Meryll83's SBP/Citrico's/Morocco PJ - Update: Trip Report now underway!!

[meryll83]

I might make a list of my questions and give them a call in the new year.
I think we are now teetering on the possibility of an escape package, but we need our parents to find out if Aunties/Uncles etc are wanting to come to see if our guest numbers will be over or not.

sarah_n_brian, have you got your date pencilled in with Disney already?

 

[Bostonbride6292008]

Hello! I made a list of questions for my wedding planner and emailed them to her. It didnt take long. I keep a note pad next to me if I think of anything and then I ask her. It is so helpful!

 

[meryll83]

Ok, so a long time ago I asked you guys on DISboards if anyone in the UK had plans for the Disney wedding and then another wedding over here.

I ended up figuring this would be far too expensive so I've been kinda settled on the idea of having just an evening do here.

However, as I predicted, my mum has produced the brochure for a local venue, which could cater for a ceremony, reception and wedding do and i'm thinking "Here we go, this is where she tries to persuade me to not have the wedding in Florida".
I stressed my concerns about affording the Florida wedding first, but it seems she isn't dissing this idea, but wants to have at least a blessing here, mainly for family who can't travel, and then a meal and an evening do also.
This is the location she's gunning for:
http://ravenhall.co.uk/views.asp
It is lovely, but she now seems to think that if this happens in the UK, it gets her off the hook for coming to Florida. Sigh.

I shouldn't complain really, she seems to be offering to foot the bill for this UK section, but I've told her that affording the Florida part comes first, I hope she doesn't get too carried away with this UK stuff. I know she likes to feel in control so perhaps this will help, but I still really want her to come to Florida, it'll just seem strange without her there, but I think the chances of her coming are even more remote now she has pulled this out of the hat....

 

[caryndisneydiva]

i'm sorry merryll! i hope your mother can make right decision about being at your florida wedding!!!

 

[orangetiggs]

we are having our wedding in florida and then having a blessing here at a church and then a reception so that people whio were not in florida kind of see us get married but its a slighly diff ceremony

 

[meryll83]

Ok, so with the guests we have confirmed at the moment, we could actually go down the Escape Collection Route.
I'm attracted to this option as it states you get the 2 annual passes, photography included (although we may sub this for the honeymoon portrait session and have our own photographer), some flowers transport, etc.
The fact this now definately states that annual passes are included makes me worry that they will take this (unofficial) perk off the Wishes Collection though.

However,
I don't like that you don't get a normal reception, eg LSS etc would be a no no and I'd defo still want the dessert party. My first choice of non-reception style restaurant would be Le Cellier, but you can't wear your wedding gear there and I don't want to have to change, I want things to flow smoothly. In this case we might opt for one of the private dining rooms at the Cali Grill, but the minumums seem steep.
It also says that packages at the WP are going up to start from $5000 in 2008, pretty big jump I'd say. Does this mean Wishes Collection packages will jump up too? I haven't seen a mention of this yet?
I'm thinking though, that if Wishes minimums stay as they are, that by the time the extras I want are added on to an Escape package, it might end up costing the same.
I'm not sure I'd have the patience to figure all this out though, as we won't get any official ideas of pricing for our time until I can speak to Disney, and at that stage I'll be concerned about getting the locations we want reserved, not wanting to start comparing costs then. By the sounds of it as well, you would need to speak to two different consultants, an Escape and a Wishes, it all sounds like faff. Generally I am a great comparer of prices to get the best deal, but I didn't realise there would be so many different routes to go down with just choosing the type of wedding!

Any thoughts girlies, on what is the best way forward Collection-wise, based on the ideas I've had so far?

 

[orangetiggs]

we went with a custom wedding cos by the time you added everything extra we wanted and the reception dinner it would prop be nearer the min spend anyway, at least with the custom wedding you ahve more flexability and can have the reception. I'm going to stick as close to the min as i can and I think we will have no problems as the one big spend i want is the carriage.

We toyed with the idea of the intimate wedding but thenw e started looking at not really having a proper receptiona dn I would ahve to change etc. I'm sure it suits some poeple to ahve it this way but we really wanted the whole wedding experience and I think if our guest number drops to below 20 i think we will still go ahead with the custom wedding

 

[B2B-2008]

As I posted before in your PJ, these are the reasons why we are booking a wishes wedding and our guest count only sits at 8 at the moment. 10 including us.

