Please tell me it's not true!

[pintradingwedding]

Don't give up on your dream. I sent out almost 200 invitations and about 100people actually showed up. The total for my wedding was around $38,000 but I did have a lot of extra things. There are ways to cut back on the price of the wedding. You can go with outside vendors or make your own centerpieces.

I am sure you will get a phone call soon. I have noticed that it does take them a couple of days longer then they say. They are really busy, so don't give up. When they do call they will be more then willing to work with you on your budget.

Don't let one person ruin your dream!

Go for it!

 

[Belle1981]

Jenny,
I am so sorry you went through the same thing I went through! I had a horrible woman as well the first time I called. I thought my Disney dream was over as well! Don't take that CRAP from anyone. This is supposed to be the most magical day of your life don't let anyone break your dream. What I did was I called back and got a lovely person and then I told them what happened and that I wanted it escalated to someone else. They got back to me and said that they agreed it was unacceptable and they would deal with it. Every since then I have had the most wonderful people! Good luck and HAPPY PLANNING!

 

[missjennye]

Just a clarification...200 invitations, like 400 guests, or 200 guests?

Good point...Now that you say that, we will probably send out less than 200 invites because I don't see us having over 200 people at the wedding.

 

[missjennye]

Did you say you wanted to get married in the Magic Kingdom? That's the only way I can see a wedding there costing half a mill!

No, we are still looking for places to hold the reception, so if ya'll have any cool ideas, let me know. We want to have the ceremony at the Wedding Pavillion, but the reception is what is so difficult. I mean, 100 a person....

 

[missjennye]

We're getting married in June with approx. 50 people. We're using all disney services(photography, flowers) with the Illuminations reception for about $15000. Call back and talk to someone else. I wouldn't accept that attitude from Disney.

I have so many questions for you! I have been seeing pictures of the Illuminations reception and it looks absolutely beautiful. So you would be having a day wedding and the reception later, or a night wedding? Where are ya'll having the ceremony?

Because seriously...75 or maybe a little more is what I am figuring

 

[missjennye]

Jenny,
I am so sorry you went through the same thing I went through! I had a horrible woman as well the first time I called. I thought my Disney dream was over as well! Don't take that CRAP from anyone. This is supposed to be the most magical day of your life don't let anyone break your dream. What I did was I called back and got a lovely person and then I told them what happened and that I wanted it escalated to someone else. They got back to me and said that they agreed it was unacceptable and they would deal with it. Every since then I have had the most wonderful people! Good luck and HAPPY PLANNING!

Was her name Lizette because she's an absolute idiot. I'm calling back right now.

 

[Cinderella16]

Ugh--that woman you talked to sounds so annoying! I hope everything goes well when you call again! I would report her to someone because there is no need to make anyone feel that way...she needs to get her facts right or not say anything at all!! I am sure you will get friendly, knowledgable people as your planning continues! Good luck and don't stop dreaming!!

 

[missjennye]

Ok, so I called them back and spoke with Bill Barchik's assistant. We have a site visit set up for Feb 21st, so hopefully I will get a lot of my questions answered then. I'm still so nervous about the cost though.

 

[Belle1981]

I am dealing with Bill and he is fantastic. Let him know what your budget looks like and he will totally accomodate you! I cannot say enough good things about him! He has been WONDERFUL. Don't be shy to tell them if something is too expensive. Paint them a picture, its up to them to make it come to reality within YOUR BUDGET. Have fun!

 

[Cinderella16]

Ok, so I called them back and spoke with Bill Barchik's assistant. We have a site visit set up for Feb 21st, so hopefully I will get a lot of my questions answered then. I'm still so nervous about the cost though.

Yay so glad to hear that!!!

 

[ohanafamily]

Hi all,

missjennye, I am not a "Girl", and I didn't have a DFTW. I proposed at WDW, and am in the jewelry business. I come by this area occasionally because people have Engagement Ring questions, Etc...

Your story is not unique, but when you actually meet a Disney Planner The magic will take over. You do need to let them know you budget at the outset, how far beyond it you are willing to go, and they will give you the choices. I have only really heard a very few stories of problems with planners. The most common problem comes when a "Bigger Rat" comes along and makes you do a change of venue. It doesn't happen all that often, but it does happen. There is a fine print on all of the contracts.

Actually, I have a story that may make you feel a little less alone...

