soda as bar drinks?

[caryndisneydiva]

does soda count as a drink purchased at the bar at your reception? we are doing the bill on consumption option as we think this will be cheaper for our brunch reception...

 

[Kristen14]

Yes it does, theres a price list in the packet of menus somewhere. I think its $3 per soda.

 

[caryndisneydiva]

Yes it does, theres a price list in the packet of menus somewhere. I think its $3 per soda.

omg is there anyway to get out of that?

 

[Kristen14]

They have a water & soda package, mine is $23.50 for 5 hours (pre-reception and reception). So you're probably better off going with bill on consumption because how many people are actually going to drink 7 drinks in 5 hours, especially at brunch. I went with open bar & soda package for the under 21, only because I had to meet the $100 minimum.

 

[hmgolden]

I think the only way to get out of it would be to go to a package bar, but that rarely seems to work out to be more economical.

 

[caryndisneydiva]

they gave us the option of having wine on the tables? how is this done, does this end up being cheaper?

 

[lurkyloo]

We're going with a soda and water package only. They told us sodas cost about $5 each - yikes! And then they steered us away from billed on consumption because they claim that people will go get all these sodas, open them, set them down, and then go get more.

I dunno...sounds like an upsell to me... However, they will probably tell you the same thing about wine on the tables - that people will drink more that way than if a bartender pours it for them...

 

[Janet2k]

does soda count as a drink purchased at the bar at your reception?

I'll re-post below some info that I've already shared here on the Weddings/Honeymoons board. This info comes directly from various private events that I've hosted in WDW. It should give you a feel for how things work. Please ask Disney for their current beverage package & pricing information.

============
****************
============

I have hosted several private events in Walt Disney World over the years, including my custom vow renewal. On the night before my vow renewal, I hosted a private Welcome Party at the Grand Floridian. Here is what that party’s final beverage bill looked like. Please note that these prices were from October of 2004:

- - - - - - -
Fee, Bartender
$100
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$127.80

Hosted, Assorted Sodas
$2.75 each
13 glasses = $35.75
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$45.69

Hosted, Bottled Water
$3.50 each
3 bottles = $10.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$13.42

Hosted, Premium Cocktails
$5.75 each
10 glasses = $57.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$73.49

Hosted, Premium Cabernet Sauvignon
$6.25 each
5 glasses = $31.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$39.94

Hosted, Premium Chardonnay
$6.25 each
5 glasses = $31.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$39.94
- - - - - - -

My guest list was small and thus my beverage bill was very reasonable. Plus, my guests didn’t really drink that much since everyone was too busy chitchatting and enjoying the gorgeous moonlight. It was a very laid-back and relaxing Welcome Party.

============
****************
============

On October 27, 2004, my husband and I celebrated 20 years of marriage with a custom vow renewal. Our ceremony was held inside the Wedding Pavilion, and our dinner party was held inside the “Great Movie Ride” at the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park.

There were 22 guests at my vow renewal dinner party (that included my husband & myself). However, just as dinner was beginning inside the Western Area of the “Great Movie Ride,” my young nephew came down with a touch of diarrhea. That meant that he and his mom (my sister) had to leave the party, thus missing dinner, dessert, Mickey Mouse, dancing, and fireworks (it broke my heart that they had to leave so early in the evening). Another one of my guests left the party immediately after dinner had been completed (she had an early call at work the next morning). I am only mentioning all this so you understand that for some portions of my event there were 22 guests, and for other portions there were only 19 guests. Try to remember that when you view the beverage bill for my dinner party.

I should also note that 3 of my 22 guests were children (my daughter, niece, and nephew). 1 more guest was an "underage" adult (my college-aged son). Of the remaining 18 guests, 3 were in their late 60’s / early 70’s (my Mom, Dad, and Aunt). My parents do not drink and my guess is that held true during my dinner party.

There is one final thing that I should mention before I move onto the beverage charges. When it came to what I drank that night, I had one glass of champagne at the Handprint Ceremony (click here) and one cocktail at another point in time (actually, I only drank half of that cocktail). I didn’t touch anything else that evening. I don’t know why I didn’t; I guess I was just too busy enjoying my guests and the incredible Disney entertainment. If I ever get around to finishing my trip report about my vow renewal, you will learn that I paid dearly for the fact that I only drank 1-1/2 glasses of fluids during an 11-hour span of time. When 3 AM hit, I was so dehydrated that I thought I was going to pass out on the chartered bus ride back to my resort. I was in bad shape. Very bad shape. Shame on me. So when you view the beverage charges below, remember that one guest (me) only had two drinks all night long.

Here are the beverage charges from my final bill. I hope I have typed everything correctly (and I hope I have computed everything correctly too).

