How Did You Help Your Guests Plan Their Trip?

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

Hi Everyone!
My mom took the plunge and called DF's mom today. The major concern is the cost of the trip to get there. This seems to be the general concern-even though everyone seems ok with the whole Disney Wedding thing.
So, here is my question...
How did you help your guests plan for their trip?
Did you include information on TA's?
Did you have everyone use a specific TA?
Did you hold a family meeting to explain all of the details?
Did you just send out the invite and let them fend for themselves?
What were some ways you helped them that wasn't monetary or information? (Example: Having the wedding on a specific day)

Any insight greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[Lynn5700]

I was lucky. My uncle was a Disney Travel agent at the time so he made a website for my guests to go to with a ton of info.

A lot of the girls on here send out newsletters that have a ton of info to help too.

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

I was lucky. My uncle was a Disney Travel agent at the time so he made a website for my guests to go to with a ton of info.

A lot of the girls on here send out newsletters that have a ton of info to help too.

Cool idea. I could probably do that with my mobile me account. I'm half tempted to buy them all the Birnbaum's Guide.

 

[twiu]

I made a website on my mobileme account. Also, some airlines will give you a group rate if you have a lot of people coming - I think american airlines will do that. It's on their website. fyi.

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

I made a website on my mobileme account. Also, some airlines will give you a group rate if you have a lot of people coming - I think american airlines will do that. It's on their website. fyi.

I'll have to look into that. How did you break down the different resorts and price ranges and stuff?

 

[padisneyfour]

we have shared alot of general info with our family already, have created a website as well- not specific yet but still general info regarding resorts,plans, tickets etc .... good luck with all your plans

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

we have shared alot of general info with our family already, have created a website as well- not specific yet but still general info regarding resorts,plans, tickets etc .... good luck with all your plans

I know I'm going to get hammered with questions and stuff on our trip to see his family for Xmas. So, I will do the general info prep then. I'm just hoping to have my info arsenal ready

 

[twiu]

I'll have to look into that. How did you break down the different resorts and price ranges and stuff?

Well, once you book your wedding then you'll have all those prices. Do you have anything booked yet?

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

No, we just got engaged on 11/19. I started my PJ...but havent had enough time to really post the *hey we got engaged* post on the main board...I'm finishing up a full time internship (5 days to go! )
It will be an escape wedding...10 guests total. So, we won't have a room block. I just need to provide a range of prices for them I guess. But do I tell them our favorites? Or just look for the cheapest? Explain off site accomodations? Pros and cons for on site vs off site?
TIA!

 

[rumrunnergirl]

IMO, there are no "pros" to staying offsite, LOL! I've told everyone thru emails (we're Escape also) that POP is cheapest at $105/$115 per night for 2 adults, and each addt'l adult is $15, up to 4 per room. I gave them the cost of a moderate too, and let them know we'll be at CBR and that POP and CBR and BoardWalk (where the wedding is) are all in the same general area so we'll all be close together.

But - staying onsite is so much better, even though it's a little higher $$ than offsite. No driving, no parking fee, extra magic hours, and other fun stuff. Also, I told them the limo won't come get them if they're offsite and they'll have to add in extra travel time to get anywhere if they're offsite.

The only item that might be an issue for a couple of my guests - they smoke. I told them all rooms are non-smoking, but each resort has designated smoking areas.

 

[Lorelei528]

I'm half tempted to buy them all the Birnbaum's Guide.

I just sent out packages that included the most recent newsletter AND yep, the Birnbaum's book (plus a set of park maps I picked up on our last trip)...

I got the Birnbaum's books off of Amazon which saved me a lot of $. We have 18 guests, but we only had to buy 10 books, because not everyone gets their own..(couples share etc.)...

We're sending out personalized itineraries also after the invitations go out since everyone is coming in and leaving on different days, ssome people have never been to WDW before, some people are eating with us on some days, others on other days..

Then, in their welcome bags, we'll do a group itinerary I think. But, the newsletters I think are a great idea and you can update as you get closer.

Of course, websites are also a really helpful tool to use.

Lori

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

IMO, there are no "pros" to staying offsite, LOL! I've told everyone thru emails (we're Escape also) that POP is cheapest at $105/$115 per night for 2 adults, and each addt'l adult is $15, up to 4 per room. I gave them the cost of a moderate too, and let them know we'll be at CBR and that POP and CBR and BoardWalk (where the wedding is) are all in the same general area so we'll all be close together.

But - staying onsite is so much better, even though it's a little higher $$ than offsite. No driving, no parking fee, extra magic hours, and other fun stuff. Also, I told them the limo won't come get them if they're offsite and they'll have to add in extra travel time to get anywhere if they're offsite.

The only item that might be an issue for a couple of my guests - they smoke. I told them all rooms are non-smoking, but each resort has designated smoking areas.

I agree-there are no pro's to staying off site...DF will tell you there are no pro's for staying any place that doesn't have a monorail! (BIG MISTAKE on my part!)
Thanks for refreshing my mind on some of the perks for staying onsite...That helped a ton!

I just sent out packages that included the most recent newsletter AND yep, the Birnbaum's book (plus a set of park maps I picked up on our last trip)...

I got the Birnbaum's books off of Amazon which saved me a lot of $. We have 18 guests, but we only had to buy 10 books, because not everyone gets their own..(couples share etc.)...

We're sending out personalized itineraries also after the invitations go out since everyone is coming in and leaving on different days, ssome people have never been to WDW before, some people are eating with us on some days, others on other days..

Then, in their welcome bags, we'll do a group itinerary I think. But, the newsletters I think are a great idea and you can update as you get closer.

Of course, websites are also a really helpful tool to use.

Lori

Birmbaum's book-I'd need like 5-Amazon did have a great price. I think will definately do that. We are going on a cruise in Feb...Will be staying 1 night at the POP. That will give me the opportunity to get maps and stuff. I also need My First Visit buttons...DF's sister and BIL HAVE NEVER BEEN. Figured the buttons would be a bit of pixie dust...but where do I get them??? We aren't going to the parks. Just hitting DTD for our one night stay.

 

[honey2741]

I also need My First Visit buttons...DF's sister and BIL HAVE NEVER BEEN. Figured the buttons would be a bit of pixie dust...but where do I get them??? We aren't going to the parks.

Where can you pick up the pins, maps, guidebooks without entering the parks?


I've set up a wedding website for those who are online. I will be doing a newsletter and sending out my own announcement for people to go to my travel website to book any travel. I figure if they're going to book any airline travel, rent-a-cars, they might as well do it through my business since I'm a travel agent. I think the key is LOTS of communication and to also let your guests know once they are given the information, they are accountable to make their own plans. As brides we have enough planning to do!

 

[rumrunnergirl]

You can get maps and pins at the resorts. I believe you can also get maps at DTD. You may be able to get guidebooks at DTD also, I'm not sure.

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

Where can you pick up the pins, maps, guidebooks without entering the parks?


I've set up a wedding website for those who are online. I will be doing a newsletter and sending out my own announcement for people to go to my travel website to book any travel. I figure if they're going to book any airline travel, rent-a-cars, they might as well do it through my business since I'm a travel agent. I think the key is LOTS of communication and to also let your guests know once they are given the information, they are accountable to make their own plans. As brides we have enough planning to do!

Good point! I guess you can lead horses to water but can't make them drink.

You can get maps and pins at the resorts. I believe you can also get maps at DTD. You may be able to get guidebooks at DTD also, I'm not sure.

Thanks!