Plan a Small Private Event at Walt Disney World
There are a couple of ways to set up a small private event at Walt Disney World. One is to call Private Dining at the Grand Floridian (407-824-2474) and arrange to have dinner somewhere in the hotel or at the Marina during Wishes. Here’s a link to a great detailed report of one Disney bride who did this. If you’re interested in holding a similar event at the Grand Floridian but don’t want to go through Private Dining, read on…
The other way to do a small private event at Walt Disney World is to work with Disney’s Catered Events (321-939-7278). You will be assigned an event planner who works at the resort where you’re staying, but you can plan an event at any other resort or in some of the parks. The only requirement is that you be staying at a Disney-owned resort.
This page links to photos of nearly every event venue at Walt Disney World. I also have a post with detailed pricing info and photos of event locations inside Disney’s Hollywood Studio.
Now that I’ve done two of these, I’ve split them out into their own pages, complete with detailed planning info and picture-packed recaps of each event.
How to Plan a Tower of Terror Dinner Party
How to Plan an IllumiNations Dessert Party
{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi, what a gorgeous idea. Is this venue still available for a dessert party as I cannot find anything about it in the Wedding Passporter.
Yes! I didn’t put UK Pubside in PassPorter’s Weddings & Honeymoons because the capacity is only 10 people, and I figured it wouldn’t be feasible for most wedding groups. But it is definitely still available for private parties—just contact Disney Catering & Convention Services at the number given above.
Hi
Do you have a list of the different places for private parties. Can you do any thing
at the HM at Magic Kingdom?
Yes, if you go to the Disney Weddings tab at the top of the page and pull down Wedding Venue Photos, those links act as a list of nearly every venue at Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, at this time there are no venues inside Magic Kingdom besides the Swan Boat Landing wedding location. However, you can do an event inside Haunted Mansion at Disneyland… If you have $40,000…
Would you call Disney Catered Events?
Whom you need to talk to depends on which Disney resort you’re staying at, so you need to call the main number and let them route you to the right person.
As far as the Swan Boat Landing can it be rented for after park closure and if so do you know the price. I just found your site! I am so excited. I really think this is the most informative Disney blog I have found in a LONG time. Thank you for offering so much information and sharing so many amazing experiences. My Budget is limited to $1000 I only want a dining experience private and magical after park hours is preferable.
Availability in the Magic Kingdom is extremely limited and usually only for huge corporate parties—your best bet is one of the other three parks. I have not heard of them renting out the Swan Boat Landing for anything other than weddings, which have a $10,000 minimum and include some stuff you won’t need. Best to talk to your planner at Disney Catered Events to see what your options are.
I know you seem to only have disney world experience, but was wondering if you knew if they do any thing like this at disneyland? As far as very small private parties in either of the parks. Thank you so much and i just love your site here (i am a little obsessed)!
The reason I only do events at WDW is that Disneyland really doesn’t have any venues suitable for small groups. You can plan an event there, but you have to pay the same prices as a large group, and the in-park options are $$$. However, I still check in with them occasionally to see if anything has changed because I would love to be able to do an event there, so you’ll see it here if I have any luck! Thanks for reading!
Hi,
I heard about the re-hitching ceremony at the Garden Grill. Do you know if they still do that? We really want to do a VR next year but not sure that it will fit our budget. Any suggestions?
From what I can find, officially they don’t offer the re-hitchin’ ceremony anymore, but if you get a server who knows it, they will do it for you. Have you looked into the Memories Collection of Disney weddings/vow renewals? They’re still almost $2,000, but that’s less than half what an Escape event costs. You could also do a small dessert party or private dinner somewhere at your resort, or hire the Grand 1 yacht ($520/hour) for Wishes or a pontoon boat (about $350) for a Wishes/IllumiNations cruise. if you really want a ceremony, you might look into other local venues, like the Maitland Art Center, Leu Gardens, and the Kraft Azalea Garden. If you can get a military or government sponsor, you could do a VR at Shades of Green—I believe they have a package that’s less than $1,000. Or, heck, how about a nice dinner at California Grill during the fireworks? Or maybe a carriage ride at Fort Wilderness/Port Orleans?
I was all set to do the Memories …. had everything done in my head…… looked at the dates… they stop them in April 2012. We are going Oct 2012
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I am now leaning towards one “big” thing at each of the parks. My only problem now is what can you do at Hollywood Studios? I know about Illuminations Cruises etc but have no idea what we can dao at the Studios.
