Wedding day lunch help

[YogaDis]

Hey! I was wondering if anyone would have recommendations for a group of twenty for lunch on my wedding day. We'll be married mid October at the Boardwalk and have a 10 am ceremony arranged. It is a weekday if that makes any difference on what may be more likely to be available. My plan of action is to call the restaurant directly to book and see about a private room if possible.

I had my sights set on O'hana so much! But that hasn't worked out thus far. As of right now I have a reservation booked at Sanaa for 11:40 am. Our ceremony is at 10am and I imagine will take approximately an hour and a half with a simple vow exchange, photos, and the cake and champagne ceremony (which we may box and enjoy at our lunch space).

My concerns are these-
We have provided transportation to lunch, which is wonderful! My main concern is getting the entire party there in time. It's just his immediate family and mine, but anything could cause a hold up. I'm worried setting the lunch at AKL had added extra stress when there should be none on that day. I love the idea of dinning at Sanaa but it is a bit of a stretch with our time.

Also, I discovered once I made the reservation that our party will be broken up into smaller groups to fit at their tables. Truthfully, I don't know much about Disney dinning and wasn't aware this was the case.

Does anyone have any recommendations for an on property hotel dinning option for lunch (11:30 am-1 pm starting time frame). I feel like I've hit a bit of a wall finding many breakfast spots just wrapping up their hours and lunch hours being none existent.

I just know there is the perfect space for us that can accommodate and supply an amazing brunch or lunch for the big day! We don't mind a more casual sit down spot, but would prefer it not to be a burger joint if that translates well. We're also accommodating two vegans. While they're not picky, we would love to have at least one option or modification on the menu available to them.

Is there anything else open on the Boardwalk (or nearby the Boardwalk area) open for lunch that's not entirely beer and chicken sandwiches? Even if our option is a late breakfast, that's fantastic! We're not tied to needing a private room, we just want to be together.

Thank you so so much for your help!! This is the very last piece to the planning puzzle and I just don't feel settled hurriedly shipping everyone to Sanaa for us all to not sit together.

 

[BuzzyBelle]

I would check with Captain's Grille since it's right at the Yacht Club or the Grand Floridian Cafe. I think both of them may be large enough to have the space to push tables together. It may be tough to get reservations at a lot of places since October is so close, but you may have a chance at one of these places. Congratulations and good luck!

 

[justlook3]

It might be a good idea to ask this question in the Weddings forum. You'll get seen by people who have had your very concern with their own weddings and might be able to help you think outside the box.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Hey! I was wondering if anyone would have recommendations for a group of twenty for lunch on my wedding day. We'll be married mid October at the Boardwalk and have a 10 am ceremony arranged. It is a weekday if that makes any difference on what may be more likely to be available. My plan of action is to call the restaurant directly to book and see about a private room if possible.

I had my sights set on O'hana so much! But that hasn't worked out thus far. As of right now I have a reservation booked at Sanaa for 11:40 am. Our ceremony is at 10am and I imagine will take approximately an hour and a half with a simple vow exchange, photos, and the cake and champagne ceremony (which we may box and enjoy at our lunch space).

My concerns are these-
We have provided transportation to lunch, which is wonderful! My main concern is getting the entire party there in time. It's just his immediate family and mine, but anything could cause a hold up. I'm worried setting the lunch at AKL had added extra stress when there should be none on that day. I love the idea of dinning at Sanaa but it is a bit of a stretch with our time.

Also, I discovered once I made the reservation that our party will be broken up into smaller groups to fit at their tables. Truthfully, I don't know much about Disney dinning and wasn't aware this was the case.

Does anyone have any recommendations for an on property hotel dinning option for lunch (11:30 am-1 pm starting time frame). I feel like I've hit a bit of a wall finding many breakfast spots just wrapping up their hours and lunch hours being none existent.

I just know there is the perfect space for us that can accommodate and supply an amazing brunch or lunch for the big day! We don't mind a more casual sit down spot, but would prefer it not to be a burger joint if that translates well. We're also accommodating two vegans. While they're not picky, we would love to have at least one option or modification on the menu available to them.

Is there anything else open on the Boardwalk (or nearby the Boardwalk area) open for lunch that's not entirely beer and chicken sandwiches? Even if our option is a late breakfast, that's fantastic! We're not tied to needing a private room, we just want to be together.

Thank you so so much for your help!! This is the very last piece to the planning puzzle and I just don't feel settled hurriedly shipping everyone to Sanaa for us all to not sit together.

