Swan & Dolphin Weddings FAQ

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

In general, if you have a large group, Ohana encourages you to book your party either at the very beginning or very end of the night.

 

[2dogmom]

Hi, I'm new here. I've read through some of this thread but haven't seen anything on this topic so if I missed it and am repeating, I'm sorry!

Has anyone planned a dinner at O'hana after their ceremony? If so, were they able to easily accomadate a large-ish group? I wonder if this is even a good place to go for this or is it distracting with all the activity? Or do they have private rooms available? I have no idea...I've been there and don't see where they'd be, but just curious. Thanks for any feedback you can give!

I had my reception at Ohana and everyone loved it. I originally reserved for 30, but we ended up with 17 so I adjusted as we got closer. We were seated at one long table in the middle. Auntie was so much fun. she mad a big deal of our wedding and had us have a first dance. We had a few kids in our group so they enjoyed the activities while we enjoyed the adult company. The only downside was we had to wait about 30 min to be seated because you are relying on the previous parties to clear out. I would definitely do it all over again there.

 

[2dogmom]

Wanted to add, I contacted the managers before 180 days out telling them what I was doing and they made the reservations for me at 180 days and sent me the confirmation information. They were great to work with. I had my time at 7:45 because my ceremony was at 4 and I was planning pictures around a few resorts before dinner.

 

[SarahFarra]

Wanted to add, I contacted the managers before 180 days out telling them what I was doing and they made the reservations for me at 180 days and sent me the confirmation information. They were great to work with. I had my time at 7:45 because my ceremony was at 4 and I was planning pictures around a few resorts before dinner.

Thank you! Sounds like fun! I know my fiance has had this in his vision long before we were even engaged! I will hopefully work with my Just Marry planner to help me coordinate this.

Were you able to wear your dress to dinner? That is, if you even wanted to. Haha

 

[2dogmom]

Thank you! Sounds like fun! I know my fiance has had this in his vision long before we were even engaged! I will hopefully work with my Just Marry planner to help me coordinate this.

Were you able to wear your dress to dinner? That is, if you even wanted to. Haha

Yes, I was able to wear my dress and I did. Definitely check if JM will help coordinate it, but I seem to think that you need to get the ADR yourself.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I agree. I am pretty sure that the JM team cannot get involved when it comes to receptions at Disney restaurants. I think they can only help with meals at restaurants at the S/D. It is very easy to make the ADRs yourself though!!

 

[chris&wendy]

Ok...

I am about out of my tree, and I thought planning a wedding was supposed to be fun.

I SO want to get married at Disney World. However, I was budgeting for an Escape package and it's become very clear that we will have more than 18 guests. We're looking more like 23-25. Since DFTW is a HUGE stickler, (even though we're not planning a formal reception), it's becoming clear that this isn't going to work for me. I don't want to spend an extra $5000.00 to meet a Wishes package minimum just to accommodate another 5 people. That's crazy.

Someone suggested that we look at the Swan and Dolphin so here we go. My main concern with this is the fact that as a Swalphin couple, we won't be able to book a portrait session with DFAPhotography at the Studios. We were having like a 20's-30's themed-ish ceremony, (originally planned for Sea Breeze Point at the Boardwalk), and wanted to have our bridal portraits done at the Studios on Sunset Boulevard etc.

I've contact DFAPhotography and haven't heard back yet. Does anyone know the answer? *sigh*

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I guess you already read the posts on the Facebook group, but yes you can have your shoot at DHS in bridal attire, but obviously would need to use Disney Photography Services for this.
Happy Planning sweetie!!!

 

[chris&wendy]

Yes, and I'm so glad I found the Facebook group mentioned here! It's put my mind at ease!

