Huge disappointment. Need your help!

[dznystar]

Okay ladies... I just got back from our menu tasting session. Let me just say that it is definitely worth the travel time. That was an experience that is like no other. We had a great time. There was a TON of food and it was fabulous. Then we got an email about our photographer. He's scheduled to call tomorrow! Yea! Now to the disappointment. We went to MK on Friday, and it was absolutely crowded for spring break. They were directing guests backstage just to get to Tomorrowland. Even though it is sort of neat to see what goes on behind the scenes (I was a castmember a few years back, so its nothing new for me) but it loses the Disney magic IMO. Anyways, the park was open until midnight for regular guests and it was extra magic hours for disney resort guests until 3 am. That got me thinking, that since our reception is supposed to be at the French Pavilion at Epcot for Illuminations, what happens if our night is extra magic hours? What do you do then? I went to the Disney World website and figured that since it is only 2 months out, they should have the park hours listed. They do, and June14 is extra magic hours at EPCOT! Now what? I called Meri and she said that we could do without the DJ. Absolutely not. This is my second marriage and the first one I didn't have dances. We went to the Justice of the Peace. So, I always told myself that if I ever remarry I will have the first dance and the father-daughter dance. So now, maybe no Illuminations and possibly a new venue. My question is, has this ever happened to anyone before, and what did you do? We're only 2 months out, I can't change the date... the invitations have already been sent out and we have RSVPs back. Please help! I'm on the verge of tears. Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[DLR2WDW]

Are you okay with just a first dance and father/daughter dance? If so, you could probably have some sort of music that is appropriate for the French location like a string trio or strolling violin. That way you have some music but it doesn't affect the guests in the Park. ???

 

[PrincessBride07]

Wow, I'm sorry about your luck. I would be mad at the WC because they should know when those nights are, and plan accordingly. I am not sure what your budget is, but is it possible to have a second location for after illuminations? You could possibly have one of the ballrooms in the Boardwalk, or someother space that is suitable (you would need to talk to your WC or SM). Also, if it is just the traditional dances and not a dance party your wanting, could you just have a sting trio or a guitarist to play a couple of songs for you to dance to. You can provide sheet music to them is there is a specific song you want them to play. I believe you can have that kind of music at Epcot, because it won't interfere with the Epcot's music.

 

[PrincessBride07]

Are you okay with just a first dance and father/daughter dance? If so, you could probably have some sort of music that is appropriate for the French location like a string trio or strolling violin. That way you have some music but it doesn't affect the guests in the Park. ???

HAHA. I was writing the same thing at the same time too.

 

[jasonandlisa]

Maybe you could do some kind of dual-venue? Still keep the French Island for Illuminations but move the DJ, dancing, etc. into a more private area nearby (American Adventure Parlor/Rotunda? Bistro de Paris?) It seems to me that if Disney hasn't booked any of those locations by now, it's not likely to within the next 2 months. (Since I would think most people allow at least a few months to plan their weddings, unless they're intimates.) So...maybe they'd be able to reduce the costs for you, to make it reasonable to use both locations?? (Or maybe I'm just hoping for a little too much 'Disney magic'?) You could mainly use the private venue for your reception and then just "pop" out to the French Island to watch Illuminations in a "reserved" area. I guess it depends a lot on how many guests you have. But it seems to me that since it is getting so close to the date, they should be able to accommodate you with extra space that they wouldn't otherwise be using. Also, is there any way for your WP to find out exactly how late the Extra Magic Hours will be that night? Maybe they won't be as late as 3am...

 

[Skylarr29]

I think your wedding coordinator definitely dropped the ball! With two months out of course they should know this! When were they going to figure it out, give me a break. I would be asking what Disney is going to do about it and if you have to switch venues etc. then they should bend over for you to make everything you want happen. It's not like the calendar isn't out yet etc. They have known about the EMH for four months now seeing as the schedules are now posted 6 months prior.

 

[Belle1981]

I agree with the others! The WC should have notified you right away about this! This event is your special day and it should happen exactly how you want it to! I would call her boss and explain the situation. At two months out what are you supposed to do grin and bear it? NO WAY you have saved long and hard for this day. Sorry about the rant but I HATE when people do not do their job properly and you have to pay for their mistakes! They have to make it right! As you mentioned you are a former castmember so was I and the one thing they taught us was MAKE IT RIGHT AND DELIVER A MAGICAL GUEST EXPERIENCE! Don't settle you get what you need!

 

[Allisonjane]

Not sure if this helps but not all of Epcot is open for the extra magic hours, i think its only future world and a couple of the countries, if France isn't open maybe you can still go ahead with your reception without too many changes

 

[M&M126]

Not sure if this helps but not all of Epcot is open for the extra magic hours, i think its only future world and a couple of the countries, if France isn't open maybe you can still go ahead with your reception without too many changes

Allison-you're right. Not everything is open and since France has no attractions then most people wouldnt be back there anyway.

Dznystar- You'll just have to ask your EM. They'll have to clear it with Epcot operations since technically it is their venue.

Good luck! I really hope it works out for you! I'm also planning to have an in park reception next year so this is something I need to ask my SM about now. GL!

