Escape Brides & IllumiNations DP.. Options?

[DisneyEverAfter]

So I know a lot of other posts/threads I tried looking up mostly catered to Wishes Brides regarding DP options, but as an Escape Bride I wanted to bring this up in the main threads. DF & I are looking forward to surprising our guests with a Dessert Party in Epcot. Our problem is our planner only told us we have 2 options for DP locations: Canada Overlook (East & West) or Morocco Oasis. Now we're a smaller party of either 8 or 9 going to the wedding. My problem is that on our wedding day Morocco is already taken as a DP venue (which is alright viewing-wise, it's right on the water), but that leaves us with Canada Overlook (which is a bad venue spot covered with trees as shown below).

I expressed my concern over the trees blocking any picture opportunity we may have at Canada to our planner. Although it probably has an alright view if you're just strictly watching, it's very poor for picture opportunities due to the trees (which we definitely want as it's our wedding.. Obviously =P) When I was consulting my handy-dandy PassPorter last night, other locations ARE available for smaller groups... But inquired with my planner about locations such as Japan or UK Pubside for the DP & my planner shot it down stating that only Canada & Morocco are specifically available for Escape brides.

That is so sad! I don't understand the reasoning why the smaller Escape Wedding groups can't get a decent view of IllumiNations! It's a bit dissappointing Several locations such as Outpost Overlook (in Africa), Parisian Point (France), Kazbah Point (Morocco), and Vikings Landing (Norway) are all standing-room venues, which is alright, but I'd rather have seating available for guests...

I then emailed my planner my concerns about Canada, when he said (again) only those 2 locations are available to Escape brides. I then emailed him back again saying that we didn't want Canada because of the trees and I didn't understand why if other locations were able to accommodate ~10 people why we couldn't use it (even if I couldn't wear my wedding attire, which would suck...). He then said he would see what he could do tomorrow since he was mostly out of the office today.. =\ I feel Escape Brides are getting the short end of the stick here... Thoughts?

SO Any other Escape Brides want to share their experiences with DPs during IllumiNations or their planning phases? Anyone have actual pictures of the view from Canada for these fireworks or other locations? I don't want to settle for this DP venue and I shouldn't have to.. Any other thoughts on DP locations for small groups that anyone has previously used in Epcot? Piccies will help!!!

Hoping this thread helps not only me but other possible Escape Brides in the future who want to plan a memorable DP & not have to settle!

(Note: We know Sago Cay Point & The Marina at the GF are available for Wishes, but we don't want to pay the money to chime in the music =< Plus we kinda like the idea of IllumiNations better! I also put my concerns in my PJ in the link below if anyone wants to follow there too)

 

[Chilly]

As you are only 2 months from your wedding perhaps you could go down the route with your planner that as a Wishes Bride is unlikley to add a last minute DP to their wedding now could you not be allowed to use a DP site normally reserved for them?

 

[DisneyEverAfter]

As you are only 2 months from your wedding perhaps you could go down the route with your planner that as a Wishes Bride is unlikley to add a last minute DP to their wedding now could you not be allowed to use a DP site normally reserved for them?

I am hoping we come to some sort of solution or alternative! I logged on this morning & there was no email from my planner so I am hoping he is searching for options for me. I don't see why we wouldn't be able to switch to a nicer place if it's not taken, as we are (like you said) only 2 months out from the wedding. I just want a fab wedding day!

 

[Allyourwishes]

I hope they allow you to use a different location it's not like you're asking for for a much bigger venue or anything complicated.

I do agree that escape brides have a lot of compromises to make, I'm doing some very early planning for 2014 and from reading here and the passporter I won't be able to have the locations I hoped for. I was happy to get the wishes package just for the locations but now they have a minimum guest count for wishes weddings and I don't think I can match that

 

[DisneyEverAfter]

Just want to send an update on this DP issue for all you escape brides! In addition to Canada Overlook & Morocco Oasis (as in the original post), I brought up the usage of the other standing room venues in Epcot and our planner talked to Epcot's Banquet Team and they agreed we could use Vikings Landing in Norway--but the problem here is again some tree-blockage in the way. But that is an option I was given out of the ones we requested info on. Also, I was given the OK for Bonsai Terrace in Japan. Although not directly on the water, we are above the heads of everyone else, minimal trees in the way, and appears to be a prime viewing area! After googling pictures the view seems pretty good, although the giant Torii gate/decoration is somewhat in the way, I kind of like it (as we are into Asian architecture in general). So we booked Japan! I think it will be perfect as a closing to our wedding day. Another FYI we were told UK Pubside (which we were also hoping to get) is very hard to get & can only be obtained under specific circumstances, for anyone who is looking for info on it! Hope this will be able to help other small party brides like me

 

[clarabella]

Excellent thanks for the update - cant wait to see your photos !!

 

[amylock]

I am an Escape bride and I was given a longer list for my DP. I did, however, choose Canada Overlook. The pictures I have are very nice.

I am having the DP the evening before - that way everyone gets to mingle! Our wedding is at SBP the next morning and we are having a lunch reception at The Attic! I can't wait!!! May 18th is coming up fast....

 

[DisneyEverAfter]

I am an Escape bride and I was given a longer list for my DP. I did, however, choose Canada Overlook. The pictures I have are very nice.

I am having the DP the evening before - that way everyone gets to mingle! Our wedding is at SBP the next morning and we are having a lunch reception at The Attic! I can't wait!!! May 18th is coming up fast....

Maybe because we're having the DP on our wedding night it might make a difference as to where we are limited to? Not sure, but perhaps the DP the night before can count as small party instead of wedding party in terms of different venues were mentioned.. The views from Canada Overlook look nice, but we want pictures and we don't feel we'll get nice professional pictures with all them trees in the way =P But strictly from a viewing standpoint the view seems good~ May is definitely coming up fast!!! Post some pics here after the wedding to help any future escape brides! Share the escape bride love There are so few of us, I feel!