- - - - - - -
Cakebread Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$74 per bottle
2 bottles = $148
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$189.14

Fess Parker Riesling, Santa Barbara
$35 per bottle
1 bottle = $35
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$44.73

Franciscan Magnificat, Cabernet Sauvignon
$74 per bottle
2 bottles = $148
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$189.14

Stonestreet, Alex Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
$50 per bottle
1 bottle = $50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$63.90

Hosted, Domestic Beer
$4.75 each
9 bottles = $42.75
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$54.63

Hosted, Imported Beer
$5.25 each
7 bottles = $36.75
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$46.97

Hosted, Assorted Sodas
$2.75 each
23 glasses = $63.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$80.83

Hosted, Bottled Water
$3.50 each
21 bottles = $73.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$93.93

Hosted, Call Brand Cocktails
$6.00 each
9 glasses = $54
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$69.01

Hosted, House Cabernet Sauvignon
$5.75 each
15 glasses = $86.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$110.23

Hosted, House Chardonnay
$5.75 each
20 glasses = $115
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$146.97

White Zinfandel, CA
$5.50 each
10 glasses = $55
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$70.29

Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee Brut
$50 per bottle
5 bottles = $250
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$319.50

Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
$22 per bottle
1 bottle = $22
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$28.12

Total charges for beverages = $1,507.39
- - - - - - -

If you divide the above total by the number of guests, it works out as follows:

$1,507.39 / 22 guests = $68.52 per guest for beverages

There were no big drinkers at my event. No one got drunk. No one got tipsy. No one needed a cab ride home. And of my 22 guests, 4 were underage (3 children & 1 young college student) and another 3 were senior citizens. And don’t forget that the bride only drank two drinks all night long.

============
****************
============

Here is the beverage breakdown for a private event that I hosted at the Grand Floridian Resort in July of 2006. If you compare this pricing info with the prior pricing info, you can see how it has increased over the years.

I also included the coffee charge in the breakdown so you can see how it was handled. Sadly, I don’t think my guests drank any coffee that evening since the weather was in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s (it was a balmy summer evening).

In regards to this particular event, there were 15 guests in attendance. Of those 15 guests, 10 were adults older than 21, 1 was an adult under 21 (college student), and 4 were children. Shortly after the party started, 4 of my guests (1 college student plus 3 children) left the party and headed into the Magic Kingdom for the final park hours of the night. That meant that 10 adults were left behind to make a dent in the food and beverages. I think everyone did a pretty good job, especially when it came to the ice-cold beverages.

As always, the Grand Floridian’s Convention Services folks did a lovely job with my event.

- - - - - - -
Fee, Bartender
$100
Plus Sales Tax (6.5%)
$106.50

Hosted, Domestic Beer
$4.75 each
1 bottle = $4.75
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$6.01

Hosted, Soft Drinks, Assorted
$3.50 each
7 glasses = $24.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$30.99

Hosted, Bottled Water
$4.00 each
3 bottles = $12.00
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$15.18

Hosted, Premium Cocktails
$6.75 each
43 glasses = $290.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$367.17

Coffee Regular (per 1/2 gallon)
$32.50 / half gallon
Quantity 3 = $97.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$123.34

Total charges for beverages = $649.19
- - - - - - -

============
****************
============

So, there is some beverage info from a few of my private events. Again, contact Disney directly for their current beverage package & pricing information.

 

[caryndisneydiva]

I'll re-post below some info that I've already shared here on the Weddings/Honeymoons board. This info comes directly from various private events that I've hosted in WDW. It should give you a feel for how things work. Please ask Disney for their current beverage package & pricing information.

============
****************
============

I have hosted several private events in Walt Disney World over the years, including my custom vow renewal. On the night before my vow renewal, I hosted a private Welcome Party at the Grand Floridian. Here is what that party’s final beverage bill looked like. Please note that these prices were from October of 2004:

- - - - - - -
Fee, Bartender
$100
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$127.80

Hosted, Assorted Sodas
$2.75 each
13 glasses = $35.75
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$45.69

Hosted, Bottled Water
$3.50 each
3 bottles = $10.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$13.42

Hosted, Premium Cocktails
$5.75 each
10 glasses = $57.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$73.49

Hosted, Premium Cabernet Sauvignon
$6.25 each
5 glasses = $31.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$39.94

Hosted, Premium Chardonnay
$6.25 each
5 glasses = $31.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$39.94
- - - - - - -

My guest list was small and thus my beverage bill was very reasonable. Plus, my guests didn’t really drink that much since everyone was too busy chitchatting and enjoying the gorgeous moonlight. It was a very laid-back and relaxing Welcome Party.

============
****************
============

On October 27, 2004, my husband and I celebrated 20 years of marriage with a custom vow renewal. Our ceremony was held inside the Wedding Pavilion, and our dinner party was held inside the “Great Movie Ride” at the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park.

There were 22 guests at my vow renewal dinner party (that included my husband & myself). However, just as dinner was beginning inside the Western Area of the “Great Movie Ride,” my young nephew came down with a touch of diarrhea. That meant that he and his mom (my sister) had to leave the party, thus missing dinner, dessert, Mickey Mouse, dancing, and fireworks (it broke my heart that they had to leave so early in the evening). Another one of my guests left the party immediately after dinner had been completed (she had an early call at work the next morning). I am only mentioning all this so you understand that for some portions of my event there were 22 guests, and for other portions there were only 19 guests. Try to remember that when you view the beverage bill for my dinner party.

