Any Swan/Dolphin Intimate Wedding brides out there??

[perla75]

Hi there!

Any Swan/Dolphin brides out there who did an intimate wedding package? Or anyone have any info to share if you've done the research?

I came across some info about Swan/Dolphin weddings, but the FAQ thread was posted in 2006, so I'm not sure how accurate the numbers are. I did a google search, but there seems to be limited info about the Dolphin/Swan packages. I did look on their website, but the info seems rather vague....

I'd like to know how a Swan/Dolphin small wedding compares to a WDW Escape wedding both financially and experience-wise.

A few questions if you don't mind!

1) Any trip reports or planning journals on here from brides who did a Swan/Dolphin wedding?

2) Does the Swan/Dolphin offer packages for under 20 guests? What's the current price range and what does it include?

3) Do you still get that "Disney feel" doing a Swan/Dolphin wedding?

4) Do you have to stay at the Swan/Dolphin in order to have the wedding there? do you guests have to stay there as well?

5) Does their ceremony site have a view of the Boardwalk and/or Epcot?

Thanks everyone! I look forward to hearing from you!

 

[DecemberBride]

I can't answer most questions... I can tell you that yes they do small weddings and for a reasonable price and it includes quite a bit of ammenities.

I can also tell you I'm having a reception at the Dolphin and Shula's Steakhouse, so let me know if you have any questions...

 

[dakcp2001]

Ill try to answer from teh research I have done!

You can have under 20 guests if you want, the ceremony is like 1500, the reception depends on where you have it.

You do NOT have to stay there, but there is a group discount rate and seems like it would be more convienant really. With some packages they give you room upgrade for you parents. There are no room block requirements.

I am still investigating, so i am hoping a few others chime in here with some more info. I would love to see photos from a S&D wedding!

 

[perla75]

Ill try to answer from teh research I have done!

You can have under 20 guests if you want, the ceremony is like 1500, the reception depends on where you have it.

You do NOT have to stay there, but there is a group discount rate and seems like it would be more convienant really. With some packages they give you room upgrade for you parents. There are no room block requirements.

I am still investigating, so i am hoping a few others chime in here with some more info. I would love to see photos from a S&D wedding!

Thank you-you just made my day with this info!! We havent ruled this out yet!
Where on earth did you find the cost? I've been researching online and couldnt find much.

We would love to stay at the Swan or Dolphin (especially since it looks like I'd get a teacher discount!), but we really want the Magical Express & Extra Magic Hours & it doesn't look like you get these perks if you stay at the Swan or Dolphin. Is this correct?

Wow! $1500 is MUCH cheaper than the $4000 through Disney!! Can you tell me what exactly the $1500 covers?

Also, where is the ceremony conducted? We would definately want to be outside.

Do you have to book a reception through the Swan/Dolphin or could we skip the reception and just do lunch somewhere at Disney?

AND! If we did do the Swan/Dolphin package, MAYBE just maybe we could afford to do the photo shoot at Cinderella's Castle!! Oh my goodness!

Can you still book the photo shoot through Disney if you don't book the wedding through them?

Hmm...if this pans out, it seems much more economical to do the Dolphin/Swan package! & if we could do the castle photo shoot, I would be on cloud 9 for the rest of my life!!

Any further info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

 

[roozlilone]

I actually had a swan/dolphin vow renewal booked before we switched to the Disney Escape package. I was trying to go the most economical way possible and at first I thought the S/D wedding was the way to go. It seemed WAY cheaper! BUT when I actually booked with the Swan and Dolphin and started adding up all the costs, comparing with similar elements in the Disney Escape package, the entire savings was about $300 at best. It does seem cheaper, but it doesn't INCLUDE alot of what the escape package does, if that makes sense?? When you take the location fee and then add the individual elements and keep in mind I just did the basics....basic photography, 2 tier cake, violin etc and the Escape package comes with 2 Annual Passes, it really didn't make sense to me to go with the S/D. And trust me, I'm on a very strict budget and I still think the Disney Escape is the way to go for no more than 20 people. IMHO!

