Two ?'s re: Formal Night

[Innerpc]

I have (2) questions re: Formal Night - We will be on the Magic (Western) in July.

1. Some people say that they wished they had dressed up more and then others say that formal night wasn't that formal... which leads me to my 2nd question. I don't want to be the only family in tuxes and fancy dresses!

2. Our family was going to dress up in tuxes and fancy dresses and have a family picture taken at Shutters (when else will everyone be dressed so fancy TOGETHER???) BUT, I've heard that the background isn't blank... it has a disney picture oor something?

If someone can help me out with this, I sure would appreciate it!

 

[mouseclick1]

Hi-
We were on the 4/10 western cruise. DH wore a tux, and I wore a floor lenth black dress. Our boys (12 & 14), wore black suits. While there were people around dressed more casually, were saw many others dressed up as well. We did not stand out at all as being over-dressed. I have no regrets that we dressed up for the night, and wouldn't hesitate to do the same on our next cruise. If you want to go all out, go for it and have a fantastic time!

As far as pictures go, they offer several different backgrounds each night for photo ops. Be sure to see what the choices are before you stand in line. I made the mistake of getting in the first line I saw, then found a background I liked better in other people's pictures back in Shutters. It was a very neutral background with nothing Disneyish in it. I figured we had plenty of pictures that were Disneyish, and would have liked to have one with a plain background. Oh well, next cruise!

 

[CAMICKEY]

I am wearing a sport coat, dark slacks, white shirt with Mickey tie, loafers (and of course socks and underwear). - Mike

 

[abitjaded]

You will not be the only family dressed up by any stretch of the imagination. The mottled, plain backgrounds are often in the least demand and may have shorter lines. We had one nice CM who worked a long time with us since no one else was in line and my youngest kept making stupid faces. Just be there early and you can have your pick. There is the ship, the lobby Mickey sailor statue, with and without characters, the infamous rail hanging off in space and the plain. Look around, there are set ups all over near the lobby. You can also go up a floor and get a picture with the captain in front of the large sepia toned Walt background near the WD Theater.

Carla

 

[mickey minder]

I agree. You certainly will not look out of place. We enjoyed getting all dressed up. The formal pictures were wonderful. Go for it.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

We had never cruised before we did our first Disney cruise in March 2002. I'd had the brochures re: formal night, (yet didn't know of these msg boards.) It had been YEARS since DH and I had dressed for any formal ocassion, and we were literally 'out of touch.' I wore a 'casual' floor length dress, and DH had a tie, sports coat and casual slacks. We were surprised at dinner when we saw almost everyone in formals, suits, cocktail dresses. Though we knew not all eyes were on us for not being as 'dressed up,' we were somewhat sad at first that we weren't better prepared. Please, no flames anyone.

There will be many on here who will say 'it's a Disney cruise, you're on vacation, relax.' I'm here to say, do not think you'll be the only family in tuxes and formals. There are a GREAT MANY who do dress 'formal.' It was a live and learn experience (but a fun live and learn) for us, and the following year, DH, DD and I were dressed formal to the max, as we will do again this year. I agree w/others here, I don't have any regrets, (and I don't think you will either.)

 

[TammiMcMan]

We're doing the 3 night Wonder, which I don't even think has a formal night, but that's not stopping us from dressing up. I figured, what the heck, other than weddings, we never have an excuse to go all out. My guys are wearing suits and my DD(8) picked out a lovely silver gown with matching handbag and shoes . She is the diva of our family. My oldest DD(18) and myself have cocktail dresses that we are wearing. I think it will be fun and I also plan on having a family picture taken.

 

[Innerpc]

WhooooHoooo!!! I knew I could count on all of you to relieve my anxiety about being over dressed!

My 4 girls are so excited about the prospect of formal dresses.... I have to say I am too.... besides, I LOVE seeing my DH in a tux!

Thank you so very much.

 

[WDWLVR]

Think of the wonderful pictures you'll have! Go for it and dress up!

 

[CAMICKEY]

You definitely will not be alone wearing a Tux as there are a lot of people who use this occasion getting dressed to the max. You will see some people, like me, who dress more semi-formal and then others who prefer to be even more casual. To each their own as I do not worry what other people wear (too busy enjoyining the cruise) and if other people want to worry about what I am wearing, that's their problem. But if you want a place to really show off and get some good pictures, theres no place like a Disney cruise. We have been decked out on some of our prior cruises and indeed have some good pictures and memories of these. Enjoy your cruise and try not to worry what other people think. It's your cruise, enjoy it. Sorry to ramble on but this topic seems to create the most heat within this forum. And that won't change. - Mike

 

[Rence]

Even if you were the only family to dress up, you would not be overdressed. Everyone else would be underdressed. It is Formal Night!