 

[HolyCowImADisneyBrde]

We had originally gone into this whole thing looking at the Escape wedding packages, but like others have said, when we really figured in everything that we wanted to add, the cost wouldn’t be that big of a difference. Also, since you can only have 18 guests at the Escape (21 including bride & groom), we were having a hard time because we narrowed down our list as far as we could and we couldn’t get it any lower than 22. We talked it over a lot and finally decided that Wishes was the way to go. If we had a reception at home here in Seattle, we’d be having 200+ people. If we have 50 of our close family and friends at a DFTW, the price was still cheaper than it would be for everything at home once you factor in the catering, site fees, honeymoon, etc. We also wanted to make sure that everyone that flies all the way to Orlando for our wedding is getting something really special that they’d remember. That’s a big reason why we wanted a Disney wedding anyway – we aren’t into spending lots of money on something that nobody will remember or appreciate, and we wanted something that would be really fun and special for all involved. It’s really up to you on what you want and what’s important to you and how many guests you will be having. If you go with an Escape, the reception could get really expensive depending on how many people you have, and where you have it. You could always add the dessert party as well, but again, you may find that it’ll cost you just as much as a Wishes wedding. Also, FYI, I know you’ve mentioned it before so I thought I’d answer you.. I know for a fact that AP’s come with Wishes and Escape weddings. My friend talked to the people at DFTW yesterday morning about possibly having her wedding there in 2009. Sorry for the long post, hope it helps. Good luck with your decision.

 

[meryll83]

We also wanted to make sure that everyone that flies all the way to Orlando for our wedding is getting something really special that they’d remember. That’s a big reason why we wanted a Disney wedding anyway – we aren’t into spending lots of money on something that nobody will remember or appreciate, and we wanted something that would be really fun and special for all involved.

This a really good point and something that is actually very important. That's one of the main reasons I'm looking at the LSS for the reception, where do you find places like that in the UK, and there's gotta be some fireworks in there, it's Disney!!

Thanks girls, I think I'm definately going to join the custom crew!!!!

My friend talked to the people at DFTW yesterday morning about possibly having her wedding there in 2009. Sorry for the long post, hope it helps. Good luck with your decision.

Do you know how she got on with them, were they informative or did they try and "get rid of her" until nearer the time?
That's what I felt happened when I called. Although October 2009 is a long way off still so I do understand....

 

[HolyCowImADisneyBrde]

It's funny you say that, that was one of the reasons we went with the Living Seas and knew we had to have the dessert party too! We were torn in between LS or the Napa Room at the California Grill but in the end, we went with LS because it's unique, you can't just go there on any old trip to WDW like the CG, and it's in a park so it'll be really cool. And with the dessert party, exactly - you're in Disney and what better way to cap off the best day of your life than with some fireworks?
She said that they were really nice to her. I had told her I didn't know how much info they would give her because it was so far out and she's just beginning to consider a wedding there but she said the girl actually talked to her for about 15 minutes and answered all of her questions. I've even called them in my earlier planning and gotten some people that were less than friendly with me, and my wedding isn't that far out, so I guess it just depends on who answers the phone how willing they are to help.

 

[meryll83]

It's funny you say that, that was one of the reasons we went with the Living Seas and knew we had to have the dessert party too! We were torn in between LS or the Napa Room at the California Grill but in the end, we went with LS because it's unique, you can't just go there on any old trip to WDW like the CG, and it's in a park so it'll be really cool. And with the dessert party, exactly - you're in Disney and what better way to cap off the best day of your life than with some fireworks?
She said that they were really nice to her. I had told her I didn't know how much info they would give her because it was so far out and she's just beginning to consider a wedding there but she said the girl actually talked to her for about 15 minutes and answered all of her questions. I've even called them in my earlier planning and gotten some people that were less than friendly with me, and my wedding isn't that far out, so I guess it just depends on who answers the phone how willing they are to help.

I just want the time to roll a bit faster now so I can call them and start to get things organised!
I can't wait, I'm just so excited for what will be our ultimate Disney holiday!

 

[Whoopdedoo]

Hiya

I think you're making a good choice opting for wishes. I was booking my wedding for an escape package as we only had 15 people inc DF and me. The good side of the Escape was it was all in one package.
When we looked we found that we were not going to be using all the stuff. i.e: I'm taking silk flowers so no need for any floral, I'm booking an outside photographer so we were going to change for a honeymoon package. (We're also having the 2 park shoot in wedding attire. I think at that point we'll be sick of smiling.)
So we changed to a Wishes . It gives you a lot more flexibility in your choices, kind of like a pick n mix. The minimum spend seems high but the amount of stuff you get for it is great. So far we're having WP ceremony, private room for meal with a free bar, table decs, transportation, cake, violinist, disney characters and a dessert party. We're just coming in slightly over the min with tax and gratituity. Compared to having the Escape package with the extra's we were paying over $11500.