 

[perla75]

I actually had a swan/dolphin vow renewal booked before we switched to the Disney Escape package. I was trying to go the most economical way possible and at first I thought the S/D wedding was the way to go. It seemed WAY cheaper! BUT when I actually booked with the Swan and Dolphin and started adding up all the costs, comparing with similar elements in the Disney Escape package, the entire savings was about $300 at best. It does seem cheaper, but it doesn't INCLUDE alot of what the escape package does, if that makes sense?? When you take the location fee and then add the individual elements and keep in mind I just did the basics....basic photography, 2 tier cake, violin etc and the Escape package comes with 2 Annual Passes, it really didn't make sense to me to go with the S/D. And trust me, I'm on a very strict budget and I still think the Disney Escape is the way to go for no more than 20 people. IMHO!

Thank you so much for replying! This is such helpful info. I'd like to hear more about this, if you don't mind.

On the S/D page it looks like the intimate package includes more than the Escape package. A PP mentioned that the packages start at $1500. The basic package listed on the website includes:
* A wedding coordinator to assist you with your needs on your special day
* Ceremony hosted in the resort's East Courtyard or Crescent Terrace (includes seating for guests)
* Brass bridal arch decorated with fresh flowers
* Ceremony performed by a non-denominational minister or notary, (Rabbi available for an additional charge)
* One bottle of champagne (serves 6 people)
* Ten-inch, round decorated wedding cake (serves 15 people)
* Bridal bouquet (choose from white or soft colored flowers)
* Groom's boutonniere
* Ceremony musician (harpist, violinist, guitarist, flautist or keyboardist, etc.)

Seems like the same as the Escape package offerings MINUS the photographer ands videographer, BUT in addition includes someone to marry us & the option of a harpist which would be so beautiful. We would definately want a photographer & a videographer, but I have no clue how much that would cost, even if we went with outside vendors for those. But we would also need a larger cake, as we'll have 18 people in total.

Could I ask how much the S/D package would have cost you vs the Escape package?

Thanks!

 

[PrincessBride010103]

Thank you-you just made my day with this info!! We havent ruled this out yet!
Where on earth did you find the cost? I've been researching online and couldnt find much.

We would love to stay at the Swan or Dolphin (especially since it looks like I'd get a teacher discount!), but we really want the Magical Express & Extra Magic Hours & it doesn't look like you get these perks if you stay at the Swan or Dolphin. Is this correct?

Wow! $1500 is MUCH cheaper than the $4000 through Disney!! Can you tell me what exactly the $1500 covers?

Also, where is the ceremony conducted? We would definately want to be outside.

Do you have to book a reception through the Swan/Dolphin or could we skip the reception and just do lunch somewhere at Disney?

AND! If we did do the Swan/Dolphin package, MAYBE just maybe we could afford to do the photo shoot at Cinderella's Castle!! Oh my goodness!

Can you still book the photo shoot through Disney if you don't book the wedding through them?

Hmm...if this pans out, it seems much more economical to do the Dolphin/Swan package! & if we could do the castle photo shoot, I would be on cloud 9 for the rest of my life!!

Any further info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

You dont get Magic express or extra magic hours if you stay at the swan/dolphin

Also, you can't have the MK photo shoot unless you book a DFTW so its out if you choose a swan dolphin wedding.

 

[roozlilone]

Thank you so much for replying! This is such helpful info. I'd like to hear more about this, if you don't mind.

