Wishes DP - worth the $??

[Disney-Bride2010]

Hi everyone! I know there have already been some other threads on this topic, but I wanted to know if the Wishes DP is worth the money. I am planning an evening wedding at the WP & reception at the Whitehall Room at GF. Is it worth the extra $ to host a Wishes DP in addition to the reception? I've heard rumors that you can see the Wishes Fireworks from the balcony off the Whitehall Room. Is this correct? If so, I just can't justify spending the extra $ for the DP. (Trying to cut back to save $ for the honeymoon ).

Thanks for listining and for any advice you can give!

 

[orangetiggs]

there is no balcony at the whitehall room, its a patio. We held our reception there and then moved to epcot for illuminationsd essert party. The view from the patio is quite limited as there are trees and the monorail.

Everyone loved our illuminations dessert party and it was the highlight for me

 

[disprincessatheart]

You could plan the DP as a part of the reception - cut back on some of the food and use the DP food to meet your minimums. That way you can have both without spending any more money. The only thing would be to see where they'd do the party - if the location isn't any better than the patio you've already got to use, then no need.

 

[jessesgirl-080708]

You could plan the DP as a part of the reception - cut back on some of the food and use the DP food to meet your minimums. That way you can have both without spending any more money. The only thing would be to see where they'd do the party - if the location isn't any better than the patio you've already got to use, then no need.

That's what we did and LOVED it!! We had our recption at Whitehall patio too! The view is very obstructed there, and would really only work if you had a small number of guests. We used Sago Cay Pointe, it's just a little left of the marina. We had about 45 guests, and plenty of room! I say go for it if you can afford it!!!!

 

[honey2741]

What's the difference between Illuminations and a Wishes dessert party? I thought I was set on Illuminations until I read about Wishes. Thanks!

 

[Lynn5700]

Oh I say it's worth it because I love Wishes!

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

I think its worth it because its not something you can do anywhere else. It will be very memorable to your guests and really add that Disney touch to the wedding.

 

[Disney-Bride2010]

You could plan the DP as a part of the reception - cut back on some of the food and use the DP food to meet your minimums. That way you can have both without spending any more money. The only thing would be to see where they'd do the party - if the location isn't any better than the patio you've already got to use, then no need.

Thanks for the advice! I'm hoping to use your info to help convince DF of the idea. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do a PS because of job restrictions, but hopefully I can find out more info on the locations. Thanks again!

That's what we did and LOVED it!! We had our recption at Whitehall patio too! The view is very obstructed there, and would really only work if you had a small number of guests. We used Sago Cay Pointe, it's just a little left of the marina. We had about 45 guests, and plenty of room! I say go for it if you can afford it!!!!

Thanks! We're looking at only 40 guests, so Sago Cay Pointe would definitely be an option for me. Is there a site rental fee for this location? (I have to admit, I got a lot of my ideas from your PJ! )

Oh I say it's worth it because I love Wishes!

I know! Wishes is my absolute favorite thing at WDW, and I would love to be able to share the experience with all my guests!

Thanks again everyone for all the great advice!!

 

[lurkyloo]

Thanks! We're looking at only 40 guests, so Sago Cay Pointe would definitely be an option for me. Is there a site rental fee for this location?

No site-rental fee, just a $500 food and beverage minimum. But having the music to Wishes piped in is something like $700 or $800.

 

[jessesgirl-080708]

But don't worry if you can't have the music piped in.. we didn't and we didn't miss it at all!!

It would be nice, but it was just to much!! I hope your DP plans come through! Let me know if you have any questions about Whitehall or SCP!!!!!

 

[Disney-Bride2010]

But don't worry if you can't have the music piped in.. we didn't and we didn't miss it at all!!

It would be nice, but it was just to much!! I hope your DP plans come through! Let me know if you have any questions about Whitehall or SCP!!!!!

Thanks!

 

[Eeyore's Tailfinder]

Is that $700-800 total with music or $500 and then an extra $700?

The $500 minimum isn't bad at all!! I was planning on having the Grand 1 as I thought it would be much cheaper than a dessert party, but was worried if we had more than 18 guests or didn't secure the yacht. I like the idea of being in Epcot in my wedding dress, but Wishes are my favourite fireworks!

 

[lurkyloo]

It's an extra $700 or $800 on top of the $500 food and beverage minimum. However, as Carly mentioned, you don't necessarily have to have the music to enjoy the show!

 

[Gina Loves Disney]

I'm having my DP there. I have a $79 set up fee labeled "outdoor setup" on my estimate....

my DP is 31 people.... priced at $22 per person. Total: $968.74 then plus the floral... about $100 for the glow cylinders.

 

[Dr.Cinderella]

Couldnt you just download the Wishes Music from online somewhere, ie Youtube or something, download it to your Ipod and play it that way without wasting all that money?? I can't see why not? Just an idea!

 

[Disney-Bride2010]

That's a really good idea. I wonder if Disney would have any problems with that...

 

[Dr.Cinderella]

I have a few more questions about the Wishes dessert party...do they provide tables and chairs? If not how much will it cost to bring these things in? Also, would they be able to serve the wedding cake during the dessert patry and have that count towards the minimum expeniditure? It seems to me like serving additional desserts right after cake (and dinner, appetizers, etc.) would be too much food/sweets! Is this possible? Thanks!

 

[jessesgirl-080708]

I got a no go for the wedding cake at our wishes DP.. we tried that too!

 

[Pinkerbell1983]

I got a no go for the wedding cake at our wishes DP.. we tried that too!

Me too! They said they would have to store it out there if we were gonna eat it out there, and that it would melt and go bubbly!
I had my planning session yesterday and no one mentioned the $500 minimum, I wonder if they've changed it? We also talked about adding tables and chairs but I forgot to ask if they were free

 

[lurkyloo]

They are notorious for not mentioning prices at planning sessions....