Oh no! I am keeping my fingers crossed that they decide to extend the Memories Collection. It seems like it’s been fairly popular, and it’s easy enough for Disney to pull off, so here’s hoping… At Hollywood Studios there’s always Fantasmic! Doing a dessert party at one of the patios is kinda pricey (figure on at least $1,000) but you can also just do the Fantasmic! dinner package with reserved seating.
I don’t know if you are still in the market or not for this. I have heard that they have extended this package.
I just talked to Disney Weddings today. They are keeping the Memories Wedding Collection. The price is going up to 2400 in May 2012 and you will be receiving more pictures as well.
I see I should have updated this post when I added information on the extension of the Memories Collection to my book!
Complete details on everything included in the new package, including the change of venues offered, can be found in PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons!
I love the UK pubside epcot/illuminations private event – Can you recommend any other venues for small private illuminations??
Let’s see… well Italy Isola has the best view of any of the other smaller locations. The trouble is getting them to let you use it with fewer than 20 people. Apparently they’ve been cracking down lately and trying to get smaller groups into the *really* small, standing-room-only venues in Norway, France, Africa (this one does have seats), and Morocco. If you had to, I’d say go with France or Morocco, cuz the fireworks views from Africa and Norway are obstructed.
Excellent – thanks for the information.
There will be only 6 of us and one has a trouble standing for long periods so think UK pubside will be the venue I request! seems ironic as I am from the UK
Thanks for your help and all this amazing info on this site!!!
No problem – I’m glad I could help! UK Pubside really does have the best view, I think.
Love all your information. Do you know which venues would do 12 people? Also is there anything like the TOT or RNRC venues at AK (specifically at EE)?
They like to put groups of 10-20 in the newer spots, some of which are standing-room only: Canada Overlook, Outpost Overlook in Africa, Vikings Landing in Norway, and Parisian Point in France (on the other side of the Pavilion). If you go to my Walt Disney World Wedding Venues page, I have links to pictures of most of these places (more on the way—let me know if there’s a specific place you’d like to see that I haven’t posted yet). If you’re lucky, they’ll let you use a 20-minimum spot like UK Lochside or UK Terrace, Morocco Oasis, or Italy West Plaza.
Disney does do parties at Expedition Everest. There is a $3,000 venue rental fee, a $10,000 food and beverage minimum, and you are required to rent the Expedition Everest attraction, which costs $8,500. If you want a DJ, it’s another $6,500.
Thanks so much for the information. I am considering it for our Christmas trip and having a meal from Le Cellier. We wanted to do a Le Cellier package for the Candlelight Processional but they are only offering it for lunch. Maybe we can do this for Illuminations and on a different night just do a walk up for the last showing of the CP.
Wow! They are really proud of AK and EE! Wonder why it is so much more than DHS & TOT or RNRC?!
Yeah, I think EE just costs more to do because the park has less built-in event support than Epcot and DHS. Though I dunno why you’re required to keep the ride open…
Regarding Candlelight, I think that’s a great idea. I don’t know if you’ve seen my Christmas trip report, but we were thoroughly underwhelmed by the CP dinner package. You still have to wait in line, and there’s not enough time to get to the special fireworks viewing spot, plus they are SO expensive compared to what we’d normally spend on a meal. I think they’re a total waste of money.
Thanks again. I will share your info with my cousin and see if she likes the idea. We have done the CP dinner package once before when they weren’t doing the Illuminations viewing. It really does sound like we would be really pushed to get there to watch. I am really liking the idea of doing it on different nights and having our own personal spot.
This is the best site for Disney info that I’ve ever seen! Thanks to you, my husband will be enjoying some kind of special event for his 50th birthday party in March (maybe even two small events). Since you are clearly the QUEEN of WDW planning, do you have any recommendations for what we should choose? We’ll be a party of 8 (roughly) and our kids are 10 and under, but have been to WDW +20-25 times. We know that we’re not interested in Fantasmic, but other than that, we haven’t ruled out anything. Thanks for such an amazing, great site! The visuals and the information are just perfect!
Wow – thanks for the kind words! Let’s see… for me, a Disney party isn’t a party unless it has fireworks, so I’m partial to both types of events described on my site. If you did like Fantasmic! I might have suggested that combined with a meal in a fun place at DHS but I’m not much of a fan of the show either, so I totally understand. If you’ve never done an IllumiNations or Wishes cruise, that would be fun with a group your size. I prefer IllumiNations because you’re so much closer to the action, but lots of people looooove Wishes cruises. If you have the scratch, the Grand 1 Yacht sounds like a blast. Otherwise, a straight-up IllumiNations dessert party is always fun, and easy to plan!
