Planning your dream wedding set against the backdrop of the enchanting Walt Disney World Resort is a fairy tale dream come true. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to plan a magical celebration that you and your guests will remember forever. From selecting the perfect wedding package to organizing post-wedding experiences, this guide will ensure every detail is impeccably planned.
You’ll start by exploring Disney’s diverse wedding packages, which offer an array of options tailored to different tastes and budgets. Learn how to select the ideal venue from Disney’s numerous enchanting locations, each providing a unique atmosphere for your ceremony.
Pre-wedding arrangements are crucial. We’ll cover how to plan your engagement, make necessary bookings and reservations, and manage the finer details. For the ceremony, we’ll dive into essential aspects like decor, floral arrangements, and overall styling to create an unforgettable setting.
Receptions at Disney are nothing short of spectacular. Discover dining options that cater to every palate and entertainment possibilities to keep your guests enthralled. Our guide will also highlight top photography and videography services, ensuring your magical moments are perfectly captured.
Accommodating your guests is made easy with a variety of resort stays and transportation solutions, while post-wedding experiences like honeymoon destinations and extended celebrations ensure the magic continues.
Your guests will love exploring Disney’s theme park attractions. We’ll provide tips on leisure activities and special event bookings to enhance their visit. Financial considerations are also covered, from budgeting for your Disney wedding to understanding additional costs.
Finally, add those personal touches with bridal services and merchandise. Learn about the spa and beauty offerings to pamper yourself and your bridal party, ensuring everyone feels their best.
This guide promises to be your ultimate companion in crafting a wedding filled with wonder and joy at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Understanding Disney Wedding Packages
Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of wedding packages that can be tailored to match your dream wedding celebration. Each package includes distinct options for ceremony and reception locations throughout the resort, as well as services from a dedicated wedding planner.
Overview of Packages
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings provide a range of themed wedding packages to suit different budgets and tastes. Your options range from an intimate gathering to an elaborate affair. Here is an organized breakdown of what you can expect:
- Customizable Elements: Packages typically include the ceremony location, a reception with a selection of decor, entertainment options, transportation for the couple, and a wedding cake.
- Venue Fees and Deposits: Costs depend on the selected venue, number of guests, and additional services. Venue fees are upfront, and a deposit is required to book your date.
- Payment Schedule: A detailed payment plan will be outlined by your wedding planner, with final payment typically due 30 days prior to the event.
Availability for Disney wedding packages varies, so early planning is encouraged.
Venue Selection
Selecting the perfect venue is a crucial step in planning your Disney wedding. Walt Disney World offers a variety of enchanting locations:
- Disney’s Wedding Pavilion: Iconic venue with a picturesque backdrop of Cinderella Castle.
- Grand Floridian Resort and Spa: Elegant Victorian setting suitable for lavish celebrations.
- Polynesian Village Resort: Offers a tropical paradise vibe for a unique ceremony.
- Animal Kingdom Lodge: Immerse your celebration in the wonders of the African savanna.
- World Showcase at Epcot: Choose from culturally themed pavilions for a worldly affair.
- Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: Although in Hawaii, it’s an option for a destination wedding in the Disney family.
Your dedicated wedding planner at Franck’s Studio will guide you through selecting a venue that aligns with your vision and package choice, ensuring every detail is attended to.
Pre-Wedding Arrangements
When planning a wedding at Walt Disney World Resort, pre-wedding arrangements are essential and should be thorough to ensure a memorable experience.
Engagement Planning
Plan your engagement at Walt Disney World to add magic to your proposal. Choose from iconic locations such as in front of Cinderella Castle or during a fireworks cruise. After selecting a venue, reach out to the Disney Engagement Planners to discuss details like photography and special touches.
Booking and Reservations
To secure your desired wedding date and venue, initiate bookings as early as possible, as popular venues and dates fill up quickly, especially during holidays. Accommodations for you and your guests should be reserved through Disney’s wedding block reservations. For your rehearsal dinner, explore Disney’s fine dining options, from character dining experiences to private banquet rooms, and ensure to finalize your menu selection with Disney’s catering team. Remember to confirm all reservations through Disney’s wedding planning services to streamline your pre-wedding preparations.
Ceremony Essentials
Crafting a ceremony that is both memorable and true to your personalities is pivotal. Attention to every detail is essential, from the ceremony decor to the floral stylings that set the ambiance for your wedding.
Ceremony Decor
Your ceremony venue at Walt Disney World Resort becomes the setting of your storybook wedding. Select a location that resonates with your theme, whether it be the grandeur of a ballroom or the charm of a garden. Most popular is the Rose Garden, offering a fairy-tale backdrop.
