Disney Contract.. I feel so lied too...

[wendyiam]

I think overall Disney doesn't so much as "lie" as they don't deal in gauruntees or specifics because they don't want to held responsible if anything changes its their 'Get out of Jail Free' card if you will.

Disney doesn't call it "lying", they call it "telling storys". Sounds nicer right? But it's really not. Sounds like you were taken for a ride. I'm Really sorry this happened to you. I would like to hope that it was just a miscomunication. Maybe some of the cast were being kept in the dark and that's why they told you not to worry. Your wedding will still be wonderful regardless of what happens. I hope you can get everthing resolved.

 

[meggydoodle]

I am sad to see the people on here who are not getting married in Disney trying to chime in and make the brides feel bad. If it was your big day and you just found out about the changes after the fact you too would be hurt regardless of your contract wording. So please if you can't say something nice, say nothing.

I also felt as though I was lied to. I had a conversation with my planner who has been fantastic about easing my fears. She knows I am in no way ecstatic about some of the changes going on but said she has passed my feedback along about the lack of communication Disney provides.

My issue is not with the construction going on at the GF although I have been told that there are no garauntees that there will be no noise during the ceremony. They said they can ask the construction workers to stop but it will all depend on how far behind/ahead they are in their timeline. No where in my contract does it state that the carriage ride may be detoured to go through the parking lot instead of the original private path. That carriage ride is way too expensive to take a route along the road. Sadly this is now the route it will be taking with no notice given to me. I had to find out on here and question my planner about it. When I first went to my planning session I was told that there may be some construction going on during my wedding time frame, however, I was told the construction was happening in Magic Kingdom and there may be a crane or two that would need to be cropped out of our pictures by the castle. So to the people who say read your contract before signing...we did, we asked questions based on the wording of the contract, and like someone said in an earlier post, If Disney isn't going to give us an honest answer then that isn't our fault. We signed a deal based on the information given to us and somehow it just seems okay for them to change or omit some pretty important information.

My heart goes out to every bride this has affected. I know my wedding planning has been so much fun and I was happy that it wasn't as stressful as Bridezilla brides make it out to be. Sadly Disney has put some what of a sour taste in my mouth and caused me to be stressed about what is to come. I don't have faith that Disney will do the right thing and make my day perfect, I have faith that my planner will do everything she possibly can to make the day go off without a hitch.

Try to keep your chin up girls! Keeping a positive attitude and hoping for the best will get us all through this. I tell myself everyday that this seems like a huge deal and a week after it is over I won't remember ever being upset because the day will be perfect.

 

[robinb]

I am sad to see the people on here who are not getting married in Disney trying to chime in and make the brides feel bad. If it was your big day and you just found out about the changes after the fact you too would be hurt regardless of your contract wording. So please if you can't say something nice, say nothing.

First of all, exactly where does it say in the DISBoards rules that only people getting married at Disney may post on this board? Secondly, no one was trying to make anyone feel bad. I was just trying to understand what the OP's issue and why she thought that Disney lied to her. I sympathize with the OP and the other brides like you who are paying premium fairytale pricing for construction noise and second rate substitutions. Of course I would be upset if I was in the same situation.

That being said, I think that this poster has it right:

I think overall Disney doesn't so much as "lie" as they don't deal in guarantees or specifics because they don't want to held responsible if anything changes its their 'Get out of Jail Free' card if you will. Chances are your wedding will go off without a hitch, and it will be quiet and beautiful, but Disney doesn't want you to be able to come back on them if it isn't so therefore its "Probably, most likely but I won't tell you Yes" kind of situation, which also seems pretty common in ALL of Disney's dealings from issues like this, to things like the MK shoots.

I do think that Disney will do their best to make all of your weddings memorable. They do not want unhappy brides. However, if you hold out for "OMG! THAT WAS PERFECT !" then you are bound to be disappointed somewhere along the line. Personally, I would rather be ready for "less than perfect" in advance and be pleasantly surprised. Also remember ... your "big day" is just the start of your life with your husband (or wife) ... not then end of the journey.

