Disney9.9.10
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2010
The map in a bottle idea is amazing! And I really like the map. Your guests are going to be so excited to get these!
Chelsea & Max's DCL Wedding 2011/2012 Planning Journal
- Thread starter chelsrae85
- Start date
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
I had a friend tell me she thought shipping would be too expensive. I told her, "I don't care, they're friggin' sweet and totally appropriate! you can take it on the cruise in case we end up on a deserted island and need to communicate, you can send it back out to sea!" LOL!
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
I'm sitting at work squealing on my lunch break at my desk because I checked our planning blog and we're starting to get comments from guests who say they'd like to come on the cruise!
I think I may have to contact Disney about having a wedding larger than 50 people because I am fairly certain we may be hitting close to that number!
Anyway, check out the blog post here.
I think I may have to contact Disney about having a wedding larger than 50 people because I am fairly certain we may be hitting close to that number!
Anyway, check out the blog post here.
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
I have seven women I've asked to be in my wedding--my fiance's sisters and my closest friends. I wanted to make something in order to ask them officially to be in my wedding, and also to give them all the information for planning. I forgot to take pictures before mailing them so I thought all would be lost, BUT! I recently visited a friend who I had asked, and surprisingly hers was laying out on her kitchen counter! I snapped a few pictures to show it here:
The outside of the card. You can't tell in this picture but the wording has silver glitter pen over it.
The inside of the card--I downloaded a Cinderella font!
There we go! Now you can see it better!
Pretty bows!
Bonus: from my recent trip at Walt Disney World, which I have yet to write about. Wouldn't it be cute to have a photo of the bride and groom looking up and down at one another on these steps at the Grand Floridian Monorail station?
The outside of the card. You can't tell in this picture but the wording has silver glitter pen over it.
The inside of the card--I downloaded a Cinderella font!
There we go! Now you can see it better!
Pretty bows!
Bonus: from my recent trip at Walt Disney World, which I have yet to write about. Wouldn't it be cute to have a photo of the bride and groom looking up and down at one another on these steps at the Grand Floridian Monorail station?
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
I only have about ten minutes left of my lunch break at work, but I thought I'd post quickly that last month, I was able to visit WDW for a few days with a friend from Virginia (also one of my bridesmaids) and another friend who lives in Orlando and works at GMR (another bridesmaid).
We didn't get to do much at the parks as unfortunately it rained and rained and rained (and then it rained), but I did get to explore Epcot for a bit, and we spent a full day at Magic Kingdom covered in raingear and carrying fabulously stylish rainbow and leopard print umbrellas (pictures to come).
I did however get to spend some time thinking more about where we want resort photos taken. I do for sure know I want to go to the Grand Floridian, since I think the new carpet treatment on the staircase there is excellent. So now we're up to four resorts, which...I think will be a full day of photography. Now, I take pictures on the side for fun, so I am fully aware how daunting this could potentially be. I think we'll prioritize resorts, start at the most important one (DAK or Wilderness Lodge) and work our way down from there. Once we're exhausted, we could always skip out on photos at our least prioritized resorts.
I also was able to score some adorable Disney housewares at WOD and at Cast Connection (a friend is a cast member!), which I'll post later too. Max and I are moving into our new home (rented) later this month and I'm excited to be planning out our subtle Disney home. Our living room is going to be a Nautical theme, but you won't believe when I show you the amazing thing I found at Cast Connection that perfectly fits this. I nearly peed myself when I found it!
I also have the intention of posting "Introducing my Bridal Party" posts soon--our bridesmaids and groomsmen are an important part of the day and I'd like to post about each of them.
I'll post a trip report whenever I have access to my photos. Until then, happy planning ya'll!
We didn't get to do much at the parks as unfortunately it rained and rained and rained (and then it rained), but I did get to explore Epcot for a bit, and we spent a full day at Magic Kingdom covered in raingear and carrying fabulously stylish rainbow and leopard print umbrellas (pictures to come).
