reserving my date/ signing the contract

[stitchfan18]

I'm thinking that I'm going to call DFTW and get my date penciled in sometime this week, but I just wanted to make sure that I knew everything that I needed to know before I did this.
Ok, when I call them to get my date penciled in, will I get an EM assigned to me that will contact me back at a later time asking me my date, or will I tell someone at DFTW right away what my date is?
Once i'm a year out from the wedding, will they contact me to send the contract, or will I have to call them back and confirm that I still want that date? Also, when we do sign our contract, we have to have room conformation numbers for DF and to stay at Disney after the wedding, correct? I hadn't read anywhere that there was a deposit due with the contract, but I would think that Disney would want something, so can someone tell me if there is any money due at the time we sign our contract, and how much it is?
Just when I thought I knew everything I could about our wedding, DM throws a bunch of questions my way that I can't answer...

 

[M&M126]

I'm thinking that I'm going to call DFTW and get my date penciled in sometime this week, but I just wanted to make sure that I knew everything that I needed to know before I did this.
Ok, when I call them to get my date penciled in, will I get an EM assigned to me that will contact me back at a later time asking me my date, or will I tell someone at DFTW right away what my date is?
Once i'm a year out from the wedding, will they contact me to send the contract, or will I have to call them back and confirm that I still want that date? Also, when we do sign our contract, we have to have room conformation numbers for DF and to stay at Disney after the wedding, correct? I hadn't read anywhere that there was a deposit due with the contract, but I would think that Disney would want something, so can someone tell me if there is any money due at the time we sign our contract, and how much it is?
Just when I thought I knew everything I could about our wedding, DM throws a bunch of questions my way that I can't answer...

Ok I can answer some of this for you. When you first call they will ask you basic questions but I dont believe they ask for a specific date. Then you will get assigned and SM(sales manager). That person will get in touch with you after your initial call usually within a couple days. You can then talk with the SM about location options and they can see about penciling you in. At 12 months, you'll want to get in touch with your SM just to make sure everything's still on schedule and at that point you can find out if you'll have your location choice or if you're in a lottery or if you need to choose a new date. After that comes the contract. You do NOT need to have room confirmations at that time, however, you DO need a deposit. I paid $1500 so I'm assuming thats what most pay.

I hope this helps and is clear! Good luck

 

[disprincessatheart]

I called in February for a wedding in late april the following year. I think they did ask what month I wanted, so they'd know if it was even time to talk to me yet... lol. I did hear back from my SM a few days later, talked to her about options, and at the 12month mark she told me I got my date - but only because it was a custom in a theme park. Otherwise you have to wait until the 8 month mark. After that it took us another month or so to firm up other details before we got our contract and started the official process. Once we signed the contract, it was about a month before we got all the details firmed up and got an EM. Hope that helps.

 

[stitchfan18]

Thanks guys! I'm so glad I found this board, i'd be so lost and confused without it

 

[lurkyloo]

I can't remember whether you're having a Wishes or an Escape, but if you're having an Escape you *do* need to have rooms booked when you call to get your date - if you don't, they give you, like, 48 hours to make the reservation before they drop you from the calendar.

So you would need to pay the room-reservation deposit around the time you reserve your date, but that can be as low as one night's stay at a Value Resort...

 

[stitchfan18]

I can't remember whether you're having a Wishes or an Escape, but if you're having an Escape you *do* need to have rooms booked when you call to get your date - if you don't, they give you, like, 48 hours to make the reservation before they drop you from the calendar.

So you would need to pay the room-reservation deposit around the time you reserve your date, but that can be as low as one night's stay at a Value Resort...

I'm having a wishes wedding, but that would explain where I came up with the idea that we had to have a hotel booked. I couldn't figure out where I came up with that idea after I read the first two responses