You could call the private dining at Swan and Dolphin (which should be easy to get to) and see what they can do.

 

[SirDuff]

If I'm reading it correctly, your ceremony will be done at 11:30am (starts at 10:00am and lasts 1hr 30min). I don't see how you can possibly make an 11:40am reservation at AKL. I'd definitely post on the Wedding board and as long at the options nearer to your ceremony (e.g. Swan/Dolphin, Captain's Grille).

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I agree with Captains Grille (pretty quiet at lunch as is Grand Floridian Cafe.

I dont think either one have an actual private dining area.

Maybe call Disney for group dining at Yacht Club.

Another option might be the calling the Dolphin hotel on the Boardwalk and see what a private lunch dining event would cost. Both are convention hotels so they are used to serving groups. Also their sister hotel the Swan has the Garden Grove Cafe, again not private but pretty quiet at lunch.

Congrats!

 

[YogaDis]

Thank you each so much for your wonderful suggestions! I think I may repost this under the wedding forum as you suggested as well. Looking into the options mentioned above. I appreciate it!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I agree with the others regarding Captains Grille. It's really the only nice, casual restaurant open in the Boardwalk area at that time. (It's at YC). There are private event spaces at BWI, including the Attic which I believe can accomodate up to 40 guests. I would suggest asking your wedding coordinator what the cost would be to have a small lunch there after your ceremony. It may not be much more than going out to lunch! Swan/Dolphin could also help as well - they do group and convention events daily!

 

[minnie mum]

I know you were asking about Epcot resort area restaurants, since they will be close to the wedding location. But, since you will have the wedding limo to transfer you and your guests, what about a later lunch at DS? I'm thinking of Portobello. It has a nice lunch menu that extends beyond sandwiches and salads, although they have those too. They do private dining as well, and you can contact them directly. They have their own website.

 

[Nancyg56]

I was thinking about your dilemna fo a bit and I wondered if you had given any thought to the Grand Floridian Cafe? Since you have transportation, getting there should not be difficult or too time consuming, and I cannot think of a lovelier environment for a wedding meal. This pretty restaurant is tucked into the main building of the Grand and is bright and sunny. I did not check to see if they had space available, but I think it is worth a call.

The Grand is a nice place to extend your celebration as well. The lobby so stunning and depending on when you end you meal, members of you group could linger to enjoy the Grand Pianist, who is there evey afternoon. The wrap around porch is shaded and inviting, and upstairs there is a large balcony that is generally deserted.

 

[jon18uk]

I would call Disney and discuss group dining arrangements, they might have other options to suggest.

Also I assume if you are having your wedding on Disney you have a Disney wedding contact organising the ceremony, maybe they could help?

 

[Seia]

I'm assuming you're an Escape couple - your planner may be able to help with some suggestions. Are you covering the cost of the lunch? What's your budget? I would look into the Attic at the Boardwalk Villas. It's such a beautiful space (I'm admittedly biased since we had our reception there ). Last I knew, the food & beverage minimum there was $1000 (plus tax/service charge) so it may not be that much more than treating everyone at a Disney restaurant, AND you can customize your own menu.

Another option is Ariel's over at the Beach Club. We had our rehearsal luncheon there. It's also a lovely space, but I personally prefer the Attic, especially for your group size.

 

[Epcotgal8]

My daughter got married at the Boardwalk (Seabreeze Point) a year and a half ago. We had a reception back in our city when we got back since many family and friends couldn't travel to Florida. So we weren't looking to have one at WDW too, just wanted a pleasant dinner that wouldn't be hard on our by that point very worn out wallet . We too were a party of 20. We chose the Grand Floridian Cafe. I know it's not fancy like Citricos or Narcoosees but it has a very pleasant atmosphere. I called the restaurant directly and the manager made our reservation. One of the perks to choosing something at the Grand Floridian was the opportunity for some gorgeous spots for photos of the bride and groom. The photographer we had (who was awesome btw) had come to our villa at Bay Lake Towers in the morning to take pre wedding shots of the bridal party, then went to the Boardwalk for pre wedding shots of the groom's party, then the wedding, cake and champagne toast, then came with us to the GF where she got some beautiful shots of bride and groom on the stairs,upstairs overlooking the lobby, in front of the Christmas tree, and outside before our dinner started. The rest of us waited at Mizner's Lounge. Dinner went smoothly. The menu is limited but everyone seemed to enjoy their food. The staff was wonderful. Any questions feel fee to pm me.