Surprise 50th Birthday Party-help me please...

[Scrufsmom]

I know this site dedicated for Weddings, but I am a man sneaking on to my wife's account with high hopes I can get some assistance with ideas for my wife's 50th birthday next year. She is usually the "planner", but I have to start somewhere. So I thank all who can offer me ideas for a private event.

So here I go, I'm trying to plan on a catered event with Disney for 50 people. Disney's Catered Events has said they can do just about anything and have 1000's ideas, but I have to come up with some samples to start off with. Now the California Grill has their Napa room and as that sounds perfect and possibly the solution to my it basically is from 7pm-9pm and a fixed menu. Can anyone offer me any ideas that could help me with a party that size. I'm planning on June and I know that the afternoons are either filled with rain and very hot; so outdoors is not an option. Would like to make this a classy experience. Feeling sad that the Adventurers club is no longer available as that would had been perfect spot and experience to throw. I really appreciate any ideas you can offer and ssshhhh don't tell her! lol

Thanks

 

[lurkyloo]

In-park events are super-impressive to guests, plus they give you the opportunity to do a ride mix-in (for a $15/guest fee you are escorted directly onto the ride at the end of its operating day). I was going to suggest a dinner at Italy Isola during IllumiNations:

By 7pm the temperatures should have started to drop, and they always have an indoor backup location in case of rain. Alternatively, you could hold the event indoors at Living Seas Salon, which has a view into the Living Seas tank:

Or there's American Adventure Parlor. The view of IllumiNations is not great (there's no balcony, just a couple of windows), but if money isn't super tight you could start the evening out at one of the fireworks viewing locations and then move to AAP for the meal.

Animal Kingdom might also be fun, especially if you have the moolah to keep Expedition Everest running!

I have photos of every event location at Walt Disney World here: http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/

 

[lurkyloo]

And if you really have your heart set on an Adventurer's Club theme, Disney will happily re-create the experience (for a price). They can set up props and backdrops in a ballroom (or in a private outdoor space, like Animal Kingdom after it closes), and you can even hire the performers to do some of the skits.

 

[Scrufsmom]

Much appreciate the information regarding outside events at the theme parks, but I am thinking closely at indoor facilities at the resorts if possible. Several people don't necessarily like or have been to Disney (blows my mind) but this is my wife, it's her day and I know this is what "SHE" would want; which is reason for location. My next planning stage is for those who want to join in the fun for drinks around the world at EPCOT next day. This I know several who enjoy WDW will want to get in on the fun and have a blast. Can anyone tell me about the resorts and their offerings for a party my size? What would the ballroom's cost at the resorts and do you know if there is a venue fee associated? Truly thank all who offer.

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Just because an event is in a park doesn't mean your guests need park tickets and many of @lurkyloo 's suggested locations are indoors

 

[lurkyloo]

Much appreciate the information regarding outside events at the theme parks, but I am thinking closely at indoor facilities at the resorts if possible.

Half of the suggestions I made above are indoors. And the link I gave you will show you ALL event spaces at WDW, including ballrooms and other indoor spaces. http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/

Ballrooms do not have venue fees but there will be food and beverage minimums. Your Disney Catered Event planner can get you these, since they vary by location and room.

 

[Scrufsmom]

Lurkyloo, thank you very much. I didn't see the link to the venues, but I have been looking at all and this is exactly what I needed. Now to figure out which one looks the best.

 

[Scrufsmom]

So the suggestions and venue list were perfect for me to see the locations. Now after the sticker shock of what a couple of venues will cost; can anyone give me ideas for below 10k? I really need some help since I was given a price tag between 15-20k. My darling wife is worth every penny more, but other cost factors have to come into play as well. Thanks in advance.

 

[lurkyloo]

Even with 50 people, there's no way you're going to be spending more than 10K at any of these places except maybe Animal Kingdom, and even that is pretty reasonable if you use a venue other than Expedition Everest. Disney likes to overestimate everything because they assume you want over-the-top decor and entertainment. For example, you can do an IllumiNations dessert party (which can also include savory food) at Terrace des Fleurs in France with only a $1,250 food and beverage minimum and a $300 venue fee. There's a $12.95/person charge for each guest without park admission, 23% service charge on food and beverage and 6.5% tax on pretty much everything. Even if you wanted to bump up to a full sit-down meal there, the food and beverage minimum is $3,750, so you'd be well under $10,000.

There are too many venues to list pricing for all of them. Why don't you tell us the ideas DCE suggested that you liked, and we'll tell you how to do them for less than 10k.

