DFTW hasn't called back...

[DisneyDudet]

So I may sound like a bridezilla or someone who just needs patience but...

I called DFTW Monday about booking my Escape Wedding. It was 9 months from the date I want. A very nice lady, Laurel, took my info and everything. She told me I would be getting a call from someone in 2-3 days to start talking about planning the wedding. Well, I haven't heard from anyone. This is day 4, and a Friday. I don't want to have to wait over the weekend. I've waited too long already. I got an email Monday afternoon confirming my contact info.

Is this usual? Is this representative of DFTW? I'm not sure i like this. Should I call this afternoon to see what the hold up may be? I don't want my date and time to be picked over bc they decided not to call me in the timeframe they gave me.

Your advice and experiences are appreciated.

 

[bradleyjess]

I don't think it's representative of DFTW -- at least it hasn't been that way for me. I'd call back and politely tell them what happened. You waited the 2-3 days, so I think it's understandable to call as a reminder!

 

[Lorelei528]

I would totally call.

 

[DisneyDudet]

I called back and spoke with Nick. He tried to find someone for me to talk to immediately, but he couldn't. He told me they would call me later this afternoon, but I asked them if they will really call since they hadn't called me since Monday. He told me he would put it as a priority, which who knows if that is really possible.

I'm becoming quite disillusioned and disappointed with DFTW. I understand they are busy and have women just like me calling all the time, but don't treat me like I'm not a priority. Aren't we supposed to feel like we are the only brides they are helping, even though we know we aren't?

Does anyone know how long they are open in the evenings? I will call them again later if I don't hear from them.

 

[asunnysideup]

I believe they're open til 6. I was told I'd be called back in 1-2 days, but got a call back on day 3. Hopefully they'll call you back today!

 

[DisneyDudet]

Well, to follow up with what has happened since my last post... I did some research and found out they stay open until 530 pm. So, while I was trying on dresses, I called at 4:15 (central time, so 5:15 eastern). Another man (maybe Ryan?) actually spoke with my consultant and she was on the phone with another bride. She told him she would call immediately after speaking with her. My phone was messed up and didn't even ring, but my mom heard the voicemail alert come on. I immediately called her back and spoke with her. I FINALLY have a penciled-in date! So far, I am the only one that has requested that date and time (and 2 other times that day as back-ups), so I hope that stays. I had to change my date because my original date was a holiday, and no weddings on a holiday!

The reason she gave me for not calling was that she was meeting with brides and was out of the office. I really wish they had, at least, sent an email saying that they hadn't forgotten me, but that she would call a certain day. I really felt like I had been brushed aside, which wasn't a good feeling. Those who answered the phone were extremely nice and apologetic. I'm just glad I got what I was needing!

 

[sambycat]

It is pretty typical and it is very nerve wracking!!! That's why I ended up doing a planning journal - mostly to fret and be reassured! There is much room for improvement in the dftw system, and not to minimize your concerns, but honestly the machine that is dftw works pretty dang well and in the end, it will all work out. There are things that seem crazy to me and the bulk of your planning is going to happen like 2-3 months out no matter how willing you and your checkbook are! I think you've got the passporter wedding guide, right? And are you listening to the Disney weddings podcast? Good info and a place to channel your energies!

 

[DisneyDudet]

Thanks, Lisa. I do have all that and am listening to the podcasts. I feel way more informed than I was before. I just hate asking everyone my super random questions and becoming a boards hog!! I did send my consultant an email yesterday for her to answer when they were back in the office Tuesday, but she answered it late Saturday. I was a bit impressed with that. It was full of questions I thought about and didn't want to forget.

I have a planning journal that I've started, but I put it in the complete PJs by mistake. I've contacted 2 mods and it has yet to be moved.

I do have a question... When do you start working with a coordinator rather than a consultant? Who does what?

 

[sambycat]

Great!! And no worries! That's why we folks on the other side hang around!! We had a wishes wedding but it wasn't super smooth-er or anything. I beggedthem to take our deposit!! We got a planner name somewhere around that deposit/9 month time but then nothing happens again for a while. I was anxious because in moving to Texas I only had one opportunity for the in person planning session. But thankfully it did work out. Even then though, it takes what seems like way too long to finalize the planning after that. Can't remember if we ever had an utterly complete BEO before the wedding! And for us the floral side was a snap as far as nailing things down and having paperwork while the ceremony stuff was just taking forever. Others experience the opposite. The distance and timing of this dftw behemoth takes a lot of faith (it really does) Hang in there!

 

[mariapicardikenyon]

So I may sound like a bridezilla or someone who just needs patience but...

I called DFTW Monday about booking my Escape Wedding. It was 9 months from the date I want. A very nice lady, Laurel, took my info and everything. She told me I would be getting a call from someone in 2-3 days to start talking about planning the wedding. Well, I haven't heard from anyone. This is day 4, and a Friday. I don't want to have to wait over the weekend. I've waited too long already. I got an email Monday afternoon confirming my contact info.

Is this usual? Is this representative of DFTW? I'm not sure i like this. Should I call this afternoon to see what the hold up may be? I don't want my date and time to be picked over bc they decided not to call me in the timeframe they gave me.

Your advice and experiences are appreciated.

That wasn't my experience. Called for my daughter and received a call within 2 days. I'm a very impatient person as well!