Disney Cruise Brides - Let's Chat about our Weddings/VR's!

[DisneyDmbNut]

Hers is something I do not understand about the whole you can't take it off the ship thing.....Ok so DD will be getting the bouquet that Disney will supply. That Floral will be brought onboard IN THE STATES....her ceremony is ONBOARD the ship....the Flowers will NEVER leave the ship but she will not be allowed to take them off the ship with her when she returns to port.

Pretty much the same if you wanted to do a sand ceremony ONBOARD, now I am not saying on Castaway, but onboard it will enter in the states and leave in the states so what is the concern if it never enters a foreign place then is there really a risk of something else getting into it that would be a problem????

Floral is not an issue..it is plants in SOIL they don't let you take off..that came right from the Custom's Agent...Suite guests take off their floral all the time..People who get roses as a stateroom gift take them off too.

The problem is, The United States Custom's has their own rules and DCL has no say in it..I would rather have someone tell me "Custom's won't allow it" rather than they will and when I get to claims, I am arrested or fined for it.

 

[BELLE16127]

I am not at all upset with DISNEY RULES, but I think the problem comes in when you read different posts with different answers....some say YES you can others say NO you can't. It is really confusing and to add to that confusion it seems that there is not a whole lot of information passed back and forth from the Coordinator and the people involved with the upcomming event.

There are several people here who comment on the problems with getting email and phone calls back from the people they are working with. That seems to be ongoing, I don't know it just seems to me that there should be a lot more information going back and forth between the parties involved. These people are paying for a service they want answers to the questions they ask. Several have been told one thing and had things changed half way through the process.

Now I know that DD had to send in the names and confirmation numbers of the people who will be attending her wedding in November and she tells me that she is not to expect anthing more from them until October when the Cruise leaves on November 8th....so if there is an issue, and it takes so much time to get even an email responce can she trust that any issue will be resolved in a timley manner?????

I am not posting to make anyone angry but to ask honest questions....questions that in reading other posts I truley believe that other upcomming Brides all have also.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I can only tell you I know..as I experienced it..I never had issues with Cathy or contacting DFTW but, when I was planning..there really wasn't very many DCL brides...part of the reason I made this thread..

Cathy told me DCL had received "special permission" to take the floral off..I was fully prepared to leave my bridesmaids bouquet and Palo flowers behind until the onboard person told me about the way the custom's law reads.

I was also told in August 2007 that there was nothing to do until about 120 days out..I know the way the excursions and Palo works, so that wasn't a surprise..If you remember, Cathy had to send me an email saying "are you going to send me your confirmation back" and I had to hurry and pick who was going to attend the wedding (we had 30 friends going, but I wasn't close to everyone..only the ones I invited)

Maybe I just am not a hyper planner..maybe that is why I was scrambling to do stuff the last 30 days..but again..I can only give my experience

 

[*Nessa*]

Hi everyone,

I am so sorry to hear all that has been going on and completely understand the disappointment and frustration that’s been expressed

The most accurate information I receive comes from you guys and I have a question that is really worrying me and I was hoping you might be able to help.

We only have a few people making the trip with us and one person is in an electric wheelchair. This person can’t walk but can be moved to a standard wheelchair if necessary.
Anyway I have initially been told that he can go ANYWHERE on the ship. Then I was told the only place he couldn’t go was the secret area on deck 7 but that’s where my ceremony is

Does anyone know if this is correct? Can he or can’t he get to the ceremony

 

[29apr00]

It took me over a month to get a response back from my WP. and it was a very big issue. I had to send a 2nd email to get her to responde.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Hi everyone,


We only have a few people making the trip with us and one person is in an electric wheelchair. This person can’t walk but can be moved to a standard wheelchair if necessary.
Anyway I have initially been told that he can go ANYWHERE on the ship. Then I was told the only place he couldn’t go was the secret area on deck 7 but that’s where my ceremony is

Does anyone know if this is correct? Can he or can’t he get to the ceremony

I don't see why not..there is a teak threshold over the door..I remember because I didn't want to trip on it walking out the door..

