Villa rd/welcome party for 45?

[pixie08]

Hi everyone

I know some people have hosted their own parties in suites or villas(bought thier own food/wine) but I was wondering
a. what was disney's stance on this?
b. how many people do you guys think can be accomadated for a casual finger foods party in a 2 bedroom villa?

OK- so we were thinking of doing Ohana but I just want explore my options. We may end up staying in a 2 bedroom villa at the Boardwalk so I was wondering could I head to a costco get some food desserts, beer/wine and coffe and throw my own party for like 45 or so at the villa? I know people have done this but for that many people? It would work out great because for a bachelor/bachlorette thing we could do adh/jellyrolls or something then head to PI sepratley.

What do you all think (I think this may be cutting it close space wise?)?

 

[hwygirl1928]

I am a future bride, and I am planning on having a welcome party in my room the day that everyone arrives. I am getting a suite at Coronado Springs. I have 45 guests as well. My plan is to run out and get some pop, couple cases of beer, maybe a few bottles of wine, and cheese,crackers, chips, veggies, etc.... And have more of an "open house" type of thing. Let everyone know that they are welcome to stop by our room anytime between (for example) 2 and 4pm for some snacks and drinks. That way not all 45 people will be in the room at once and it will be nice! Hope this helps!!!

 

[Janet2k]

I have stayed in a two-bedroom villa at the BoardWalk. It's not as large as most people think it is. In my humble opinion, I wouldn't host a party in it for more than 10 - 15 people maximum. (I also asked my son the same question -- he thinks 10 people would be pushing a one- or two-bedroom villa to its limit.) Just thought I'd pass that along so that you have at least one person's opinion (two, if you include my son's).

The three-bedroom villas, or Grand Villas, at the BoardWalk could probably handle a much larger crowd. However, those villas are very difficult to reserve since there aren't too many of them and the Disney Vacation Club folks scoop them up quickly.

I should note that the villas at Old Key West are the largest of the DVC resorts. If you really want to go the villa route, then only rent a one-bedroom villa. You don't need a two-bedroom villa since your guests won't want to be hanging out in any of the bedrooms anyway (they'll want to be in the living room area where all the action is). What is the maximum number of guests I'd want in a villa at Old Key West? Probably around 20 or so.

I hope that helped.

 

[Janet2k]

I don’t know what your budget is, but I would like to mention the following options for your consideration.

I think a better route to take is to rent the Captains Deck Suite at the Yacht Club. I have stayed in that two-bedroom suite and it is quite large. I have been told that it is actually the largest two-bedroom suite that Disney has in its inventory (approximately 2,400 square feet). It also has a nice-sized private patio (740 square feet). The patio is not accessible to the public, only to guests of the suite. The suite is oftentimes used as a hospitality suite and thus has a nice layout for parties. Consider contacting the Yacht Club regarding renting that suite for at least one night.

Here are some of my photos of the suite:
Captains Deck Suite (Parlor Room)
Captains Deck Suite (Master Bedroom)
Captains Deck Suite (Second Bedroom)

You should also look into the option of hosting a private party in a banquet room at any of the following convention resorts: Grand Floridian, Contemporary, BoardWalk, Coronado Springs, Yacht/Beach Club.

For example, the Grand Floridian’s Convention Center has a gorgeous banquet room called the Whitehall Room. In my humble opinion, it is the loveliest of Disney’s banquet rooms (it also has a beautiful patio area). I have seen photos of many parties that have been held in that room and on its patio. Even without decorations, it is beautiful. I don't remember what the maximum number of guests is that it will accommodate, but that is a question that is easily answered by Disney. Do consider that option since Disney truly does a wonderful job with their private events. (Note: All of the Disney convention resorts have beautiful banquet rooms, I only mentioned the Whitehall Room since I have seen far more photos of parties that have been held there than anywhere else on property.)

Sometimes cutting costs is not always the best route to take. Oftentimes Disney has something that falls within your budget. You'll never know unless you ask. This is all my humble opinion, and other opinions might differ, as it should be.

No matter what you wind up doing, I hope it turns out beautifully. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

 

[twojo21]

we have stayed at the coronado springs suite with six people & i wouldnt recommend it for a group party, dont get me wrong coronado springs was great but its just not big enough for a party, its more comfortable for like 10. same thing with the 2 bedroom at the boardwalk its just not big enough for 45 people. we had a family trip back in 2000 & had family at the boardwalk villas when the 20 of us met up there to go to spoodles it was crowded feeling.

i would look into one of the hospitality suites like janet suggested if you want an in room party for more space. also look into one of the private or public venues at the resorts like the attic at the boardwalk private venue, ohanas which easily accomodates large groups & has a buffet dinner, typhoon lagoon swimming & sandwiches, etc.

 

[Coloradogrl]

I have a friend that is also plannig a WDW wedding and for a moment she considered getting married in a suite, she still might! She told me about a site called suite dinsney com and it has pics of all the suites on it! It is wayyyyyy better then the WDW site. Maybe it will help. She also told me that when she talked to someone at one of the hotels they told her that she could move the furinture as long as she moved it back

 

[pixie08]

Thanks for the replys! I did think 40 was pushing it but thought I would ask you guys! It really isn't so much we can't afford it (I mean we couldn't do something $50 pp or anything) our parents are payng for the rd - but - I wanted something really laid back ( and somewhat economical) so that is where I was headed. I guess it depends where the rehersal is. If it at wp (where ceremony will be)than ohana might work best. If it can be done at boardwalk I might go w/ cape may so it is just a boat ride there and back...and all inclusive deal (like $25 pp plus tax and grat).

 

[Janet2k]

I guess it depends where the rehersal is. If it at wp (where ceremony will be)than ohana might work best. If it can be done at boardwalk I might go w/ cape may so it is just a boat ride there and back...

Pixie08, it sounds like you have a couple of really wonderful options. Don't forget to consider the Yachtsman Steakhouse over at the Yacht Club. My Aunt paid for a large gathering of us to dine there during my vow renewal vacation. It was lovely and the food was delicious. Add it to your list of options.

No matter what you do, I'm sure it will be perfect. Make sure to keep us posted.

 

[Janet2k]

Another option is either the Luau at the Poly or the Hoop-Dee-Doo at Fort Wilderness. I have dined there many times with large gatherings and we have always had a wonderful time. Consider adding them to your list of options.

Or, if you can make your group into a Grand Gathering, that program has some very unique events: click here. We attended the Safari Celebration Dinner last year and it was wonderful. I have also read lovely things about the other events. Definitely look into the option of becoming a Grand Gathering so that you could attend one of their special events.