Illuminations/Fantasmic Dessert buffets

**7swans** · 11-13-2008,04:27 PM

I remember some of you planning a dessert party during Illuminations awhile back, and I have a question for you.

We have already booked a dessert buffet during Fantasmic. I wanted to make sure this group of students stay to watch the show. Only a few of the last group stuck around for Fantasmic. We had been at the studios all day and they were ready to move on by then. They had an option to go to MK, and thats what most of them did.

My question is this, how was the whole experience for you guys? Would it be overkill to do 2 in one trip, at Illuminations & Fantasmic?

They offer some dinner packages as well for not much more $, but they don't sound too appealing. Have any of you tried any of the meals catered by group dining?
TIA

Chris

**KNWVIKING 2.0** · 11-13-2008,08:20 PM

I've heard that the Dessert Viewing Area was actually pretty poopie.

I don't think two dessert events is overkill.

Just expensive.

**7swans** · 11-14-2008,06:20 AM

I am sure you mean poopy in the finest sense of the word, and if not not at least they will see more of it than they did from MK.

This class has quite a bit more $ than the last. I get to decide how to spend it! ( well at least I throw the ideas out for consideration.)

We have looked into having a surfing party @ TL, $1500.00 - $1,800.00 depending on morning /evening, weekend/weekday. A group of 15 surfers is the ideal # according to the instructors, for a weekday party in the evening (after TL closes) $1650.00 = $110.00 per person.

More options include the water skiing,wake boarding, & tubing, boat trips.
Much less costly, 1 hr for 5 people is $185.00, or $37.00 each.
Renting jet skis, or water mice are also possibilities.

This group wiil be going to La Nouba as a part of their Y.E.S. program requirements. they get a nice ticket price, $42.00.

I do wish I could get May & Junes extra magic hours schedule so that I could begin some serious planning.

**KNWVIKING 2.0** · 11-14-2008,06:42 AM

There are a lot of FREE areas in EPCOT to get a great view of Illuminations. I think the kids would enjoy the water activities more.

IMO the Desert Parties are better suited for the lunatics that spend work hours posting on Disney chat boards. When we happen to be in The World at the same time the Parties are a great opportunity to meet the fingers behind the keyboards. Your kids are going to be hanging out with each other the whole trip, do something exciting.

**PoohsPal** · 11-14-2008,08:10 AM

I lOVED teh viweing area for Illumiations. You felt like you were right in the middle of it almost. While I'm only there once or twice a year, I've never been in a better location.

**idratherbeinwdw** · 11-14-2008,08:16 AM

Although the viewing area IS very nice, the cost for the privilege seemed outrageous to me. The desserts aren't anything to write home about, although I would not say they are truly bad. As kenny said, there are a lot of free places that have great illuminations views. I did it once in order to hang out with a bunch of DVC pals, but I would never pay for the illuminations "private" viewing again.

If you're going to eat dinner out one night and you like the R&C I suggest making a 7:45 or so ressie. When you get there and sign in request a patio view. If you do get the patio view you'll have front row seats to illuminations, if you don't they have a private viewing area for you to stand during the show. The view is as good, if not better, than the private showings.

**nono** · 11-14-2008,08:29 AM

Originally Posted by idratherbeinwdw

Although the viewing area IS very nice, the cost for the privilege seemed outrageous to me.

Yeah. Totally agree. The price/value seemed out-of-whack to me too.

Never done a Fantasmic deal so I can't comment.

**7swans** · 11-14-2008,08:35 AM

It is tough to get ressies for 50! In fact all of the dinner ADRs last time were @ the start of dinner between 3 & 4 pm. That is all they will offer a group our size.

We have the dessert buffet set for Fantasmic. There is only one scheduled showing during our trip, June 1st, so I wanted to jump on the date before someone else took it.

The students split up during the hours touring the parks, we all enjoyed the group meals last time. it is fun to be with the whole group.

Time is a constraint. We have 5 nights, last trip we didn't take advantage of the very last night emhs at MK, the students had really wanted to do this, so this time we are planning on scheduling that w/a sleep in morning the next day. One night will be La Nouba, one Fantasmic, one Illuminations, one wishes & we are out of time!

**7swans** · 11-14-2008,08:38 AM

Originally Posted by nono

Yeah. Totally agree. The price/value seemed out-of-whack to me too.

$33.09 is our no tax amount, it is only a couple of dollars more for real food, but I have a fear that the food would be really lousy.
It is hard to screw up dessert!

**idratherbeinwdw** · 11-14-2008,08:42 AM

Originally Posted by 7swans

It is tough to get ressies for 50! In fact all of the dinner ADRs last time were @ the start of dinner between 3 & 4 pm. That is all they will offer a group our size.

Ohhhh when you said a group of students I didn't realize the number was that large. Never mind my suggestion of R&C, LOL.

I understand your dilemma, we had a large group of DVC folks at Chef M last December and they would only take us at 5 pm, no later.