I don't post, or even lurk here, very often, but I wanted to share our experience with you.
We have experience in both locations: A Tea Party at Whitehall and our Rehearsal at CG. From our experiences, I would go with the CG Napa.
We had scheduled to have a dessert party at the GF marina up until about 6 weeks prior to the wedding. We had been promised that this was a comprable event to the IllumiNations that we had requested, but were denied due to park capacity issues. I was beyond shocked when I learned that our rain plan for the marina was a ballroom at the GF. I was also more than displeased when I learned that we would have to pay for the music to be piped in. I failed to see how this was a comprable event.
Literally, at 6 weeks out, we booked the CG. The only indication we had of anything was our previous experiences there and a quick look at the room. We didn't taste test or anything. We picked our menu blind, crossed our fingers, and hoped for the best.
We didn't have to hold our breath long. We moved our wedding rehearsal to the CG conference center and it saved our guests the logistical madess of trying to get from place to place. A nice perk to doing it at CG. I raced upstairs before the other guests to be sure that the room was set. When I walked in, I couldn't believe it. The place glittered and looked incredibly beautiful. The staff was on hand and told me, "We'll be keeping you updated throughout the night. Let us know if you need anything." They were
fantastic. They kept everything rolling in a timely manner and made sure that the guests (we were about 40) were enjoying their evening. I've dined in numerous four and five star restaurants in my life- I would be hard pressed to find better service from any of them when I compare them to our waitstaff that evening.
The guests raved (
raved) about the food. We had some incredibly picky eaters and eaters that were used to the top notch NYC restaurants. We didn't hear the end of how fabulous the food was. We're still hearing about it. With CG, everything is served family-style. It actually works quite well. I was more than hesitant on this. Our EM told us, "Give up now. They won't change that for you, me, or Roy Disney." But, we were six weeks out and at the holidays, we'd run out of time and options. What was great about it was the fact that you could have a little of everything for the main courses. You want filet? Have some! Want fish? Have a bit of that too! And the chicken that everyone is saying melts in your mouth? Give it a go and find out for yourself!
Another one of the features that we loved was the fact that there was a full bar right there in the room. It keeps people milling around and very social. We had planned a half hour cocktail hour. Becuase it went so well, they extended it (not before asking me though! I told you they were good!) a bit longer before beginning with the dinner service.
The room offers an absolutely unrivaled view of the fireworks. About half of us stayed inside while the other half went outside. The view and vantage point cannot be beat. It adds that extra spark of Disney magic. What's great is that if it's rainy or windy, you don't need to worry, you can stay inside and still be mesmerized by the show. People who chose the balcony kept saying, "I've never seen anything like that!" and those that chose to stay inside with their feet up said, "This is the best fireworks display I'll see at Disney- I'm seated, in good company, have wonderful food, and not fighting with the crowds." We were hardly sharing the balcony with other restaurant guests as ours were escorted by waitstaff to the front of the railings. Take note that you have to check-in on the second floor of the Contemporary and ride an escorted elevator up. This has cut down on the number of people on the balcony. And if you're inside, you are completely sequestered from the rest of the restaurant. You can oly see through a bit of the back of the bar.
At the Whitehall, my MIL ran into trouble with the party she'd planned. Despite the perfect weather and BEO reading, "To be held outdoors unless notified by EM due to inclement weather." She had to
fight with the catering manager to move it outdoors. Even then, becuase it's such a requested room, you're in and out. They began breaking us down and setting the next party up right away. You get no middle time and are held contractually to the time limit. The priority is on the wedding receptions. The view isn't nearly as good either.
If you can take the option of using the CG, I would highly highly recommend it. You would likely need a large party to make the numbers for just dessert, or you'd need to plan on having a meal service, too.
I've never ended up with very many pictures from that night. Here's a few we do have scanned:
The tables set. We had a black and white wedding, so this was great for us!
Close-up of the vegetable centerpieces provided
The "Five Almond poem" we used as favors wrapped in black and white tulle
View of he fireworks from
inside. Ignore the cat hair that was on the scanner glass in the lower left.
Me and MOH being silly. You can see the wall decor and carpeting well though.
Everything went so smoothly for us at CG. We went back to our room, cuddled in, and watched the castle. We had looked at using the CG as our reception location becuase the Contemporary holds such special meaning for us. Looking back, had we not been so set on an evening wedding, I think this would have been a great alternate.
Best wishes and happy planning!
