Wedding Entertainment

[allisonswonderland]

Ok I have heard some of you metion the organist, but what about vocalists? Are they all kids working at the parks or do they have people you can actually hear and then select? Also what about any of the bands thru Disney like the Calypso Trio or the Latin band, I thought they sounded interesting and am not sure if I would actually go that route but what have most of you done?

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

The costs associated with live music at Disney are astronomical. They nail you on the band set-up becuase it takes hours, and then the time that they'll be performing.

Depending on what you want for a vocalist, you may be just as happy or happier sticking with the organ. If you have Bill Wells, you're in luck! He's excellent. He literally brought tears to my eyes when we had an impromptu meeting... and he's hilarious! Ask him about Grannie's walking farts to, "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

As for your reception, live music sets a completely different tone than a DJ! Be very careful on the group of music you choose, becuase you might get roped into just that sound or style. Also, I don't know how important to you your first dance is. Keep in mind that if it's a real band, it might no be the exact recording that you're used to.

Disney DOES NOT charge you fo an a cappella performance, etc., if you use outside talent. We met at an Edwin McCain concert in DTD on 12/29/2000. We were in negotiations with his rep to see if he would perform two live songs at the wedding. From Disney's end, becuase all we wanted was him, a guitar, and a microphone, it was not a huge commitment financially. From his end, they were going to charge us the same amount as though he was performing the whole reception. We figured we'd just catch the concert another time (was scheduled for the 30th anyways...). Also, we have our pre-reception musicians coming in. We were only charged the tuning fee for the piano to have them play. Be sure and ask about private talent because we were led to believe we had a number of other fees to pay from the wording on our contract.

Good luck!
xoxo

 

[Janet2k]

Also what about any of the bands thru Disney like the Calypso Trio or the Latin band, I thought they sounded interesting and am not sure if I would actually go that route but what have most of you done?

I have been to private events in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World where the calypso bands have been playing. All the bands that I heard were wonderful. I considered adding them to one of my private events last year but eventually decided not to because they didn't fit in with my party's theme, dang it (boy, I really wanted them).

I also love, love, love mariachi music. I was at a private event in Disneyland this summer where their all-female mariachi band came into the venue and serenaded us. It was incredible. I considered hiring a mariachi band for my vow renewal but they didn't fit in with my event's theme (boy, I really wanted them).

I learned this summer that Disney employs more musicians and entertainers than any other corporation on earth. I actually learned that during a seminar that I attended for Disneyland's official 50th anniversary. At first the news surprised me. But as I thought about it, it made perfect sense. The musicians and entertainers who I have heard & seen perform in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have all been first-rate. I know that I wouldn't hesitate to hire any of them for any of my private events (and the calypso and mariachi bands are at the top of my list).

No matter what you decide to do, I hope it turns out beautifully. Have fun planning.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Janet- I'm surprised you didn't have live music at one of your events!

I think live music can make a great addition to any event. Be sure that your space is big enough for the sound... you don't want the music bouncing off the walls and floor and becoming too loud, overpowering, or muddy. I am sure Disney is familair with the set of challenges each venue has.. and are equipped to counter-act it.

For us, if it came between a vocalist at the ceremony or reception performers, I would take the reception! If you cant have both, why not?

 

[M.K. Poppins]

Many of my friends have / do sing at Disney and they are all professional singers/actors who make a living doing what they do! In fact, one of our closest friends also sings with a group outside of Disney and we can't even afford to have them sing at our ceremony!! I would feel confident in the talent that they provide...I would also ask if they have a demo CD that they could let you listen to.

 

[Janet2k]

...I'm surprised you didn't have live music at one of your events...

I did have live music at my vow renewal's dinner party. There was a pianist at the cocktail party and a country & western band at the dinner party. The musicians were all wonderful (my Dad was extremely impressed and he does not impress easily).

I also had several Streetmosphere entertainers at my dinner party. They were incredible. Every single one of them (there were six Streetmosphere entertainers, plus Mickey Mouse ).

In my humble opinion, Disney truly does have first-rate entertainers & musicians.