On the S/D page it looks like the intimate package includes more than the Escape package. A PP mentioned that the packages start at $1500. The basic package listed on the website includes:
* A wedding coordinator to assist you with your needs on your special day
* Ceremony hosted in the resort's East Courtyard or Crescent Terrace (includes seating for guests)
* Brass bridal arch decorated with fresh flowers
* Ceremony performed by a non-denominational minister or notary, (Rabbi available for an additional charge)
* One bottle of champagne (serves 6 people)
* Ten-inch, round decorated wedding cake (serves 15 people)
* Bridal bouquet (choose from white or soft colored flowers)
* Groom's boutonniere
* Ceremony musician (harpist, violinist, guitarist, flautist or keyboardist, etc.)

Seems like the same as the Escape package offerings MINUS the photographer ands videographer, BUT in addition includes someone to marry us & the option of a harpist which would be so beautiful. We would definately want a photographer & a videographer, but I have no clue how much that would cost, even if we went with outside vendors for those. But we would also need a larger cake, as we'll have 18 people in total.

Could I ask how much the S/D package would have cost you vs the Escape package?

Thanks!

I really, really wish I had kept my contract and info on the S/D, but I booked it back in Sept 2007 and I just can't remember exact prices, however, here are the primary differences from what I can remember (which may or may not be a deal breaker for you)

S/D Package
Ten Inch Round Cake
No Limo
No Website
No Annual Passes
No Photography

Disney Escape
Real Looking 2 Tier Wedding Cake
4 Hours of Limo Service
Personalized Website
2 Annual Passes
2 Hours of Photography with Prints Included

To upgrade the S/D cake was about $100 (the 10 inch round was pretty basic and doesn't look like a wedding cake)
To Add Limo Service was at least $200 (I think)
Photography was pretty expensive to add if you use their photographers, somewhere around $500-$800 for a very, very basic package.

IMHO, the locations at the S/D don't compare with the Disney locations, just not as nice.

If I can remember correctly the total cost for the S/D (very basic package with photography and limo) was about $2900, vs. the $4000 for the Escape, but you have to realize the Escape includes 2 Annual Passes that are worth about $1000 so take that off the price of the Escape package and see how close they really are. Hope this helps!!!

 

[perla75]

I really, really wish I had kept my contract and info on the S/D, but I booked it back in Sept 2007 and I just can't remember exact prices, however, here are the primary differences from what I can remember (which may or may not be a deal breaker for you)

S/D Package
Ten Inch Round Cake
No Limo
No Website
No Annual Passes
No Photography

Disney Escape
Real Looking 2 Tier Wedding Cake
4 Hours of Limo Service
Personalized Website
2 Annual Passes
2 Hours of Photography with Prints Included

To upgrade the S/D cake was about $100 (the 10 inch round was pretty basic and doesn't look like a wedding cake)
To Add Limo Service was at least $200 (I think)
Photography was pretty expensive to add if you use their photographers, somewhere around $500-$800 for a very, very basic package.

IMHO, the locations at the S/D don't compare with the Disney locations, just not as nice.

If I can remember correctly the total cost for the S/D (very basic package with photography and limo) was about $2900, vs. the $4000 for the Escape, but you have to realize the Escape includes 2 Annual Passes that are worth about $1000 so take that off the price of the Escape package and see how close they really are. Hope this helps!!!

Thank you for posting these prices & differences!
I'm torn.....
For us,
-I think we would be ok with the S/D ceremony site if it made a big difference in cost. As long as we are still on Disney property (& we love the Boardwalk area)
-No limo would be doable. My parents live in FL so carting us around in their car for just a basic transport to/from the ceremony and lunch would be fine.
-We would be ok with no annual pass (we won't be able to afford another trip that year no matter which package we used!!)

BUT...
-We would definately want an adaquate photo & video package. We want to remember this forever!!
-I finally noticed the S/D cake that's included & I don't mean to be picky, but it looked NOTHING like a wedding cake!! We would definately want a proper cake.

So, are we looking at a grand total of about $3100 for S/D (added cake, photos, & park tickets but no limo) vs $4000 for WDW Escape?? Also, how much would the videographer cost? Just something basic to cover the ceremony and cake cutting.

