Oh no! Where to go after my wedding?

[teacher31]

I wouldn't recommend Grand Floridian Cafe...DBF and I ate there last year and while the food was acceptable (just acceptable..nothing great....) the atmosphere and service were seriously lackluster. I'd even go so far as to say the service was bad.

I disagree. As a matter of fact, we saw a small wedding there having their meal there last year. They were seated along a banquette and it was just beautiful. We do like the food and have had good service. I was going to recommend the Grand Floridian Cafe before I saw someone else had already.

 

[WonderlandGal]

Wonderland Gal, Best Wishes on your upcoming nuptials! What a wonderful experience to pledge your life to your beloved on a beautiful autumn afternoon, and to do it at Disney No Less!

You are getting married at Sea Breeze Point which is a beautiful and romantic location. I suggest since you are looking to feed the 20+ guests without breaking the budget that you consider Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club. Your guest would not need to use a day's admission to a theme park, the logistics of getting everyone to the restaurant would be easy, and the price is reasonable for nice luncheon food. The clam chowder is lovely, my son is fond of their fish and chips, my hubby likes the lobster roll, and the gelato is a favorite of us all.

If you don't mind everyone grabbing a bus or taking a car to the luncheon, then Raglan Road is a great choice. They have plenty of space and great food.

As to your bolded comments about a mother and sister in law, darling, unless they are paying for everything, then their imput should have no more weight than any other guest at the wedding.

If you are ready to be a wife, then you are ready to learn how to deal with difficult people effectively. First, really examine yourself and ask yourself if you have been as open, fair, and accomodating as reason would dicatate, then make sure you and your intended are on the same page, and then put your plan into action. Smile, nod, be cordial, and keep on doing what you are doing.

The best gift you can give your marriage is to establish healthy boundaries around your family unit, which for now only includes you and your husband.

Wherever you end up there really are only four options, and none of them are which restaurant you will use:

You can let "them" have their way and complain, moan, and gripe about it endlessly, starting your very own bitterness boulder which you will drag with you for the rest of your life.

You can let them have their way because you decide it isn't that big a deal where you eat after your wedding as long as you are Mrs. Most Wonderful Man in the World. You can decide that if eating at XYZ makes them happy, then so be it.

You can pick a restaurant of your own choosing and then complain and harp and yowl about how difficult the whole process was and how "they fought me and don't like me and are so picky and HORRIBLE" for the rest of your marriage.

You can pick a restaurant and graciously let everyone know what you have decided. Then you can sit back and allow anyone who wants to act like a horse's business end to make a public spectable of themselves while you remain calm, ladylike, and serene.

I am giving you this advice after a couple of decades married to a wonderful husband who was raised by a delightful father-in-law and a terror of a mother-in-law. After a decade of tears, frustration, and pain I finally came to the conclusion that there was nothing I could do to make her happy, because being unhappy is her hobby in life.

So, the best I could do is to be ethical, kind, open, and love her son and grandchildren. I do that by making my marriage strong to my hubby and by treating her with respect that she has not earned, but I will give her anyway because I LOVE her son so much. I have decided to treat her the way I want my children and their future spouses to treat me, not the way she deserves to be treated. Because, frankly my marriage, my children, and my dignity are just a whole lot more important than she is.

In the end, she makes a spectacle of herself and the rest of extended family and friends have decided that I am wonderful and are convinced that my husband married "up." Most importantly, my wonderful husband and children, who have a front row seat, are proud of me, love me, and think I hung the moon.

Edited to add: Remember, you will NOT be allowed into the parks in your wedding attire. If you decide to eat in a park, make sure to plan enough time to change before you head to lunch.

wow. let me begin by saying thank you for the advice. but luckily for me..my mother in law's only flaw is her picky appetite. same for my sister in law. i couldnt have created nicer people in a factory. i love them so much. so thank god for that. and i cant say my situation is similar to yours. (you poor thing....what mother in law doesnt kill only makes you stronger?)
i just want everyone to have a good time. (we usually do) and have a nice full belly. It doesnt matter if we use park tickets or not. No preference there. But if they are traveling all the way for my wedding then i want them to be happy with their meal.
But i was not aware that if i had reservations in the park i still had to change out of the dress. that stinks.
Now im leaning towards Raglan. Its one of our favorite places. Hmmmmm......and maybe ill look into more reviews for the GF cafe. that place is wicked pretty.

 

[POOHsie]

My DD's wedding was at Seabreeze Point at 3:30pm. After the ceremony we had champagne and cake at the pavilion, then slowly walked up the Boardwalk to the Swan and had dinner. It was at Palio, which is now Il Mulino.