 

[dznystar]

This is so frustrating. France isn't open for EMH, but we can't have a DJ until after the park closes. This is one thing I won't give up. This is my second marriage, and the first I didn't have any of this. Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed about getting married at Disney World. Now its coming true, but all of my wishes aren't. I called DFTW back yesterday afternoon as did DF. Everyone said that they would try to reach my WP, but she is out of the office until wednesday. Then a voicemail went through on my phone from yesterday morning from Meri. She said that she has a great solution. We can still use the French Island lower for the pre-reception, and then move everyone to The Living Seas. This would be a great option, but its not what I want. First of all, my guests (including me in my gown) will already have a good hike from the drop-off location backstage (by the dumpsters) to the French Island. Then we'd have to walk from there after Illuminations to the Living Seas (with a crowd of people at the parks). Maybe I'm being to picky, and I'd hate to call myself a bride-zilla, but shouldn't Disney make this right? I would never expect them to change the hours just for me, but we do have a contract with them, and that includes our DJ beginning at 10. I guess its subjec to change, I'm not sure.

 

[Skylarr29]

Maybe you could ask if the Bistro is available? There is I think like an 8k food and bev minimum there but maybe they can not make that mandatory/waive it since they are just now figuring this out after months of planning. I agree with you - THEY NEED TO MAKE IT RIGHT. What ever they do to make it right needs to benefit you and not just fix the problem. Talk with Meri tomorrow and see what else they offer. If not maybe send a note to Mr. Ralls noting your concern and dissatisfaction with how the situation is being handled and mentioning that this should have been thought about and noticed a long time ago. I think you should be able to have everything you want... it is their mistake after all.

 

[RangerPooh]

Sorry to hear about your dillema. Regarding the walking between the two locations, could FTW possibly shuttle your guests (or some of them) via golf cart? This would help allieviate some of the walking that your guests would be doing that night.

 

[WDW72]

I was also on the CP and I remember fireworks and parking closing times, changing that day and if you were closing, you were expected to stay. Is it fair for them to know all the changes every day. Remember there are (4) parks & (2) waterparks that hours and special events change at the drop of hat, based on attendance. So it is really fair to blame the WC and SM.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I was also on the CP and I remember fireworks and parking closing times, changing that day and if you were closing, you were expected to stay. Is it fair for them to know all the changes every day. Remember there are (4) parks & (2) waterparks that hours and special events change at the drop of hat, based on attendance. So it is really fair to blame the WC and SM.

In my humble opinion, if Disney wants to be in the wedding business and be successful, then yes, they have to know. Disney's schedules and events are usually known months in advance. Some of their planners do know, so there's no excuse why others don't know.

For example, I wanted to see Wishes. When I talked to a wedding consultant four months in advance of the wedding day, they were able to tell me that sunset was at 8:05 p.m. and Wishes was pushed back to 10:00 p.m. due to Spectromagic that night. I needed that information to know when to book my dinner reservation, what activities to fill in any spare time and to confirm the ceremony time was the right choice.

 

[IrishCinderella]

In my humble opinion, if Disney wants to be in the wedding business and be successful, then yes, they have to know. Disney's schedules and events are usually known months in advance. Some of their planners do know, so there's no excuse why others don't know.

For example, I wanted to see Wishes. When I talked to a wedding consultant four months in advance of the wedding day, they were able to tell me that sunset was at 8:05 p.m. and Wishes was pushed back to 10:00 p.m. due to Spectromagic that night. I needed that information to know when to book my dinner reservation, what activities to fill in any spare time and to confirm the ceremony time was the right choice.

Each park has the right to change and alter their park hours/entertainment schedules whenever they want. Even that day. It says that on every schedule and park map you see. The parks are run by Operations, not DFTW. The planners can do their best to find out and help you plan, but they do not control the parks. In fact, it is Operations that are allowing wedding/private events to occur in their parks. It's nice that your planner helped find that information out, but it can still change. Remember that - and it wouldn't be your planner's fault if it changes. It *might* be their fault if they failed to notify you of the changes, although, again - they don't run the parks.

In this case, clearly DFTW dropped the ball with *notifying* the bride about EMH and how it affects the reception location/time. I wouldn't be so quick to blaim the planner directly, but I agree DFTW needs to work hard to find a satisfactory solution.

I'd talk with your planner as soon as she is available, but I wouldn't go to the head of DFTW's until you have really, really tried to work it out with your planner. You have to give her a chance to do her job; she could have been just as unaware of the EMH as you yourself were until this week.

 

[Belle1981]

Just a quick note the EMH is determined more than 4 months out so the planner and DFTW should have known. Nonetheless I am sure once you express your concern they will fix it. If there is one thing I will credit Disney with is that they inform their staff well (Or at least they did when I worked there). Every wedding has its bumps but once you speak to them I am sure something will be worked out...When we were thinking about doing the reception at Epcot we were also told no music before 10:30.Don't worry it will all work out.

 

[joy0302]

Maybe you can have them transport you and your guests by ferry after illuminations. That way you would not have to walk as far to the living seas.

 

[bridegirl]

First of all, I'm so sorry this is happening to you. How frustrating...and only two months away! I'm sure FTW will work with you to make it be the wedding you have dreamed of - including dancing!

The living seas is a beautiful venue, although I know it's not what you really wanted - but it sounds like you want dancing most of all -- so hopefully you can work it out to get what you want the most.

I would not suggest trying to make your way through the crowds from France to The Living Seas, I would suggest bus transportation backstage - that would be quick and efficient. And given your situation, I think Disney should supply the transportation for free!

Good luck and don't give up on what you want.

Pixie dust,

Susy