Happily Ever After...
May 25 '00 (Updated Jun 21 '00)
Growing up every girl dreams of having that fairy tale wedding; one which will be the beginning of your "happily ever after" storybook romance. What better place than Walt Disney World to make all your dreams come true.
This is a dream of mine...a dream I hope to one day make a reality. My fiance, knowing of this dream ordered an informational package explaining all the ins and outs of a "Fairy Tale Wedding" at Walt Disney World.
I pass the information on to you via the packet. All prices appearing in parenthesis are correct as of 5/25/00.
EXPENSES-
* Disney has a minimum expenditure depending on what day of the week you decide to have the event. For those who are looking for a weekday wedding(Mon-Thurs), $7,500 must be spent. For the traditional weekend weddings (Fri-Sun) there is a minimum of $10,000.
* During holidays or peak seasons minimums may be raised because of demand, so call ahead if you think a problem may arise.
* Expenses include: food and beverages, flowers, decorations of any kind, music and entertainment, photography/videography services, transportation, hair, makeup, spa services and ceremony fees of which are provided by the Walt Disney World Company and Fair Tale Weddings.
* For those of you that have more money to spend that most of us, weddings are available at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot; $35,000 is the minimum expenditure for this "premium" events.
CEREMONY and RECEPTION LOCATIONS-
* The Wedding Pavilion($1,500 including organist) is located on a private island on the Seven Seas lagoon. The Grand Floridian Hotel and Spa is just a few hundred yards away and makes a wonderful spot to calm those pre-marital jitters on the precious days before the wedding. Cinderella's Castle, located across the lagoon, creates a lovely backdrop for those memorable wedding photos.
* Receptions generally follow at one of Disney's luxurious hotel ballrooms such as The Grand Floridian, Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resort, or the Boardwalk Resort. Take a tour of each and decide which would best fit the atmosphere you are looking for. Prices vary by location and season.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES-
* All food and beverages must be purchased through WDW, although your cake may be purchased elsewhere.
* There is a minimum expenditure of $75/person for functions beginning before 2pm, and a $100/person minimum for those beginning after 2pm. A 19% service charge will be added as well as 6% sales tax.
* Disney's culinary staff will provide a variety of menu options to fit all tastes. For those who would like cultural dishes served, a menu can be custom designed to fit your needs.
FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS-
* Florists at the WDW will set appointments with you to aid in choosing the arrangements that compliment your taste. Bridal bouquets begin at $250; prices vary according to which flowers are choosen, their availability, and the size of the arrangement.
* Bridesmaid bouquets, petals for the flower girl, boutonnieres, ceremony and alter arrangements and table centerpieces are all available.
* Ficus trees with lights($760) and Mickey/Minnie topiaries($350/each) are available upon request.
ENTERTAINMENT-
* Disney literally has every option. Your only limitation is your imagination. Harpist, pianist, vocalist, classical string trio, string quartet, big band, or even a disc jockey are all available for hire. Prices begin at $435 to $4000 based on a four hour period.
* What about having a character make a surprise appearance at your reception? One, two or three character packages are available ranging from $550-$1,150, for a 30 minute appearance.
* At the end of your ceremony, instead of throwing rice why not have white doves released($250) for your emotional good-byes and farewells.
TRANSPORTATION-
* Make your arrival or departure memorable by choosing one of Disney's special transportation options including a horse drawn carriage($1,000), Cinderella's glass coach pulled by 4 horses and accompanied by 3 footman($2,500), vintage cars($465), charter buses($67/hour), or a limousine charter($72/hour).
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY-
* A variety of professionals are available to choose from, and their portfolios are on display for you to view at the main office of the wedding pavilion.
* Special portrait sessions are available in a theme park through Disney's Photographic Services.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION-
* The evening of your wedding you will receive a complimentary room at your resort choice.
* All receptions include white tuxedo service staff, head table, all linens and napkins, table settings(china, glassware, silverware, tables and chairs), skirted tables for guest book and gifts, and a cake table at no additional charge.
* Guests will receive special room rates from a variety of Disney resorts as well as the opportunity to purchase theme park tickets in advance.
* A specific wedding date can be booked one year in advance. Eight months prior to your wedding, a $1,000 non-refundable deposit will be required to hold the date and begin planning the wedding.
* A Florida marriage license will be required before the ceremony can begin. There are no blood tests or waiting periods that need to take place. Currently the cost of the license is $88.50, and can be purchased at any of the Clerk of the Circuit Court offices throughout the state.
* For more information on Disney's Fair Tale weddings you can call 1-877-566-0969, or visit www.honeymoon.disneyworld.com to receive a packet of your own.
Okay, now that we're past all the technical stuff and price breakdowns, sit back and think of the wedding you've always wanted. Disney World is a place I love, have loved...ever since I was a child. Every time I go I feel like a child experiencing everything for the first time. Disney brings out the hopes and dreams of children and adults alike. It takes away the worries, and puts you in a different world. One of imagination and dreams. Let Disney be apart of one of the most important parts of your life, and have that fairy tale wedding only they could give. Best wishes to all of you!!
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Epinions.com ID:
GreekTiff
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Member: Tiffany
Location: Tampa, Florida
Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 8 members
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