 

[bluedevilinaz]

I had my reception at Ohana and everyone loved it. I originally reserved for 30, but we ended up with 17 so I adjusted as we got closer. We were seated at one long table in the middle. Auntie was so much fun. she mad a big deal of our wedding and had us have a first dance. We had a few kids in our group so they enjoyed the activities while we enjoyed the adult company. The only downside was we had to wait about 30 min to be seated because you are relying on the previous parties to clear out. I would definitely do it all over again there.

Ok, I have to ask, how did you get everyone to Ohana? My wife and I are looking at doing our VR at the S/D around sunset and then going to Ohana right after for dinner. I haven't been to wdw in 16 years and DW hasn't been since she was like a year old so neither of us have any idea what we're doing when it comes to navigating transportation.

Edit: I also just asked to join the swalphins group on Facebook.

 

[MrsDuck]

Edit: I also just asked to join the swalphins group on Facebook.

Just added you on FB! You'll get much faster answers there.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Ok, I have to ask, how did you get everyone to Ohana? My wife and I are looking at doing our VR at the S/D around sunset and then going to Ohana right after for dinner. I haven't been to wdw in 16 years and DW hasn't been since she was like a year old so neither of us have any idea what we're doing when it comes to navigating transportation.

Edit: I also just asked to join the swalphins group on Facebook.

Welcome to our little group and congratulations on your upcoming VR.

 

[bluedevilinaz]

Just added you on FB! You'll get much faster answers there.

Thanks! Good to know!

Welcome to our little group and congratulations on your upcoming VR.

Thanks!

 

[2dogmom]

Ok, I have to ask, how did you get everyone to Ohana? My wife and I are looking at doing our VR at the S/D around sunset and then going to Ohana right after for dinner. I haven't been to wdw in 16 years and DW hasn't been since she was like a year old so neither of us have any idea what we're doing when it comes to navigating transportation.

Edit: I also just asked to join the swalphins group on Facebook.

We had enough guests with cars that we carpooled. Most of my guests stayed off site and drove in for the wedding.

 

[bluedevilinaz]

We had enough guests with cars that we carpooled. Most of my guests stayed off site and drove in for the wedding.

That makes sense. Most of my guests are coming from out of town and are flying in so not too many cars will be available.

 

[Tinkerkell007]

Has anyone been married at Lakeside Terrace? I've seen 1 picture of it set up for a wedding but I haven't seen anyone (other than that pic) getting married there. I was wondering if there was a reason why? It looks so pretty from what I can see.

 

[ShanaMouse]

Has anyone been married at Lakeside Terrace? I've seen 1 picture of it set up for a wedding but I haven't seen anyone (other than that pic) getting married there. I was wondering if there was a reason why? It looks so pretty from what I can see.

I am getting married at crescent terrace but i know that the lakeview terrace is exclusively reserved for very large weddings, i think 100 or more guests. This may also explain why you cant find more pictures of it, as most of the weddings taking place at the swan are less than 100 guests. otherwise i agree that it is a very pretty location.

 

[minniebride]

Has anyone been married at Lakeside Terrace? I've seen 1 picture of it set up for a wedding but I haven't seen anyone (other than that pic) getting married there. I was wondering if there was a reason why? It looks so pretty from what I can see.

Could you post the picture of Lakeside Terrace? I'm curious to know where it is and what it looks like.

 

[sarahb01]

Yeah, when we first looked into the Swan I wanted to use Lakeside terrace but was told it is only for very large parties and they won't release the space for weddings unless it is a group of 200 or more.

 

[Tinkerkell007]

I am getting married at crescent terrace but i know that the lakeview terrace is exclusively reserved for very large weddings, i think 100 or more guests. This may also explain why you cant find more pictures of it, as most of the weddings taking place at the swan are less than 100 guests. otherwise i agree that it is a very pretty location.

Yeah, when we first looked into the Swan I wanted to use Lakeside terrace but was told it is only for very large parties and they won't release the space for weddings unless it is a group of 200 or more.

Oh wow...well that is out then! That makes me sad, seems like if there are not that many larger weddings they would just open it up for smaller ones. OH well!
Thanks ladies!