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[mushumadness]

Hiya

I am just starting planning our 2008 wedding

and I am wondering about a few things, firstly if we had a Disney wedding we would have to have a custom one because of how many guests will go. But I have been reading that you can only book this a year out and they dont even confirm the date until 8 months before, which isnt long enough for us as we need to arrange flights for thirty people plus booking holidays from work takes a year in advance.

Are there any other ways or places I can book this far out

 

[TinkBride]

The Swan and Dolphin Resort are "technically" no Disney resorts, but they are on the property and close to everything. and to most people are considered a Disney hotel. They do weddings as well, but are not run by Disney so without Disney's rules and policies. There is a link at the top of the page on this board with quesitons and answers about these weddings. Maybe they could work something out with you. Good Luck!

Here's a generic link:

www.swandolphin.com

 

[princessdisneybelle]

Maybe you can talk to Disney and see if they would make a exception?

 

[disprincessatheart]

A couple of things to consider. THey will pencil you in more than a year out depending on who you talk to. For ours, we got engaged in February and wanted April of 07, so they penciled us in until we hit our 12 mo mark and could book. Also, if you are doing the ceremony or reception in a park, you can book at 12 months. We're doing our reception in EPCOT, so we were allowed to book everything at the 12 mo mark.

As far as planning in advance, if you know when you want your date, and Disney pencils you in, more than likely you will get that date, you just might not get your 1st choice time at the location you want, or you might have to choose an alternate reception site if the one you want is booked. IF you plan a week long trip or longer, and you're flexible by a day or two on which day the wedding is on, you won't have any issue at all getting in, as long as it's not a huge holiday week at Disney.

I know it seems like a big deal the way they make you wait to book everything, but it really isn't as big of a deal if you're willing to be a little flexible. PM me if you have more questions on the process.

 

[mushumadness]

hi

well I am wanting to book the wedding pavillion and have the reception at epcot as well, we will be out there for 3 weeks so I am guessing we would get some where in there lol

Im looking at booking the cinderellas coach, full flowers etc

also can I book characters and photos in the park, I am going to have to call disney but I arnt sure when they are open over the holidays any idea?

I honestly cant wait

I guess I can look at booking my flights as I cant see me not getting a date sometime in the three weeks

I know it sounds wierd but I really want 30th October 2008 wonder if thats a busy date

 

[disprincessatheart]

Well even better then. You can officially book at 12months, so not as tight of a timeline after the official booking date. Yes, you can have characters in the park at your reception, though the timing will be totally controlled by Disney, and yes, you can have photography in the park. If you're talking about just photos of your reception, there is nothing special about doing that inside the parks vs outside. If you're talking about getting specific photos of the two of you in wedding attire (ie in front of spaceship earth, etc) I believe you have to book an early morning portrait session for things like that. I know for sure that you aren't allowed to go anywhere in the park other than your reception location during your reception. OUrs is outside with a view of illuminations and a view of spaceship earth, so we'll have a few pics with that in the background I hope!

Let me know if I can help with any other info.

Oh, and other than the EPCOT food and wine festival finishing up, you're not at a busy time of year for Disney. The only thing to think about with that date is that your EPCOT reception options will be limited because of the festival. We almost missed being able to even do a tasting in late september because of the festival starting. That may be a question you have to wait to talk to your EM about though which may not be for a few months since you're still closer to 2 years out.

 

[JonetteA]

The lottery is prevelant for weekends, especially for the wedding pavilion. I would suggest that you be flexible with your date and times so that you do not have to go through the lottery system, and this will expedite booking. For example, instead of having a 6pm wedding on Saturday, maybe consider a 1 or 2pm, etc. Think outside of the box. We took an off the beaten path location and it was in Epcot so we lucked out with no lottery. Traditionally Oct and May are busy months for Fairytale weddings.

The photos you book with the help of your planner if you are talking the MK Photo Shoot. The characters are also part of what your planner will help you with.

 

[mushumadness]

maybe I should think november then lol