As I said earlier, I am in the Jewelry business and got engaged at Disney world. They used to have a department dedicated to helping Guys pop the question. I got engaged with their help If you would like to read my story, here is a link http://www.bachosaurus.com/package_details.htm

So, I created my web site, started sending people to them, and my hit count started jumping (They were using my testimonial to help, and I had the details posted without prices) Then, Michael Eisner had an Idea for a combination My Pal Mickey and Photopass concept. One of the locations picked for this project was the rose garden... The only real asset that department had) So rather than creatively find other locations, Disney closed the department. I was not a happy camper. I tried my best to follow in their footsteps, got all of the appropriate phone numbers and helped several people.

Here is the rub, I was told that if someone wanted to do the $10,000 or $15,000 engagement package that I should let Disney FTW handle it.... The post came in from someone in Mexico. (did I mention I sell jewelry and know how to qualify a customer?) I had 5 or 6 pms, and a couple of phone calls to him. He had the money and the desire. I called DFTW for him, and said the following (almost verbatim) "Hello, I am _____ and _______ gave me this number. I have a qualified guest who wants to spend $15,000 on an engagement. He lives in Mexico and speaks broken English. He will spend more if appropriately motivated. His phone number is _______, and his e-mail is _________ Please have someone who speaks Spanish call him."

They said "We don't handle engagements here"
"Yes you do if it is over $10,000"
"OK, I will pass it on and have him called"

They e-mailed him the sheet with 6 suggestions (in English) which was already posted on my site (actually that page was removed by accident and I need to put it back up)

He wound up doing the same engagement package I used, and I helped as much as possible.

The morale? Well, the people handling the phones are not really helpful, but you need to get past them to have your dream come true. We are here for you for moral support...

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I have to agree that $100 per person would be on the low side for a DFW. I was married at Disney and have attended weddings at WDW. I'm sorry she was rude to you but I believe the info. she gave you to be true.

Good Luck!

 

[missjennye]

Is there a minimum of $100 a person? I am scared about that.

I'm going to have to call him back and ask him about that. We were thinking of doing the Illuminations reception but not doing the dinner and only doing a dessert party...What do ya'll think about that?

 

[Disney Nay Nay]

Hello, I just had my wedding at Disney & had approxm 150 people attend. I learned a lot of things to keep the price down. If you don't have your wedding in the parks, then you can supply things yourself & That's where the cost adds up. I used a photograpgher that cost at least half the price of Disney's It is called Egomediaphotography.com They do a lot of Disney weddings & I also had engagement photos with them. I also supplied my own flowers. I got good silk flowers and did them myself. You couldn't tell the difference. If your not creative shop ebay. They have tons of flowers & favors that you can supply yourself for really good prices. You can also get programs at ebay or do them yourself. I spent about 38,000. But I also had a 6,000. dessert party, and the 2500 carriage, 650 Major domo, 2 Characters 1250 & a reherasal dinner that was 2000. Although these extras were nice you can cut some of them out & still have a REALLY nice wedding. If you have any questions let me know I'd be glad to help.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I had a Disney Wedding and decided NOT to use the Disney photographer. I found someone who does Disney weddings all the time and used to actually work for Disney. If you would like the name & number please let me know and if I was smart enough to figure out how to post some of our photos on this site I would have done that...I could always email them to you.

The few things I wouldn't skimp on is Disney florist, the flowers are truly glorious, Disney wedding cake it not only beautiful but delicious!!! One our 1st Anniversary we not only took a traditional bite of the top...we ate the entire thing with a bottle of champagne!!!!

 

[JJClemson]

Is there a minimum of $100 a person? I am scared about that.

I'm going to have to call him back and ask him about that. We were thinking of doing the Illuminations reception but not doing the dinner and only doing a dessert party...What do ya'll think about that?

There is a minimum food and drink expenditure fee of $100 for events beginning after 2pm. For events before 2, it's $75 per person. You could have an Illuminations Dessert Party only but I think it'd be very difficult to meet your $100 per person minimun on dessert alone. Consider having a brunch and then doing the dessert party during Illuminations that evening. Or, you could have a "rehearsal" dessert party during Illuminations the night before.

Good luck

 

[nsg9]

Iam so sorry you had that kind of initial response. Our wedding is scheduled for 1/08 with around 120 guests. We are working to keep the budget between 30 and 35k for a reception at the American Adventure Pavillion. I would definately call again and speak with Meg or Brianna. They are both assistant consultants and will help you with appointment scheduling and any questions you may have. Don't give up....follow your dream. There are many options available that do not cost 1/2 a million. Congratulations and good luck.