Vow renewal...Polynesian or Aulani?

[1Jackpot]

My husband and I would love to renew our vows. When we got married, we didn't have much money and we would love to do it the "proper way".

We are torn between having the ceremony at the Polynesian or at Aulani? We'll be flying family members in.

Has anyone had any experience with either one? Pictures to share?

Thanks!

 

[lurkyloo]

Some things to consider...

Aulani weddings/vow renewals start at about $4,000 and require you to meet food and beverage minimums—you build the event from the ground up. They do not have packages like the Escape Collection found in Florida and California. Also, the room rates and other services you'd add are pricier than they are in Florida...

You can have an Escape package wedding/VR at Sunset Pointe at the Polynesian, but the guest limit is 8 (10 people max, including bride and groom). There is also a spot between the Poly and the Wedding Pavilion that is used for the Memories package weddings/VRs, which have a maximum limit of 6 people (including bride and groom). Wishes events have a minimum of 20 people, so they can't be held at the Poly.

 

[sambycat]

the passporter’s wedding guide might be helpful for you as well!!!!

 

[MrRomance]

My husband and I would love to renew our vows. When we got married, we didn't have much money and we would love to do it the "proper way".

We are torn between having the ceremony at the Polynesian or at Aulani? We'll be flying family members in.

Has anyone had any experience with either one? Pictures to share?

Thanks!

There is no question that Aulani is beautiful but I think as Carrie said, a key factor would be cost. Not just the cost of the wedding package, but also the cost of accommodation and flights for your guests.

If money is no object, then I think Aulani is definitely the more serene, but we had our VR at the Poly and it was fantastic.

 

[TabZ]

Not to mention the type of vacation you'd like to go along with your VR - if the parks are where you want to be then there is no question - but if you wanted the resort in Hawaii instead of the hussle and bussle then thats another thing to consider

 

[tric8783]

We actually are getting married on the beach at the BC, but when we went for our PS, they did offer the beach at the Poly (Luau Beach) to us with a Wishes wedding of 80-100 guests at the time. When I inquired over the phone initially we were told no, but in person they told us no problem!
I think both are very beautiful and agree it depends what else you are looking for out of your vacation/holiday! Both are great choices in my opinion!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

The Swan and Dolphin also has a beach option that is less pricey than DFTW, but still on Disney property. Just something you might want to look in to. Many on these boards sing S&D's praises.

 

[1Jackpot]

Not to mention the type of vacation you'd like to go along with your VR - if the parks are where you want to be then there is no question - but if you wanted the resort in Hawaii instead of the hussle and bussle then thats another thing to consider

There is no question that Aulani is beautiful but I think as Carrie said, a key factor would be cost. Not just the cost of the wedding package, but also the cost of accommodation and flights for your guests.

If money is no object, then I think Aulani is definitely the more serene, but we had our VR at the Poly and it was fantastic.

Thank you everyone for all of the wonderful replies!

We will probably have a total of 20-30 guests and there is no budget.

We had not even THOUGHT about the fact that there won't be any parks to bop around in during the day! There will probably be a couple of kids, including my own and I think they would really appreciate going to the parks.

Ideally, we'd love to spend 3 days at Aulani and then fly everyone over to WDW and spend a week there. We're going to talk to our family members and see what their thoughts are and see if it's feasable for them to get off of work for that extended period of time.

Thank you everyone for your input!! I love reading everyone's thoughts!