However it all depends on what you want included in your day. I see Wishes more like a UK wedding it can be as big as you want but you stil have control over it.
Good luck with your planning. Whatever happens you'll make the right decision.

 

[meryll83]

Hiya

I think you're making a good choice opting for wishes. I was booking my wedding for an escape package as we only had 15 people inc DF and me. The good side of the Escape was it was all in one package.
When we looked we found that we were not going to be using all the stuff. i.e: I'm taking silk flowers so no need for any floral, I'm booking an outside photographer so we were going to change for a honeymoon package. (We're also having the 2 park shoot in wedding attire. I think at that point we'll be sick of smiling.)
So we changed to a Wishes . It gives you a lot more flexibility in your choices, kind of like a pick n mix. The minimum spend seems high but the amount of stuff you get for it is great. So far we're having WP ceremony, private room for meal with a free bar, table decs, transportation, cake, violinist, disney characters and a dessert party. We're just coming in slightly over the min with tax and gratituity. Compared to having the Escape package with the extra's we were paying over $11500.

However it all depends on what you want included in your day. I see Wishes more like a UK wedding it can be as big as you want but you stil have control over it.
Good luck with your planning. Whatever happens you'll make the right decision.

I think you're right about wishes being more "pick n mix", I don't like the limitations there seem to be over an Escape wedding, if it was just the couple of us and maybe 2 or 3 guests then fine, but as we have a guest count which will be at least in the teens, I want them to get the full Disney wedding experience

Which locations are you using for your day? - I'm still seeking some inspiration on my potential locations at the moment!

 

[orangetiggs]

Hiya

I think you're making a good choice opting for wishes. I was booking my wedding for an escape package as we only had 15 people inc DF and me. The good side of the Escape was it was all in one package.
When we looked we found that we were not going to be using all the stuff. i.e: I'm taking silk flowers so no need for any floral, I'm booking an outside photographer so we were going to change for a honeymoon package. (We're also having the 2 park shoot in wedding attire. I think at that point we'll be sick of smiling.)
So we changed to a Wishes . It gives you a lot more flexibility in your choices, kind of like a pick n mix. The minimum spend seems high but the amount of stuff you get for it is great. So far we're having WP ceremony, private room for meal with a free bar, table decs, transportation, cake, violinist, disney characters and a dessert party. We're just coming in slightly over the min with tax and gratituity. Compared to having the Escape package with the extra's we were paying over $11500.

However it all depends on what you want included in your day. I see Wishes more like a UK wedding it can be as big as you want but you stil have control over it.
Good luck with your planning. Whatever happens you'll make the right decision.

I would be very interested in seeing your beo when you get it, we want to stick to the min as much as we can

 

[Whoopdedoo]

Hiya,

When we were having an Escape we were looking at the Wedding Pavilion for ceremony, followed by the cake and champ at GF. However we were being moved to the Keywest room at the convention centre as there was going to be construction on at the time of our wedding. We then were going to have a meal at the Sonoma room at Contemporary Resort. This had a min food & bev of $2000 (++tax & grat) so we thought that would be acheivable with 15 of us.

The trouble was I didn't like the Keywest room at the GF it just seemed really bare and I wanted to have a reception still, with the table decorated and laid out nice. So we looked to change to the Sonoma room fo the cake cutting, but I was stil unhappy (never pleased! ) The Sonoma room is lovely and has amazing views of the bay but it just felt that we would be confined to that room for the length of our reception.
So I've now been looking at the American Adventure Parlour room which is REALLY nice and it's is in Epcot, we thought it would be special for the people in our party who've never been to Disney. So we are now moving to this venue for our reception. It has 2 rooms and a great view of spaceship earth.
It does have a higher min food and bev of $3000 which doesn't inc our cake?? I haven't had any menu's yet so I'm not sure if we will reach this but I'm sure there's ways around it. I'm thinking of adding a signature drink for the toast and things like that.
It's going to be worth it though as I can say we've had our reception in a theme park followed by an Illuminations DP.

So we've now changed our locations to ceremony at 2.30pm Wedding Pavilion, reception at American Adventure Parlour room 4 til 8.30pm and DP at Uk lower. I'm not sure if you've been given this link before but if you go on mouseweddings.com they have pictures of all the locations and it's worth having a look at.

Good luck with your planning...
xx

Orangetiggs: that's fine I'l let you know when I get my BEO, but I'm stil in the process of changing from an Escape to Wishes. I think due to the holiday it's been put on hold. But it shouldn't take too long.