It was nice to just walk to the reception along the Boardwalk. My daughter in her wedding gown and her tuxedoed groom owned it. At Palio, we were given a section to ourselves for the dinner. There were glass doors that opened onto the walkway in front of the Swan. Our guests strolled in and out of them all evening. That corner of WDW is particularly marvelous and the whole day turned out like a dream.

Could you possibly think of having your nuptials in the afternoon? Lots of Boardwalk-area restaurants open for dinner only.

 

[Niki in NJ]

What is your favorite restaurant in Disney? If they serve lunch, go there!! It's your wedding, so you should make it personal to reflect you
Where ever you pick will be perfect! Congrats!

(I will say I would stay clear of Coral Reef - the food is really lacking)

 

[KristiLyn]

Hello from one bride to another
Just wanted to give you a little advice, BOOK EARLY! We were planning on going to California Grill for our after wedding dinner. We just hit our 180 day mark and it's completely booked! I couldn't even get a reservation at the time we needed for 2 people! I tried a few places with our party size (which was about 20) and had no luck Lunch may be a little easier wherever you decide though. But since you have a bigger party going, it makes it kind of difficult. I'd say once you decide, try to get in touch with Disney a little early to see if you can reserve a room or if they can do anything to help out. Good luck!!

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

Wonderland Gal,

Sorry I got the "wrong end of the stick" about your in-laws. You used words like wicked and referenced being stuck with four choices for your reception, several of which you had not even experienced, and I got the wrong impression.

In a later post you talked about the interior of Grand Floridian Cafe as being "wicked pretty" and I realized that we have a generational linguistical disconformity. It would seem that I am using the archaic meaning for wicked.

Nothing like that sinking feeling when you realize that you have become an old fuddy duddy.

As to your dining options, Captain's Grill, Raglan Road, and Grand Floridian Cafe all fit the bill of inexpensive lunches in a nice setting. Personally, I like the Captain's Grill best for location and tie in to ceremonial location theme. I like the Grand Floridian best for its ambiance and light.

If you could do a dinner, Il Mulino really is the best Italian on property and very reasonably priced, compared to other Disney dining experiences. They offer several relatively inexpensive dinner offerings, such as the Margerita pizza for $16, while having pricier items like the beef tenderloin for $45.

 

[Karlzmom]

I'd do Flying Fish..hands down. Easy location, but the food would be worth a trek! Seriously, they are that good, and you won't find more gracious people anywhere on property! Congratulations

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I wouldn't recommend Grand Floridian Cafe...DBF and I ate there last year and while the food was acceptable (just acceptable..nothing great....) the atmosphere and service were seriously lackluster. I'd even go so far as to say the service was bad.

Really? I think that both the food and service are wonderful at the Grand Floridian Café for lunch.

 

[robinb]

Ragland Road (our favorite)
Coral Reef (nver been)
Hollywood Derby (never been)
Paradiso 37 (never been)

I think the Ragland Road and the Paradiso 37 are both too casual. I think that the Brown Derby is a better restaurant than the Coral Reef. PLUS, the CR's seating is not conducive to a wedding party. The tables are very separate. So, I would pick the Brown Derby from the options given.

 

[WonderlandGal]

I have the same issue! Same wedding place and same amount of people 20. I have decided to do lunch at the Wolfgang Puck at Downtown Disney. The limo will take you there and they serve lunch. Also no theme park ticket needed! The price is not over the top also. If any of your guests are on the Disney dining plan-score! My day is 10/11/11 at 10am Seabreeze point. I would love to chat about any detail issues-I'm right there with you.

I cant believe it! Im just about a week after you! same place! how funny!!!
are you totally aching to go right now? I dont think i can wait 6 months!
I think i might consider your suggestion with wolfgang puck. my fiance loves him anyway so I am def going to check it out. thanks! thanks! thanks!

 

[WonderlandGal]

Uresky -
which wolfgang specifically? The dining room? The cafe? There are like three different ones I just realized.

 

[Califgirl]

I wouldn't recommend Grand Floridian Cafe...DBF and I ate there last year and while the food was acceptable (just acceptable..nothing great....) the atmosphere and service were seriously lackluster. I'd even go so far as to say the service was bad.

I disagree. As a matter of fact, we saw a small wedding there having their meal there last year. They were seated along a banquette and it was just beautiful. We do like the food and have had good service. I was going to recommend the Grand Floridian Cafe before I saw someone else had already.

Really? I think that both the food and service are wonderful at the Grand Floridian Café for lunch.