I did however get to spend some time thinking more about where we want resort photos taken. I do for sure know I want to go to the Grand Floridian, since I think the new carpet treatment on the staircase there is excellent. So now we're up to four resorts, which...I think will be a full day of photography. Now, I take pictures on the side for fun, so I am fully aware how daunting this could potentially be. I think we'll prioritize resorts, start at the most important one (DAK or Wilderness Lodge) and work our way down from there. Once we're exhausted, we could always skip out on photos at our least prioritized resorts.
I also was able to score some adorable Disney housewares at WOD and at Cast Connection (a friend is a cast member!), which I'll post later too. Max and I are moving into our new home (rented) later this month and I'm excited to be planning out our subtle Disney home. Our living room is going to be a Nautical theme, but you won't believe when I show you the amazing thing I found at Cast Connection that perfectly fits this. I nearly peed myself when I found it!
I also have the intention of posting "Introducing my Bridal Party" posts soon--our bridesmaids and groomsmen are an important part of the day and I'd like to post about each of them.
I'll post a trip report whenever I have access to my photos. Until then, happy planning ya'll!
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
Every day on my lunchbreak, I obsessively scour the internet for Disney Wedding Ideas. So far I've googled every possible combination of the words, "Disney", "Wedding", and "Cruise".
I obsessively check Carly's blog, The Disney Wedding Blog.
Then I check here, at the disboards.
Then I google.
Sometimes I'll hit up Brides.com, but I've found after researching Disney weddings that other weddings bore me.
I think there must be some form of therapy for this type of behavior...
...like shopping for wedding items on Ebay!
I obsessively check Carly's blog, The Disney Wedding Blog.
Then I check here, at the disboards.
Then I google.
Sometimes I'll hit up Brides.com, but I've found after researching Disney weddings that other weddings bore me.
I think there must be some form of therapy for this type of behavior...
...like shopping for wedding items on Ebay!
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
I just ordered our first newsletters off of Vistaprint a week ago. We already got them! Here is the text, and I'll post pics when I get a chance!
Q: What made you guys decide to get married on a Disney cruise?
A. We have traveled twice now on Disney Cruise Lines and have obviously visited Walt Disney World numerous times as a couple. When looking for a beautiful place to say our wedding vows, we both agreed that very few places in the world could top a lovely beach in the Bahamas, surrounded by beautiful scenery, gourmet food, world-class entertainment, and of course you, our dearest friends and family.
Q. Wouldn't it be cheaper to just get married here in Ohio?
A. Not really. By the time we add together everything that goes into a wedding, we'd be paying about the same for one day here in Ohio as we are paying for five days in the Bahamas PLUS the wedding ceremony is included in the trip!
Q. Is this going to cost ME an arm and a leg?
A. The cruise itself will cost guests from $400 to $800 per person, depending on the number of guests in your stateroom and the type of stateroom you get. This does not include the cost of travel to and from Port Canaveral, Florida. We are going to make every effort to provide money-saving tips to our guests, and part of the reason we are planning so far in advance is so that our guests have time to plan and save for the trip. We can only book one year from the date, so we'll be making our reservation this coming spring (2011). At that time we'll announce the exact dates of the cruise.
Q. So are you guys going to be upset with us if we can't make the trip?
A. Of course not, silly! We understand that a cruise is a lot to ask for those of you who just can't swing it! We also realize that while our wedding day is very important to us, it IS just one day! If you just can't do it, just come to the reception in Ohio. There will be plenty of food and dancing! And for those of you who can make it, GREAT! We're super excited you can join us! We'll see you on the boat!
Q. What if I really hate Disney? Is this cruise going to be "kiddish"?
A. Not a chance. Disney Cruise ships are classy, elegant, and luxurious ships that cater to all demographics--young and old alike. There is literally something for everyone to do. Don't want to deal with kids splashing in the pool? Skip over to the quiet adults only deck. Need to escape the noise? Go to the onboard spa or the movie theater. And if you have children and you need a break, there are onboard kids clubs and daycare. Make sure to make prior arrangements with the various daycare programs before boarding the ship!
