BUT
We started working with DFTW last September that was 9 months ago!...
Two weeks ago I would have signed a contract in a heartbeat if they had sent it to me....
Ok, I hope I don't get flamed too-( please people don't take this to mean anything negagive about your choices and weddings- I think they are beautiful- but this was simply my experience), but that was my experience (although much, much shorter!) with DFTW. It didn't burst my bubble, I just figured this is how big fancy wedding places are? I have no idea, I'm not good bride material
But I assumed I'd have been treated like that anywhere I was going to spend a fortune? But maybe not, who knows. I have very- very- little experience in those types of things (very small midwest town/northern girl!)- was happy to get married on a few days notice out in the snow
But in all seriousness, my DH reproposed to renew our vows at the WP. We were going to do that, and all the trimmings, and spend about 15k (if I'm honest, our budget did go over that!) on the whole thing. After we went back and forth on venues for a few weeks, I was ready to book a new location which I could get at the 8 month mark at that time, contacted them, to get the sunrise terrace. We had our date. Nothing, no calls back, weeks and nothing!! If they had sent me a contract, I'd have signed, but no matter how much I called, they didn't respond. AT ALL!! It as so frustrating! I also found out later on these boards that things they told me weren't true (this was the sales consultant I believe, not the first people on the phone) and we could have had a date we had originally wanted anyway. It's crazy, because we had said- we're ready to book, all set, and just not a word.
After a lot of talk, to me, that was SO much money to us!!, and I felt completely terrified of spending it on people that wouldn't give me the time of day
It was sad, but I decided that I still loved disney, and wanted a somewhat disney wedding... so we came up with the plan we have (which took a fair amount of researching and calls!). Take that money and buy DVC resale, and then take the rest and have a scaled back wedding- which is half at disney (grand floridian thanks to you and I'm SO grateful for your help with that!!), and half at discovery cove. Talking to another venue, just getting returned phone calls- it was so nice. And, I was able to give my kids vacations at disney for years and years, to me, that would have been enough! But at this point, the kids and us were all ready to have a VR too!
I'd just like to say, that I talked to another disney vow renewal bride the whole time, and her experience was so different- I assume it was because she was working with a different consultant than me at the time- but she felt really bad at how I was being treated. And I am really happy for her, her DFTW is coming along beautifully- and there are so many beautiful weddings. I think my experience was the exception, not the norm, but it still sucked. But at the same time, I think DFTW, and a couple bad apples there doesn't ruin all of disney- I hope it won't for you! But there are also other options out there, and because you, like I, chose one, it doesn't have to mean someone else's choice is bad. We all have our own path to follow. This is your wedding, it should NOT be this stressful! And I don't know if DFTW is typical, but I don't understand why when you are spending so much money on something so special, people can be so rude!
I'm very glad it worked out like it did, and I hope that this will turn out perfectly for you as well. It really did- and I am sure it will for you in the end
I am THRILLED with our plans, they are beyond my wildest dreams, not to mention the fact at how much cheaper it is and being able to buy DVC. I would ahve been thrilled, too, with the DFTW, and like you I'd have booked it if I could have. I just wouldn't put up with the type of treatment we were receiving. So I really understand what you are saying about that. It's really too bad
You know what's really crazy, is after a few weeks, I gave up calling and emailing and trying to book it. And I made other plans. But NEVER have they contacted me back. Not once! I thought at some point they would, and I'd have to explain. But nope, nothing. I talked to some others that are 'in the know' down there and shared my experience and they just couldn't believe they would have lost our business that way. It was really sad and hard to beleive (especially in this economy!!)
Anyway, I wanted you to know that you were not the only one that had a bad experience. And that it's worked out great for us
Wishing you the best and that it's all figured out asap!!