Wishes parties at at GF versus Epcot Parties

[mermaidbride1108]

Ok so keep in mind I am rushing to keep the 10/1 deadline for photography.

I'd like to have a dessert party the night before the wedding (since I can't have it the day of because of late wedding due to heat).

Our rehearsal will probably be near WP or GF I'm assuming because my location is WP beach. That's what I would like anyway because Rehearsal will be at Ohana's. Now we have UK Lower reserved now.

Would it make more sense to have a dessert party at GF Marina? How does a Wishes party compare to an Epcot party? Do you have to pay for the music to be piped in? What's the price difference? Anyone experienced both who can pick one that they liked better?

Now, can I change my mind after I sign my contract for the location of the Dessert Party? Do I have to change my mind before I sign? I don't want to have to start the contract process over.

Help me out with some input ladies!!! Plretty Please?

 

[tinkandonaldfans]

i would be interested in knowing about this as i love wishes more than illuminations but everyone has their dessert parties at epcot

 

[lurkyloo]

First of all, don't stress about the contract - it can always be amended later if you change your mind. They just send you the changed pages for you to sign.

If your rehearsal is at the GF/WP and your dinner is at Ohana, it will be much easier to have a DP for Wishes at the Grand Floridian Marina or Sago Cay Pointe, and you will save money on transportation and viewing fees.

There are no site fees for either location, but the Marina has a $1,500 food and beverage minimum and Sago Cay Pointe's is $500. Menus from the Grand Floridian catering team run $27-$60 per person (plus tax and service charge) - depending on how many guests you expect, it shouldn't be too hard to meet the minimums.

The price to pipe in the music from Wishes is about $800. But considering you don't need to hire transportation or pay per-person viewing fees, it could still be cheaper than an IllumiNations dessert party.

 

[mermaidbride1108]

I was planning to just have everyone meet at the International gateway (I think that's the name) My sales coordinator said we would be able to because I'm doing it the day before the wedding I believe. So no transport cost there

But I'm not sure if I have to pay the viewing fee - I was just going to tell guests that they have to use park admissin. Would I still pay the viewing fee and then get refunded after the wedding?

 

[lurkyloo]

This seems to vary by planner. We were able to tell DFTW how many of our guests would have their own admission and just pay for the others. However others on here have reported being required to pay for everyone up front and get a refund later...