Victoria and Albert's reception

[sarahknowles]

Has anyone had a reception at V&A's? We are thinking of booking out the whole place for one seating. I'm pretty sure it seats about 50. Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[Janet2k]

Sarahknowles, I don't have any experience with it for a private event but have read stories of it (and seen a few photos). The FTW couples who did this had nothing but nice things to say. Since I've dined in the restaurant many times, I couldn't agree with them more (my experiences have always been pleasant ones that were filled with scrumptious food).

I don't know what your guest list size is, but I have seen photos of a few wedding meals that were held in the smaller dining room (the "fireplace" room). Since the room is small, the number of guests who may dine there is limited. However, the restaurant did set up the tables such that the parties dined Roman-style (that is, at one long table).

 

[sarahknowles]

Thank you for the response! I will be inviting around 50 people, so I want to make sure that we'd all fit. Some may not come though, it's too early to tell.

Here's a little background info:
I'm hoping to have the wedding on Apr, 17 2008. I just called and scheduled a site visit for this April, the 23rd. So I'm making a list of the places I'd like to see. I've already decided on the wedding pavilion for the ceremony, and in the interest of simplifying things for the guests I'd like to have the reception at the GF. I'm not too keen on having it in a banquet hall even though I'm sure they're lovely. So it's either gotta be in a restaurant or outdoors. From what I can imagine, V&A's would be perfect. Here's crossing my fingers that it works out. There's just so much to think about, and I've only been planning my Disney wedding since I was around 5 or so. The welcome party, the ceremony, the reception, the dessert party, the brunch.... it's a good thing they have professionals for this!

 

[Janet2k]

Thank you for the response! I will be inviting around 50 people, so I want to make sure that we'd all fit.

I just called and scheduled a site visit for this April, the 23rd. So I'm making a list of the places I'd like to see. I've already decided on the wedding pavilion for the ceremony, and in the interest of simplifying things for the guests I'd like to have the reception at the GF.

Sarahknowles, you're welcome. I have also seen photos of a couple receptions that were held in Citricos. The restaurant was rented out for the events, and the parties that were held there looked lovely. I ~think~ it might be possible to set up a dance floor in there. I seem to remember seeing photos of people dancing. However, ask the FTW folks about that. Only they can tell you if dancing is possible.

I have been inside Narcoossee's for a private event. A musical combo entertained while everyone ate. It was a very nice touch. I don't know if it's possible to set up a dance floor, though. Again, ask the FTW folks about dancing if you are interested in it.

Victoria and Albert's should be able to handle a guest list of your size if you are buying out one of the dinner sittings. The restaurant is lovely and perfect for an elegant wedding reception. I don't remember seeing photos of anyone dancing, but you can certainly ask the FTW folks if it is possible.

As to banquet rooms, if you must go that route, I am hopeful that the Convention Center's Whitehall Room and Patio could accommodate your party (I can't remember what the maximum guest list size is, but it might be in the range that you are thinking of). It is a very lovely room and the patio area is very nice. I have seen photos of the room decorated in all sorts of ways, from the simple to the divine. Disney can honestly transform any room into something ~magical.~ Well, in my experience they can.

Have fun planning.

 

[JonetteA]

Verify with DFTW that this location is still open to events. I know that the GF allow Citricos and Narcooses for a lunch reception. If you are thinking about during a dinner hour, Disney has usually said no to this option regardless of the restraunt much less a signature restraunt. Just verify, and if this will not work we can help you come up with another idea that would work great!

 

[hmgolden]

I know V&A has a private room, and a past bride on here had her intimate reception there. I don't think the private room could fit 50 people though.

 

[Janet2k]

If you are thinking about during a dinner hour, Disney has usually said no to this option regardless of the restraunt much less a signature restraunt.

That is not always true. In the past, I have seen evening events held inside Citricos. The restaurant also was slated as the backup location for one of my evening events. Luckily, my event went off without a hitch in the venue for which it was planned and Citricos did not have to be used. However, knowing that Citricos was my backup location gave me solace during the planning stages of my event.

The resort's restaurants have, at times, been closed during certain days and/or hours of the week. If someone is willing to host their event during those times, it makes it more likely that those venues can be used.

I don't want anyone thinking that something is impossible before they have checked with Disney for the definitive word. You never know what they are going to say until you ask the question. Never be afraid to ask. You might be pleasantly surprised at their answer.

 

[Janet2k]

I know V&A has a private room, and a past bride on here had her intimate reception there. I don't think the private room could fit 50 people though.

The "fireplace" room is small, however, Sarahknowles posted about the possibility of buying out the restaurant. If that is still allowed (either for one sitting or the entire night), her group should fit inside the restaurant.

If by some chance her guest list winds up being smaller than planned, it would be nice to know whether or not she has the option of hosting her event inside the private room without buying out the restaurant. I know that Disney has allowed that in the past during times when the restaurant wasn't open (that is, in the late afternoon hours). It sounds like you've run across that, too. Do you happen to remember how many folks the FTW bride had in her guest list? Did they dine outside of the restaurant's normal operating hours?

 

[JonetteA]

Janet you are correct about the private room. That is done at CG all the time. But Disney in the past when I asked to buy out a restraunt to hold my reception, should I have had it at night, the answer was an firm "Nope, not going to happen." this was a year ago. I agree that Sarah should talk to her SM in case that policy has changed.

They will in some situations (CG, Citricos, and Narcoosee's) allow a lunch or brunch reception if the restraunt is open only for dinner dining. I hope this helps Sarah.

Really check with your SM and see what they can help you with!

 

[Tabetha]

According to the Wishbook (who knows how accurate it is...) you can buy out V&As for the night with a $18K food and beverage minimum, or buy out the late seating only for $7K.

I'm curious to know what the real information is too, because it's where we want our reception as well...

 

[Skylarr29]

V&A's is listed on the wedding website as a reception location so I would think it is possible.

 

[sarahknowles]

I guess I won't know for sure until my visit on the 23rd. I'm trying not to get my heart set on it though. Citricos might be nice also, esp if we could put a dance floor in there. I will keep everyone posted when I find out more.

 

[JonetteA]

Good luck guys! I can't wait to hear more about it! I hear the food is scrumptious!!!

 

[allisonswonderland]

I was going to add that it sometimes depends on you EM or SM too - as many of us former brides know Disney gives many answers - I think as far as characters - someone was told that Mickey and Minnie only appeared at weddings in the tuxedo and gold dress - when I asked my EM she gave me all kinds of choices and I had the Happiest Celebration on Earth - which was supposed to be no longer avaliable - according to another - so it may just depend. Good Luck!!!!