Planning a private birthday brunch! UPDATE. BEO sent and a dress

[quandrea]

Just beginning to plan my third private event at WDW. This time I'm thinking a brunch.

My planner got back to me with several suggestions. The best one seems to be Tamu Tamu for breakfast with a ride mix in. She suggested the Safari but I've asked if the new Pandora river ride was possible. Tamu Tamu is about $200 more than I'd like to spend, but not a deal breaker.

My bigger worry with that location is rain. Last year it poured with crazy lightning and thunder at my dessert party. We got to the rain location but the whole thing was nearly a bust.

Has anyone done anything at Dino Lounge? It's not as pretty but it is inside.

Also thinking about the Attic. Not sure about minimums there. The ride mix in would be out as well.

So any feedback on any of these three venues would be appreciated. Also, does anyone know the rain location for Tamu Tamu?

 

[lurkyloo]

Rain locations vary depending on what's available that day. They might move you into one of the animal-themed rooms at Pizzafari. Other rain backups are Rafiki's Planet Watch and that Dinosaur Lounge. Maybe one of the pavilions at Flame Tree Barbecue, too, since they're covered.

The Attic has a $1,000 minimum for events ending before 5pm. I love the Attic because it's indoor/outdoor but still covered, and it has an amazing view. But your guests will be most impressed by an in-park event, so I'd see if you could make AK happen. Especially if they'll let you mix in on the river ride!

 

[quandrea]

Thanks Lurkrloo. I'm leaning towards Dino Lounge. It's not fancy but I think I can make it work with decor. I'm really skittish about an outdoor event and rain. Dino Lounge has the bonus of lower minimums and I can pick any time for the party.

No luck with the river ride mix in. Coordinators have been advised that they will not be able to do anything related to Pandora for about two years. So we will do a Safari mix in. Several guests are terrified of Everest or I would do that.

Have to write my planner again and get started on menues. Planning brunch.

 

[quandrea]

Anyone have any fun suggestions for birthday decor to spruce up Dino Lounge? I'm not very good with design. Food and menu planning are my areas of strength.

 

[lurkyloo]

Balloons make a lot of impact for a little price (if you get regular ones). You can ask to have a call with a floral planner ans s/he can help you come up with ideas.

 

[quandrea]

Balloons make a lot of impact for a little price (if you get regular ones). You can ask to have a call with a floral planner ans s/he can help you come up with ideas.

Thanks Carrie. I remember we used balloons at our wedding when part of the reception had to be unexpectedly moved to the lower level of my house. It turned out great.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Coordinators have been advised that they will not be able to do anything related to Pandora for about two years.

1) Probably more like three years.
2) It will be very crowded for quite a while.
3) When it opens this May, people will want to book months-out.
4) Can you say Lemmings-To-The-Sea?
5) Besides, it is ONLY quick service, and as others have said, no balloons.

 

[quandrea]

Balloons make a lot of impact for a little price (if you get regular ones). You can ask to have a call with a floral planner ans s/he can help you come up with ideas.

No balloons allowed at AK as per my planner. Any other suggestions? There is a cool dinosaur etched in a glass wall that I like. I hope to set up the meal near there.

 

[quandrea]

1) Probably more like three years.
2) It will be very crowded for quite a while.
3) When it opens this May, people will want to book months-out.
4) Can you say Lemmings-To-The-Sea?
5) Besides, it is ONLY quick service, and as others have said, no balloons.

Not sure what you are referring to when you say quick service. I am planning a private event in a private space called Dinosaur Lounge. I had enquired about a ride mix in in Pandora. Ride mix ins are common with private events. We are going with the Safari, but had the choice to mix in for Dinosaur and Everest as well.

I assumed balloons were out, but it never hurts to ask. Now I will work something else out for decor.

 

[justlook3]

Since you're in the dinosaur lodge and there's a dinosaur in the glass wall, I would totally go greenery. Palm leaves, that sorta thing. I'm thinking maybe play up that garden that is in the location near Dinosaur? Bits of glass or stone might be interesting too, depending on what they have to offer.

 

[aristocatz]

You can get some great ideas on decor here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=din...uM3TAhUM6oMKHXMrC5sQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=630

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Banana leaves are really cheap, big and look prehistoric

 

[quandrea]

Since you're in the dinosaur lodge and there's a dinosaur in the glass wall, I would totally go greenery. Palm leaves, that sorta thing. I'm thinking maybe play up that garden that is in the location near Dinosaur? Bits of glass or stone might be interesting too, depending on what they have to offer.

Love this idea! Thanks for replying. I must ask to speak to Disney floral. Haven't done that yet.

You can get some great ideas on decor here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=din...uM3TAhUM6oMKHXMrC5sQ_AUICigB&biw=1366&bih=630

Excellent!

Banana leaves are really cheap, big and look prehistoric

Will definitely use this as I want to keep costs low.

My planner came back with a great quote. Right at the minimums! Cake $65. So we are right on track.

Here's the menu:
POG, fruit punch, water, pressed coffee
Assorted fruit
Assorted pastries with Jam and butter
Scrambled eggs
Bacon
Turkey sausage
Roasted red peppers dressed in olive oil and garlic
Mickey waffles with butter, whipped cream and maple syrup
Cake and ice cream. Chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream

 

[justlook3]

That cake is adorable! And the brunch sounds yummy.

 

[quandrea]

That cake is adorable! And the brunch sounds yummy.

Thanks. I've always loved that cake but never ordered it. Just going with simple chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream. Brunch is my favourite meal of the day!

 

[quandrea]

Got the draft of my BEO today. There were a few errors. Dd's kiwi allergy was missed, the bacon and turkey sausage didn't make it on to the menu and they are trying to charge me $75++ per person for the cake!!! Original quote was $65++.

No worries, sent the changes off and hopefully all will be well.

I was surprised that the meal was blocked for an hour an a half. That will be nice!

My mix in is scheduled for after the meal but I'm hopeful that they will move it to before the meal. Otherwise, I don't know how I'll get the cake home.

We are scheduled to meet the guide at 10:45. I figure if we meet at 10, get to the Safari by 10:15, ride, that we will be done by 10:45. That way we will make the 11 am brunch. Hope it works out.

If the mix in has to be after the meal, do you think the leftover cake will survive the Safari?

 

[lurkyloo]

You won't have to take the cake on the safari. If you're using backstage transport, they can put it in your van/town car for you. Otherwise, just have your event guide hang onto the cake box while you ride.

 

[quandrea]

You won't have to take the cake on the safari. If you're using backstage transport, they can put it in your van/town car for you. Otherwise, just have your event guide hang onto the cake box while you ride.

So once we leave Dino Lounge, we won't walk to the Safari, we will drive? I didn't realise the guide stayed with us until the end of the ride. That changes things then. Thanks. There has been no mention of town car transportation.

 

[lurkyloo]

You have to request transportation, if you want it. If you do a charter, it will wait through the party, take you to the ride and then take you back to your resort. If you want one-way (much cheaper) you'd pay for each leg of the trip. But, yes, your guides will be with you throughout the event. Cheapest would be just to walk. They'll wait through the ride so they can escort you out of the park when your event's over.

 

[quandrea]

You have to request transportation, if you want it. If you do a charter, it will wait through the party, take you to the ride and then take you back to your resort. If you want one-way (much cheaper) you'd pay for each leg of the trip. But, yes, your guides will be with you throughout the event. Cheapest would be just to walk. They'll wait through the ride so they can escort you out of the park when your event's over.

Walking is good! I like the price!