I have a picture at work..I will post when I get there

 

[WishingMom]

I have to say that I've not had an ounce of trouble with either Brie (or previously Cathy). Every e-mail that I have sent have been promptly answered, right down to "what time do you think my hair appointment will be". Sorry to those brides who have been having issues.

 

[dodle]

I am not sure what the problems have been with everyone. We have had no problem getting hold of the WP (Bre now, Cathy in the beginning) when we have had a question. My sons wedding is not until 2010, and I am handling the details with Disney for him. I was told from the beginning that nothing could be done for awhile. We were "put on the books" unofficially and told we would get more info when the prices for 2010 came out. Bre contacted us the day after she got the prices and let us know the changes, and told us at that time that we could not officially book the wedding until 12 months out, this September. Then she will add it on and send us the wedding packet. Whenever I have called I have gotten through to her, or she has called me back within a day. I also understand that once it is officially booked there may be little to no contact until about 2-3 months out. This is supposed to be a simple wedding so it shouldn't need a lot of planning. Hopefully we will continue with few problems.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Here is the picture..

and maybe a better one with the onboard coordinator Rufaro

 

[*Nessa*]

Here is the picture..

and maybe a better one with the onboard coordinator Rufaro

Thank you soo much, this is a huge relief

We couldn’t wait any longer and he went ahead & booked flights to come last week. It would have been heartbreaking to have to tell him he couldn’t get to the deck where the ceremony will be.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I had a nice conversation with Brie today. She let me know that the Perfect Gift is not a contracted vendor, so that for sure any additional floral I might order from Shirley would have to be in my room cooler. I said I'd just stick with Disney Floral rather than risk wilting! I'm sending her some photos of flowers for my hair and DDs that she will forward to the florist for me. She let me know that DCL "may" still have the Heads Up Bar beach location available when our VR is, because construction is behind schedule. I asked when I would know what the location is to be, and she said 3-4 weeks before sailing.

In a previous conversation, I had asked about where other location sites may be. She said today that during her most recent meeting, the jet ski rental area was discussed, but it may require changing the ceremony time a little so as not to be having it while rentals are going on or jet skiiers going by (good thought!). I said my concern with that location was that the whole ship will be walking by to get to the family beach, or will be nearby with snorkel rentals. Also, the Captain Jack meet is between there and the ship and so that's a pretty busy spot as well. DH reminded me that while we were in line for Captain Jack last year, we saw the bridal couple who was getting married that morning at Heads Up beach go by on the decorated tram- and were so excited for them, and that next year it would be us. I am concerned about the crowds and noise of that location. I suggested the Teen Beach as an alternate (although I haven't been there, LOL) since it would be secluded. Brie said she would mention that as an alternative. She stressed that DCL is concerned about the CC ceremonies, and that whenever construction is discussed the wedding location is a priority. She said that they want to do everything possible to make sure we are happy and that it is nice.

My real sticking point here is that I won't KNOW where my ceremony is going to be (4 months from today!!!!). I let her know that while I can be flexible because things like construction are going to happen, I am not okay with paying in full for a ceremony that I have no pictures of the location and aren't even guaranteed what location I will have (and of course, weather permitting). I think it is asking a LOT to have a bride book this and pay for it with no ability to see the site or even be told the site!!!! I asked to have the name of someone higher up I could talk to. She said there really isn't anyone other than calling DCL, but I could send her an email with my concerns and she would bring it to her meeting with the cruise line tomorrow.

So yes, I am freaking out a little bit now. I really don't want to get stuck with a site that I am unhappy with and have no ability to see ahead of paying in full. I have 4 other cabins traveling with us so I cannot just reschedule or cancel. They are coming to see us renew our vows!