Q. So what can I expect on this cruise?
A. Basically, cruise vacations are the best thing ever. For one price, you have your lodging, food, and entertainment all included. The ship includes gorgeous staterooms, gourmet food, live shows, a movie theater, a sports deck, three pools, snack bars, buffets, dance clubs, Disney Character appearances, lounges, and more. Each day the ship docks at a different location and you can leave the ship to explore. It's really something you have to experience for yourself!
Q. What isn't included in the trip then?
A. You'll need a ride to Port Canaveral (we suggest carpooling to Florida with everyone in your party as plane tickets are pricier than splitting gas), a passport or passport ID card, and spending money for any alcohol or souvenirs you may want to buy. Soft drinks and ice water are included in your cruise price, but alcoholic beverages and bottled water are extra.
Q. Where does the ship dock on our cruise?
A. When we know which specific cruise we're taking, we'll know more information. For now it's safe to assume we will be visiting Nassau, and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.
Q. Tell me about Castaway Cay?
A. Absolutely! Castaway Cay (pronouced "key") is a private island that features a family beach, snorkel lagoon, kids beach, adult-only beach, a BBQ snack bar, and fun shore excursions like ocean kayaking. Snorkel equipment rental is extra but is reasonably priced. Lunch is included in your cruise price.
Q. What can we expect on your wedding day?
A. The ceremony will be at ten a.m. on Castaway Cay beach. After that, we'll make our way back to the ship to celebrate in Palo, one of the ship's restaurants, where there will be cake, champagne, and dancing, as well as speeches and the usual wedding silliness (garter toss, anyone?). After the reception, we'll sneak off for pictures and let all of you get back to your rooms to prepare for hte beach. By afternoon, we plan to be in our bathing suits back out on the sand enjoying the ocean breeze. We suggest light, comfortable resortwear for the wedding; even the mornings can be quite warm in the Bahamas. And don't forget sunscreen!
Q. So when will we hear more information about this event?
A. We plan on mailing newsletters with valuable information concerning our destination wedding as the time come closer! Keep an eye out for them!
Q: What made you guys decide to get married on a Disney cruise?
A. We have traveled twice now on Disney Cruise Lines and have obviously visited Walt Disney World numerous times as a couple. When looking for a beautiful place to say our wedding vows, we both agreed that very few places in the world could top a lovely beach in the Bahamas, surrounded by beautiful scenery, gourmet food, world-class entertainment, and of course you, our dearest friends and family.
Q. Wouldn't it be cheaper to just get married here in Ohio?
A. Not really. By the time we add together everything that goes into a wedding, we'd be paying about the same for one day here in Ohio as we are paying for five days in the Bahamas PLUS the wedding ceremony is included in the trip!
Q. Is this going to cost ME an arm and a leg?
A. The cruise itself will cost guests from $400 to $800 per person, depending on the number of guests in your stateroom and the type of stateroom you get. This does not include the cost of travel to and from Port Canaveral, Florida. We are going to make every effort to provide money-saving tips to our guests, and part of the reason we are planning so far in advance is so that our guests have time to plan and save for the trip. We can only book one year from the date, so we'll be making our reservation this coming spring (2011). At that time we'll announce the exact dates of the cruise.
Q. So are you guys going to be upset with us if we can't make the trip?
A. Of course not, silly! We understand that a cruise is a lot to ask for those of you who just can't swing it! We also realize that while our wedding day is very important to us, it IS just one day! If you just can't do it, just come to the reception in Ohio. There will be plenty of food and dancing! And for those of you who can make it, GREAT! We're super excited you can join us! We'll see you on the boat!
Q. What if I really hate Disney? Is this cruise going to be "kiddish"?
A. Not a chance. Disney Cruise ships are classy, elegant, and luxurious ships that cater to all demographics--young and old alike. There is literally something for everyone to do. Don't want to deal with kids splashing in the pool? Skip over to the quiet adults only deck. Need to escape the noise? Go to the onboard spa or the movie theater. And if you have children and you need a break, there are onboard kids clubs and daycare. Make sure to make prior arrangements with the various daycare programs before boarding the ship!
