Hi
I am doing a VR in May 2011. It is a small affair with a total of 13 guests plus us.
I have gone back and forth about doing it with DFTW and Swan and Dolphin. Eventually I decided on the S and D. Yes, ideally I would have loved to go though DFTW, but I am from the UK and with the price of trans-atlantic flights on top of a DFTW package, the total was really adding up.
Once I had decided on the S and D I soon discovered that I can have a ceremony at the East Courtyard (in front of the beautiful Swan fountain) all the services the same as was offered by DFTW, (planner, officiant, musician etc)), and an al-a-carte list of things which I could add if I wanted to. I have chosen my own photographer (Randy), my own cake (It's Tasty too) and flowers (atmospheres) and these vendors will all liaise with my planner. I am also getting two limos instead of one, so that there will be no 'hanging around' for my guests.
Afterwards I am planning on dinner at Citricos and a fireworks cruise on the Grand 1 (assuming I am lucky enough to be able to get it booked!!) with added desserts and drinks.
This is all costing just $900.00 more than I would have paid for the Escape package alone (without any reception or DP or enhancements), and IMHO I am getting nicer flowers and cake. I certainly have more control over these things.
Like I said I would have loved to have gone through DFTW but feel I am missing out on very little. Randy will still take photos at the Boardwalk as well as the Swan, and also at the GF when we go for the meal after the ceremony. I can still have characters attend if I wish (although I probably won't be able to afford this). The only thing I would not be entitled to is the in-park photography session, but as I wasn't planning on doing this anyway, it's not really an issue.
I guess what I am saying is it is worth looking into other options if DFTW gets beyond your financial reach and although it may seem a slight compromise to go with somebody else, I know for me it means I can have the day I dream of at Disney for a price I can afford
Good luck with your planning!!!
On 1 hand the VR itself was fun and we and our guests had a great time with it. And it did bring our family closer together and the children loved it. On the other hand it was so far gone from my original dream and I had to fight so much to get what little we had, which was still NOT what we wanted but more settling for what we could get.....it was just not the VR i wanted.
