New here. DisneyWorld venue help.

[FSU Fanatics]

We were going to use a different local place but they wanted $15k for just site fee, service fees (21%), and food minimums before we even gave a final guest count and then the add ons. We decided to go to Disney instead of spending $30k there for nothing after a friend who is a planner suggested it. I loved the Tuscan feel of the old place but hated getting nothing for our money.

We met with Joe last Wednesday but I was less than impressed. I honestly told everyone of my friends it was a waste of 4 hours as he only talked about ballrooms after I specifically said no ballrooms. I asked about using the castle and he said "yes, for $10k site fee but it is at the train station". He said they don't do weddings at the castle even though I have seen them done and the lady the day before gave us a site fee of $134k. Hollywood studios, animal kingdom, and Polynesian are out for venues in January due to repairs. He then wouldn't even talk to me about the Epcot locations. Our date is in not even 4 months so I want to get things planned or else we are just taking everyone to Italy for a destination wedding with a Disney reception when we get home since he didn't want to really talk to us. Yes we are crazy for planning a wedding in less than 5 months total but the original venue pulled "stuff" and we had to move our date up from April. The photographer is booked so we can't change it back to April now either after Disney told us we could have our own yet Joe said that was not true.

Ok, please tell me the locations you were shown or told about. Dreams are perfect too! He showed us the Wedding Pavilion, Ariel's, Living Seas, Whitehall, and Grand Floridian ballrooms. Unlimited budget so have fun with what can be done. We have around 82 on the guest list as we are only doing family and close friends. We have 38 confirmed so far just for family members and bridal party. 12 are under 12 if all 82 attend along with 2 infants. Color is purple and we will be having the 501st visit since my friend is Vader as a surprise to my father and sister.

Thanks!

 

[LadyD]

I know they do big castle ceremonies out at Disneyland for over 100k.

That is so odd that you would be shown ballrooms when you specifically said no ballrooms. Did they say all the non-ballroom locations are unavailable due to the proximity of the date or anything?? We're planning our wedding in about 5 months out here for Disneyland and they have been nothing but helpful and willing to work with us. It is so interesting that DFTW at Disney World can be such a hit or miss experience

They said all the epcot and hollywood studios locations are not available??

I hope you can speak to someone else there who is more willing to help you and work with you.

 

[FSU Fanatics]

Everything but Japan at Epcot is available and then living seas is booked for a dinner reception on our Saturday. He said we could have Living Seas for dinner if we changed to get married on Sunday. It is a ballroom and the lights of the aquarium are turned off at 945pm which is not even halfway through the reception.

Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are not available either due to renovations. January is the least booked month here in Florida for all the venues I have worked with before or talked too. Same for Disney. Even being so close he said pretty much everything listed on the website was open. I asked what other locations where available that were not listed but he said "everything we offer is listed on the website" which from reading this forum I know is not true. I hope we can get another person to talk with ASAP.

 

[TiffinyKaye]

Are you talking to a planner or a consultant? If he's a planner, I'm really surprised.

Maybe I'm not understanding you correctly. EVERYTHING is open, except Japan for a ceremony?

I don't know how you switch planners, honestly. I love mine. I know that all the planners and stuff have the name of their reporting officer on their voicemail, with their phone number. If you call when you know it's after hours (say, 9 PM), you could probably get the phone number and call the supervisor directly and ask to change planners. You probably could also talk to the main DFTW phone number and they'd get you to the right place...avoid awkwardness.

I wish I could help you out better, but I'm not sure I understand everything from your explanation. I think to help better, it would be easier to hear why you guys want to get married at DW. And I mean a reason other than that it's cheaper than other places you're going, or 'more bang for our buck'--which, btw, is the first time I've EVER heard anyone say that about Disney!

I think for all of us here...getting married at DW has a very personal meaning to us. Does it to you? Is there a place in Disney World that is special to you both (or at least to you)?

I personally think the train station is gorgeous. You have the castle right in the background, and you're up higher so the view is beautiful. If money is no object...that'd be my first choice.

Tiffiny

 

[TiffinyKaye]

Also, this just crossed my mind--but January is a low season for them. Hearing that there are so many repairs going on makes sense. They're trying to do everything, I think, without impacting all of their guests too much.

