Rehearsal Dinner or Dessert Party?

[Keira1387]

As of right now we have ressies for our RD at Ohana's after the rehearsal for the wedding party and a guest. There is going to be 20 of us. I'm figuring that a dessert party is not much more expense. Has anyone had any experience with this? Our rehearsal is at 4 at the wedding pavillion. I was thinking that everyone could get dinner on their own and we could meet in Epcot. TIA!

 

[cseca]

Well let's see...

Ohana is about $30pp food only (no alcohol). So with 20 people it's about $754 (inc 18% tip and 6.5% tax) but not including alcohol.

DP will cost you the price of the location:
$325

Then the cost of the food: $22pp not including extra drinks

Then viewing fee for people without tix: $12.95pp

So without the viewing fee: $325 + $562.32 (inc 20% service and 6.5% tax) = $887.32

My planner insists that guests should not be allowed to wonder into the park by themselves even if they have tix. So they have to be escorted in.
If that's the case there might be an escort fee too... I'm not too sure about this tho because we are using the stupid bus... ugh...

So the numbers don't look too bad as long as you don't have to pay for the viewing fee or transportation fee...

 

[Keira1387]

Thanks! That's alot of great info! Do you know how to get out of using the bus? I would think if we met them at the back entrance to epcot that someone could just meet us there. I would much rather pay an escort fee, than a transportation fee!!

 

[lurkyloo]

You should TOTALLY do the DP! I'm sure they've been to many a rehearsal dinner, and they can go to Ohana any old time they want, but a DP is an extra-special (and possibly once-in-a-lifetime) event for wedding guests.

Just my 3 cents...

 

[Keira1387]

You should TOTALLY do the DP! I'm sure they've been to many a rehearsal dinner, and they can go to Ohana any old time they want, but a DP is an extra-special (and possibly once-in-a-lifetime) event for wedding guests.

Just my 3 cents...

Thanks carrie!! First of all, I should tell you that you have gotten me started on this DP thing after I saw your pics. Everyone looked like they were having a great time. And, I love it when people tell me what to do. It really makes my decision alot easier!! So, I will e-mail my planner tomorrow and see if anything is available!!

 

[cseca]

Thanks! That's alot of great info! Do you know how to get out of using the bus? I would think if we met them at the back entrance to epcot that someone could just meet us there. I would much rather pay an escort fee, than a transportation fee!!

I think you should approach it with your planner like you won't use the bus at all
Don't even mention the bus especially if most of your guests already have tickets.

Just tell them that everybody would meet at your DP location. Then if they said No no no give them the the Int'l gateway entrance option (I think it's way easier than the front entrace BUT it's harder for people to get there because it's a resort entrance). They will probably say to have people meet them at the entrance at so and so time and walk everybody over to your DP location

Good luck!!!

 

[lov2b@disney]

This is what we are doing- we are having everyone meet at the International Gateway and they will escort everyone to the DP- no bus!!!

 

[Starr W.]

I saw a couple of DP parties meet at the International gateway and get escorted in(including one the bride still had her dress on). This was MLK weekend. Neither were very large parties(40 ppl max).

 

[Keira1387]

Thanks ladies! I e-mailed my planner last night! So I'll keep my fingers crossed and let you know what she says!

 

[Keira1387]

I just got an e-mail back from my planner!!! We have booked UK Lochside! Anyone familiar with this? I an going to set up a time to talk specifics with Jennifer, but I think we are on the right track! She also said it should be less then $1000 for 20 of us. She said we will not need the bus! I wonder if we could ride the monorail over? Hmm...

 

[BaBeeCee14]

Hey Kendra!

Congrats on booking a location for the DP! I'm using that location for my DP too!! I'm so excited! You and your guests are going to have a great time! A DP was one of the first things I knew I wanted when planning my wedding. I love Illuminations and this is such a unique way of experiencing it.

 

[cseca]

I just got an e-mail back from my planner!!! We have booked UK Lochside! Anyone familiar with this? I an going to set up a time to talk specifics with Jennifer, but I think we are on the right track! She also said it should be less then $1000 for 20 of us. She said we will not need the bus! I wonder if we could ride the monorail over? Hmm...

YAY!!!!
Very cool... Have fun planning your DP!!!

 

[lurkyloo]

HOORAY! UK Lochside is what they call UK Lower now - that's where our DP was, and it is amazing! I love it because it's down a pretty, winding path away from the main walkway, with a secluded entrance. It felt like we were in our own little garden.

I'm so excited for you now!

 

[BayouPrincess]

I just got an e-mail back from my planner!!! We have booked UK Lochside! Anyone familiar with this? I an going to set up a time to talk specifics with Jennifer, but I think we are on the right track! She also said it should be less then $1000 for 20 of us. She said we will not need the bus! I wonder if we could ride the monorail over? Hmm...

Kendra,
That's where Carrie had her DP! I'm scheduled for there as well! I'm so excited, especially after seeing her pics! You will have such a good time.

 

[1msanderson]

I would very much appreciate any feedback and lessons learned. We are planning our wedding for this Summer. We expect to have between 50 and 75 guests.

Our plans as of right now:

1. Wedding - UK Garden Epcot
2. Reception - Living Seas Salon
3. DP - UK Lochside

I would love to know your suggestions, etc. I don't want to use the buss for the DP if I can avoid it. Also, is the DP always from 8:30 PM to 10 PM? That does not seem like much time. I was thinking more like 8:30 - 11 PM. What do you think?

Thank you for the information.

 

[lov2b@disney]

You do not have to use buses to go to the dp- we have a similar schedule with our ceremony early in Italy. We are meeting at the international gateway prior to the dp and walking in.

You can extend the time of the dp- dont know the details though- we are not.

 

[Disneybride2386]

Can the DP per person price be used as part of your food minimums per person?

 

[lov2b@disney]

yes, as long at is on the day of the wedding.