I should also note that 3 of my 22 guests were children (my daughter, niece, and nephew). 1 more guest was an "underage" adult (my college-aged son). Of the remaining 18 guests, 3 were in their late 60’s / early 70’s (my Mom, Dad, and Aunt). My parents do not drink and my guess is that held true during my dinner party.

There is one final thing that I should mention before I move onto the beverage charges. When it came to what I drank that night, I had one glass of champagne at the Handprint Ceremony (click here) and one cocktail at another point in time (actually, I only drank half of that cocktail). I didn’t touch anything else that evening. I don’t know why I didn’t; I guess I was just too busy enjoying my guests and the incredible Disney entertainment. If I ever get around to finishing my trip report about my vow renewal, you will learn that I paid dearly for the fact that I only drank 1-1/2 glasses of fluids during an 11-hour span of time. When 3 AM hit, I was so dehydrated that I thought I was going to pass out on the chartered bus ride back to my resort. I was in bad shape. Very bad shape. Shame on me. So when you view the beverage charges below, remember that one guest (me) only had two drinks all night long.

Here are the beverage charges from my final bill. I hope I have typed everything correctly (and I hope I have computed everything correctly too).

- - - - - - -
Cakebread Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$74 per bottle
2 bottles = $148
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$189.14

Fess Parker Riesling, Santa Barbara
$35 per bottle
1 bottle = $35
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$44.73

Franciscan Magnificat, Cabernet Sauvignon
$74 per bottle
2 bottles = $148
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$189.14

Stonestreet, Alex Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
$50 per bottle
1 bottle = $50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$63.90

Hosted, Domestic Beer
$4.75 each
9 bottles = $42.75
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$54.63

Hosted, Imported Beer
$5.25 each
7 bottles = $36.75
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$46.97

Hosted, Assorted Sodas
$2.75 each
23 glasses = $63.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$80.83

Hosted, Bottled Water
$3.50 each
21 bottles = $73.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$93.93

Hosted, Call Brand Cocktails
$6.00 each
9 glasses = $54
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$69.01

Hosted, House Cabernet Sauvignon
$5.75 each
15 glasses = $86.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$110.23

Hosted, House Chardonnay
$5.75 each
20 glasses = $115
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$146.97

White Zinfandel, CA
$5.50 each
10 glasses = $55
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$70.29

Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee Brut
$50 per bottle
5 bottles = $250
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$319.50

Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
$22 per bottle
1 bottle = $22
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$28.12

Total charges for beverages = $1,507.39
- - - - - - -

If you divide the above total by the number of guests, it works out as follows:

$1,507.39 / 22 guests = $68.52 per guest for beverages

There were no big drinkers at my event. No one got drunk. No one got tipsy. No one needed a cab ride home. And of my 22 guests, 4 were underage (3 children & 1 young college student) and another 3 were senior citizens. And don’t forget that the bride only drank two drinks all night long.

============
****************
============

Here is the beverage breakdown for a private event that I hosted at the Grand Floridian Resort in July of 2006. If you compare this pricing info with the prior pricing info, you can see how it has increased over the years.

I also included the coffee charge in the breakdown so you can see how it was handled. Sadly, I don’t think my guests drank any coffee that evening since the weather was in the upper 80’s to lower 90’s (it was a balmy summer evening).

In regards to this particular event, there were 15 guests in attendance. Of those 15 guests, 10 were adults older than 21, 1 was an adult under 21 (college student), and 4 were children. Shortly after the party started, 4 of my guests (1 college student plus 3 children) left the party and headed into the Magic Kingdom for the final park hours of the night. That meant that 10 adults were left behind to make a dent in the food and beverages. I think everyone did a pretty good job, especially when it came to the ice-cold beverages.

As always, the Grand Floridian’s Convention Services folks did a lovely job with my event.

- - - - - - -
Fee, Bartender
$100
Plus Sales Tax (6.5%)
$106.50

Hosted, Domestic Beer
$4.75 each
1 bottle = $4.75
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$6.01

Hosted, Soft Drinks, Assorted
$3.50 each
7 glasses = $24.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$30.99

Hosted, Bottled Water
$4.00 each
3 bottles = $12.00
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$15.18

Hosted, Premium Cocktails
$6.75 each
43 glasses = $290.25
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$367.17

Coffee Regular (per 1/2 gallon)
$32.50 / half gallon
Quantity 3 = $97.50
Plus Gratuity (20%) and Sales Tax (6.5%)
$123.34

Total charges for beverages = $649.19
- - - - - - -

============
****************
============

So, there is some beverage info from a few of my private events. Again, contact Disney directly for their current beverage package & pricing information.

this is very helpful!

 

[lpizzuro123]

We are doing a brunch. I wish they would let us put pitchers of water and soda on each table. I like this so much better then getting served. It just seems easier. I don't know if they do that. I would also like having a bottle of wine at each table.

Linda

 

[caryndisneydiva]

We are doing a brunch. I wish they would let us put pitchers of water and soda on each table. I like this so much better then getting served. It just seems easier. I don't know if they do that. I would also like having a bottle of wine at each table.

Linda

i was given the option to have a bottle of wine at each table...