Restaurant Recommendations for a Rehearsal Dinner

[elleinad16]

Hi everyone!

I was just wondering if anyone had some suggestions on some Disney restaurants that would be good for a wedding rehearsal dinner?

We're probably going to have between 35 and 40 people...

Future in-laws are footing the bill and requested a sit down/table service meal (since our wedding is a buffet) and a place with a cheaper menu (yes, I know this will be hard since it is Disney! )

And I suppose it doesn't have to be a "dinner" either, lunch or something where the costs would be cut down, would help.

I originally wanted Sanaa...does anyone know if you can make a reservation at Sanaa for 40 people? I know we won't be able to sit all together, but as long as we were in the same general area, we would be happy.

Any suggestions?
Thanks!!!

 

[disneyfanz4life]

I would suggest Ohana at the Polynesian. Cheap is a tall order at Disney

 

[marlogood]

We took our guests to Hoop-Dee Doo Review...everyone had a blast and there is plenty of room for your group!

Check it out!

 

[emilymad]

We had ours at Ohana and I am not sure I would recommend it. We had 30 people and they made everyone be there and be standing together before they would seat us. It is a bit hard to get everyone rounded together. They ended up putting us at tables of 8 which was fine but I had wished I had known that in advance. There was some confusion as to who should sit where, etc. I tried to find this all out before hand but they wouldn't tell me. I had even stopped in at Ohana a few days before hand to confirm with no luck. It ended up that people didn't really talk or mingle because it was so loud, etc.

We ended up there because a lot of our guests weren't going to have rental cars and some of the other resort hotels would have been really difficult for people to get to.

 

[engle]

Why not call special events and do a sit down plated dinner in a private location? I did a birthday party last year for 15 people (it was a buffet but I did have a choice of plated!) and you get a choice of locations...

 

[ilovemickeymost]

I think Beaches & Cream would be a really fun place to have it. You might be able to get ahold of your wedding consultant to get help arranging the ressies. Its like an old fasioned soda fountain/burger place. The prices are reasonable. Just not sure if its too informal.

 

[MSLRAC]

What about GFC or The Wave? We had a fabulous meal at The Wave and although we've never eaten at GFC, I've only read great things about it.

 

[ElizabethB]

Calling Special Events is a good idea.

Other thoughts on less expensive restaurants for dinner or in some cases lunch:

Kouzzina has an area set somewhat apart from the rest of the restaurant that I think could seat 35 or so. Kouzzina is very tasty, has good food and has some lesser-priced options. No lunch option at Kouzzina.

Grand Floridian Cafe is very pretty and has an area toward the back where they could seat your party somewhat together. When we've had dinner there, it has been fairly quiet and pleasant in the evening -- conducive to conversation and a toast or two. I hasten to add this was prior to full-year free dining -- so GF Cafe may be pretty noisy and busy at night these days, I just don't know.

Sanaa is tasty but the food may not appeal to everyone (same with Kouzzina). I don't know if they have a private area where they could seat you. The window seats are a row of 8 or so 4-top tables.

Other thoughts -- Olivia's at Old Key West and Turf Club at Saratoga Springs Resort.

Of course, things can get expensive quickly. California Grill has a wonderful private room that could seat 40 and from which there is a great view of the fireworks. But, that is a pricey option. They also have the wine room, which could seat 40 (no fireworks view), but since it would not be a private event per se, people could use TS credits if they are on the dining plan, which might help offset some of the cost.

 

[Wigit12]

we love Sanaa but I would try to ask how they would set that up. I think the room is kind of cut up.
The Wave isn't a "cheaper" menu but it's wonderful. And they have an area that could be separated for your group. It's very pretty and more quiet. I'd definitely try there. We've had great lunches there.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

my $0.02:

thru my time lurking on the wedding board... there have been some rough experiences with 'ohana and rehearsal dinners.

i would choose a quieter resort restaurant and book it on the phone (they'll transfer you to the place for large parties). we're going with the captain's grille because it is delicious, the service is good and it's never packed and crazy in there. you should check it out!!

sanaa may be good too!!

 

[scot@dvcstore]

I have dined twice at Ohana's for weddings both times with over 20 guests. It is hard to have such large tables but Ohana's did an outstanding job and the food was very good.

 

[elleinad16]

Thanks to everyone that posted--it def. helps to hear your opinions!

Bumping to get more recommendations!!!

 

[jlstwinmommy]

My sister had her rehearsal at Ohana's in 2009. There were about 30 - 35 people and we sat at a huge table. We thought it was a lot of fun and the food was good. Plus, the kids involved in the wedding had a great time. You should be able to call your wedding coordinator at Disney to figure out what your options are. I know that is who booked my sister's rehearsal dinner.

 

[Brian Noble]

I think I would go with Turf Club. SSR has a nice sophisticated and vaguely country-clubbish vibe, and TC has a reasonably-priced menu. Olivia's might be more casual than you are looking for.

'Ohana is a bit chaotic, and much of it is served family style which might not be what your in-laws-to-be are looking for.

 

[DisneyPrncss27]

I would suggest asking the wedding planner at Disney. They will be able to estimate the cost in any of their restaurants. If you want quiet and elegant i suggest the Grand Floridian Cafe and if you want loud and fun I suggest Whispering Canyon Cafe, but the planners will be able to point you in the right direction.... Best wishes on you 11/11/11 wedding!!!!

 

[Evi]

I'd go for a resort dinning option vs park. I'd go with GFC they have areas where they could seat a large group. I don't know that I would go with Sanna you would loose rehearsal dinner part if everyone is at individual tables but I also think you could call and see what Disney has to offer. If you go directly through them maybe you could put together a brunch at a lower cost then ordering off menu for such a large group.

 

[Boston Disney Bride]

my $0.02:

thru my time lurking on the wedding board... there have been some rough experiences with 'ohana and rehearsal dinners.

i would choose a quieter resort restaurant and book it on the phone (they'll transfer you to the place for large parties). we're going with the captain's grille because it is delicious, the service is good and it's never packed and crazy in there. you should check it out!!

sanaa may be good too!!

We had our Welcome dinner at Ohana and it was a disaster! We had ADR for 7pm and were made to wait an additional 30-40 minutes. Everything seemed very unorganized once we were sat and we only had 13 people. I would chose somewhere else.