I knew it was a long shot, but I tried....

[abeyst]

Not that this pertains much to helping anyone out, but I needed to vent.....

Things have fallen into place over the last month, and with a grand gathering vacation already planned in December I thought, why not? Just get married while you're there!! So I gave it a try and called DFTW and see if they had anything available in December. Since it was only regular season, I thought for sure out of 5 days I could find 1 time slot!! Nope, nothing available.

So, anyone wanna give up your wedding date?

They probably don't have many cancellations, either, I wouldn't think. Guess I'll have to schedule something next year.

 

[oneyodafan]

Well, it was a good try. Do they have a cancellation list of sorts?

 

[dee slack]

sorry, you can't have mine! So they have no dates / times / locations at all during your stay? I didn't realise Dec was so busy either. Maybe you could keep trying, just in case anyone cancels? Good Luck.

 

[DisneySweetie]

I would call them back. Ariel11 just changed her wedding date from December 5th to December 6th. See the first post on the second page.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1572507

But maybe she was able to because she's still in value season? I don't know. It also might depend on the type of DFTW you were looking to book. I agree with PP, who knew December was so busy? How fast did the person who was checking into this for you respond? There are just so many location choices and ceremony/reception times. It is Disney and it is 3 months out so it could be booked. But if you really want it, it's worth following up to verify every option was checked. Plus, maybe ask them about a waitlist or something.

 

[jasonandlisa]

Would you consider the Swan/Dolphin? It's not DFTW, but I've seen pictures of some lovely weddings there. And it's still on-site and convenient for your guests

 

[abeyst]

I called yesterday and left my name and date range and told her I'd take any time or location available. She said they didn't think the were booking, but she'd have someone call me back.

Doreen called me back this morning and said they aren't booking for December (or October) any longer, they're booked, but gave me some dates in November. She was pretty open most days the first 2 weeks of November, and one slot on November 28th. That's the closest I could get to my vacation dates.

I couldn't understand why they were so busy, either. I wondered if it had something to do with me only wanting an Escape/Intimate wedding and not a Custom wedding? Or that they're increasing the prices next year and everyone is squeezing in their big day before the big inrease?

dee slack - She didn't say anything about a waitlist. Do you think I should keep calling back and bugging her?

I need something between 11/30 and 12/4 (our flights leave on the 5th), and since they only do Escapes/Intimates Monday-Friday and I really can't do it on our arrival date of 11/30, that leaves me with trying to get 12/3 or 12/4. That's not too may open dates to choose from. Or maybe I'll reschedule our flight home to pick up the 12/5 opening!!

jasonandlisa- The Swan/Dolphin might be an option. Should I search the DIS? I tried looking at the Westin web site, but I didnt see any wedding photos or detailed info about either hotel.

Thanks for all the info, you guys are great. I think I will call Doreen right now and leave her a message and see what I can find out.

 

[jasonandlisa]

I looked on mouseweddings. They didn't have anything on the Swan/Dolphin but did have some info about weddings at the Royal Plaza hotel near Downtown Disney: http://www.mouseweddings.com/wdwwedding.html

Here's the swan/dolphin wedding page: http://www.swandolphin.com/weddings/ and their FAQ: http://www.swandolphin.com/feedback/weddings.html

Good luck!! I hope something works out for you!

 

[disneygirl_wdw]

I am planning a wedding at the Swan for Jan. I am getting married on the beach over by the pool area. They do have 2 other locations. One is near a fountain and the other is under some palm trees. Since the Swan is not owned by Disney they go through an outside vendor called Just Marry. The package I believe is $2200, but can be customized. Mine is costing just over $1000. That price is also including I think up to 60 guests and an officiant. The officiant they use is Rev. Tim Herring, however you can use any officiant you would like. Drinks are extra in the package and it includes a 1 tier wedding cake. The package also doesn't include photography, but they have one that they use. You could also hire an outside one. The planner I have had is just amazing. She is always quick to respond to my emails and always checking on stuff for me. If you pm me your email I could send you the package info. They did say they can do weddings in a short amount of time. Hope that helps, just pm me if you would like more info.

 

[disneygirl_wdw]

I also forgot to mention there is a sticky thread for Swan and Dolphin, which has pictures of the two locations. Since the beach is a special request location it isn't posted, but if you want it they can do it. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1055624

 

[EllaDisney]

We booked our December date three weeks ago. Try Sea Breeze Point. These are the dates that our wedding coordinator gave us to choose from. They may be taken but maybe not.
November 30th - 10:00 am or 12pm
November 29th - 10:00am
December 6th - 10:00 am or 12pm
December 13th - 10:00am or 12pm

 

[dee slack]

Amy - any news yet? sending you some

 

[abeyst]

Just talked to Doreen again. No for me today.....

She said they're not booking for December, even if there are cancellations.

I wanted to say, "but I'm not a problem bride, all I need is a ceremony and then we'll head off for dinner on our own! I'll be no trouble - really I won't!" Don't think it would have mattered, though.

Ella - I'm SO GLAD you got your dates!! I guess I'm just a few weeks too late. But that's ok. I'm almost just as happy with my backup plan (thanks to disneygirl!).

Backup Plan: The Swan/Dolphin!! I was checking out the Swan/Dolphin info last night, and I really like what I saw. Not to mention it's cheaper and you get more stuff. (Which means I could afford to have M&M there for pictures!!) I just have to clear it by DF- the resort is a little to 'modern' for him I think. But being he's such a great guy, I'm sure he'll let me do it if it's what I really want....

So, I can either check into the Swan for December, or schedule something for next summer. Next summer the DFTW dates are wide open so we could have it at the Gazebo like I wanted, and we could spend almost 10 straight days at WDW instead of cramming it in in 5 days this December. But it will be hot! On the other hand, Christmas is our favorite holiday, and I'd love to have pictures taken at Wilderness Lodge! Not to mention next summer is A LONG time away!! (I'm an instant-gratification kinda gal!) And we've ruled out December '08 - it's just too far out to wait that long. So, I guess we have a decision to make!!


Thank you everyone for all of the support and great advice. I couldn't have done it without you!!

 

[hmgolden]

Every bride who has had a wedding at the Swan and Dolphin has raved about it. Let us know what you decide. Good luck!