It sucks for brides...but they are a working, functioning theme park. Weddings are only a side gig, and by far not their largest revenue stream. It sucks--but that's how most of us feel who were looking forward to getting a castle portrait session, and then being told that they're pretty much not doing them in 2015. :/

Maybe that's why he was so focused on ballrooms? They don't want to lose the sale...but also don't have much to offer.

Personally--look at Carrie Hayward's photos (LurkyLoo). She got married in Morocco in Epcot. Her pictures are GORGEOUS. It's a beautiful spot. If you like Epcot...that'd be my second choice next to Japan (which sounds like it's not open that day).

Tiffiny

 

[TiffinyKaye]

And...final thought. I mentioned what was going on with DF, and he had a suggestion I hadn't thought about too. The reason they may have also been steering you to ballrooms could be your guest count. It's not 200 people high...but a lot of people come in, it seems, with 40 guests are less. So,finding a space to comfortably accommodate all of those people may be something he was trying to convince you of to make it "easier" on them (I think many of the magical venues can accommodate 100+--but I don't know how easy it is for them, versus the ballrooms).

Tiffiny

 

[alyaki]

Some of it is likely what Tiffiny mentioned, but some may be because of times. I know you mentioned you liked the idea of Epcot (I'm guessing for ceremonies) - were you okay with the 9am ceremony time? Or did you only want an evening wedding? If you said you only wanted it in the evening, or that you were dead set on a evening reception, that may be part of the reason they steered you away from Epcot, since they discourage that kind of gap, and those ceremonies are morning only.

Also, you mentioned that you don't like ballrooms. We got to see the Living Seas for the first time in person last week (and Ariels too)...and they really didn't feel or look like a ballroom to me. What I think of when I think of ballroom is something similar the Grand Floridian ballroom, which he showed you. I'm not sure, but before you met with him, did you give them a list of venues you were interested in?

For an evening ceremony not in the parks, Yacht Club Gazebo (if you wanted outside) or the Wedding Pavilion (for inside) are probably your best bets. Though you could also do the Croquet Lawn at the Boardwalk with your size as well.

Some of the Epcot venues you could likely use for an evening reception could include Monsiuer Paul's (I believe you can do a buy-out for evening receptions) or you may be able to use the Great Hall of China. You've got just a bit too small of a list for the American Adventure Rotunda (requires 100), otherwise I would have suggested there as well, since it's gorgeous. The Odyssey could also be an option - I've seen pictures from some events there, and they were very cool.

Outside of Epcot, I believe Atlantic Dance Hall would be big enough, but I can't remember if they allow Saturday night-time weddings. A lot of people really like that venue.

I would have suggested Ariel's and Living Seas, but it didn't sound like you really liked those spots.

If you're interested in a daytime/morning wedding, some of the ceremony venues you could look into could include places like Canada Overlook (though your full list may be a bit too big, but it holds up to 78...so you would probably be fine there) or Italy Plaza in Epcot (everywhere else would be too small for your list), Yacht Club Gazebo (if you wanted outside), or the Wedding Pavilion (for inside). Reception venue options would probably stay the same, though I don't believe you can use the Great Hall prior to 8pm, so that's probably out.

Otherwise, were there specific spots in Studios you were interested in? MK doesn't really have a reception spot (and the ceremony spot is for 50 ppl and less if I remember), and Backlot will definitely be under construction, but you might be able to ask about Pixar Place? That spot may be spared from stuff going on. Or what about the Movie Ride? Those will likely be late receptions, but you could do a dessert party in Epcot as pre-reception possibly.


I know it doesn't make you feel any better, but I've found that things seem to go smoothest and they seem to be most helpful when you come in to them with some suggestions/ideas of where/what you're looking for - I think they tend to push certain venues because they are used so often/are popular, and so they don't always go "out of the box", as it were, without you asking lots of questions. And part of the problem in your situation may be the time you want - it sounds like you're really set on a dinner time ceremony/reception probably starting early evening and going late. If you're a bit flexible and are willing to do mornings/early afternoon, it could help open up some options. But I really don't know what you're going for (and you could have already told them you were open to that).

Hope this helps. And if you really think it's a problem with your coordinator, call the main line and ask to be re-assigned.