 

[Jilian]

I really think that Disney should have disclosed the rennovations beforehand to allow potential brides to decide whether or not they were ok with still having a wedding during a major rennovation. It sounds like Disney just came up with a backup plan (a giant wall! Stained glass windows!) that was ok with them so they assumed it would be ok with everyone else too. The thing is, different brides have different tastes so any and all rennovations/changes really should be announced ahead of time. They charge a lot for a DFTW! They should really keep their brides in the loop when changes are being made. I'd feel lied to also, it is sort of underhanded how they handled the whole situation.

 

[princesswendy720]

They should have been more up front with the info...but now that we know, is anyone going to cancel/change the date/move locations? I'm sure if it is bothering you to that extent, Disney would be flexible with making changes since their contract wording was not clear or was written so generic that they could make it apply to this sort of situation. I think they are intentionally vague. I think it comes down to...what's more important to you...a guarantee that your pictures won't have construction in the background/construction noise at your ceremony, or getting married at the Wedding Pavillion during that timeframe?

Yes, it stinks that for the next few years, brides who want to get married at the WP have to deal with construction that brides before them/after them won't have to deal with...its just the luck of the draw I suppose . Disney is always going to be changing and updating things and it won't work out for the people who are there during that time. I'm lucky that I get to go a lot, but I know for some people they only go once in a lifetime and if something is closed or covered in tarps for construction they are out of luck too.

I do think that they should have chosen a different spot to build a DVC in the first place. With all the land that is unoccupied, I'd prefer to see a new resort with a new theme than more buildings in that small space.

 

[Gareth& Hayley]

I'm sorry but it is simple...

We know what the contract states and we know that DVC isn't included in it! I'm not interested in the legal discussion as I know we wouldn't make any real progress because it would be difficult to prove the impact etc. These contracts are designed to protect Disney and only them.

My view is however...

Disney have acted in a way that would have stopped me from ever considering them had we known before making arrangements. Disney have shown themselves to be a company that you CAN NOT trust with your wedding day.

I'm a huge Disney fan but these events have made me question my loyalty to them. It hurts to feel such negativity to Disney but right this second... they couldn't care less about are wedding day!

I'm sure my day will be amazing however... it won't have that Disney magic I paid a premium for.

 

[Desnik]

We had our VR at the WP in Nov 2009 and our contract had that same clause. I didn't pay too much attention to it until I read on the boards about the Renovations in the GF lobby. I had my heart set on pictures in the lobby and when I contacted my planner she assured me the floor construction would not interfere and she was right, it didn't.

OP, I totally get it. If I were you I would be very upset. Forget the construction noise, because I am sure they will stop during ceremonies. But what some seem to be forgetting is the ugly construction walls, construction vehicles, extra dust, debri, etc... Just the whole look and feel of a construction site at the WP would have me livid. It's not a Reno it's the construction of a whole new facility, closure of walkways and the beach. It's a bigger deal than DFTW seems to want to admit.

Now, in their defense, going by how DVC operates, I'm sure they aren't being too forthcoming with plans and information in fear that it would leak to the media and those of us who frequent websites like this one. They like to be very secretive when it comes to new DVC properties. They denied BLT was a DVC resort and wanted us to pretend we didn't see the big building they were constructing! My point is, DFTW probably doesn't know anymore than we do. Did they know the extent of the construction 3 years ago? I doubt it. They were probably told there could be some construction at the resort sometime in the future.

I think my contract had that clause because of the construction to the actual GF buildings & the lobby interior. They just kept it in there to cover themselves for future renovations. Constructing a new building is not the same as renovations.

OP, I am so sorry you and other WP brides have to go through this stress.

