Deborah Chan
Disney weddings are a magical experience for many couples, with Disney offering a range of wedding services, including food and beverage, entertainment, floral and décor, and transportation. Disney weddings typically take place before or after park hours, with couples having the option to pay for an after-hours reception at the Magic Kingdom. While it is possible to shut down a Disney park for a wedding, this option is likely very expensive, with one source stating that it cost $180k to rent out the park. Disney weddings were impacted by the pandemic, with many couples having to change or delay their plans. However, weddings have since resumed at Disney World, with the company implementing health and safety measures to ensure a magical and safe experience for couples and their guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding/vow renewal events | Yes |
| Number of guests | 2-300+ |
| Days of the week | Any day except Thanksgiving and Christmas |
| Timing | Before or after park hours |
| Disney Wedding Planner | Included |
| Disney Wedding Consultant | Available 16 months prior for wedding and vow renewal events with a ceremony, full reception, and meal |
| Disney Wedding Coordinator | Available on the day of the wedding |
| Disney Wedding Packages | Include a reception at the Magic Kingdom after hours |
| Disney Wedding Photos | Allowed inside the park |
| Disney Wedding Costs | $15,000-$18,000 minimum |
| Disney Vow Renewal Costs | $5,300 |
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What You'll Learn
Disney wedding packages
Disney offers a range of wedding packages, known as Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, for couples seeking a magical and memorable wedding experience. While the specifics of each package may vary, here is an overview of what to expect:
Planning and Coordination
Disney provides a dedicated Disney Wedding Planning Team, including a Day-of Coordinator, to guide you through the entire process. This team of experts will assist with food and beverage, entertainment, floral and décor, and transportation, ensuring a seamless and stress-free planning journey.
Venue and Guest Accommodations
Disney wedding venues range from intimate to grand celebrations, accommodating as few as 2 to over 300 guests. The premier venue offers a tranquil garden setting with views of Cinderella Castle and can accommodate up to 250 guests. The pricing for venues varies depending on the day of the week and time of day, with lower minimums typically applying to weekdays. Disney also offers the option to book a room block for wedding guests, requiring a minimum commitment of 10 room nights.
Ceremony Details
The ceremony venue fee includes standard seating, a musician, a sound system with a technician, a water station, and a rain backup location for outdoor ceremonies. Couples can also expect additional services like photography and videography, with the option to bring in outside vendors for an extra cost.
Reception and Catering
Timing and Availability
Disney wedding events can take place seven days a week and most days of the year, excluding Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The planning process can begin up to 16 months in advance for weddings with a full reception and 10 months in advance for other wedding events. Space can be tentatively held 12 months prior to the requested date, with a non-refundable deposit required upon contracting.
While Disney does not shut down the entire park for weddings during regular hours, they do offer after-hours receptions at an additional cost. This option allows couples and their guests exclusive access to the park after it is closed to the public.
The cost of a Disney wedding package can vary significantly, with some couples spending around $5,000 to $10,000, while others mention minimum spends of $15,000 or even $100,000 for premium experiences. It is essential to contact a Disney Wedding Specialist directly to discuss specific pricing details and create a package tailored to your unique needs and budget.
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Wedding costs
Disney does not shut down during weddings, but it does offer after-hours events in the park. There are a variety of wedding packages available, and the cost of a Disney wedding depends on several factors. The average cost of a Disney wedding is around $30,000-$40,000, but prices can range from $15,000 to $100,000. The cost varies depending on the chosen day of the week and time of day, with lower minimums tending to apply to weekdays and higher minimums for weekends and holidays.
The event minimum expenditure is determined by the ceremony venue, day of the week, and time of day. This minimum can be met by using Disney Wedding Services, which include food and beverage, wedding photography, floral arrangements, decor, transportation, and entertainment. The cost of a Disney wedding also depends on the number of guests, with larger weddings requiring more services and potentially a higher venue fee.
Disney offers a range of venues with different event minimums. The least expensive venues have event minimums between $7,500 and $10,000, while the majority of Disney World's wedding venues have event minimums between $10,000 and $20,000. Certain venues, such as the Magic Kingdom East Plaza, have higher event minimums ranging from $20,000 to $50,000.
In addition to the event minimum, there may be other costs associated with a Disney wedding. For example, couples may need to pay for a media guide to escort their photographer if they are capturing events in one of the theme parks. There is also the option to bring in outside vendors for photography and videography, but an agreement must be signed, and the vendors must provide proof of insurance.
Disney also offers the option to book a hotel room block for wedding guests. To secure a room block, a minimum of 10 room nights must be committed to. Overall, the cost of a Disney wedding can vary significantly depending on the couple's specific choices and preferences.
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Wedding planning
Planning a wedding at Disney World can be a magical experience, but it requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of planning your dream Disney wedding:
Initial Planning:
- Timing and Availability: Disney offers wedding planning services up to 16 months in advance for weddings and vow renewals that include a ceremony, reception, and meal. For other events, planning can begin 10 months in advance. It is essential to start the process early to secure your desired date and venue.