 

[lurkyloo]

alyaki has given you a lot of great ideas, so all I have to add is that you can see photos of all the various venues at WDW here: http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/

 

[Lorelei528]

Shipwreck beach is GREAT for an outdoor location! I've seen some beautiful receptions there as well.
But Carrie and previous posters gave you lots of great info...

 

[FSU Fanatics]

Thanks guy's. We just got off the phone with them and it turns out they watch these boards so he was going to call us anyways. He is a "sales manager" for those asking.

I had a whole post but deleted it as my FI and I have some ideas to play with now after my FI started throwing out ideas. My FI is an architect and is going to draw up something I am describing to him to show them. Joe said they can turn the garden or a room into whatever we want. Now to find photos to piece together with the drawing to give them an idea. We are having a black tie wedding but with tons of fun. The guys are in tuxes/uniforms and the girls are in black formal dresses with a purple sash and a sweep train.

I am not giving the ideas out just in case but let's say that it will have a Tuscan feel tons of sparkle as you can't go wrong with sparkle, lol. Depending on what time the ceremony is we will then move to the reception and then dessert party for the fireworks at Italy since there is no MK fireworks viewing other than California Grill or vise versa. I have to check to see if I can have the princesses show up if I can't have my castle. It would be a surprise for my daughter. I love the castle but to see her face when the princesses walk in is making my teary just thinking about it.

I am finally getting excited after my FI heard they can design whatever we want and his wheels started turning. He even thought about creating something to use at living seas so we wouldn't get wet yet still be underwater instead of having to be in scuba gear. That sparked my idea of what he is going to draw up. If we can get the castle then the idea would just be for the reception instead of ceremony!

 

[FSU Fanatics]

@lurkyloo - just got done reading your "trippie" post and looking at photos. All I can say is awesome!

 

[andeesings]

Oh I do so hope you're going to do a trip report! Because this sounds like it will be AWESOME to follow! Lol

 

[FSU Fanatics]

Oh I do so hope you're going to do a trip report! Because this sounds like it will be AWESOME to follow! Lol

If I had not read Lurkyloo's I would not have a clue what you were talking about. I guess I will do one to help others out who get married after we do, lol. I am already doing a blog on my planning as well as writing for a national bridal magazine as a guest. All while running a business, getting into our new house, and building a new house to go next to the horse stables we just got as well. Lol, I have to stay busy I guess.

 

[lurkyloo]

@lurkyloo - just got done reading your "trippie" post and looking at photos. All I can say is awesome!

So glad you liked it!

 

[TiffinyKaye]

They monitor this place, huh? That's the first time I've heard that! It's about time! If they know what we're upset about...maybe they'll try to make us happy! LOL!

Tiffiny

 

[FSU Fanatics]

They monitor this place, huh? That's the first time I've heard that! It's about time! If they know what we're upset about...maybe they'll try to make us happy! LOL!

Tiffiny

Yep! They used to have someone who did it all the time but now it is occasionally from what it sounds like.

It got a few more things offered to us. My FI just drew up our design. Love that he is an architect and can draw. Cannot wait to see what DFTW says. Did not even take him an hour. It is 1256 now or else he would be at the craft store getting pencils, paint, and correct paper to draw it correctly for DFTW. So excited!!!!!!!! We will use it for our ceremony site and then send people elsewhere for like an hour to switch to reception setting to reuse the setting. It is just what I wanted. Then we would move over to Italy for a dessert party if it is timed right.

 

[alyaki]

Yep! They used to have someone who did it all the time but now it is occasionally from what it sounds like.

It got a few more things offered to us. My FI just drew up our design. Love that he is an architect and can draw. Cannot wait to see what DFTW says. Did not even take him an hour. It is 1256 now or else he would be at the craft store getting pencils, paint, and correct paper to draw it correctly for DFTW. So excited!!!!!!!! We will use it for our ceremony site and then send people elsewhere for like an hour to switch to reception setting to reuse the setting. It is just what I wanted. Then we would move over to Italy for a dessert party if it is timed right.

It's great to hear that they were able to pull through for you two. And amazing at how fast your FI got something drawn up! I really hope you do some type of trip report or let others here read about your experience, because it sounds like your event is going to be amazing.