- Choose a venue that aligns with your desired aesthetic. The grand ballrooms cater to elegant, sophisticated ceremonies, while the gardens deliver a more natural, intimate setting.
- Incorporate thematic elements if you desire a ceremony that reflects the magic of the theme parks. Disney-specific decor items can subtly nod to beloved characters or stories.
Floral and Styling
Floral arrangements are the keystones of ceremony styling, adding color, fragrance, and life to your special day. Tailored to your preferences, florists at Walt Disney World can design everything from the bridal bouquet to the ceremonial arch.
- Select floral pieces such as bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces that complement your ceremony’s color scheme and atmosphere.
- Consult experts for personalized themes, from classic rose displays to exotic floral creations that frame your ceremony space, ensuring cohesiveness with the rest of your wedding elements.
Reception Details
Your reception at Walt Disney World Resort can be a magical conclusion to your wedding celebration. This section provides you with specific details about dining and cuisine options as well as entertainment for your reception, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Dining and Cuisine
Your reception cuisine is catered to your preferences, with options ranging from buffets to plated dinners. Disney’s food and beverage team excels in creating menus that reflect your tastes and dietary needs.
- Select from an extensive array of banquet menus that include international flavors and classic favorites.
- Consider customizing your dining experience with themed menus or special requests that align with your wedding vision.
You’ll find that Disney’s commitment to quality and presentation is mirrored in every dish, guaranteeing a delectable dining experience.
Entertainment Options
Entertainment at your reception can be as unique as your love story, with Disney characters and live performances available to enchant your guests.
- Choose to have Disney characters mingle with your guests, providing a touch of Disney magic that will delight attendees of all ages.
- Opt for live music, DJs, or specialty acts to elevate the atmosphere of your reception venue and keep your party lively.
From the first dance to the last, the entertainment you select will create an unforgettable backdrop to your celebration.
Photography and Videography
High-quality photography and videography are essential for capturing your wedding party’s magical moments at Walt Disney World Resort. They craft a lasting visual narrative of your special day.
Capturing Memories
Memories made at Disney Parks are worth preserving with professional photography and videography services. Enumerate your options:
- Hire Disney’s Fine Art Photography for bespoke photo sessions.
- Select from various video packages that document each significant moment.
- Opt for add-ons like Cinderella Castle nighttime shoots to customize your experience.
Artful storytelling through the lens captures the essence of your celebration. Choose photographers and videographers who specialize in candid and posed compositions, ensuring a mixture of natural and orchestrated images.
Photo Shoot Locations
Walt Disney World Resort offers an array of picturesque photo shoot locations. Consider these popular spots:
- Magic Kingdom: Capture fairytale moments in front of Cinderella Castle or along Main Street, U.S.A.
- EPCOT: Utilize the diverse backgrounds from around the World Showcase for a culturally rich album.
Every theme park corner can become the backdrop for your photos. Explore lesser-known areas for unique shots or rely on iconic park features for classic Disney-themed imagery.
When choosing your photo shoot locations, prioritize lighting conditions and crowd levels. Early morning sessions generally offer softer light and fewer guests, allowing for uninterrupted photography opportunities.
Accommodating Guests
When planning a wedding at Walt Disney World Resort, ensuring your guests are comfortable is crucial. From resort stays to transportation, each element plays a vital role in the experience.
Resort Stays
Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of accommodations to suit the needs of wedding parties. Whether your guests prefer luxury or budget-friendly options, there is a place for everyone to stay.
- Book in Advance: Secure your guest rooms early, as resorts tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Room Block: Request a block of rooms to keep your party close together and potentially receive a group rate discount.
Transportation Solutions
Efficient transportation allows guests to navigate Orlando’s expansive resort with ease. The transportation offered at the resort ensures that your guests can travel comfortably between venues.
- Disney’s Magical Express: Utilize this complimentary service from Orlando International Airport to your Disney resort.
- Resort Transportation: Advise guests to use the free resort transportation services, including buses, monorails, and boats, to traverse the parks and hotels.
Post-Wedding Experiences
After celebrating your union, Walt Disney World Resort offers unforgettable post-wedding experiences tailor-made for romance and lasting memories.
Honeymoon Destinations
Walt Disney World Resort serves as an enchanting honeymoon destination with its luxurious resorts and exclusive experiences. Imagine breakfast with a view of Cinderella’s Castle or a romantic stroll around Epcot’s World Showcase. The Disney Cruise Line sets sail for the high seas, combining the magic of Disney with tropical destinations. For an extended adventure, you could set off from Florida to various stunning locales, savoring couple’s spa treatments and fine dining under the stars.
- Book your stay at a Disney resort, with themed rooms offering magical touches.
- Consider a cruise through the Disney Cruise Line to combine the excitement of parks with the relaxation of the sea.
