Disney Weddings

Disney Weddings: yet another theme wedding, or is it? What does Disney offer that nobody else does? What makes the experience unique for both the bride and groom, and their guests? Why should you consider Disneyland as a destination wedding and honeymoon location? Or - is it just a con to charge over inflated prices for a brand name? The official Disney web site gives very little information away - www.disneyweddings.go.com. With a little research, and having visited Disneyland Anaheim, this is what I discovered:

Disney Weddings: Venues

- Disneyland Paris does not yet hold weddings. However, you may decide to marry in France then party and honeymoon at Disneyland Paris. Contact: 01-60-30-60-30.
- Disneyland Anaheim, California, USA, does hold weddings and offers various packages. Contact: USA (714) 956 6527.
- Disney World, Florida, USA, does hold weddings and also offers various packages. Contact: USA (407) 828 3400. This is undoubtedly the most popular destination.

Disney Weddings: Costs

It is a little tricky marrying in France if you are not a resident, but not impossible. If going along the DIY theme, a Disneyland Paris three-day pass will cost EUR105. This does not include accommodation, food, beverages, etc., or the cost at staying in the Disneyland Village complex. Be prepared to pay inflated prices for extras e.g. hot air balloon rides.

Looking towards the USA, Anaheim is cheaper than Orlando. But, Anaheim is smaller, has less choice of venues, and limited options. Wedding costs are similar to those in Los Angeles. So what may you expect to pay? Let’s look at Orlando, the favoured wedding destination. These prices should be used as a guide only.

- $3,500 USD basic wedding package for two people for four nights
- $20,000 USD average for a basic wedding package with 100 guests
- $4,200 USD for the Magic Kingdom
- $4,200 USD for “The Pavilion” chapel in the middle of the Seven Sea Lagoon
- $2,200 USD to hire Cinderella’s glass coach
- $250 USD for a white dove fly over
- $400 USD per Disney character to attend your reception
- $25.00 USD per head more expensive for dinner than lunch
- $6,500 USD - $7,500 USD per couple for a Disney Cruise Line Caribbean
- Cost to visit the location and meet with the wedding planner

Tip: search on eBay to see what bargains you can pick up.

Disney Weddings: The Dream Come True?

Some little girls never grow up and dream of being Cinderella on their wedding day. They want the glass coach pulled by six snow white horses, the glass slippers and dream off-the-shoulder white ball-gown. They want a fan fare of trumpets, fairytale setting and finish with a magical firework display. They want to waltz in the arms of their Prince Charming in the Grand Ball-Room. However, it does come at a cost. The basic packages are very basic, whilst the deluxe packages come at deluxe prices, including caricature artists who draw your guests as a “favor”.

Then there are the other distractions that are not highlighted:

- the venues are in public places open to everyone
- the noise of children screaming on various rides will have to be tolerated
- the holiday season incurs peak costs
- the holiday season being the busiest time means attention to your needs will be limited as they will be working at full stretch
- the additional costs of getting your guests there
- the usual wait in the queues to go on the ride of your choice (unless in off season)
- the humid soaring temperatures of the summer (so Spring or Autumn/Fall is your best bet)
- no crowd control
- limited security

Disney Weddings are certainly not for everyone. It is debatable whether you are receiving value for money. However, Disney Weddings remain a popular all-inclusive wedding and honeymoon destination, so the Magic of Walt Disney continues.

Disney Weddings