Just wanted to say thank you for the information you posted about a dessert party, I spoke with someone today at the number you posted and we have started planning one too!:)
Fabulous! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Hi lurkyloo! Thanks for putting together such a great blog! My partner and I are in the middle of planning a Kilimanjaro Sunset Safai with dinner at Tamu Tamu Gardens and an Illuminations Dessert Party at UK Terrace in July (on separate days). Something we’re debating is whether to get a professional photographer. If you don’t mind me asking, how much have you paid for the various times you hired The Roots? Disney offers a photographer for $375 for two hours, but I worry if they’re any good…
Hi there! OK, I started a reply but it got super-long, so I’m going to email it to you!
Thanks for the info on the HS Sorcerers Hat, so nixing that idea do you happen to have any info on a private event at Tamu Tamu? I can’t seem to find anything anywhere.
Yes! (Cribbing from my book…) “It seats up to 50 guests, with a venue rental fee of $250 and a food and beverage minimum of $2,500. Existing tables for four may be removed for a charge of $250. Restrooms are located outside the venue, a few feet away.”
WHOA! your book!!! had no idea. thanks so much for the info. The info in your book is all the same for any event regardless if it’s not a wedding?
Pretty much. The differences are just in policy, not pricing.
Excellent! Thanks, off to get a copy of the book
A big follow-up of thanks! Next week we’ll be having three private events to celebrate my husband’s upcoming 50th…We’re doing a Sunday breakfast at Flame Tree Gardens in AK with an early-on Expedition Everest for 17; then a Monday dinner party for 8 at the UK area in Epcot for IllumiNations; followed by a Tuesday night cruise with a cold dinner & desserts for 4 on the Grand I Yacht. Thanks for the ideas. When my husband thanks me for the great surprises, I’ll let him know that you get the credit:) Can’t wait!
Fantastic! Your trip sounds like SO much fun! I’m so glad I could help out.
Hi Carrie!
I’m new to your blog, but have lurked on your TRs on the DISboards!
I’m dreaming of having a private party at WDW to celebrate our 20th anniversary, which falls on New Year’s Eve. We honeymooned in New Orleans so I’m thinking it would be great fun to have our party somewhere at the POR/POFQ resort.
Do you know of any potential party “spots” there?
Thanks, and good luck with the new podcast — I’ll be listening!
Kathy
Hi Kathy! In general, the private party spots are at Deluxe resorts and in the parks because that’s where the support facilities are. For example, there is no private dining department at POR/POFQ to make and deliver the food for an event. You might think about doing your own DIY picnic or in-room celebration there, though. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly!
Gaia (Catering & Convention Services Manager) is helping me plan an event for our family. I requested something close up on water in Epcot. Fireworks and a pretty location are monument for us. She wanted to do this in ShowPlace Pavilion. She had no photos to show me and it is not on the water. Our number of guests are 60 or more. It is a family reunion of sorts with a surprise inclusion of a party for our first grandchild coming in August (recently found out “It’s a princess”). I truly want this to be exceptional in location so that the fireworks are right there. “Magical” is what we need at this time. Many challenges have hit our family these past few years and we are hoping for this to be one of the most special evenings of our guests experience. She mentioned that it is a peek time and that they cannot use anything on the water. That sent me into complete disappointment. I am overwhelmed now. I don’t know if there is a location that is private and up close to view “Wishes”. The other parks (Animal Kingdom etc.) I know very little about. However, firework viewing is paramount for us for this party. It doesn’t matter to us if it is a dessert party or a meal. We ideally wanted 3 characters. However, she said that it has to be in a closed off area for that since characters cannot turn away any guests. I think that makes perfect sense and have no issue with any of that. We can forego them if we must. I mentioned us watching fireworks and having the eats after park closes. I was under the assumption that they will not close off Canada or other places during open park hours. Is that not the case? Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks so much for any help!!!
Hi Donna! When is your party planned for? I know that October is pretty much fully booked for dessert parties at Epcot, for example. If you have your heart set on Epcot and are flexible, you could ask which waterside locations are available on other days during your trip (and, yes, Canada is available as a location, but it does not have a fireworks view—and its viewing area across the street is too small for your party). Unfortunately, there are no private parties offered inside the Magic Kingdom during Wishes, but you can rent the Grand Floridian Marina or Sago Cay Pointe (an area nearby the Marina) for a party within view of Wishes. Piping in the music starts at $500, but some people skip it. Also, Hollywood Studios has a large patio for viewing Fantasmic! where you can hold private events. It’s definitely less popular than IllumiNations dessert parties are, so you might try that. Characters are prohibited at all outdoor events. But you could have them at an indoor dinner (like Hollywood Studios’ Backstage Prop Shop or Hollywood Hideaway OR Epcot’s American Adventure Parlor or Living Seas Salon OR a ballroom at the Grand Floridian) and then move the party outside for the fireworks show. Hope this helps!