So- if you ladies could chime in with what you think I should ask of the cruise line in my letter, I would appreciate it. For one, I want to see photos of potential sites, both from the location and from the sidewalk. Hey, somebody is there three times a week- pictures can be taken this week and sent to Brie! I'd feel a lot better if I could see the location. I am very concerned about crowds, noise, etc. I don't want the ceremony in the middle of the day for sure, then it takes up all the CC day either. I feel really stuck, and I am unhappy about that. I told Brie that I do NOT want an onboard wedding (unless there is inclement weather that can't be forseen!). The CC beach wedding is what DH and I fell in love with and what we are paying for. DH wants to know "what the cruise line will do for us". He thinks if we are going to be asked to have this ceremony with no guaranteed location or site preview, we should get an upgrade, or OBC, or enhancements paid for. Because, how do we know we will like what we get? Our 105 days is soon, so we're going to have to pay in full next week. Brie was very kind and wants to help, but I am thinking that I will need to get the attention of someone else.

Can you imagine asking a land based bride to just pay and not see the wedding site, or even know her site??? Yeah, you might be in the wedding chapel at the Grand Floridian, or you might be on a beach by a snack bar. It's all the same, right?

Help! Thanks everyone.

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

wow..that really sucks about Perfect Gift..I think that is unfair to corner the market like that..but, what can you do..they have you by the....veil!

I would not be happy with the CC unknown..I would rather have an onboard and KNOW what was going to happen rather than a "we will see"

DCL is going to push brides to go to the islands and use outside packages if they can't make it more personal!

 

[chepic]

I had a nice conversation with Brie today. She let me know that the Perfect Gift is not a contracted vendor, so that for sure any additional floral I might order from Shirley would have to be in my room cooler. I said I'd just stick with Disney Floral rather than risk wilting! I'm sending her some photos of flowers for my hair and DDs that she will forward to the florist for me. She let me know that DCL "may" still have the Heads Up Bar beach location available when our VR is, because construction is behind schedule. I asked when I would know what the location is to be, and she said 3-4 weeks before sailing.

In a previous conversation, I had asked about where other location sites may be. She said today that during her most recent meeting, the jet ski rental area was discussed, but it may require changing the ceremony time a little so as not to be having it while rentals are going on or jet skiiers going by (good thought!). I said my concern with that location was that the whole ship will be walking by to get to the family beach, or will be nearby with snorkel rentals. Also, the Captain Jack meet is between there and the ship and so that's a pretty busy spot as well. DH reminded me that while we were in line for Captain Jack last year, we saw the bridal couple who was getting married that morning at Heads Up beach go by on the decorated tram- and were so excited for them, and that next year it would be us. I am concerned about the crowds and noise of that location. I suggested the Teen Beach as an alternate (although I haven't been there, LOL) since it would be secluded. Brie said she would mention that as an alternative. She stressed that DCL is concerned about the CC ceremonies, and that whenever construction is discussed the wedding location is a priority. She said that they want to do everything possible to make sure we are happy and that it is nice.

My real sticking point here is that I won't KNOW where my ceremony is going to be (4 months from today!!!!). I let her know that while I can be flexible because things like construction are going to happen, I am not okay with paying in full for a ceremony that I have no pictures of the location and aren't even guaranteed what location I will have (and of course, weather permitting). I think it is asking a LOT to have a bride book this and pay for it with no ability to see the site or even be told the site!!!! I asked to have the name of someone higher up I could talk to. She said there really isn't anyone other than calling DCL, but I could send her an email with my concerns and she would bring it to her meeting with the cruise line tomorrow.

So yes, I am freaking out a little bit now. I really don't want to get stuck with a site that I am unhappy with and have no ability to see ahead of paying in full. I have 4 other cabins traveling with us so I cannot just reschedule or cancel. They are coming to see us renew our vows!