Q. So what can I expect on this cruise?
A. Basically, cruise vacations are the best thing ever. For one price, you have your lodging, food, and entertainment all included. The ship includes gorgeous staterooms, gourmet food, live shows, a movie theater, a sports deck, three pools, snack bars, buffets, dance clubs, Disney Character appearances, lounges, and more. Each day the ship docks at a different location and you can leave the ship to explore. It's really something you have to experience for yourself!
Q. What isn't included in the trip then?
A. You'll need a ride to Port Canaveral (we suggest carpooling to Florida with everyone in your party as plane tickets are pricier than splitting gas), a passport or passport ID card, and spending money for any alcohol or souvenirs you may want to buy. Soft drinks and ice water are included in your cruise price, but alcoholic beverages and bottled water are extra.
Q. Where does the ship dock on our cruise?
A. When we know which specific cruise we're taking, we'll know more information. For now it's safe to assume we will be visiting Nassau, and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.
Q. Tell me about Castaway Cay?
A. Absolutely! Castaway Cay (pronouced "key") is a private island that features a family beach, snorkel lagoon, kids beach, adult-only beach, a BBQ snack bar, and fun shore excursions like ocean kayaking. Snorkel equipment rental is extra but is reasonably priced. Lunch is included in your cruise price.
Q. What can we expect on your wedding day?
A. The ceremony will be at ten a.m. on Castaway Cay beach. After that, we'll make our way back to the ship to celebrate in Palo, one of the ship's restaurants, where there will be cake, champagne, and dancing, as well as speeches and the usual wedding silliness (garter toss, anyone?). After the reception, we'll sneak off for pictures and let all of you get back to your rooms to prepare for hte beach. By afternoon, we plan to be in our bathing suits back out on the sand enjoying the ocean breeze. We suggest light, comfortable resortwear for the wedding; even the mornings can be quite warm in the Bahamas. And don't forget sunscreen!
Q. So when will we hear more information about this event?
A. We plan on mailing newsletters with valuable information concerning our destination wedding as the time come closer! Keep an eye out for them!
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac80/MickeyMouseChels/livepreviewaspx.jpg?t=1285647274
The photo poster thingy isn't working, so just c/p the link.
The photo poster thingy isn't working, so just c/p the link.
Goofy4Ever
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2006
Great job on the newsletter 
PixieDust1969
Happily Married on Castaway Cay!
- Joined
- May 27, 2010
Your newsletter is great!
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
Thanks guys! In my next life I'm going to be a writer--quite enjoyed that!
CinderelliT
Dreaming of Disney
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2008
Hi there! Welcome aboard! (Pun intended)
I love everything so far and can't wait to read more. Your ideas are fabulous. I originally wanted to do the message in a bottle thing, but we decided to be sneaky, sneaky on the cruise and save that for just us. lol
We're also big DMB fans!
I love everything so far and can't wait to read more. Your ideas are fabulous. I originally wanted to do the message in a bottle thing, but we decided to be sneaky, sneaky on the cruise and save that for just us. lol
We're also big DMB fans!
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
Hi there! Welcome aboard! (Pun intended)
I love everything so far and can't wait to read more. Your ideas are fabulous. I originally wanted to do the message in a bottle thing, but we decided to be sneaky, sneaky on the cruise and save that for just us. lol
We're also big DMB fans!
Hi babe!
I've definitely stalked your wedding more than once on here--pretty sure I've commented you on Carly's FB page too. I think we DCL brides must be so few and far between that we're all memorable.
We have one more thing in common too: I've recently begun doing freelance photography for a hobby and extra income. Two weddings this month! I'm learning a LOT. Maybe I'll post a few photos here on my planning blog just to show.
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
So. Even though my wedding is still a year and a half away at least, and even though I don't even have an exact date, I just want to get crap done.
Like, I feel behind.
Which is psycho, I realize. But I feel this way anyway.
So here's the todo list for now:
Compile Address List
Mail Pseudo-STD's and Newsletters
Create Pre-RSVP's
Call wedding planning number and actually get Shanda's contact info
Make some sample crafts for at home thingy just to see if i can do it.