- Consultation: Reach out to Disney and schedule a consultation with one of their wedding sales representatives. They will discuss important details such as preferred dates, wedding size, venue options, and any specific requirements you may have.
- Venue Options: Disney offers a range of venue options to cater to different wedding sizes, from intimate celebrations for two to grand affairs for over 300 guests. You can explore venues like the Wedding Chapel at Disney's Grand Floridian and discuss floral arrangements and cake options during your consultation.
Finalizing Details:
- Contract and Deposit: Once you have selected your date and venue, you will sign a contract and pay a deposit to secure your wedding location.
- Planning Sessions: After finalising the contract, you will work closely with your Disney Wedding Planner and various specialists, including a florist, to bring your vision to life. This is when most of the planning takes place, with frequent email communications and the opportunity to attend food tastings and sample cakes.
- Guest Accommodations: Disney offers the option to book a hotel room block for your wedding guests. A minimum commitment of 10 room nights is required to secure this option. Your Disney Wedding Consultant can provide more information on accommodation options and pricing.
Day-of Coordination:
- Disney Wedding Coordinators: On the day of your wedding, a team of Disney Wedding Coordinators will be on hand to ensure that everything runs smoothly. They will oversee the various Disney experts involved in your special day, allowing you and your guests to relax and enjoy the celebration.
- Photography and Videography: Disney allows you to bring in external photographers and videographers to capture your wedding memories. However, certain restrictions apply, such as a requirement for insurance and an additional fee for a media guide escort if capturing events within the theme parks.
- Payment Finalization: Your final payment is due 30 days before your wedding event. Disney accepts credit card payments or wire transfers, but they do not offer financing options.
While Disney does not shut down the entire park for weddings during regular hours, they do offer after-hours experiences in the park for wedding celebrations. These exclusive experiences provide a magical setting for your special day, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the park's attractions without the presence of regular guests.
Remember, planning a Disney wedding requires attention to the unique aspects of the Disney planning process. Utilizing resources like the Disney Wedding Podcast, Fairytale Weddings Guide, and consulting with Disney Wedding representatives will help ensure that your wedding is a fairy tale come true.
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Guest accommodation
While Disney does not shut down the entire park for weddings, it does offer a range of accommodation options for wedding guests. Guests are not required to stay at the Walt Disney World Resort; however, many choose to take advantage of the varied selection and uniqueness of the resorts. Disney offers accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
For those seeking a tropical paradise, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort offers a tropical escape built around the 45-acre Barefoot Bay. The resort features six villages with colourful guest rooms, some with pirate-themed decor. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge provides a step into the heart of Africa, with a horseshoe-curved design offering spectacular views of lush savannas inhabited by over 200 animals and birds.
For a touch of elegance, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa presents Victorian sophistication on the bay. Guests can relax in the sumptuous lobby with live ragtime, jazz, and Disney tunes, or enjoy the white-sand beach and luxurious spa. Disney's Yacht Club Resort evokes the grace of a grand New England-style yacht club, with a plush lobby, whimsical Stormalong Bay, and a variety of watercraft rentals.
Additionally, Disney's Contemporary Resort offers an ultra-modern experience with award-winning dining, white-sand beaches, dazzling pools, and convenient access to the Magic Kingdom Park and Resort Monorail. With such a diverse range of options, Disney ensures that wedding guests can find accommodation that suits their tastes and budgets.
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Wedding photos
While Disney does not shut down the entire park for weddings, they do offer exclusive wedding photoshoots for couples celebrating their weddings or vow renewals at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. These shoots can be booked at Walt Disney World and take place before the park opens for the day. Couples can select iconic backdrops such as Cinderella Castle, the Tree of Life, Sunset Boulevard, or an Italian courtyard.
Disney Wedding Park Portrait Sessions are available at select theme parks and resorts across Walt Disney World Resort. These sessions typically need to be scheduled within a year of the wedding or vow renewal event, and they are offered at Disneyland, California Adventure, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the two water parks.
Disney Fine Art Photography is the exclusive photographer for these sessions, and they offer minimal editing and retouching of the photos. Couples who prefer more extensive editing may opt to bring their own photographer for an additional fee and the requirement to pay for a media guide to escort them.
Disney Wedding Consultants are available to assist with planning and can help determine the best date, time, and location for the event. Disney can provide a variety of services, including food and beverage, entertainment, floral and décor, and transportation, ensuring a magical and stress-free experience for the couple and their guests.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Disney offers wedding services at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Disney does not shut down the park during regular hours for a wedding. Couples can opt for a ceremony before or after the park opens or closes. Disney does offer the option to rent out the park for an after-hours party, but this comes at an additional cost.
Disney provides a variety of services for weddings and vow renewals, including food and beverage, entertainment, floral and décor, and transportation. A Disney Wedding Planner is also included to help plan the event, and a team of Disney Wedding Coordinators will be present on the day of the wedding.
