Paradise Cove Orlando

[CharacterFan]

Looking at their website it looks great, but I was wondering if anyone here has looked at it or got married there?

We were planning on Disney, but things just didn't work out and this looks like it might fit us and be a lot better on budget.

Thanks!

[SuzeQ]

I was a bridesmaid in a wedding at Paradise Cove. It's very nice, especially if you want a tropical feel. The weather is nice in the fall and spring but summer might be a little too warm. The reception area is covered but still outdoors.
The wedding I was in had a large dance floor and close to 150 guests. We all danced and it was quite comfortable.

[beach bride 2010]

This was originally where I was going to get married. It is a beautiful spot but works best if you want a beach/tropical wedding. My problem with it though is that for the number of people I wanted (65-75) once I added up all the costs of everything it really only was going to be about $2000 less than what I would get for exactly the same price if I went with Disney. Of all the venues I looked at in Orlando this was one of the priciest ones. Keep in mind that what I am talking about (and compared costs on) is what a basic Wishes wedding would be-no characters, coach, dessert party, nothing in a theme park so no worries about transport and the high price of Disney photography, etc. What was most important to me was simply a nice location to marry the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. In the end it was worth it to me to spend the extra money to go with Disney because it is so much more meaningful to us and I really like the fact that they help out so much with the planning. With my busy schedule I know I'd have a hard time meeting with multiple caterers, bakeries, flower shops, etc., which is something to consider if you don't live locally and can't make it to Orlando often. Plus I know Disney delivers good quality stuff (and will be willing to listen and hopefully do something about it if they don't)vs who knows what I would get from outside vendors, especially after I read the knot for a while and discovered those brides suddenly started having issues with a floral vendor they'd raved about 2 months earlier, a photographer who was great but suddenly his business became a victim of the economy just before a bride's wedding, etc. If you do like doing the majority of your wedding stuff on your own and have the time to do so, Paradise Cove is probably a better option than Disney. They do limit you in some areas but are nowhere near as limiting as Disney (ie you have to choose from a short list of their approved caterers). Contact them, get all the info, and see if the venue would be a good fit for you. They were very friendly and quick about answering all the questions I had. From the little I worked with them I would definitely recommend them. Another option you may want to look into is the Universal Resorts-I've heard great things about Royal Pacific and Hard Rock weddings. Good luck, I hope you find something that is the right fit for you!

[CharacterFan]

Thank You for the replies.

Disney is a big part of us, but things just didn't work out with a wedding there. We're still strongly looking in Orlando and doing the rehersal dinner and maybe an after-party at Disney. I've actually contacted a few wedding planners to help with finding all the vendors and everything since I live in Atlanta.

[DisneyDJChuck]

If you'd like to see some photos/video of a recent Paradise Cove Wedding, please click here:
http://classicdiscjockeys.com/blog/?p=319

I would agree it is VERY warm from April-September. But it is a very cool, beach-style venue, and the staff there is top-notch.