December brides - help

[happylalagirl]

OK - before I start telling everyone the date has been changed... can anyone help me with this time of year...

I've been to Disney World at Christmas every year for the past 4 years or so.. but never 2 weeks before Christmas... is this considered peak season? Does anyone know if airfare is jacked up at this point in time yet? What about the resort prices? Just trying to get a feel for things... it might shrink the number of people coming (which might not be a bad thing for us.)

I know there's a couple of you who had your weddings at this time of year... I know Elizabeth was one of them...

We both LOVE Christmas time!! And everything's already decorated for the holiday so we won't have to worry too much about that... I can't wait...

Any info you guys can give me would be appreciated. I e-mailed Kristi Davis about doing a site visit when we're down there, but I don't know if they'll be able to do it between Christmas and New Years...

Well, I am happy to be back on the board...

Talk to you soon!

Happy Turkey DaY!!!!!

 

[Laurafoster]

Hey!

Im having my wedding next december too - but im hoping for around the 5th December. I think the latest date we have been in WDW in December was about the 15th - it did start to get pretty busy - i think the 2 weeks before are when the prices go up and it starts to get quite busy.

Im not 100% sure though!

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Hey-

We are December 29th this year. For us, we picked the date because it is the 5 year anniversary of the day we met in Disney. Additionally, we couldn't have a spring wedding for 2006 becuase his mom is retiring. We didn't think it was very wise financial decision on our part when the wedding is being paid for 50/50.

I am not 100% sure on the 2 weeks before Christmas deal when it comes to airfares or hotel room rates. You can easily find out by checking the airfares on some of the websites for the times your guests would be travelling (this year). Also, check the Disney website for the hotels you're likely to block out. There are grids with the lists of Holiday Rates (vs) Standard Rates (vs) Peak Rates. Remember too that you guests will automatically receive a reduced cost room when you choose to block your hotels.

Disney is gorgeous when it's dressed for the holidays. We love the time of year and it was too perfect for us! Mind you, they do not decorate the convention centers the way they used to. They are still decorated, but it's much more subtle and less overwhelming. There were problems arising becuase the decorations predominantly reflected the Christian-based religions. Some felt it was too one-sided and didn't fully acknowledge other religion, culture's beliefs, and traditions. These days, you find themed wreaths and garlands in the convention cneters for the most part.

Remember, too, that a number of your guests will be unable to travel around that time of year becuase of vacation plans over the holiday, final exams, work schedules, etc. Some may also just be unable to budget for the costs for attending the wedding at such an expensive and over-commercialized time of year. Even though our wedding is right in the middle of time most people have off from work, we've had a number of regrets due to those reasons. Be very, very sure you can swallow the regrets. If there are certain people you want present at the wedding, you may want to look into another time of year or helping them finance their trip.

Good luck and happy planning!
xoxo

 

[twojo21]

hotel room rates change from value to holiday/peak rate12/19-20 normally, like this year for instance. so youre most likely all good when it comes to room rates as they are value. when weve gone in the past on vacation the first 2 weeks of december are great, small crowds, warm in the 70s, etc. now airfare definetly jumps up in december unless you book way in advance. we went to ft myers beach last year before christmas to visit family & we booked in advance for like $150 each, his dad booked later & paid over $500. so just plan accordingly.

december is a beautiful time at wdw & youre right you will save on some decor. best of luck with your plans!

 

[princessblueeyzes]

Happylalagirl when are you planning for in December? I am planning for December 19, 2006, and so far the pricing is decent for the airlines and hotel stay.

 

[RangerPooh]

The resort prices woudl depend on which season you fall into, value or holiday, which will determine how much you pay. When it comes to airfaire it will all depend on when you book, where you're flying from, and who you are flying on. I have personally noticed higher rates for this winter and next spring than in the past.

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Not from the US but certainly flights from the UK are cheaper for me from the 1st to like the 15th December.

Also the parks are quieter right up until say the 18th/19th they start filling up more from those dates.

Perfect time of the year to get married, it really would have been my choice but it was my husband who chose May for us No regrets but I certainly love looking at Holiday Weddings, so romantic

 

[ahutton]

Our anniversary is 12/6. The first half of December have long been considered the slowest time of the year, but with decorations may now be the second-slowest. DVC rates are cheap, parks are not usually too crowded and we got great deals of flights for many, many years.

 

[happylalagirl]

Hi everyone!! Thank you for getting back to me. I am hoping that we can book our plane tickets early and when we send out newsletters, we will recommend they book their flights early to save money. We fly out of Newark Liberty Airport in NJ. It can be a bit pricey... sometimes LaGuardia is a better choice, but I have family from all over as does my fiance. So, it'll be up to the guests to get their flights.

Also, I found out that Dec. 11 is still value season for the resorts, so adding our discount to the already low rates will be a good thing for our guests, and us... of course, we get 50% off our hotel because the fiance's father works for Disney. We love perks.