So- if you ladies could chime in with what you think I should ask of the cruise line in my letter, I would appreciate it. For one, I want to see photos of potential sites, both from the location and from the sidewalk. Hey, somebody is there three times a week- pictures can be taken this week and sent to Brie! I'd feel a lot better if I could see the location. I am very concerned about crowds, noise, etc. I don't want the ceremony in the middle of the day for sure, then it takes up all the CC day either. I feel really stuck, and I am unhappy about that. I told Brie that I do NOT want an onboard wedding (unless there is inclement weather that can't be forseen!). The CC beach wedding is what DH and I fell in love with and what we are paying for. DH wants to know "what the cruise line will do for us". He thinks if we are going to be asked to have this ceremony with no guaranteed location or site preview, we should get an upgrade, or OBC, or enhancements paid for. Because, how do we know we will like what we get? Our 105 days is soon, so we're going to have to pay in full next week. Brie was very kind and wants to help, but I am thinking that I will need to get the attention of someone else.

Can you imagine asking a land based bride to just pay and not see the wedding site, or even know her site??? Yeah, you might be in the wedding chapel at the Grand Floridian, or you might be on a beach by a snack bar. It's all the same, right?

Help! Thanks everyone.

You make some very valid points about being nervous....but remember this: IT IS DISNEY!!! It will be lovely, and just as you would want it, even if you have no idea where it is going to be. As you state in your post, you have never been to CC, so don't fret. I am a detail-a-holic. I really had to take a step back when I planned my VR (and I hadn't even discovered the dis-wedding page yet) and just let it happen. We had over 20 guests coming, and it all worked perfectly. Once you are on board, you just hand over all your concerns to the consierge person, and they work their magic for you. Trust in them, remember a little faith and some pixie dust!!!

While we were on CC, there seemed to be many places that would afford some privacy, away from other guests and noise. And I would imagine that during the ceremony, they would block off the area so no one would intrude on your special time. It is a tropical island, so there is much sand, beautiful water for the background, and lush green plants everywhere. I think that if you ask for pictures, you probably really won't get a full sense of the spot anyway. As for having on board the ship, if it has to happen, I am certain they won't charge you the extra fee.

I used Disney's florist, and I was very happy with the flowers. I was unfortunately misinformed, and thought I had to leave mine on board, and left mine to Florencia and the photographer. They were thrilled to have them. And I have the photos to remember them by.


Just relax and let it happen.
Cheryl

 

[29apr00]

complete opposite viewpoint from Cheryl. I have NO faith in DCL to do a wedding anymore. From what i can tell, it's is their wedding and all you get to do is show up. There is no way i'd pay in full for the wedding and not know where it would be. The jet ski rental kiosk??? Are you willing to pay $3500 to get married in from of a jet ski rental shack?

 

[*Nessa*]

I understand why you would be nervous with all the unknown, I would be devastated

I’m a big believer in the journey and feel strongly that the lead up to your big day is an important part of renewing your vows. Personally speaking if it were me it’s not about showing up on the day and doing it, ticking it off the list and then moving onto the next thing.
This is the whole reason for your journey and you are getting the opportunity to bring family & friends with you to celebrate & share in this with you, and I don’t think it’s good enough

I think you FH has the right idea of asking them how they plan to compensate you for this situation and if it were me I would put down a few suggestions to give them something to work with. I think a discount of the cost would be a good start !

All the very best I hope it works out and you both get the fairytale VR you both deserve

complete opposite viewpoint from Cheryl. I have NO faith in DCL to do a wedding anymore

Completely agree, we would have canceled ours too if not for the fact that family have already booked to come with us

 

[BELLE16127]

Our daughter has been "Paid In Full" for her cruiseline wedding for a couple months now. She will be married durring the November 8th sailing (I am sure I have said that before just putting it there for reference). She is getting married on Deck 7. The RSVP's are in and she has a total of 15 people (including bride and groom) and she has paid for a second stateroom for the photographer she found to sail along and do her pictures.

