Hi
I hear where you are coming from as far as the price is concerned. We are renewing our vows next May (4th) and for a long time I was going down the DFTW at Sea Breeze Point route. As I am sure you are aware the Escape package for this was $4750.00 and included a bridal bouquet and groom's bout, a choice of four or five cake styles, a DPS package, one bottle bottle of bubbly, a limousine charter and musician as well as the ceremony set up. I was prepared to pay this and was planning on having a meal afterwards and then a DP at Epcot in the evening. I was planning a few upgrades, (bridesmaid posy, extra bouts for 2 x DS and some ceremony floral). The cost was starting to add up with my upgrades and then DFTW introduced the new rule that insisits that Escape packages which have a 'private dining event' attached (ie my DP) reach a minimum spend of $7500.00. Well, this was a step too far for me and I had to re-consider.
I am now going with my VR at the Swan hotel (ceremony in front of the beautiful outside Swan fountain). My package includes ceremony set up, services of a co-ordinator (Karen) guest's water station set up nearby, a guaranteed back-up location in case of rain, use of a 'hospitality suite' to get ready in, officiant (which the DFTW package did not include), musician, two bottles of champagne and one of sparkling cider, five bottles of orange juice, services of two Swan Hotel servers to pour drinks and cut and serve the cake (with all silverware and flatware needed) and two limousine charters to shuffle my guests from hotel to ceremony and then to GF where we plan to dine at Citrico's. I have arranged for my own cake (Heather at It's Tasty Too) and my own floral with Debbie at Atmospheres (my bouquet, 3 x bouts for hubby and sons, daughter's bridesmaid posy, and fairly extensive ceremony floral some of which can be transferred to Citrico's) and my own photographer (Randy Chapman) who I had booked anyway for when I thought I was going with DFTW. All this (with, quite frankly, a totally free choice for cake and floral) I have got for over $600.00 less than the basic Escape package without any enhancments and with no officiant. I am extremely impressed, both with the price and with the professionalism of my co-ordinator (who will see me through the whole process and the big day itself) and my outside vendors.
I do agree when people say that it is not a DFTW. I, however, am just happy to be having my special day at WDW with the enhancements I really want for a price I can reasonably afford!!! I would not be entitled to have an in-park portrait session, but this was not something I was planning on anyway. Randy assures me that he will take photos at the Swan, at the Boardwalk and at the GF when we go to dinner, so I don't feel I am missing out on photo locations either.
The one thing I will miss out on is the complimentary APs. At first this was a consideration, but since they are a perk and could, in theory be withdrawn, and being from the UK it is doubtful (although possible!!) I would be able to afford two trips in one year, I am not too bothered about this.
I am also planning to (hopefully) finish the day with a firework's cruise, complete with desserts, on the Grand 1, so I am even getting my DP of sorts!!!
I guess what I am saying is, don't give up on the dream of having your VR at WDW. There are ways round things!!
Good luck!!
