Let's talk about DJs

[Kimmers127]

My fiance and I have been planning all along to have an ipod setup rather than a DJ to cut costs. In the back of my mind I have been a little concerned wondering, without a DJ, who in the heck would announce everything, run the ipod, etc. Cut to this past weekend, when we went to a friend's wedding and had a fantastic time... largely because of their amazing DJ.

I think we're ready to say screw the cost, let's find a DJ!

Unfortunately, I haven't researched this at all because we weren't planning on having one, and now I feel like my date is approaching and I'd like to get someone booked soon. If anyone can answer these questions I would really appreciate it!

1. Who did you use? Were you happy with them? What did they do that you loved?
2. Do they all cost the same?
3. These have to be booked through Disney, right? Is there somewhere I can go to find a list of DJs that are okay to use?
4. Do I pay the DJ directly, or Disney?
5. Does the cost of the DJ count toward my minimum?

Thanks so much to anyone who answers!

 

[helloirishkitty]

I can only answer some of your questions because I haven't had my wedding yet but I'll try my best!

1. We are using a DJ through Disney- we haven't used them yet and I don't know who it is.

2. They are $1400 right now, except I hear that they double in price in December.

3. I *think* they have to be booked through Disney. I remember that a bride was going to go outside of Disney, but Disney was going to charge her a fee and it worked out to be close to the same cost so she didn't bother.

4. Disney

5. Yes it does

 

[girli565]

1. We used DJ Steve Weinstein, we were VERY happy with him. He was amazing. He called us a few times before the event to talk to us about what we like, what we don't like and how we want things to go. We sent him 5 CDs of music that we wanted played and he even knew about the old school Miami freestyle music we wanted played and told us that he'd definitely play that for us, he loved that style of music too.

2. I believe that they all have the same rate through Disney. We paid $1400 for 5 hours. The only time the rates go up is when you need them on a holiday like xmas, valentine's day, or new years.

3. Yes, they are booked through DFTWs. A few DJs post here on the boards and you can ask your planner for suggestions. My planner suggested DJ Steve and it was a great suggestion because he was so good for our group. We wanted a club atmosphere and he made it a club.

4. You pay DFTWs, it's apart of your BEO.

5. Yes.

 

[PartofDisney'sWorld]

I can't really answer your questions yet because I haven't had my wedding yet, but we are planning on using a DJ and we HAVE to use Disney because of our locations. But I can tell you that if you choose not to use a DJ they still charge you $950 for "lighting." So if you want to use an outside DJ be careful because it could end up costing you MORE than if you just used Disney's DJs.

 

[DisneyDJChuck]

Hi Kimmers-

I hope I can help you answer a few DJ questions!

I am one of the DJs who occasionally post here as girli565 mentioned.

1. There are a few select DJs in Orlando who have auditioned for Disney and are approved vendors for Disney.

2. They are commonly assigned to weddings based on requests from the Bride, or matched up to Brides via coordinator suggestions.

3. Price does go up on weekends in December- weekday costs are the same. This is due to demand in the local market.

4. Speaking of local market, almost All the Disney DJs have their own companies that service the Orlando Wedding Market- hence the rise of rates in December on weekends.

5. All the rates are the same, whether regular rate or holiday rate.

6. To find Disney-approved DJs- it's pretty easy. Like I said- we all have our own companies, if you google "disney orlando dj" or "disney wedding dj" you will more than likely find the DJs who regularly do Disney weddings.

7. You can use your own DJ. Disney will charge you an "outside vendor fee" (approx $950) to cover: lights; dancefloor; staging set-up; any other cost associated with entertainment; and Disney labor charges.
***Exception- You cannot use an outside DJ in any park location. Only Resort locations.***

8. If you use your own, outside DJ, it will not count toward your minimums. A Disney DJ does count toward minimums.

9. All fees (using a Disney DJ) are billed and paid directly through Disney- If you hire an outside DJ, billing/payment is up to you.

Hope this helps!

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

This is a really great thread, I was wondering about many of the same questions. We deff. are getting a DJ and it is something that is very important to us, and I am really worried about getting a DJ we will not be happy with, however I am glad to hear that many brides have been thrilled with their DJ's. We want a lot of dancing at our reception so a DJ who can get guests on the dance floor is a priority. It just makes me nervous that you don't get assigned a DJ until pretty close to the wedding, since we also have a pretty long list of songs we want to be played. And, I think that cost is pricey, at least compared to my local market. Can you request a DJ? If so, can anyone link me to a thread with reviews. Also, if we explain to our planner what we are hoping for will they try to match us with someone who seems like a good fit for us?

 

[DL1WDW2]

Jellyrolls on the BoardWalk features local dj’s .