 

[One_Song]

I am sad to see the people on here who are not getting married in Disney trying to chime in and make the brides feel bad. If it was your big day and you just found out about the changes after the fact you too would be hurt regardless of your contract wording. So please if you can't say something nice, say nothing.

Hear hear! I find nothing quite as distasteful as when people post on the weddings forum that they are excited for a GF DVC. I'm sorry, but the many DVC forums would be a far more appropriate place for that type of discussion. I realize these posters mean no ill will, but it stings to read that as a WP bride.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Wedding Planning is Stressful enough without the Xtra worry of "construction noise, debris etc" that one does not want to even think about as they pay a Premium Price for a Fairytale Wedding at a Fairytale location...seriously, this is not like a wedding on an unknown public boardwalk somewhere for petes sake.
OP and all the brides placed in this stressful situation, My heart goes out to you. I think it is VERY UNdisney like and tarnishes my Own impression of what a Disney wedding will be.
And for anyone that believes that Disney and the specific dept "do not know anything" about upcoming renovations and NEW construction, that is just plain silly IMHO, paperwork, deadlines, requests and permits are filed with DATES on them...so IMHO, YES, disney knows/knew what tentative dates are and that to me means they were NOT forthcoming to the brides...Disney should be ashamed. Very disappointing! At the very least there should be a price reduction due to the added stress caused by this "unknowing." Perhaps a little Blog post/facebook/Thread asking/requesting those affected, will help? Imagine what Disney will think when Many brides start calling?????
I do think they will do everything within their power at the time to be sure that your wedding is minimally if at all inconvenienced , so PLEASE stay positive, you will have the most amazing wedding, that you deserve and may the MAGIC of all those that are sending Positive thoughts your way, make you Believe it! Sorry you are so stressed about this!

 

[pinkmiss3]

Does anyone know what the carriage route will now be? I am thinking about getting rid of it, but a part of me doesn't want to let go. Its expensive and if it is a shorter route then whats the point?

 

[Sammie]

I know it is horribly frustrating trying to plan a wedding around this, totally understand, but FYI, if this is DVC which we all believe it to be, Disney by law can not discuss it due to Florida Timeshare Laws.

So even had they wanted to reveal the construction by law they can't until it is officially announced by DVC.

 

[mjshorses]

...and to think that up until a few weeks ago my biggest gripe and worry was the table linen with fold creases in them...what a joke

 

[meggydoodle]

Does anyone know what the carriage route will now be? I am thinking about getting rid of it, but a part of me doesn't want to let go. Its expensive and if it is a shorter route then whats the point?

From what I have been told from my planner it will be taking the original route before the private path was put in. This means it will go from the GF pick up, out on to the road, and through the parking lot. So any privacy you planned on having is gone. Any last minute father daughter time you were hoping for as just being the special calm last moments before you get married...gone. Not to mention the old route cost $1600 and the new route was $2700. If we are going the old way, we should get the old price. It only seems fair. I am terribly heart broken over this whole thing. GL to you and your decision. I am struggling with the same decision as of now.

 

[Desnik]

From what I have been told from my planner it will be taking the original route before the private path was put in. This means it will go from the GF pick up, out on to the road, and through the parking lot. So any privacy you planned on having is gone. Any last minute father daughter time you were hoping for as just being the special calm last moments before you get married...gone. Not to mention the old route cost $1600 and the new route was $2700. If we are going the old way, we should get the old price. It only seems fair. I am terribly heart broken over this whole thing. GL to you and your decision. I am struggling with the same decision as of now.

What? That is crazy! I really, really feel so bad for you girls! Personally I wouldn't pay $2700 for that even though I know some of you have your heart set on the carriage. This whole thing really stinks & I wish there was an easy fix. But, please try to keep positive, the WP is still a beautiful venue and a DFTW is magical & I know you all will have fantastic weddings!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I am so so sorry for all you sweet girls that this is affecting!!!
I never thought that the carriage was value for money (and to be honest not my thing at all), but it is even more of a 'rip off' now IMHO!!