I know I have posted before about all of the things that have changed durring the planning of this, cake, floral, and a couple other things. Well she has accepted all of the changes has been really good about, BUT....she has asked Bri to send her something that is going to tell her EXACTLY what she will be getting with this ceremony. She became concerned with all of the changes (things she was told she could do or have that have now changed) color in the cake, outside florist being allowed to keep flowers in coolers, and I am thinking there is something else....anyway, she was also told they would move her cake and champaigne inside due to the health of her soon to be MIL. So far I do believe that has remained the same.

I know she talked to Bri about this a little while ago and I have not had a chance to talk to DD in awhile, but last time I asked her she still had not received anything from her. Bri was suppose to talk with the cruiseline I believe it was and get EVERYTHING in writting and send it on to DD. I will ask her (when I get a chance if she has gotten anything yet, but as I said last conversation, NOTHING so far. DD is concerned and told Bri that she will not give her a Credit Card number on whatever paperwork she has to put it on until she has the "confirmation" in writting of what she will be receiving.

Yes this wedding is suppose to be easy, less stress, and all of that, but like I have posted before I believe that the people paying for it have the right to know what they are paying for, to know what is going on, and so on.

Changes will be made as we all know, but with something like this that has been planned for a length of time, things have been discussed and approved and then changed????? I don't blame any of you who may be upset, or worried. I keep telling DD that we will have a WONDERFUL time and I am sure it will be Fantastic.....but you all have the RIGHT to know and to get on that ship full well knowing what you are paying for, I think that once you have made your selections on location, floral, and anything else you get to choose....why can't Disney send you something with "pictures" of your selections???? Will your floral look like the floral we have seen with other Disney Brides??? if DD gets the roses will it have that ruffle thing around them....she wanted a hand tied bouquet...is that what she will get??? Or will
she get what they decide to make?? She was told it was OK to bring her own Photographer how RESTRICTED will they be on taking Pictures????

We are just a little under 4 months now, I am so looking forward to this for DD I want it to be wonderful for her.....and I am sure that everyone planning wants their Wedding or VR to be the same, have faith girls and keep asking the questions you need answers to....

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

complete opposite viewpoint from Cheryl. I have NO faith in DCL to do a wedding anymore. From what i can tell, it's is their wedding and all you get to do is show up. There is no way i'd pay in full for the wedding and not know where it would be. The jet ski rental kiosk??? Are you willing to pay $3500 to get married in from of a jet ski rental shack?

That is the area over by the rental shack..the area is roped off and the beach isn't accessible to people so I think it is more private than Heads Up..but I would want to KNOW that..not just "we will see"

I am thinking a Villa Spa for 2 would be good compensation for changing all my plans

 

[chepic]

I guess I am just coming from the prospective of having done it already, seeing that it was perfect, not approaching it as a check off but as a wonderful way for my husband and I to celebrate our 20th anniversary together with family, and knowing that Disney has never failed me in the past. I just don't think that it does the body good to get all crazy over something that even Bri might not have the answers to. I was told by Cathy that once on board, my coordinator would have all the answers that she couldn't answer....and she did.

I just read a book...Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas....which just really puts things in perspective. Forgive me and my positive attitude...must be love.

Cheryl

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

Cheri - DCL has changed sooo much in the past year...I know what you are saying about being happy for the moment and all, but I also don't think it is fair to tell someone they can have something and then 4 months before say it isn't possible.

 

[chepic]

Cheri - DCL has changed sooo much in the past year...I know what you are saying about being happy for the moment and all, but I also don't think it is fair to tell someone they can have something and then 4 months before say it isn't possible.

Not trying to imply that it is fair---all the changes---I guess I was trying to reassure that things will be good, and not to worry so much. I fight for the things that I want, and will negotiate with the best of them to be assured I get what I paid for, and I have in the past written letters to let someone know when I didn't think things went as they should. But again, I was trying to shine a positive light to Little Pixie so she wouldn't be so worried and freaking out.

che