We have some great family pictures from Formal night.

 

[Desert Disney]

We went 100% formal (tux and gown) for our 01' 7 Day Magic Cruise and are so happy that we did! My DW looked absolutely stunning and it brought another level of romance to an already incredible trip. Just walking out of our state room dressed formally caused people to look and smile and that alone was worth it for my incredible DW! The girls were dressed very nice (semi-formal) and they loved it as well.

You must remember that for most of the entire trip you are in shorts and casual attire. It certainly makes for great photo's as well and for DC number two on May 29th, we are going formal again!

 

[ducklite]

You can never be overdressed on formal night.

Anne

 

[bulacat]

DH and I are doing a vow renewal on Thursday (semi formal) night. Then right off to dinner. I have a beautiful Cinderella formal gown, 3 hooped slip and lots of tulle. Now I am wondering if I will feel uncomfortable going to dinner afterwards? I know you said you can't be too dressed up, but this is pretty much a blue wedding dress, minus the train. I was even thinking of a tiara...too much?

Dana

 

[Desert Disney]

No limits on dressing upwardly and theme-like would be all the more fun! We saw two theme dressed women on our first DC and as long as you do not mind thumbs ups and stares of awe, then go for it.

Originally posted by bulacat
DH and I are doing a vow renewal on Thursday (semi formal) night. Then right off to dinner. I have a beautiful Cinderella formal gown, 3 hooped slip and lots of tulle. Now I am wondering if I will feel uncomfortable going to dinner afterwards? I know you said you can't be too dressed up, but this is pretty much a blue wedding dress, minus the train. I was even thinking of a tiara...too much?

Dana

 

[Innerpc]

I agree with Desert Disney... this is a special evening for you! Celebrate! You will look fabulous!

Now, tell me about the vowel renewel. Is it a package deal? How much does it cost? Is it done by a minister? Details would be sooo appreciated.

 

[jlp651]

what is the price to rent a tux for a 7 night cruise?

 

[findingnemofan]

Can you rent tuxes on board? The last time my DH wore a tux was 13 years ago on our wedding day!!!
Also--how do you know when Formal night is? Is it always the same day? We are on a 7 day eastern--June 12-19th 2004.

Thanks!!!

 

[bulacat]

We are celebrating our 10th Anniv. Since we were married on a beach in fiji, we decided what could be more appropriate than renewing our vows (outside the US) at sea! We booked the package more for sentimental reasons, disregarding the cost, which was $1000. I know a few have posted that they don't think that the value is there, but where else can you get a full blown wedding for $1000?

Magical amenities include:
- Ceremony performed by a ship's Officer
- Concierge Service
- Note from the Captain/Hotel Director
- Fresh flower bouquet and boutonniere
- Two-tier Vow Renewal Cake and keepsake Cake Topper
- Champagne Toast with Fairy Tale Cuvee
- Special Vow Renewal Gift
- Vow Renewal Certificate
- Solo Musician
- Wedding Coordinator assistance
- Dinner for the couple at Palo, on ceremony night
- Complimentary Photo
- Champagne & Strawberries delivered to room

They only allow 2 vow renewals per cruise, and they are performed late Thursday afternoon. We are the only one booked on our cruise, and our time was set at 5:15. We did ask to have our Palo dinner changed to a different night, because we want to eat with the kids after the ceremony. We also sent a list of all the Palo/Spa/Salon reservations that we want to make, and that will be taken care of ahead of time!!! We will have a pianist for the ceremony, and selected our music from a list provided by DCL, though that take requests, if the pianist knows the piece. We requested, Fools Rush In-Elvis since it is our song. And they didn't have a problem with it. I didn't think they would since it was in Lilo & Stitch. I also understand that you get a photographer for the ceremony (DH and I don't have any professional photos of the first wedding) and afterwards he will also take you around the boat, and to the special backdrops that are out for photos that night and take you to the front of the line so you don't have to wait. That's all I can think of at the moment.

Dana

 

[steverog]

I'm sure you will all look great but not as good as my little man.
For kid's formal wear check ebay store oreoz. This is where we got my son's tuxedo for about 50 bucks.