot and you get deserts.

We are considering a Wishes cruise for our bridal party on the night of our rehersal. I don't know if you are interested in that or not but if you like Wishes this might be a good alternative.

Linda

 

[B2B-2008]

I would also like to know what people think about this location as I have this area booked. I am unable to do a site visit and wasn't aware that you couldn't hear the music.

My photographer did say that he has filmed at this location and thought that it had a really good view even with the wall.

 

[roozlilone]

I would also like to know what people think about this location as I have this area booked. I am unable to do a site visit and wasn't aware that you couldn't hear the music.

My photographer did say that he has filmed at this location and thought that it had a really good view even with the wall.

By no means do I want to discourage you from your plans. Let me clarify....you CAN HEAR the music during illuminations, just not as well from Morocco as you can from say the UK because there are no speakers in the area around the location, but you CAN'T HEAR the pre-illumination music at all because of the Moroccan band. The view is great for adults or older children, but smaller children will have a hard time seeing over the wall. My DH had to pick my 8 year old up to see. But the view is dead-on looking at the "ball" as I like to call it. I have a PJ if you are interested in seeing pics of the location. Hope that helps!

 

[disprincessatheart]

I actually just decided against a DP myself. I Really wanted to do one, but like you I didn't think we were getting enough for our money. We've also got 18 going and we're doing a Wishes cruise on the Grand 1 which will only cost $450 instead of the $1600 the DP was going to cost with transportation and viewing fees

DF really loves Illuminations, and I like it a lot, but we figured that extra $1000 would be much better spent elsewhere. I never have seen illuminations from Morocco, but we've watched from Uk and French Island before (where our wedding was going to be last year) so I have a feeling I would have had the same disappointment. Now I'm really sure we made the right decisions!

 

[hope1826]

 

[hope1826]

Ohh and I just re read your post and I had missed the no UK for Escape Brides part. I'm sorry. Is that really true?

 

[roozlilone]

Hiya,

I've watched Illuminations from Upper UK and was very pleased. We decided that we are going to have our dessert party there.

The Upper UK site fee ends up being $25 less ($325) than Morocco's site fee ($275 +$75), because you do not have to pay an outdoor setup fee for the plastic chairs and tables. You get to use the existing wrought iron chairs and tables (which I think are much nicer than the plastic chairs) for free and you can hear the music and everyone will be able to see.

So unless you are seriously in love with Morocco or you are not going to setup chairs and tables, there is no reason to go with Morocco. It is not the cheapest option if you do want chairs and tables.

Also, we are using a "round trip" motorcoach (BWI to Epcot to BWI) for $385.
If you change out of your wedding attire you don't have to use a motorcoach.

We haven't had our wedding yet, but seriously our guests are looking forward to this the most. When we told them we were getting married at Disney and they were invited, they were excited... then we told them the details (except for the Illuminations DP) and they were thrilled.. then we finally told them about the Illuminations DP and they are all ecstatic! My cousin is now considering a Disney wedding because of the Illuminations DP.

hth

The problem is when you are an Escape Bride your only choices are Japan and Morocco. Japan only holds 10 people and Morocco up to 20. I emailed my wedding coordinator and asked if I could use the other UK and France locations and SHE SAID NO!!

 

[roozlilone]

I actually just decided against a DP myself. I Really wanted to do one, but like you I didn't think we were getting enough for our money. We've also got 18 going and we're doing a Wishes cruise on the Grand 1 which will only cost $450 instead of the $1600 the DP was going to cost with transportation and viewing fees

DF really loves Illuminations, and I like it a lot, but we figured that extra $1000 would be much better spent elsewhere. I never have seen illuminations from Morocco, but we've watched from Uk and French Island before (where our wedding was going to be last year) so I have a feeling I would have had the same disappointment. Now I'm really sure we made the right decisions!

How many people does the Grand 1 hold? I didn't think it would fit 20 people?

 

[FIREFLY01]

Have You Tried The Italy Isola? I Had Mine There, And The View ~~beautiful!!
I Have Had Many Compliments About Illuminations, Everyone Loved It! It Made It Very Memorable!! Never Take No From Disney, Just Keep Asking, Tell Them Your Concerns!

 

[hope1826]

The problem is when you are an Escape Bride your only choices are Japan and Morocco. Japan only holds 10 people and Morocco up to 20. I emailed my wedding coordinator and asked if I could use the other UK and France locations and SHE SAID NO!!

That really sucks. I am sorry. I think the Grand 1 holds less than 15.


Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[lov2b@disney]

Have You Tried The Italy Isola? I Had Mine There, And The View ~~beautiful!!
I Have Had Many Compliments About Illuminations, Everyone Loved It! It Made It Very Memorable!! Never Take No From Disney, Just Keep Asking, Tell Them Your Concerns!

I think they only do large parties at Isola, ours is at Italy plaza west we are only having 35 people. I dont see why 20 would be a problem and its a great view!

 

[lpizzuro123]

I just spoke to someone at Disney yesterday about the Grand 1 and I think they said it held 18 people.

Linda

 

[Ember]

I can't say much about locations, but as to whether it was worth it - YES! It's a very unique experience. My guests all said it was the best part of the day and the most amazing thing they'd done at Disney.

 

[miranda1979]

HI

I have done 3 dessert parties at Japan and 1 at morocco. I loved them all..Japan was great we had our own girl and a guard so no one would disturb us during our meet. I must say they are all great places to be...but Morocco was my favorite because we were right on the water and no one was in front of us. great place to take lots of photos and video of Illuminations.

We have had lots of fun. this year we did something different for my birthday, we took a boat out from yacht and beach club and sat under the bridge and watched the fireworks from the water and had cake and drinks. It was a lot of fun.

Anything you do at disney is a great time. and the people a very helpful. Have fun planning. I say it is well worth it.

 

[B2B-2008]

By no means do I want to discourage you from your plans. Let me clarify....you CAN HEAR the music during illuminations, just not as well from Morocco as you can from say the UK because there are no speakers in the area around the location, but you CAN'T HEAR the pre-illumination music at all because of the Moroccan band. The view is great for adults or older children, but smaller children will have a hard time seeing over the wall. My DH had to pick my 8 year old up to see. But the view is dead-on looking at the "ball" as I like to call it. I have a PJ if you are interested in seeing pics of the location. Hope that helps!

You have set my mind at rest. I would love to see your photos, please post the link. I did want a DP in the UK area but that was already booked up on our wedding day.

 

[roozlilone]

You have set my mind at rest. I would love to see your photos, please post the link. I did want a DP in the UK area but that was already booked up on our wedding day.

Here you go:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1690797

 

[roozlilone]

I just spoke to someone at Disney yesterday about the Grand 1 and I think they said it held 18 people.

Linda

Gosh, 18!! I have 20 total, I just can't win. I would have loved to do the Grand I. My group is either a little too small or a little too big, never just right. I'm starting to feel like the 3 bears.

 

[hope1826]

Gosh, 18!! I have 20 total, I just can't win. I would have loved to do the Grand I. My group is either a little too small or a little too big, never just right. I'm starting to feel like the 3 bears.

I think it is worth it. I think it may not matter what location you have. Your guests will have an even more memorable time with the DP than without it.