Please help with meal after wedding!

[wonderlandaddict]

My daughter is getting married Oct 18 at Sea Breeze Point at 5:00pm, we have had Ohana reservations for months for 23 people at 8:25. I thought it would take a couple of hrs for the photographers to get all of the pictures, then we would eat.
She met with the photographers this week and decided that they would take the majority of the pictures before the wedding. So now that leaves a huge time gap!
I have been calling Disney alot the past couple of days to try and change the dinner reservations. Ohana can't seat us any sooner, I am very afraid that they won't seat us untill 9:00 because they are booked up.
Only option that I can see is the Grand Floridian Cafe, they can seat us at 8:00. She said we wouldn't have to wait. Has anyone ate there, do you think this is a good option? Any other ideas? Help!

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

My fiancee and I ate at GF Cafe during our engagement week, and we LOVED it! The service there was some of the best I have ever encountered at Disney--- 3 cast members who weren't our server came up to us and congratulated us! Also, the restaurant is lovely and classy. The food was also very good.

Hope that helps!

 

[Boston Disney Bride]

My suggestion is to have the bride and groom take pictures at Polynesian. Me and DH decided to go to the Polynesian and we ate at Kona Cafe..before our meal our photographer brought us around the beautiful resort and took pics! Some of our best pictures came from the Polynesian.

We also got married at SBP. Our wedding was at 10am and our lunch reception at Kona Cafe was at 1:40..during that break we walked around the boardwalk and took pictures and also took the pics at the Polynesian.

 

[gemmybear83]

I have been to the Grand Floridian Cafe and LOVED it! Its very pretty and has got a nice quiet atmosphere (very different from Ohana's), the food is good too! You can also get some photos and around the Grand Floridian

 

[MsEsty]

On the other hand...there might not be a huge need for a change (without knowing if it is an escape or wishes).

If it is an Escape - you will have the ceremony and cake for an hour plus photos. That takes you to approx 7pm. For a large party, you want to show up at least 20 minutes beforehand so they can start to get your tables together (they say no waiting but I've heard horror stories from all restaurants with large parties)

Also you need to factor in transporation: are you taking a bus from the Boardwalk to the Monorail (either place would have this)?

Plus, it might not be a bad thing for the couple just to have some time to breathe...

 

[wonderlandaddict]

It is escape wedding. I am afraid people will start to get crabby if they have to wait 3 hrs for food.
Do you think Ohana or GFC has the best food?
She is having a huge reception at home on the 23rd with a meal and dancing, so this is just for family.
thanks!

 

[Brit_Jude]

On the other hand...there might not be a huge need for a change (without knowing if it is an escape or wishes).

If it is an Escape - you will have the ceremony and cake for an hour plus photos. That takes you to approx 7pm. For a large party, you want to show up at least 20 minutes beforehand so they can start to get your tables together (they say no waiting but I've heard horror stories from all restaurants with large parties)

Also you need to factor in transporation: are you taking a bus from the Boardwalk to the Monorail (either place would have this)?

Plus, it might not be a bad thing for the couple just to have some time to breathe...

I agree - not sure you need to change:
5.00 - 5.30pm Ceremony
5.30 - 6.30pm Cake, champagne etc
6.30 - 7.00pm Transportation to Poly, depending on method this could take longer
7.00 - 8.00pm Cocktails at O'hana bar and check in with Ohana's or find a location at the Boardwalk to have cocktails then travel to Poly
8.00 Check in with O'Hana for you 8.25 ressie

Have you also tried Kozzina's at the Boardwalk as an alternate restaurant location - we had a fabulous rehersal dinner there - much better service than the group dinner we had a Ohana's and less travel.

 

[Disneychix]

When we ate with our big group at Ohana after my wedding we were seated at least 40 mins late. My wedding was at 5pm at the Swan. We had the cake reception (where we did provide a veggie tray and fruit) and I didn't really pay much attention to what my guests did between leaving the Swan and meeting at Ohana by 9pm (our ADR time). We weren't seated until 9:45ish. My group NEVER complained and they all were at the bar having drinks and chatting with eachother.

If you really think it will be a big deal about guests waiting around to eat then I'd re-book with GFC. If you really wanted Ohana then stick with it and just remember everyone is there for your daughter and SIL, they WANT to celebrate with you and will happily go along with what you have planned!

 

[Boston Disney Bride]

One thing about Ohana...I had my welcome dinner there and I know that we were seated really late after our reservation. I know that Weedee also had a similar experience of being sat late...

 

[wonderlandaddict]

I changed the reservation to GFC. I liked the condensed menu she e-mailed me and I think it will be less stressful to know we will be seated close to our reservation time. We are starting the day early with a girls breakfast at Boma and the night before we are having a welcome/dessert party at our AKL villa, so I know the couple will be exhasuted and ready to be done with family!
thanks for the advice, as we are getting closer I am freaking out!

 

[princesswendy720]

The Swan and Dolphin also have many restaurants and are in the area. Several of them have private rooms as well. They may not book up as fast since they're not on the Dining plan.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I changed the reservation to GFC. I liked the condensed menu she e-mailed me and I think it will be less stressful to know we will be seated close to our reservation time. We are starting the day early with a girls breakfast at Boma and the night before we are having a welcome/dessert party at our AKL villa, so I know the couple will be exhasuted and ready to be done with family!
thanks for the advice, as we are getting closer I am freaking out!

Did you e-mail the restaurant manager directly at the GFC? If so would you be kind enough to PM me the address? I am considering this restaurant for a girlie dinner during our trip. Thanks so much!!