No way to do this?

[DeeCee735]

Okay, thanks for the responses and info on vow renewal ceremonies at WDW so far. I think even the smallest option is more involved than what we want to do. Is there no way for us just to have the vows service, and than do something like the mad hatter tea party for just our party of 5? We really just want the vows, flowers, champagne and dessert/small wedding cake.....no photographer or transport, no music or walk up the isle, and certainly no more than a couple of hours including the ceremony.

Seems even the minimum event is too much of an event, we just wanted to renew our "I Do's" in the World with our kids present and a special touch of disney.

 

[Desnik]

I think you could do the Escape package and still have exactly what you want. You could do it at one of the outdoor locations and just have you and DH walk up together. You could have no music for that portion. Maybe just keep the music for the cake cutting/toast portion.(it is included in the package and in a way you are paying for it) The package has the flowers and champagne/cake too. The whole thing I think from what has been posted in the past is no longer than 2 hours. You could not have the photographer and just "trade it" for a photo package at one of the parks or resorts. Then you and your kids can go out for a nice meal. You can wear whatever you want too.

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

I don't think they do the mad hatter tea party for just 5 people but I am not sure about that. This is the info for mad hatter tea parties.

Mad Hatter Tea Party
A "Mad Hatter Tea Party" is an elaborate production exclusive to Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. The package includes oversized "Alice in Wonderland" decor. You are seated outdoors in a lovely garden setting and the tables are decorated with wild-colored linens and floral arrangements. Characters such as Alice, White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter greet your guests.

A Mad Hatter Tea Party is expensive, but it's certainly a fun way to treat your guests to a memorable experience. You could plan a Mad Hatter Tea Party for your attendants, or even hold one as a rehearsal breakfast. (The "tea party" isn't restricted to tea -- it could actually be a catered breakfast buffet, for instance.)

If you're interested in an Alice in Wonderland / Mad Hatter themed wedding, commitment ceremony or vow renewal, it might be possible to get the props and characters used in the Tea Party package for your reception.

Sample Pricing for a 3-Hour Event:

Breakfast Buffet (see below for sample menu) - $35.00 per person, plus 6.5% tax and 20% service charge

Mad Hatter Package - includes props (6 oversized flowers, 4 giant mushrooms, 2 teapots, white picket fence, Cheshire Cat and Caterpillar statues) plus 4 Disney characters for two 30-minute sets - $6,450

White Chairs with Padded Seats - $8.00 each, plus 6.5% tax

Floral Centerpieces - $75.00 each, plus 6.5% tax

Floor Length Linen - $15.00 each, plus $6.5% tax each

Total price for the sample event above, for 50 people: $9600

Sample Breakfast Buffet Menu:

Assorted Juices Roasted Potatoes
Fruit Display Bacon
Butter & Preserves Pork Sausage Links
Oatmeal with Dried Fruit Croissants
Scrambled Eggs with Cheese Bagel with Cream Cheese
Country Omelet Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Hot Chocolate
Mickey Waffles & Syrup Assortment of Teas with Lemon & Honey


You could do a tea at the Gardenview Room in the Grand Floridian also which is a lot cheaper!

Now for just doing your vows, I say call and give it a shot to see what DFTW says. Maybe they do have something that they can do for you.

 

[hiwaygal]

While this thread is old, it does have some information on the Mad Hatter Tea Party: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1063231

There are minimum expenditures for this type of party and I believe you would schedule it directly with the Grand Floridian (or at least start there).

As Desnik mentioned, what you are describing is essentially the Escape package. The package has some elements you aren't interested in, but there is no "credit/discount" if you don't use them.

I'm sorry you aren't finding the information you want.

 

[DeeCee735]

Thank you all for the information. Personally I do think Disney would do well to "drop it down a notch" for vow renewals. I think there should be something simple and very small, and I bet there would be alot of interest for it out there.

I'll call, but I've already lost hope that this is going to happen. I'd even go for a vow renewal ceremony at the gazebo and dinner in Yachtsman Steakhouse, but we're not looking to spend $4500 for all those things we don't see as necessary, an officiant, a small cake, bottle of champagne (6 glasses as stated on the website) and two bouquets of flowers don't add up to $4500 in our book!

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

I totally agree. There should be something a little smaller for those that don't want the whole package. I still say its worth the call. Maybe you can be the one that starts it all!!

Please let us know how the phone call turns out and don't give up hope!

 

[29apr00]

Just to throw this out there, but have you thought about DCL? VR's on the ship are $1500, $1000 more if you want it on the beach.

The captain does the ceremony, you can do a lounge or on the outside secret deck 7, a cake and champagne. photos are extra if you want them. comes with a small bouquet for you and a boutineer for DH. that's it!

try them out! that's what we are doing!

 

[5forDiz]

Maybe try to arrange your own special day working with what's available to you & your family at WDW.

Startn the day off with some magic a character breakfast then girls going to spa, guys going to golf or renting a boat or if you're looking for something to do as a family maybe something like a Disney fishing excursion or golf or a pontoon boat rental on Seven Seas Lagoon/Bay Lake.

You most likely need to do your vow renewal off-site because from what I understand you can't hold a ceremony on property unless you have arranged that through Disney with one of their packages. Perhaps look into nearest location off-property for a justice of the peace or go to the closest house of worship to WDW for your religion & do the vow renewal there.

Then return to WDW for dinner and maybe schedule a carriage ride or splurge on a fireworks cruise. Finish up the evening at your room having cake & champagne there and reflect on the wonderful day with your family .

I'm sure you will get many many more great suggestions here as well on how to make it a day to remember

 

[Tink_Kel]

Seems even the minimum event is too much of an event, we just wanted to renew our "I Do's" in the World with our kids present and a special touch of disney.

I know what you mean! My ceremony is just going to be me, my DF, and my two sons. Luckily, we had the option of getting married at the Shades of Green resort on WDW, because my DF is (soon to be) retired Military.

I would check out the Swan & Dolphin, like some people have suggested on this site. Evidently they have a less pricey alternative! Otherwise, you might consider an off-site VR, and then a nice Disneymoon with your family.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

My suggestion would be to do the escape package or a Swan/Dolphin ceremony. Then, you can have a tea at the Grand Floridian. I am sure you could upgrade to the Mad Hatter Cake for the intimate or else special order a cake through the GF bakery if you went the S/D route for the ceremony.

I think it's 4,500 for the escape package. It would probably be cheaper if you did the S/D ceremony instead, but you'd still probably end up adding $ for flowers, stuff like that.