DFTW not so Fairy Tale?

[BethieTink]

DH and I are planning a Wishes VR on November 10, 2012 for our 10th anniversary. Our plan is to do a ceremony in the Rose Garden in the UK, a brunch at The Attic and then a dessert party at EPCOT that night. We are planning on between 20-25 people. I have been in contact with DFTW a few times and so far, not all that happy with them.

When DH and I decided to do Wishes vs. Escape, I called right away (early April) since I thought the timeframe was 24 months to start to get the ball rolling. The girl on the phone took down my info, told me they would be sending me and email and that I should call back on May 10, since that was 18 months out and that was the first time I could actually start the process.

Thought that seemed a little odd, (based on all the info I had previously seen), so I called back a couple of times and was told the same thing, so I gave up and decided to wait till today (like a good girl). I am not good at waiting, but if it was a new policy then fine.

Called late this morning and did not have a smooth go of it. When I mentioned my date, the woman on the phone jumped on me and told me my date was a Saturday and the minimum was $20K. I shot back, "I thought it was $12K for a 9am ceremony". To which she replied, "That's mainly for theme park weddings". At this point, I am getting a little miffed, since she has not asked me a thing except for the date. Finally, she asked me if I had specific venues in mind. I told her UK and the Attic. When I mentioned the DP, she told me that "that might be a touchy issue and force the higher minimum". She also told that she could put it down on my request and it could go to a manager and my sales person, "but not to get my hopes up". Are you kidding me???? She then confirmed my phone number 3 times and told me another email would be on its way. I got the email and guess what, the phone number was wrong!!!! I had to send a correction.

I have not heard from anyone yet, but I am really starting to re-think this. DH and I don't need to do this at all, but would love to. If Disney doesn't become more of a magical fairy tale soon, I may save the money.

Thanks for listening. I had to vent. Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Hopefully, I will be starting a PJ soon, but right now not so sure.

Bethie

 

[sambycat]

sorry you are feeling frustrated! it's a bit of a tough concept to get a grip on, we know as we just had our wedding in january. there is indeed lots of hurry up and wait and some occaisional glitches. sometimes it isn't clear who can do what when and for whom.

for me, thats where the boards and the disney passporters guide to weddings and honeymoons came in. i had a lot of info in my head and resources. big help! i know there are lots of UK brides on here and i can't imagine doing things from THAT far away and the whole time change issue.

so i feel your pain, but let me reassure you that, if its something you are interested in, it does all work out! there is lots of good info and lots of tricky info out there - the DFTW website isn't all that great.... but unfortunately there is a lot of flux in prices and nuances in locations. try not to get too frustrated from one weird interaction.

 

[princesswendy720]

I am getting married the same time as your VR (planning on 11/12/12 but may be switching to the 11th). It does take some prodding to get through the people who answer the phones - I'm sure once your consultant calls you they will be much more pleasant. My consultant actually said to me (at 24 months out) - I'm sorry if you've been given incorrect information but you can certainly start talking to us about your options.

I think the concern with the lower minimum is that you are having an event that starts at night and the rule says that if they start after 2 pm you may have to follow the standard minimums. I'm not sure what the official rule is on the dessert party and the morning minimums (since you are having an earlier official reception). Someone else might have some experience with that.

 

[sambycat]

oh - also - and this isn't really explained by the people you talk to or anywhere formally - but all the first call does is take info. someone will get back to you. there is some "pencilling in" and discussion. then you wait. and wait. you beg to give someone money so you can get more set and more info. then you wait a little more. then around the 6 month mark, planning really gets going.

but do check out some planning journals if you haven't already, this wedding creature is a slow lumbering beast, but it does get there!

 

[DisneyShamrock]

I am so sorry you got someone so grouchy and unknowledgable. I would be frustrated, too, if that was my starting experience.

There is one girl I have talked to on the phone (and my mom in person) who seems to have absolutely no clue about Disney weddings, and she is NOT nice. I got her the first time I called and just wanted a brochure mailed to me. Please, do not let her (or whoever the woman you spoke with was if it isn't the same girl) deter you from Disney.

The consultant I have dealing with is super-friendly and always quick to respond. She confirmed that I could start talking with someone at 24 months, and she has been more than helpful in answering all my questions, even though I'm so far out. I know there are a lot of ladies on here that have had wonderful people to help plan their weddings.

She was wrong about needing to spend $20k. It is $12k for a 9am ceremony on a Saturday. Here is the pricing info straight from the site:

Monday-Thursday $12,000
Friday & Sunday $15,000
Saturday $20,000

9:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M Ceremonies $10,000
9:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M Ceremonies (Friday - Sunday)$12,000

I guess she missed the memo. Since you're planning on a Wishes VR, the dessert party shouldn't bump your minimum.

It's a slow process until you get within the window (I know, I'm there, too), but when it goes, most of the ladies who are close or have had their weddings can tell it GOES!! Hopefully, your consultant will revive your faith in Disney weddings.

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

She is definitely wrong about hitting the 20K mark. I am having a 10am ceremony on a Friday, followed by brunch at the Attic and a dessert party at Sago Cay. My minimum is still $10,000. (I signed my contract before the new minimums.)

 

[BethieTink]

Just wanted to follow up and say thanks for the responses. Sorry the follow up has been slow. DH and I were in our best friend's wedding last Friday night and it's been slow catching up.

I did hear from Diane at DFTW last Thursday. She is far more knowledgable than the first line of contact. The info about the Dessert Party that the woman had given me is totally wrong. The DP does not trigger the higher minimum, since my reception will be done by 2. It just gets added on and counts towards my minimum.

After bouncing some of my ideas off Diane, it looks like we are switching some venues, but I will post separately about that.

Thanks for listening. I am sure I will have more questions and more need to vent as we get further into the process.

Bethie