Uggh...I'm torn....

 

[perla75]

You dont get Magic express or extra magic hours if you stay at the swan/dolphin

Also, you can't have the MK photo shoot unless you book a DFTW so its out if you choose a swan dolphin wedding.

Wow, I didn't realize the MK photo shoot was only for weddings! Not that we could afford it anyways, but it's a very special and exclusive thing, huh?

 

[mla1977]

You dont get Magic express or extra magic hours if you stay at the swan/dolphin

Also, you can't have the MK photo shoot unless you book a DFTW so its out if you choose a swan dolphin wedding.

Actually, you do get extra magic hours and in resort transportation (between parks and DTD).

You don't get magical express, dining plan, or package delivery from the parks to the resort.

 

[perla75]

Actually, you do get extra magic hours and in resort transportation (between parks and DTD).

You don't get magical express, dining plan, or package delivery from the parks to the resort.

Really?? You get Extra Magic Hours??? I thought that was just for on-site guests. Hmm, that's a key element for us. Although, without Magical Express, I wonder how much it would cost to take a cab to and from the airport-probably alot....

 

[PrincessBride010103]

Actually, you do get extra magic hours and in resort transportation (between parks and DTD).

You don't get magical express, dining plan, or package delivery from the parks to the resort.

i didnt know that swan/dolphin guests got EMH..good to know

 

[dakcp2001]

To the original poster, I think you are in the planning stages I was in just a few months ago (its so overwheming!) Here is a little of my though process and where we are at:

As far as the ceremony price (not package, just ceremony) I got the info by calling the S&D directly a few months back. I got engaged in dec, so it had to have been right after that. MY problem is that we have about 25 guests, and we cant do the Escape wedding unless we cut out immediate family (df has a huge immediate family), and the wishes wedding would just be out of our budget.The S&D is flexible with guest count. That is what will make the difference for us. Guest count is our main reason for shopping around. How many guest will you actually have?

I was sad at first about having to "settle" for S&D but once i started looking I was very impressed with what I have seen. The S&D has beautiful ceremony locations, and they seemed willing to work with me on that (I wanted beach/water front) and they were willing to show me some options other than the standards. I havent actually done that part yet.

I have read some poor reviews on the S&D catering, so for that reason I was not planning on having them do my reception, I was leaning towards a resteraunt that is already set up. I was torn between having a small reception at Shulas (awesome place! reasonable prices) or having it at Narcoossees or California Grill.We also are planning to have an Illuminations dessert party but as a magical gathering sine our wedding wont be a "Disney" wedding.


Don't count out S&D because its not a "Disney" wedding, they really have been awesome so far in helping me try to figure out what I want to do. Your wedding will be magical no matter where you have it.


I think the most important start is figuring out what your guest count & budget is going to be. If it is under 20, then you have the flexibilty to compare both options.

 

[perla75]

To the original poster, I think you are in the planning stages I was in just a few months ago (its so overwheming!) Here is a little of my though process and where we are at:

As far as the ceremony price (not package, just ceremony) I got the info by calling the S&D directly a few months back. I got engaged in dec, so it had to have been right after that. MY problem is that we have about 25 guests, and we cant do the Escape wedding unless we cut out immediate family (df has a huge immediate family), and the wishes wedding would just be out of our budget.The S&D is flexible with guest count. That is what will make the difference for us. Guest count is our main reason for shopping around. How many guest will you actually have?

I was sad at first about having to "settle" for S&D but once i started looking I was very impressed with what I have seen. The S&D has beautiful ceremony locations, and they seemed willing to work with me on that (I wanted beach/water front) and they were willing to show me some options other than the standards. I havent actually done that part yet.

I have read some poor reviews on the S&D catering, so for that reason I was not planning on having them do my reception, I was leaning towards a resteraunt that is already set up. I was torn between having a small reception at Shulas (awesome place! reasonable prices) or having it at Narcoossees or California Grill.We also are planning to have an Illuminations dessert party but as a magical gathering sine our wedding wont be a "Disney" wedding.


