My husband and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary at Walt Disney World this year. When researching the options on how we might celebrate, I checked into private dining, private fireworks cruises, etc. Then, I ran across two words that struck a special tone with me: Illuminations and Dessert!
The Illuminations Dessert Party at Epcot sounded perfect for us. It offers a wonderful array of desserts, selected by you from a number of menu choices, that are served in a private area reserved just for your group. The party is held while you and your guests are being mesmerized by Illuminations: Reflections of Earth fireworks and light show at Epcot Park.
I contacted Disney to find out some information about location, pricing and what was included in the cost. The first question they asked is, “Are you staying in a Disney resort during that time?” That is the requirement – you must be a Disney resort guest to book it.
It turned out that one of the locations from which to choose, called UK Pubside, is absolutely perfect for our family as it can only hold up to 12 people and we are a party of 8. It is behind the UK pub and has 3 square-top tables with 4 chairs each. Perfect! And, most importantly, it was available for my date.
They penciled me in and forwarded the dessert menus from which to choose. I selected the menu and then called them back to confirm the date and share with them the menu we had chosen. Very soon thereafter, I received my contract, Banquet Event Order, and estimated bill. I read the contract, signed it, provided my credit card number and voila! All done!
What’s on the menu you might ask?
We chose the “Star” Dessert Buffet which consists of:
White and Dark Chocolate Laced Éclairs
Mini Fruit Custard Tarts
Tiramisu Stemware
Cream Horns with Almonds
Guava Cheesecake Pushup with Mango Gelee
Caramel Ganache Bars with Sea Salt
Trio of Mini Tea Cakes: Apple Crumble Crunch, Strawberry Cream and Banana Chocolate Chip
Fruit Punch
Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, and Selection of Teas
Thankfully, we will have a great event to celebrate our anniversary with those we love most. And, since we are beach bums at heart, we have decided that everyone should wear Hawaiian attire and we will provide a lei for each of them. We plan to exchange new rings and, since we are already legally married and thus do not require an officiate, will exchange them with some short vows of our own in a simple, short ceremony. Our sons and daughter will have a chance to say something as well. I think it will be a fabulous event and you can look for a post about how everything went with lots of pictures coming up in December.
The total cost for our 20th Anniversary Party $493.10. The cost of making special new memories with our family over some chocolate and a wonderful fireworks show — priceless!
Brenda writes here and at Ideally Disney. She’s also an Authorized Disney Travel Specialist with Pixie Vacations. She loves helping families plan magical Disney vacations, so email her at Brenda@PixieVacations.com or send her a message on www.facebook.com/thepixiebrenda.
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Celebrate with an Illuminations Dessert Party |
March 6, 2013 at 10:15 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] might remember my post from a few months back as I was planning a special way to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary at [...]