Start collecting florals
SAVE SOME MONEY!
ha!
Like, I feel behind.
Which is psycho, I realize. But I feel this way anyway.
So here's the todo list for now:
Compile Address List
Mail Pseudo-STD's and Newsletters
Create Pre-RSVP's
Call wedding planning number and actually get Shanda's contact info
Make some sample crafts for at home thingy just to see if i can do it.
Start collecting florals
SAVE SOME MONEY!
ha!
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
I just made my first call to DFTW regarding our cruise wedding in early 2012. I asked the lady a few questions. Below are the responses I got and my thoughts. LOL!
Q: When we do a Castaway Cay ceremony on the 5-day itineraries, is it the first or second stop to Castaway Cay that our ceremony will occur?
A. It's always the first stop.
Just thought this was good information so I'm posting it for anyone else's benefit.
Q: The website says if you have more than 48 guests to inquire about availability. How does this work?
(I kid you not this was her response)
A: Well those are put in place for a reason so there's obviously not a whole lot we can do at that point.
So if I have 51 guests they're going to get kicked off the beach? Why is this even on the website then if they're not budging from that rule? Stupid.
Q: Can I have contact information of a planner so as I think of questions I can speak with them directly?
A: You can schedule a phone appointment with them closer to your date.
We aren't able to handle those types of questions currently.Why is your staffing issue my problem? Hire more people to work DFTW DCL weddings then.
Ugh. First experience speaking to DFTW? Not good.
Q: When we do a Castaway Cay ceremony on the 5-day itineraries, is it the first or second stop to Castaway Cay that our ceremony will occur?
A. It's always the first stop.
Just thought this was good information so I'm posting it for anyone else's benefit.
Q: The website says if you have more than 48 guests to inquire about availability. How does this work?
(I kid you not this was her response)
A: Well those are put in place for a reason so there's obviously not a whole lot we can do at that point.
So if I have 51 guests they're going to get kicked off the beach? Why is this even on the website then if they're not budging from that rule? Stupid.
Q: Can I have contact information of a planner so as I think of questions I can speak with them directly?
A: You can schedule a phone appointment with them closer to your date.
We aren't able to handle those types of questions currently.Why is your staffing issue my problem? Hire more people to work DFTW DCL weddings then.
Ugh. First experience speaking to DFTW? Not good.
PixieDust1969
Happily Married on Castaway Cay!
- Joined
- May 27, 2010
I am sorry to hear you are having such issues with DFTW. I think they need to hire someone just to answer questions. Luckily with all of the wonderful people that have posted on here I have been able to get most of my questions answered. With the number of people issue...when I booked my wedding I told her I may have over 48 and she said we would discuss it and make arrangements once my list of guests and confirmation numbers were turned in with my planning journal. I have noticed that if you have your wedding booked, she does respond faster. So many things may change before early 2012 and I know she answered questions alot faster once I had my date and had been charged for the wedding part. Also, I only email her when I have several questions as not to overwhelm her email box. Don't get discouraged...I just figure there are so many people getting married before I do that need answers faster than I do. I am not getting married until 11-12-11 on Castaway Cay.
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
I'm not super worried about it yet. I just get irritated when a) I'm spoke to condescendingly (Lady, I'm sure you get calls all day with stupid questions that can be answered on the website. However, I have read the whole darn website and the answer is not there!), and b) when another company's staffing issue is supposed to somehow be my problem. LOL!
Anyway, small update:
I mailed our first wedding stationery yesterday! It's just a generic announcement saying that we plan to get married on a Disney Cruise and we'll let you know when we've made the reservation. Also sent out copies of the newsletter I posted previously. I did manage to decorate the envelopes with some cute stamps so I'll post some of my artsy pics when I get a chance!
Anyway, small update:
I mailed our first wedding stationery yesterday! It's just a generic announcement saying that we plan to get married on a Disney Cruise and we'll let you know when we've made the reservation. Also sent out copies of the newsletter I posted previously. I did manage to decorate the envelopes with some cute stamps so I'll post some of my artsy pics when I get a chance!
chelsrae85
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2010
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