Private Dining at Grand Floridian

[medicstewie]

My wife and I are hitting the World in May 2009 for our 5th anniversary. My wife has been doing lots of research trying to find us a nice romantic dinner experience for the night of our anniversary.

We considered different options, but she stumbled upon one that sounded kind of cool. It's at the Grand Flo, it's a private table on the beach for 2, with a committed waiter/server. Apparently it's a multi-course meal and they time out the meal so your desert course hits just as the fireworks start at the Kingdom.

I'm not sure what this experience is called, but I am wondering if anyone has done this and if so, is it worth the money and the experience?

Thanks

medicstewie

 

[webray]

We did Grand Floridian private dining for hubby's 50th birthday. All I can tell you is, it was ok. The party planner was less than forthcoming, and we way overpaid for the meal..since the most crucial part of it was missing. (Foie Gras). We told them immediately when the some of our guests ordered this entree, they had no answer for us, and never did.

Just make sure you confirm everything, right down to the salt/pepper, so you know what you are paying for.

It was a good experience, but the left out many things (besides the foie gras), and told me they were upgrades. We decided they were leftovers from one of the three weddings at the GF that evening that they were serving us. I was not pleased at all.

 

[unique_name]

Here is an old link that describes the event. Some of the details may have changed (for example, I don't know if all locations mentioned are still available), but you can get the general idea.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1173715&pp=15

You can also find out information on Deb's site:

http://allears.net/menu/menu_gfp.htm

Note, that link has not been updated either, so you may want to call to see what has changed.

 

[hmmerr02]

We also did the private dining at the GF for our 5 year anniversary. At that time, the only location was the 3rd floor terrace (outdoor and private). It was lovely and the setting beautiful. We are fairly simple meat and potato people, therefore ordered a basic app, filets, and dessert. Our dinner was COLD. The bottom line here is that you are paying for room service quality food. It had been sitting on the cart for a while when we arrived, had to be recooked and then our dinner was late and the timing was off for the fireworks. The idea of this event is perfect, however it's delivery could use a little catching up with the price. Hope that helps.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

We did this last year and it was well worth the money. We were supposed to be on the 3rd floor terrace, but it rained -- hard! So, they set up a very quiet nook on the 5th floor for us. Other than our waiter, we saw only the Disney florist making a delivery. Plus, we could hear the live music from downstairs.

I worked with Linda at the GF while planning. As we worked together, I had a very detailed menu. I had also seen a cake topper on the cake thread that I wanted. I emailed her a picture & it turned out perfectly! We had crab cakes for our appetizer and they were some of the best I've eaten! The filet was delicious! The lobster tail was a bit tough, but still tasty. Our food was fresh and warm. Our waiter was very attentive, but not hovering.

I can't remember the exact number, but after the food, a glass of champagne each, the cake, the gratuity, and then the extra tip we gave our waiter for such excellent service, the meal was about $400. It made for a very unique Disney memory for us.

 

[unique_name]

When we did this for our 20th anniversary about 2 years ago, I was afraid it might be weird having our own server, but it turned out really great. He was very nice and professional and knew when to "disappear".

We were seated by the marina on the beach. It was very private. A few people walked by and looked at us like we were celebrities.

I told my husband we were going to Citricos and that since we were early we should have a drink in the lobby and listen to the piano player. He was really surprised when our server escorted us to our private table at the beach.

Our food was very good too and I ordered the castle cake for dessert. We were able to hear the music from Spectro and watch Wishes over dessert. It was a very memorable evening.

Hopefully the service and food is still up to par. Happy Anniversary and have fun whatever you decide.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Another option is to rent the Grand One Yacht, have dinner and watch Wishes. A friend did this for her birthday celebration and said it was fantastic!

I am not sure they are still doing the marina table dinner any more. We have had reports here that it was no longer offered. If you get any updated info, please share!