Don't count out S&D because its not a "Disney" wedding, they really have been awesome so far in helping me try to figure out what I want to do. Your wedding will be magical no matter where you have it.


I think the most important start is figuring out what your guest count & budget is going to be. If it is under 20, then you have the flexibilty to compare both options.

Hey there! Thank you for this very important post!

Our guest count should not exceed 16 guests (14 adults/2 infants). With my DF & myself=18 people total.

'm guessing our budget overall would be around $6000 MAX. With that, we would need about 2 years to save up, which is fine.

I guess if I narrowed it down to a list of what's important and what we can live without, it would go:

Must-haves:
-Outside ceremony site on Disney property (Boardwalk area would be fine)
-Obviously an officiant
-Flowers: bridal bouquet for me, something simple and small for my 2 BM's (just a single rose would be fine), corsage for my DF, and 2 more corsages for his groomsmen. We can do without extra flower arrangements or decorations at the ceremony
-Live music: #1 choice would be a harpist, but we'd be just as happy with a violinist
-A real wedding cake-nothing fancy, but must look like a wedding cake
-Champagne for our toast
-Someone to do my hair & make up
-Site accomodated for 18 people total
-Photo package
-Either video package or MK Photo Shoot (since they are very similar in price)

Could do without if we needed to:
-Limo (my mom will have her car)
-Annual Passes (we won't be able to go back for a return trip for the rest of that year!!)

Any thoughts on which one is looking better for us??

I was so disappointed to here that only DFTW people can partake in the MK photo shoot That might have been the deal breaker if the D/S price was significantly less $$

 

[DecemberBride]

I was torn between having a small reception at Shulas (awesome place! reasonable prices) or having it at Narcoossees or California Grill.We also are planning to have an Illuminations dessert party but as a magical gathering sine our wedding wont be a "Disney" wedding.

I can vouch for Shula's... I'm having a disney wedding and a reception at Shula's! They are the best to work with. Really will go out of their way to help and make the dinner/reception your own... they will email and call back really promptly and sooooo nice!

 

[perla75]

Just bumping this up to see if there is any one else out there is any further info or advice on which one to do?

 

[dakcp2001]

I think you should make yourself a list of what you want to include. If you do the Escape, will you add on Photography? WIll you add on videography? Will you add on extra chmapagne & upgrade your cake? Or would you just stick with the package as it is?

 

[perla75]

I think you should make yourself a list of what you want to include. If you do the Escape, will you add on Photography? WIll you add on videography? Will you add on extra chmapagne & upgrade your cake? Or would you just stick with the package as it is?

Well, we figured out how to use the Wish Book on the WDW weddings site and it looks like if we did an Escape it would roughly cost between $4100 (no video or MK photo shoot)-$6500 (w/both MK photo shoot & video)

Here's basically what we want out of our WDW wedding (regardless of venue)
Must-haves:
-Outside ceremony site on Disney property (Boardwalk area would be fine)
-Obviously an officiant
-Flowers: bridal bouquet for me, something simple and small for my 2 BM's (just a single rose would be fine), corsage for my DF, and 2 more corsages for his groomsmen. We can do without extra flower arrangements or decorations at the ceremony
-Live music: #1 choice would be a harpist, but we'd be just as happy with a violinist
-A real wedding cake-nothing fancy, but must look like a wedding cake
-Champagne for our toast
-Someone to do my hair & make up
-Site accomodated for 18 people total
-Photo package
-Either video package or MK Photo Shoot (since they are very similar in price)

Could do without if we needed to:
-Limo (my mom will have her car)
-Annual Passes (we won't be able to afford to go back for a return trip for the rest of that year!!)

I went over all of this with my DF & he says "Whichever is cheaper, but still gives us basically what we want."

Oh, what to do, what to do....