just my take on the private vs. non private dinner option.
i go to dreams every year with a big group (this year is about 30+) and i usually have a private event as well as just meet with groups for dinner.
yes, you can have your group go to a restaurant and have dinner together but:
1. there is no guarantee that the restaurant will be able to sit you together
2. if they can sit you together, it can be a very long wait
you may get lucky and the hotel may not be that full, or the restaurants may not be that full when you walk up but this is really rare.
if you are ok with possibly waiting a while and/or sitting apart you might want to take the chance.
for me personally, if i were to go an event, i want my guests to feel like i am making a special effort to make their trip memorable.
i would feel horrible if i planned an event and my guests showed up ready to be seated and for dinner and they had to wait even 15 minutes to get seated...i have families with kids and sometimes those extra minutes can mean alot.
ana, i think got a little lucky with her situation and i would not bet on it happening often.