I was just at the Grand Floridian Cafe for lunch last week. The food was delicious. I'll admit the quality surprised me. I had great service, too.
The other wonderful thing about choosing the Grand Floridian, is their fabulous staircase. When I was there, I saw a wedding party taking pictures on it. It was a really beautiful setting.

However, if you want something you can walk to, Captain's Grill might be a great choice. I was happy with the breakfast I had there. Haven't had lunch or dinner there. Here's a link to the lunch menu: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me.../CaptainsGrill/captains-grille-menu-lunch.pdf

I'll second the option of choosing a non-park restaurant so you can stay in your wedding attire, if you like. Whatever you decide, enjoy it. It's your special day.

 

[deuceswild10]

Don't worry about your mother and sister in law, but go where YOU and your fiance want to go.

Just my two cents.

 

[rumrunnergirl]

.

 

[WonderlandGal]

Thanks Rumrunner! I didnt even think of Whispering Canyon. Ill check that out too! thanks!

 

[EvilQueenT]

i think the first thing to remember is that no matter where you choose to go disney menu's are pretty group friendly for the most part, so having two picky eaters...it's your wedding they'll survive. if they can't find an entree off the menu they can do salad, soup, apps, and dessert...worst case they can hit mcdonalds on the way home. it's your day not theirs so don't over stress that part. another person mentioned wolfgang pucks. we did my daughters 18th birthday there with a group about the same size as your...and yes with 4 generations, 1 meat and potatoes kind of guy, and one vegetarian and everyone left full and happy. they have everything from sushi, salads, pizza/flat breads, to great dinner choices at lunch time. also when we went they were great accommodating our group and i agree with it being a bonus not needing a ticket...you'll probably have some people who won't want that extra expense.

 

[WonderlandGal]

i think the first thing to remember is that no matter where you choose to go disney menu's are pretty group friendly for the most part, so having two picky eaters...it's your wedding they'll survive. if they can't find an entree off the menu they can do salad, soup, apps, and dessert...worst case they can hit mcdonalds on the way home. it's your day not theirs so don't over stress that part. another person mentioned wolfgang pucks. we did my daughters 18th birthday there with a group about the same size as your...and yes with 4 generations, 1 meat and potatoes kind of guy, and one vegetarian and everyone left full and happy. they have everything from sushi, salads, pizza/flat breads, to great dinner choices at lunch time. also when we went they were great accommodating our group and i agree with it being a bonus not needing a ticket...you'll probably have some people who won't want that extra expense.

i think i may be leaning this way...towards wolfgang. not because of the tickets...we are going to epcot that night anyway....but because of the sushi!
and i just want my amazing mother inlaw who has done everything in the world for us to have a great meal after her son gets married. i want it to be special for everybody. without them (our family)...where would we be?!
mcdonalds...
But you have made up my mind...i think...

 

[cbg1027]

I have not been to Raglan Road or Paradiso 37.

I thought Coral Reef was mediocre at best.

Brown Derby was quite good, and they have the added bonus of a more upscale setting and servers in tuxedos. (Too bad the other guests are in t-shirts!) But I love the suggestion of asking about their private dining room - then you really would have the nice atmosphere!

It is very kind of you to think of your guests, but my thinking is that it's YOUR wedding - therefore you and your fiancé's opinions and food preferences are the ones that matter here.

Is there any reason the meal HAS to be lunch? Why not have your ceremony and spend the afternoon with your new husband before meeting back up with your guests for dinner? That would give you more options.

 

[Art 1]

We took about 20 people to California Grill for my daughter 16th. It was handled very well and all ran smoothly. They even made special menu's for the event, handled the cake and some other things. They gave us our own section with a wonderful view of the park and fireworks. My wife and them started the plans 6 months in advance and they assigned a nice lady to handle it all and she did a very nice job. Not on your list but worth a look.

I'm sorry that your mother and sister are not so nice to your future husband.

 

[WonderlandGal]

We took about 20 people to California Grill for my daughter 16th. It was handled very well and all ran smoothly. They even made special menu's for the event, handled the cake and some other things. They gave us our own section with a wonderful view of the park and fireworks. My wife and them started the plans 6 months in advance and they assigned a nice lady to handle it all and she did a very nice job. Not on your list but worth a look.

I'm sorry that your mother and sister are not so nice to your future husband.

We will be having dinner at Cali Grill but not on the wedding day. It needs to be a place open for lunch. Not just dinner.Thanks though. And my mother and sister?! They are great to my fiance. You might want to read the other posts. You may have gotten the wrong impression. sorry!
Im feeling guilty just thinking that people thought i was bad talking my fam!