Reception venues

[FairytaleBelle]

Ariels vs California Grill vs the living seas salon.


Note 1.that we are having a dp so the cg having a view of the fireworks is irrelevant.
2. Dp is in epcot so we would have to arrange transport there anyway.
3. Ceremony in WP

Ariels- is it true it is buffet only ?
CG- is it worth saving for a time we can watch wishes?
LSS- it's more expensive and with a group of 20 would it feel empty?

Any opinions, experiences or better alternatives would be greatly appreciated

 

[bradleyjess]

I'm using Ariel's yes, it's buffet only.

What time is your reception/where is your ceremony? Using Ariel's would make getting to your DP easy as would Living Seas!

 

[FairytaleBelle]

I saw photos of Ariels it's soo pretty Nothing is set in stone we're still ageess out, just gathering our ideas.

Ceremony in the wedding pavillion and reception maybe 4.30.

Did the fact it's buffet bother you or was it what you wanted?

 

[FairytaleBelle]

.

 

[bradleyjess]

No, it doesn't bother me. It's less planning on my part and saves me money lol

If your ceremony is at the wedding pavilion, I'd probably choose living seas because you'd only have to bus your guests from ceremony to reception then back home. If you choose Ariel's you'd bus them to Ariels then the park then home. But, if you choose living seas you'll have to use Disney photography which is more expensive than an outside vendor.

 

[FairytaleBelle]

I've just had a look at buffets, they do make them much better than the standard trays of food lined up buffet I imagine!

Yeah the minimum on the LSS combined with disney photography makes me hesitate.
Thankyou

Has anyone else had an experience with any of these?

 

[bradleyjess]

Disney's buffets are very pretty and the food is delicious!

 

[lurkyloo]

Note 1.that we are having a dp so the cg having a view of the fireworks is irrelevant.
2. Dp is in epcot so we would have to arrange transport there anyway.
3. Ceremony in WP

Ariels- is it true it is buffet only ?
CG- is it worth saving for a time we can watch wishes?
LSS- it's more expensive and with a group of 20 would it feel empty?

Any opinions, experiences or better alternatives would be greatly appreciated

Well, if you only have 20, I am compelled to recommend the Attic because it is my all-time favorite venue and where we had our reception.

http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/attic/

Also, you can use an outside photographer there, which could potentially save you thousands of dollars.

One thing to consider with California Grill is that you must use their menus, you can't customize them, and you don't get a tasting. Having been inside LSS with large and small groups, I don't think it will feel too empty for a group of 20, although there will be some empty tables, since they can't remove them.

I have photos of all these venues HERE, if it's helpful.

 

[FairytaleBelle]

Thankyou Carrie, that was super helpful !!


The attic looks super cute but I think Ariels is a bit more formal which swings it for me! Photography seems a really good place for cutting costs !

Oh my I didn't know that about CG, thankyou that is definitely a deal breaker for me.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thankyou Carrie, that was super helpful !!


The attic looks super cute but I think Ariels is a bit more formal which swings it for me! Photography seems a really good place for cutting costs !

Oh my I didn't know that about CG, thankyou that is definitely a deal breaker for me.

My daughter just booked Ariel's today for a 2014 wedding ! The only thing she did not like about Ariel's was the shared bathroom in the hallway connecting to the lobby. All hotel guests can use that bathroom. But other than that--she loved it !

 

[bradleyjess]

How exciting! That's my venue! Feel free to follow my planning journal for pictures and such

 

[FairytaleBelle]

Thankyou Bradley jess- I think I will follow along

 

[MiaSRN62]

How exciting! That's my venue! Feel free to follow my planning journal for pictures and such

Thanks !!! I'm going to follow !!!

And lurkyloo....while we have 50 guests approximately, I must say I love the cozy unique feel of the Attic. Love your photos.