Carrie,
Please feel free not to post or delete my long replies if you want. They will take up alot of space on your blog and I TOTALLY get that. I got long winded. You are wonderful!!
Sending a hug of gratitude.
No worries! I sent you an email reply so I could go on at length. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it!
You are a super hero!!!!!!!!!!
Hi,
I’m getting married at the polynesian resort this August, we’re doing the memories package. I’m wondering where you would suggest having our dinner, I would love something romantic and reasonable priced. We’re going to have approximately 16 guests and there will be children, we’re thinking about having it at the Aloha restaurant where our ceremony will be occuring as it will entertain the children.
Also, we’re having pictures in the park but since magic kingdom is twice the price of the other parks which would you suggest out of the remaining parks for great wedding photos.
Hi! Let’s see… well, I would not call the Spirit of Aloha romantic, but it is a fun option for a group with children. My choice for romance would be California Grill, which might actually end up costing less per person than the Spirit of Aloha, has much better food, and has a view of Wishes. The Wave at the Contemporary would be a less expensive choice, and they have a semi-private area they could put you in (you can also hire it as a private room, which requires a food and beverage minimum of $1,500). Narcoossee’s is also considered to be romantic, and you can go out on the balcony there to view Wishes. Wherever you book, be sure to call Disney’s Group Dining line (407-938-0300), rather than the main Disney Dining Line. They will tell you that unless you choose the first or last seating of the night, they can’t guarantee your party will sit together, but once you get to the restaurant, the staff usually makes it happen.
As to the photo shoot, I think Epcot has the best variety of beautiful locations. Animal Kingdom is cool, but you end up with a lot of shots of walls and foliage rather than Disney landmarks. Hollywood Studios has all that great neon plus landmarks, so that might be another good choice—especially if it’s a sentimental favorite for you.
Hi Lurkyloo! I am spending my 40th down at WDW. Our APs will have expired, so we aren’t planning the parks except for MNSSHP. I was thinking that perhaps we could do a private party instead. The party dates don’t look like they’ll be convenient for us. There are 5 of us (me, dh, dd 8, and ds, dd 3). Do you think we could do a private party? Where, how and who do I call. Thanks in advance.
Hi Andrea! The number at the top of this page is the one to call to start your planning. Check out the links above to see the planning process for two different kinds of parties, including pricing and requirements. There’s also a link in the first paragraph to info about planning a private meal at the Grand Floridian. But, basically, you just call Disney’s Catered Events, tell them which Disney resort you’re staying at, and then get assigned to a planner from that resort. Hope this helps!
Hi Again, Spoke with Disney catering and they are quoting me minimums like $2500!! They mention Hollywood Hideaway and Norway Loft as well as the Grand Floridian Convention facility. I read about the private meal at the Grand Floridian and called conventions/catering, but wasn’t offered anything like that. I’m thinking that perhaps a private dinner or brunch would be good for our family, but I like the prices I’ve seen here in the $400 range. Who do I speak to to get rolling along these lines? TIA
Unfortunately, Disney is not crazy about doing low-dollar events, so they like to throw around the big numbers to deter small parties/people who aren’t serious. An IllumiNations dessert party for 10 people in Japan or UK Pubside can be had for around $400 (plus $12.95/guest as a viewing fee cuz you won’t have park admission). You’d just need to call back and say that’s what you’re interested in and ask to be contacted by a planner. As to the Grand Floridian, it sounds like you’re better off working with Private Dining (407-824-2474) on a meal there. They’re used to arranging small private events in the Marina there or on the 5th floor balcony. Sorry you had such a bum experience!
Thanks Carrie. I’ll try again with them. The only problem with the Dessert Party is that it runs too late for my little ones. I’ll try for the Grand Floridian private dining route, I think.
Good luck! I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Hi Carrie, Finally found the person I should speak with at the Grand Floridian. Put a call into her and am waiting to hear back. My other options are breakfast at Norway Loft or Dino Lounge (both would run about $911, all in). Those would be just a meal, no entertainment, which may be dull. Would the small balcony during Fantasmic be comparable in price? Like the idea of the entertainment. Do they bring you in/out through a backstage door? Hope to hear back from The Grand Floridian soon so I can get an idea of price on that. What do you think will be my best bet (Party of 5, two adults, three children)?
Yes, Fantasmic! would cost about the same or just slightly more: $750 food and beverage minimum + $250 venue fee, $75 setup fee and $12.95/person viewing fee. But that includes entertainment, so it might be the best combo. They do bring you in and out via backstage.