Reception at Epcot?

[Desnik]

OK, I must have lost my mind or I was so into having the reception at the White Hall room and patio that I missed this. You can have your reception at Epcot? We are having our Wishes VR Nov. 9, 2009. I was all set with my plans and then DH said it's not Disney enough!(read my PJ for more info on that!) So, as I search I realized Epcot is very Disney but I didn't know you can have a full reception there. Anyone know anymore details? Like what type of hot foods can you have? Does it have to be a buffet? If it rains where do they put you? Can you have music, like a string quartet? What locations are my options if we will have 50 people?
Thanks for any help, or info or even pictures anyone can provide!!

 

[camara381]

OK, I must have lost my mind or I was so into having the reception at the White Hall room and patio that I missed this. You can have your reception at Epcot? We are having our Wishes VR Nov. 9, 2009. I was all set with my plans and then DH said it's not Disney enough!(read my PJ for more info on that!) So, as I search I realized Epcot is very Disney but I didn't know you can have a full reception there. Anyone know anymore details? Like what type of hot foods can you have? Does it have to be a buffet? If it rains where do they put you? Can you have music, like a string quartet? What locations are my options if we will have 50 people?
Thanks for any help, or info or even pictures anyone can provide!!

Yes you can have a reception there. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to have amplified music anymore and you must use Disney Photography. The rain out location will depend on the number of people and availability.

http://www.magicalkingdoms.com/ftw/wdw/customrecep.html

this page will give you information on locations and minimums.

 

[Desnik]

Thank you for that info! So, I guess the string quartet would be fine cause I don't think that is amplified. The deal breaker might be no outside photographer! That really stinks. I have heard some nightmare stories about DFTW photogs. Hmm.... I guess I could still use an outside photographer for the ceremony and all before and after pics and just use DFTW photographer at the reception! Is that possible?

 

[lurkyloo]

Yes, that is possible!

There are also indoor locations at Epcot, Like American Adventure Parlour and Rotunda, and the Living Seas.

Just keep in mind that they'll require you to provide transportation to get people into Epcot for your reception.

 

[Desnik]

Thank you Carrie!
American Adventure Rotunda was DH's favorite location. Unfortunately you need a minimum of 100 and we will have about 40-50 people.

What about food? Does it have to be a buffet and what type of hot items do they allow? I can't seem to find that info anywhere.

I'll have to run this by DH and see what he thinks. Boy, he is being very finicky about this VR! He is such a girl!LOL

 

[lurkyloo]

American Adventure Parlour (upstairs from the Rotunda) has a capacity of 50 - maybe that would be better suited to your group?

It's only the outdoor Epcot venues that have hefty restrictions on the types of food you can have, cuz they're so far from the kitchens.

The venue rental fee is $250. The food and beverage minimum is $1,500 for events ending before 4:00 pm and $3,000 for events after 4:00 pm.

 

[Desnik]

Thank you again!

 

[honey2741]

I guess I could still use an outside photographer for the ceremony and all before and after pics and just use DFTW photographer at the reception!

Once again I am so happy for this thread. This is exactly what we are considering too! We really want to "Disney-out" our event. Maybe someone will come along and share recent GOOD news about Disney Photo for dessert parties and reception? Any takers?

 

[PrincessBride07]

American Adventure Parlour (upstairs from the Rotunda) has a capacity of 50 - maybe that would be better suited to your group? It is buffet-only, and most items are allowed. It's only the outdoor Epcot venues that have hefty restrictions on the types of food you can have, cuz they're so far from the kitchens.

I had a plated dinner at the AAP. They might have made an exception for me though.

 

[honey2741]

American Adventure Parlour (upstairs from the Rotunda) has a capacity of 50 - maybe that would be better suited to your group?

Is this a nice area or have a view? Is it the balcony? Thanks.

 

[Desnik]

There is a picture of it somewhere here. I will see if I can find it. It is not the balcony of the AAR, it is a separate room. I liked it but then I read your guests have to use the bathroom that the Epcot visitors use at the AA area. I know it might not bother some, but it bothers me. I am picky like that.


Another question.....
If I have the reception outside at Epcot will they charge me an extra fee because we will be seeing Illuminations? I plan on the reception being from 7pm-11pm.(our ceremony is at 5pm)

 

[lurkyloo]

I had a plated dinner at the AAP. They might have made an exception for me though.

I was wrong - they offer plated and buffet there.

Is this a nice area or have a view? Is it the balcony? Thanks.

The windows look out on the lagoon and Spaceship Earth, but there is no balcony. FigmentFan has some great pix of the room in her planning journal.

I liked it but then I read your guests have to use the bathroom that the Epcot visitors use at the AA area. I know it might not bother some, but it bothers me. I am picky like that.

There is a small bathroom on the third floor that they might open for you if you pay for it (and push for it). They don't like to do it.

Another question.....
If I have the reception outside at Epcot will they charge me an extra fee because we will be seeing Illuminations? I plan on the reception being from 7pm-11pm.(our ceremony is at 5pm)

If it's within view of IllumiNations, they will charge you a viewing fee for every guest who doesn't have park admission already. But if you were in, say, Italy Courtyard and didn't move out to Italy Isola to watch the fireworks, they might not charge you cuz you can't really see 'em!

 

[jen54321]

My original venue was rained out so we were moved to the AAP. I panicked a bit since I didn't know a thing about it. Turns out it was perfect. It had a room for the pre-reception and a smaller room for the dinner. The area was private and had it's own bathroom. We loved it! (I really should get my TR completed)

Here is Disney's description of it from their Weddings site (Parent's Guide section):
The American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot is the home of a private 3rd floor lounge called the American Adventure Parlor. Your guests would begin with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Parlor and then move to the John Henry Room for dinner. No food or beverage will be set up in the Parlor/Living Room seating area. The seating capacity for the Dining area is 50 guests based on rounds of 10. Private transportation and Epcot guides are required for use of this venue.

 

[hmdelf]

My original venue was rained out so we were moved to the AAP. I panicked a bit since I didn't know a thing about it. Turns out it was perfect. It had a room for the pre-reception and a smaller room for the dinner. The area was private and had it's own bathroom. We loved it! (I really should get my TR completed)

Here is Disney's description of it from their Weddings site (Parent's Guide section):
The American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot is the home of a private 3rd floor lounge called the American Adventure Parlor. Your guests would begin with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Parlor and then move to the John Henry Room for dinner. No food or beverage will be set up in the Parlor/Living Room seating area. The seating capacity for the Dining area is 50 guests based on rounds of 10. Private transportation and Epcot guides are required for use of this venue.

I'd love to see trip report with pics of your day. Pretty please!!!!

Great info girls! Thanks

 

[lurkyloo]

I'm not the OP, but I do have a TON of photos of American Adventure Parlor posted here if you're interested:

http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/american-adventure-dining-room/