Reception/dinner clarifications...

[NeverlandClub23]

I'm reading Carrie's WONDERFUL book and I have a couple of questions about the reception/dinner part. As of this moment, I plan on having an off-site wedding, dinner somewhere on Disney property, and a dessert party (sans wedding dress) with approx. 20-40 people.

If I want to eat at a Disney restaurant, I would make a group dining reservation (most likely having to reserve the first or last seating)? Would I be able to have any floral arrangements, runners, table decorations added to our tables? If so, would I go through Disney or would it depend on the restaurant? Or does this "count" as a reception, therefore making the minimums apply?

Other places that aren't open, like Jiko for brunch or the Attic, are these only available if you plan a DFTW? Could I reserve these and just pay the venue fee and food/beverage minimums? Just for a meal, no dancing or other reception activities.

Thanks for any and all help!

 

[lurkyloo]

Hi!

If I want to eat at a Disney restaurant, I would make a group dining reservation (most likely having to reserve the first or last seating)?

Yep!

Would I be able to have any floral arrangements, runners, table decorations added to our tables? If so, would I go through Disney or would it depend on the restaurant? Or does this "count" as a reception, therefore making the minimums apply?

You just need to work with the manager of the restaurant on this. Some are more accommodating than others, and I think your chances are better at non-buffet and Signature restaurants (Citricos, Yachtsman Steakhouse and The Wave have been reported to be very helpful).

In the past brides have been able to get personalized menus, have floral arrangements set out (provided by the Disney Florist, the bride, or an outside florist), and even have favors put at the places. It won't trigger a minimum, but some restaurants require you to order off a group menu if you have more than a certain number of people.

Other places that aren't open, like Jiko for brunch or the Attic, are these only available if you plan a DFTW? Could I reserve these and just pay the venue fee and food/beverage minimums? Just for a meal, no dancing or other reception activities.

This is touchy because if Disney Catered Events thinks you are trying to plan a wedding without going through DFTW, they will refer you to DFTW. But, technically, yes—people have non-wedding-related private events at Disney all the time.

Hope this helps!

 

[lurkyloo]

Just wanted to add... there is a third option somewhere between eating in the middle of the restaurant with tables pushed together and planning a catered event through Disney, and that's reserving the private rooms available at certain restaurants. One of the cheapest Disney private rooms is the one at The Wave. Many of the restaurants at the Swolphin and Downtown Disney have them too, as does Rix Lounge at Coronado Springs. Most of these have food and beverage minimums in the neighborhood of $2,000, but if you have 40 people, that won't be hard to meet.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Thank you so much! As usual, you are very helpful!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

We had our reception meal at Citrico's and they bent over backwards to make it so special. We had our ceremony floral transferred to the tables at the restaurant. My daughter popped into the restaurant when we were in Mizner's having drinks, and put our favours out on the table. The restaurant were great with all this. They also did us personalized menus. I worked directly with the restaurant manager, and she, and all the cast really went out of their way to exceed our expectations!!!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

That is great to know! Thank you very much for the review!! Decisions, decisions!

 

[Jilian]

We're using a private room at Il Mulino in the Swan. They have many different private rooms and we're using rooms 1&2 to accommodate up to 48 people with a $3,000 food & drink minimum (plus tax and gratuity). They've been really great to work with and even offered free use of their swan fountain courtyard for a cocktail hour. They let us do a tour and we've set up a menu tasting. Their customer service has been amazing so far.