For any of you that are considering a vow renewal through Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and considering it while on the cruise this may be of interest.
I researched our renewal through FTW either at the WP or on the cruise. We first had the pavilion booked then we seriously gave the cruise a look considering we've been on the Magic 3 times prior and it always seemed so magical. Considering what an intimate wedding (renewal) was going to be in relationship with the renewal onboard, the cruise also seems to be a better value monetarily. Being DVC members we wouldn't need an entire intimate package but simply an add-on. It was running $2,900 for the ceremony at the WP with the cake/champagne reception at the GF. The renewal package aboard ship runs $1,099 with the package offering the same. Flowers, cake, champagne, etc. but onboard you are also given an 8x10 photo presented in a DCL folio with an 8x10 of the ship. In addition, you are given an opportunity you cannot have at WDW. On board the ship you are renewing your vows on one of the formal nights. Your ceremony takes place just prior to the characters arriving in the atrium and therefore you are given the opportunity to have photo ops with them. This is something you really don't have an opportunity to do at the WDW as you cannot wear your wedding attire inside any of the parks. You can hire them for your wedding but that is your only option.
I was originally going to type a trip report of sorts but the more I thought about it I decided it was our special time and more than likely no one will really care except us anyway. I do have some comments which may help those who may be contemplating the cruise renewal.
Your package offers you concierge service - use it. It was so nice having all our Palo ressies made the week before we left on the cruise.
Our itinerary didn't have us meeting with our wedding coordinator until 2 on Saturday. Once onboard (around 12:20) I immediate went to Guest Services and asked for her. She was there and we immediately headed to Sessions to handle any other reservations. We had the spa, salon and kids club handled within 30 minutes. No mad dash about ship - that was such a pleasure.
All of our expectations of how we would be treated were certainly met. The coordinator to the captain made the experience once-in-a-lifetime. Don't fear the Sessions (bar atmosphere). Your ceremony is directly in front of the piano facing one of the portholes. It was such a beautiful backdrop as our ceremony was at 4:45pm with the sun beginning to descend and the ocean was like glass.
The ship's photographer did an excellent job as the photos were excellent. She took almost 70 proofs so we had plenty to choose from. Our coordinator also took our camera and took many pictures of us. She also had another concierge member there filming with our camcorder.
If anyone has any questions, please ask as I'd be happy to answer any. It was extremely special being princess for the evening aboard the ship. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a Disney touch to your vow renewal.
I researched our renewal through FTW either at the WP or on the cruise. We first had the pavilion booked then we seriously gave the cruise a look considering we've been on the Magic 3 times prior and it always seemed so magical. Considering what an intimate wedding (renewal) was going to be in relationship with the renewal onboard, the cruise also seems to be a better value monetarily. Being DVC members we wouldn't need an entire intimate package but simply an add-on. It was running $2,900 for the ceremony at the WP with the cake/champagne reception at the GF. The renewal package aboard ship runs $1,099 with the package offering the same. Flowers, cake, champagne, etc. but onboard you are also given an 8x10 photo presented in a DCL folio with an 8x10 of the ship. In addition, you are given an opportunity you cannot have at WDW. On board the ship you are renewing your vows on one of the formal nights. Your ceremony takes place just prior to the characters arriving in the atrium and therefore you are given the opportunity to have photo ops with them. This is something you really don't have an opportunity to do at the WDW as you cannot wear your wedding attire inside any of the parks. You can hire them for your wedding but that is your only option.
I was originally going to type a trip report of sorts but the more I thought about it I decided it was our special time and more than likely no one will really care except us anyway. I do have some comments which may help those who may be contemplating the cruise renewal.
Your package offers you concierge service - use it. It was so nice having all our Palo ressies made the week before we left on the cruise.
Our itinerary didn't have us meeting with our wedding coordinator until 2 on Saturday. Once onboard (around 12:20) I immediate went to Guest Services and asked for her. She was there and we immediately headed to Sessions to handle any other reservations. We had the spa, salon and kids club handled within 30 minutes. No mad dash about ship - that was such a pleasure.
All of our expectations of how we would be treated were certainly met. The coordinator to the captain made the experience once-in-a-lifetime. Don't fear the Sessions (bar atmosphere). Your ceremony is directly in front of the piano facing one of the portholes. It was such a beautiful backdrop as our ceremony was at 4:45pm with the sun beginning to descend and the ocean was like glass.
The ship's photographer did an excellent job as the photos were excellent. She took almost 70 proofs so we had plenty to choose from. Our coordinator also took our camera and took many pictures of us. She also had another concierge member there filming with our camcorder.
If anyone has any questions, please ask as I'd be happy to answer any. It was extremely special being princess for the evening aboard the ship. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a Disney touch to your vow renewal.