Princessblueeyzes - we are getting married on December 11, 2006. We are going to do our site visit when we are visiting for Christmas. We will be looking at the ceremony sites ourselves since the parks will be so crowded, but Kristi is taking us to the Living Seas VIP room and also to Ariel's. We are going to check out the Atlantic Dance Hall on our own one night. However, if our daughter has anything to say about this, we will be having the reception at the Living Seas. She likes the aquarium tanks and since I'm studying to be an animal trainer at Sea World (after I graduate in August) she is very interested in any sea life.

I have been to Disney for Christmas more than once. Every year for the past 3 years we have celebrated New Year's Eve at the Magic Kingdom. This year is no exception. I love it down there... I can't wait til these finals are over and all my papers are written... only 3 more to go. We leave on the 21st- we are driving through the night so we can get there on the 22nd and hang with the family. Free lodging at the house (only 2 1/2 miles outside the main gate) is a HUGE perk!!! That and free admission to the parks (that aren't blacked out). It will be a great Christmas!!

Wow! That was long! Sorry to ramble. Guess I just got used to typing on this thing since I've been typing nonstop (or so it seems) for the last 3 days... I just keep going and going and going....

 

[princessblueeyzes]

Hi everyone!! Thank you for getting back to me. I am hoping that we can book our plane tickets early and when we send out newsletters, we will recommend they book their flights early to save money. We fly out of Newark Liberty Airport in NJ. It can be a bit pricey... sometimes LaGuardia is a better choice, but I have family from all over as does my fiance. So, it'll be up to the guests to get their flights.

Also, I found out that Dec. 11 is still value season for the resorts, so adding our discount to the already low rates will be a good thing for our guests, and us... of course, we get 50% off our hotel because the fiance's father works for Disney. We love perks.

Princessblueeyzes - we are getting married on December 11, 2006. We are going to do our site visit when we are visiting for Christmas. We will be looking at the ceremony sites ourselves since the parks will be so crowded, but Kristi is taking us to the Living Seas VIP room and also to Ariel's. We are going to check out the Atlantic Dance Hall on our own one night. However, if our daughter has anything to say about this, we will be having the reception at the Living Seas. She likes the aquarium tanks and since I'm studying to be an animal trainer at Sea World (after I graduate in August) she is very interested in any sea life.

I have been to Disney for Christmas more than once. Every year for the past 3 years we have celebrated New Year's Eve at the Magic Kingdom. This year is no exception. I love it down there... I can't wait til these finals are over and all my papers are written... only 3 more to go. We leave on the 21st- we are driving through the night so we can get there on the 22nd and hang with the family. Free lodging at the house (only 2 1/2 miles outside the main gate) is a HUGE perk!!! That and free admission to the parks (that aren't blacked out). It will be a great Christmas!!

Wow! That was long! Sorry to ramble. Guess I just got used to typing on this thing since I've been typing nonstop (or so it seems) for the last 3 days... I just keep going and going and going....

Wow congratulations. Our wedding will be the only time that we've been to Disney during the Holidays. I'm so excited. Good luck on your finals. Let us know how your site visit goes.

 

[Laurafoster]

WOW conngrats! My wedding will be the 5th December 2006! I LOVE disney at christmas!

 

[friendofgusgus]

Princessblueeyzes - we are getting married on December 11, 2006. We are going to do our site visit when we are visiting for Christmas.

Oh my goodness!

I have been lurking on this board for a while but finally had to post because December 11, 2006 is our day too!

This is the first time I've seen someone with the same date, so forgive if this is silly, but all of a sudden I am so excited! We are leaving tomorrow to see the park in the same week, check out a few spots for our rehearsal dinner and have engagement photos taken at the Magic Kingdom. Yippee!

Jennifer
12/11/2006
Intimate Wedding at the Yacht Club Gazebo

 

[happylalagirl]

Jennifer - I am all excited now too!!! That's so cool that we'll be getting married on the same day!!! I'm all giddy now... Only 8 more days til we leave for Disney. I can't wait. It'll be nice to not have to think about school while I'm away.

Where are some of the places you're looking at? Are you getting married in the WP or outside somewhere? What are the dates you'll be in FL? If you want you can PM me that info if you don't want to put it on the board.

So exciting!! Now I'll have to tell my honey that he picked a great date!! So good, in fact, that someone else is going to have their fairy tale wedding come true that day also!! wooohooooo!!!

Diane

 

[princessblueeyzes]

Oh my goodness!

I have been lurking on this board for a while but finally had to post because December 11, 2006 is our day too!

This is the first time I've seen someone with the same date, so forgive if this is silly, but all of a sudden I am so excited! We are leaving tomorrow to see the park in the same week, check out a few spots for our rehearsal dinner and have engagement photos taken at the Magic Kingdom. Yippee!

Jennifer
12/11/2006
Intimate Wedding at the Yacht Club Gazebo

I'm so excited fot the both of you Happylala girl and friendof gusgus. WOW you both are getting married on the same day. Lots of to you both.