 

[Scrufsmom]

Even with 50 people, there's no way you're going to be spending more than 10K at any of these places except maybe Animal Kingdom, and even that is pretty reasonable if you use a venue other than Expedition Everest. Disney likes to overestimate everything because they assume you want over-the-top decor and entertainment. For example, you can do an IllumiNations dessert party (which can also include savory food) at Terrace des Fleurs in France with only a $1,250 food and beverage minimum and a $300 venue fee. There's a $12.95/person charge for each guest without park admission, 23% service charge on food and beverage and 6.5% tax on pretty much everything. Even if you wanted to bump up to a full sit-down meal there, the food and beverage minimum is $3,750, so you'd be well under $10,000.

There are too many venues to list pricing for all of them. Why don't you tell us the ideas DCE suggested that you liked, and we'll tell you how to do them for less than 10k.

Let me just say you have just brought down my blood pressure. I was quoted 15K at the Grand Floridian which made it $125++ for food and beverage. I spoke to Disney Catered Events who said they could bring down the price to possibly 10K and that was for a buffet if it was approved by management. I'm rethinking my idea of a sit down dinner and possibly going with the WISHES event instead. I know, I know I said nothing outside, but I think I will change my initial idea to drinking around the world and those who wish to celebrate will join in the fun and I will consider the that idea. Personally after reading your post all I can think of is WOW! Lurkyloo, appreciate your input. Thank you

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Let me just say you have just brought down my blood pressure. I was quoted 15K at the Grand Floridian which made it $125++ for food and beverage. I spoke to Disney Catered Events who said they could bring down the price to possibly 10K and that was for a buffet if it was approved by management. I'm rethinking my idea of a sit down dinner and possibly going with the WISHES event instead. I know, I know I said nothing outside, but I think I will change my initial idea to drinking around the world and those who wish to celebrate will join in the fun and I will consider the that idea. Personally after reading your post all I can think of is WOW! Lurkyloo, appreciate your input. Thank you

It might be worthwhile to get @lurkyloo 's ebook for Disney weddings as she has all sorts of info about venues and f&b minimums and requirements at event locations across WDW. Go to www.passporter.com and go to their e-store and find the weddings and honeymoons book

 

[lurkyloo]

I was quoted 15K at the Grand Floridian which made it $125++ for food and beverage. I spoke to Disney Catered Events who said they could bring down the price to possibly 10K and that was for a buffet if it was approved by management.

Oh my gosh, you can have a sit-down meal at the Grand Floridian for WAY less than $15K or even $10K. I mean, yes, if you wanted to re-create the Adventurer's Club, then the price would shoot way up (the performer package alone could be $8,000), but if you just want dinner at the GF Marina during Wishes, that's only a $5,000 minimum and has no venue fee. Piping in the soundtrack is $500. And if you do a walk-around reception instead of a sit-down the food and beverage minimum goes down to $4,000.

 

[Scrufsmom]

Somewhere I was quoted an exuberant amount and maybe its a tactic to keep larger groups booking and the smaller ones elsewhere. Let me say I was informed that Ariel's at the Yacht club will be closed due to refurbishments at the resort. So that was another one of my idea locations and it's out. My event coordinator didn't even offer a second suggestion in place. Her comment was there are so many locations/venues to choose from "she" wouldn't know what to offer. As far as the Adventurer's Club idea I was quoted around that price and it was way too much. Option out! Also told that The Wave is no longer offering events in the evening too. Geesh, it's like pushing you either to do Wishes or a specific resort venue. That quote for the Grand Floridian did come with a venue fee just so you know along with set up fee for table, linens, centerpieces, chairs, delivery of items and clean up. Guess I never or didn't expect to have to get so precise in every little detail. I'm a guy just trying to make a little "magic" for my wife, but WOW! Trying to figure out this whole thing and yes maybe I will look into your ebook to get more information.

This is a process! Just wish when you contact these professionals that they could at least guide you and listen to what you are trying to do. I mean a few suggestions couldn't hurt to help guide someone.

 

[Alexsandra]

Check out a Private Illuminations dessert party,like Lurkeyloo suggested! When we called we got a very reasonable quote and we could add a full meal to our dessert party or just add some savoury additions to the dessert menu. We were a smaller party so it was supposed to take place in the UK pavilion. We would have had tables covered with tablecloths, chairs and an illuminated centrepiece included in the price. I worked with Janice Reindl from Disney Catering and she absolutely wonderful and so very accommodating. Unfortunately, I had to cancel the event because of unexpected last minute surgery but if I had to do it over, I would request her by name for sure!

 

[lurkyloo]

For future reference, here's an episode of my podcast where I break down how to book a private catered event, step by step: http://disneyweddingpodcast.com/2016/07/06/how-to-plan-a-small-private-event-at-walt-disney-world/