 

[Desnik]

FYI the spa is closing for 18 months starting in Sept.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-grand-floridian-spa-closing-20110805,0,97843.story

 

[pinkmiss3]

From what I have been told from my planner it will be taking the original route before the private path was put in. This means it will go from the GF pick up, out on to the road, and through the parking lot. So any privacy you planned on having is gone. Any last minute father daughter time you were hoping for as just being the special calm last moments before you get married...gone. Not to mention the old route cost $1600 and the new route was $2700. If we are going the old way, we should get the old price. It only seems fair. I am terribly heart broken over this whole thing. GL to you and your decision. I am struggling with the same decision as of now.

Thank you for responding. I would hope they would give us the old price but that isn't likely to happen. The crazy thing is that as of October 1, 2011 the price goes up to 2,850. The carriage was something that I was really looking forward to. Peter and I were talking about this in the morning and he told me he knows I will regret it if I get rid of it. A part of me feels like I would but what’s the point of keeping it when all the pics will have construction in the background. What if it’s a windy day and the debris is everywhere. Good luck with your decision also. Let me know what you decide.

 

[mjshorses]

I hope this makes the price of the carriage a little easier to swallow. I know having the carriage is very expensive, especially when you think about the amount of time you have it for, and I know they're making quite a profit on it but also try to see some of the costs for Disney associated with it.

For example, every six weeks it cost me $140.00 to have my ONE horse's hooves trimmed and new shoes put on. That's not including board feed, veterinarian services, training, etc. There is a lot included in the care of horses. Horses have to be "wormed" about every month, they need to have their teeth floated (filed down) twice a year, then there are the regular shots and some of them are a series, and that's just some of the things needed. With the increase in gas prices there is also an increase in the price of hay, etc. When you multiply all of these cost plus others times however many horses they have for the carriages.

Then take into consideration, Disney either breeds or has a breeder that breed these "white" horses for them and then there is the training and working with them on top of paying the people that operate the barn, cleaning, and handling of these horses. You see, it all adds up and is very costly.

So, you and I, see almost $3000 for a 15 min carriage ride but also remember a chunk of that probably goes for the care of the horses and to pay the handlers.

That being said, I too, am not at all thrilled about the prospect of taking a carriage ride through a parkinglot.

 

[epcot.girl]

I am sad to see the people on here who are not getting married in Disney trying to chime in and make the brides feel bad. If it was your big day and you just found out about the changes after the fact you too would be hurt regardless of your contract wording. So please if you can't say something nice, say nothing.

No one has tried to make anyone feel bad.

Heck, my ceremony has been entirely moved to a different location! I was meant to get married in the Canada pavilion at Epcot but they've had to move us due to construction. It came out of nowhere - I've been reading on the boards about this GF thing for months. I had to choose a new location over the course of a weekend. Disney were wonderful about the whole thing and very apologetic. I also had my MK shoot cancelled and had to select other locations for my bridal portrait. Again, Disney were very apologetic and very helpful in getting us something different that would work for us.

If anyone should be complaining here it's me But I'm not, because I know these things happen. Disney is a big company and there is always construction happening there somewhere. Everyone knows they are taking a risk when they book Disney because there's always the chance they'll be building something on your wedding day. I do not feel that Disney lied to me at all.

 

[Ash8716]

I am struggling as well with the carriage ride. It is so expensive to be going through a parking lot but it is also the thing that made me want a disney wedding. It is such a struggle.

On another note we were down this weekend for a planning session. We asked if there were any other locations that had a view of Cinderellas castle, and the coach. They came back with the marina at Grand Floridian. It is not the wedding pavilion in any means but it is something to think about. We are struggling as to changing to this location. It is outside and there is a fast food restaurant behind you. Our planners told us if we use this location they can put up signs saying there is a wedding in progress and will be making sure people are respectful. The view is amazing but again its not what we wanted so its a tough one. Just something for people to think about.