DP: Photography & how early to book?

[minniebride]

I know you are not allowed to have outside photography for a DP, but how much does it cost for the cheapest package of one hour DP photography if you hire through Disney?

We are booking the DP straight through Disney, as we are not having a DFTW.

ALSO, how early in advance can you book a DP? We are looking at either Illuminations DP or Sago Cay (but probably Illuminations)
Thanks!

 

[lurkyloo]

$350 for the basic dessert party photo package. When we did our non-DFTW anniversary dessert party at Epcot, we got the ball rolling about 6 months out but couldn't sign our contract til 3 months out.

 

[erin.w]

What does the $350 include?

 

[minniebride]

Thank you!!

So, meaning we should start calling at 6 months out? Darn, I was hoping it would be more like 9 months out I am very nervous about being able to be booked for one, that because I'm not a DFTW bride, all the spots will be taken so I'm trying to be on the ball with this one!

Any tips for when I call? I've heard that they really take their time calling you back to reserve a date....

 

[April Elizabeth]

I'm using Sago Cay and you can use your outside photographer if you choose that venue.

HTH,
April

 

[lurkyloo]

What does the $350 include?

Two hours of photography, a proof book, and 4x6-inch prints of every image (usually about 30-50 images).

Thank you!!

So, meaning we should start calling at 6 months out? Darn, I was hoping it would be more like 9 months out I am very nervous about being able to be booked for one, that because I'm not a DFTW bride, all the spots will be taken so I'm trying to be on the ball with this one!

Any tips for when I call? I've heard that they really take their time calling you back to reserve a date....

Oh, I say start calling 9 months out. They can at least give you the basic info. And keep trying if you don't hear back at first. Your planner is assigned based on the resort you're staying at, and some are more responsive than others.

 

[minniebride]

Two hours of photography, a proof book, and 4x6-inch prints of every image (usually about 30-50 images).



Oh, I say start calling 9 months out. They can at least give you the basic info. And keep trying if you don't hear back at first. Your planner is assigned based on the resort you're staying at, and some are more responsive than others.

Thanks so much Carrie! & do I have to specify what we are celebrating? We are likely going to have the dessert party the night before the wedding, but I've read that it's not a good idea to say the celebration is wedding-related because they may not be OK with booking it because I'm not a DFTW bride. I'm not planning on wearing my wedding dress or anything....

Also, are there any Epcot Illuminations locations that are easier to get than others? We will have around 40 guests at the party. UK lower or upper was our first choice, but we will take any of the Epcot sites, except the ones that are standing room only.

 

[lurkyloo]

As long as they know you're not trying to circumvent DFTW, you should be OK—like you said, you're not trying to sneak in wearing a wedding dress or something, and you're not adding a cake and trying to make it a reception on the sly.

There are so many different locations, and you have a large enough party that you qualify for several places, so I don't think you have to worry about getting a non-standing-room-only spot.

 

[minniebride]

As long as they know you're not trying to circumvent DFTW, you should be OK—like you said, you're not trying to sneak in wearing a wedding dress or something, and you're not adding a cake and trying to make it a reception on the sly.

There are so many different locations, and you have a large enough party that you qualify for several places, so I don't think you have to worry about getting a non-standing-room-only spot.

Thank you Carrie!!