Extended Celebrations
You can extend your wedding festivities at Disney Springs, a vibrant shopping and dining district. It offers a variety of entertainment options, from live music to world-class restaurants, perfect for celebrating with friends and family.
- Disneyland in California presents an alternative or additional honeymoon getaway, featuring unique attractions and entertainment.
- Enjoy a variety of food and shopping experiences that cater to all tastes at Disney Springs, ensuring your celebration continues just the way you want it.
> Make your honeymoon and post-wedding celebrations as magical as your wedding day with these distinctive Walt Disney World experiences.
Theme Park Attractions for Guests
When planning your wedding party itinerary at Walt Disney World Resort, consider incorporating the diverse attractions available across its theme parks, tailored to entertain your guests.
Leisure and Activities
Experience the magic of Disney with a multitude of leisure opportunities and activities across iconic parks. Your guests can explore Magic Kingdom with its classic attractions or enjoy the world-famous festivals in Epcot. Adventure awaits in Animal Kingdom, home to the thrilling Pandora – The World of Avatar.
- Magic Kingdom: Engage in timeless experiences with rides like the enchanting “It’s a Small World” and the thrilling “Space Mountain.”
- Epcot: Indulge in global cuisine and cultural exhibits around the World Showcase.
- Animal Kingdom: Encounter exotic animals on the Kilimanjaro Safaris and feel the rush on Expedition Everest.
For relaxation, Disney’s themed pools offer a refreshing break, while entertainment abounds with shows at the parks’ various theaters. The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort provides a lively dinner show, combining good food with family-friendly fun.
Special Event Bookings
Arrange unforgettable experiences by reserving group activities at Disney’s renowned attractions. Take advantage of Disney’s event services to book private viewings of spectacular fireworks shows or arrange exclusive access to select attractions.
- Fireworks and Events: Secure a private dessert party with premium viewing for Magic Kingdom’s fireworks.
- Theater Reservations: Host a special performance viewing for your wedding party at Hollywood Studios.
- Attraction Bookings: Reserve a ride for your group on popular attractions like Hollywood Studios’ “The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.”
By organizing these special touches, your guests will enjoy an extraordinary visit that complements the joyous occasion.
Financial Considerations
When planning your wedding at Walt Disney World Resort, it’s essential to carefully budget and understand potential additional costs to avoid financial surprises.
Budgeting for Your Disney Wedding
Firstly, establish a comprehensive budget for your venue fees, packages, and expected gratuity. Then, consider the package options available, which can range from simple ceremonies to extravagant celebrations. Disney’s wedding packages generally include the basics, but you will need to account for tax, which is not included in the initial quote. A detailed budget should break down costs such as:
- Venue Fees: These vary depending on the location within the resort.
- Package Inclusions: Typically, cover ceremony essentials like music, seating, and basic décor.
- Tax and Gratuity: Not included in package prices; typically, tax is 6.5% for Orange County and 7.5% for Osceola County, and gratuity is usually around 20%.
Understanding Additional Costs
First, know that additional fees can occur outside of the selected wedding package. Next, review the contract for any potential extra expenses like overtime charges or outside vendor fees. Keep in mind that additional costs may include:
- Floral Arrangements and Decor: Beyond the package inclusions.
- Entertainment: Specialty performances or character appearances.
- Food and Beverage Minimums: Required spending for resort catering services.
- Photography and Videography: Can significantly vary in price based on the package and extras chosen.
By recognizing these financial aspects during planning, you can ensure your Disney wedding is both magical and within budget.
Bridal Services and Personal Touches
Walt Disney World Resort offers a variety of bridal services and personal touches designed to make your wedding day truly magical and uniquely yours.
Spa and Beauty Offerings
At the heart of your wedding preparations, Disney Springs provides an array of spa and beauty offerings. Indulge in luxurious spa treatments to relax before your big day. Senses – A Disney Spa offers a selection of services, from rejuvenating facials to full bridal party packages.
- Book an appointment at one of the on-site spas, such as Senses, for a pampering session.
- Choose from a variety of beauty treatments, including hair styling and makeup application, ensuring you look picture-perfect.
- Experience a touch of magic with a Beauty and the Beast-inspired makeover or a private session at the boutique.
Bridal Merchandise
Walt Disney World Resort understands the importance of every detail on your wedding day, including bridal merchandise. Exclusive Disney-themed wedding merchandise, from bridal dresses to wedding cakes, helps bring your fairy tale to life.
- Find the perfect wedding gown inspired by your favorite Disney princess at select bridal boutiques.
- Commemorate your special day with wedding cakes that can be custom-designed with intricate Disney details.
- Explore a plethora of bridal merchandise such as fashion accessories and commemorative items at the various shops throughout the resort.