 

[meryll83]

Thanks for all the info there and the reasons for you choices.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the wedding pavillion at 2.30, the living seas salon for the reception (although I expect there aren't really any windows in here so the Parlour also appeals, as does the Attic with it's balcony, but LSS is so different!) and then either Italy or Morocco I think for the dessert party.

Shouldn't be long now until the cruise itineraries are out (hopefully right through 'til Oct 09) so at least we'll be able to get something booked!!

 

[Whoopdedoo]

Hiya,

I know exactly how you feel. I've been engaged for nearly 6 years and we've been waiting til the 8month mark to book the wedding for at least 2 years. It just seems like it's going to take forever to get here, but this years gone SOOOO! quickly. Scary thought is after xmas we're looking at 5months!!! AHHHH!

It'll be your turn soon enough though and at least you've found this site early so your prepped in what you can have. I stubbled across this site by chance and it's been a lifesaver! I felt so lost before especially living in the UK.

The American Adventure has the view of the spaceship earth in the living room area but it seems quite dark in the room where you eat, but I'm planning on having votive candles as centre pieces or some sort of lighting and of bright linens with lots of colour. It's quite an intimate room from what I can see. I kind of like the fact that the Parlour room is like a blank canvas quite neutral so I can change it to what I want. If you go for the LSS from what I've seen it's quite dark but looks fun. We won't meet the minimum so we can't go there. Infact we hardly meet the minimum for anything.
The view:

The Dinning room:

The Living Room:

I've had a look the other day for DP at Morocco to check out the location. There is a stone wall that seems to come quite high when I've had a look at photo's. I originally had that booked but I changed to UK lower. Another thing I found out the other day is Morocco is actually 2 locations and can be used for 2 smaller parties. The actual venue fee for Morocco is $100. But if you have both the fee is $275. It all depends on what your after though. Uk lower is quite open from the pics but I love this one of Morocco at night.

How many guests are you having? You can have Italy West Plaza for your DP as Italy has a min of 100 and they won't budge on the min. I tried the other day but no joy. Italy Plaza West is $250 venue fee. They use a plant screen to cut you off from the park guests so it's a bit more private.
Italy Plaza West: Where the benches are.

Italy Plaza West:

It's located in the bottom right corner. Not on the Island but to the right of it. You don't get the use of the white bridge though that's part of the Isola. That's where I wanted my pics taken but I'm happy with my move to uk lower.

Sorry for the long post. Hope it helps with your choices.
xx

 

[meryll83]

Hiya,

The American Adventure has the view of the spaceship earth in the living room area but it seems quite dark in the room where you eat, but I'm planning on having votive candles as centre pieces or some sort of lighting and of bright linens with lots of colour. It's quite an intimate room from what I can see. I kind of like the fact that the Parlour room is like a blank canvas quite neutral so I can change it to what I want. If you go for the LSS from what I've seen it's quite dark but looks fun. We won't meet the minimum so we can't go there. Infact we hardly meet the minimum for anything.

I feel like the Parlour or the Attic would be more suited to the number of guests we have, but I was attracted to somewhere really different to what we would find in the UK.
Do you know what the minimums are for LSS - I might end up with the same problem as you - I think we are going to have between 20 and 30 of us in total. We may have to have the Parlour or Attic!

I've had a look the other day for DP at Morocco to check out the location. There is a stone wall that seems to come quite high when I've had a look at photo's. I originally had that booked but I changed to UK lower. Another thing I found out the other day is Morocco is actually 2 locations and can be used for 2 smaller parties. The actual venue fee for Morocco is $100. But if you have both the fee is $275. It all depends on what your after though.....

....How many guests are you having? You can have Italy West Plaza for your DP as Italy has a min of 100 and they won't budge on the min. I tried the other day but no joy. Italy Plaza West is $250 venue fee. They use a plant screen to cut you off from the park guests so it's a bit more private.

It's located in the bottom right corner. Not on the Island but to the right of it. You don't get the use of the white bridge though that's part of the Isola. That's where I wanted my pics taken but I'm happy with my move to uk lower.

Sorry for the long post. Hope it helps with your choices.
xx

This has been really helpful, thank you!

So if you have Italy Plaza West, do some trees go up along that line you can kinda see on the floor in the first picture? How many guests is that designed for?
And do you know with Morocco how many guests are designed to go in each area, or the whole area?
I'm having a real hard time deciding on these locations!!!

 

[HolyCowImADisneyBrde]

The minimum for the Living Seas is 30 people. I don't know if you know this either, but there's also a $500 site fee for using it.