When I planned our Intimate a year ago we had to pay a deposit of one night's room (part of the 4-night room package requirement) but I've heard different things about that, some had to pay an actual deposit, some have not had to? We just paid for all 4 nights and the Intimate package in one shot a few weeks before the wedding.
As for special treatment . . . People were very excited to see a bride and everyone was very nice. We didn't do the bridal ears or the honeymoon pins at the parks, though, so I can't say if that gives you any special treatment, but others have said it does. If a restaurant knew we had just gotten married there they would do something, like we got a special certificate at one place, and called up for a dancing and kissing contest at Whispering Canyon Cafe. My DH doesn't like to be in a spotlight so we didn't "seek out" anything special.
