Swan & Dolphin Weddings FAQ

[MrsDuck]

Hi NeverlandClub23 and welcome!!
Jilian has given you the information about booking a restaurant at S/D, but I just wanted to say that I think for the floral decoration side of things, you would be better to contacting an outside florist. The restaurant may have contacts who are able to do this, but I think it would be cheaper and you would have more control if you went your own way with it!! Be sure to just check on the rules about candles with your chosen restaurant. I know some will allow nothing bigger than a tea-light due to fire restrictions and smoke alarms etc.
I have never heard of your possible ceremony sites (but then I am an ignorant Brit)!!! Do you have a link you can share as I would love to have a nosey!! It's a shame you do not gel with any of the ceremony sites at the S/D.
Happy planning and be sure to come back and fill us in with your plans!!

I want to see pictures too!

Neverland- I definitely agree with Jo. Contact an outside florist if you want to decorate. Have you visited BlueZoo though? IMO, it doesn't need much decorating so that should be nice for your budget!

Personally, I wouldn't rule out the S/D for your ceremony just yet.. there are so many things to do to make the sites gorgeous! I'm not thrilled about all the concrete at Crescent Terrace but I've got some ideas up my sleeve that I hope will make it much more enchanting!

Can't wait to hear your plans, whatever you decide!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I agree with Faith. The ceremony sites can really look beautiful when dressed up!!! Our ceremony was at the West Courtyard (can be used for smaller ceremonies) and I couldn't have been happier with how pretty it ended up looking!!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! I'm in between bluezoo or Il Mulino right now (but really leaning towards Il Mulino for the food and after your review, Jilian).

So if I go through an outside florist they'll set up everything at the restaurant's private room? Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, I've just never done any kind of event planning in my life!

The three locations I'm deciding between are:

This is at Kraft Azalea Gardens and is $150, but only allows 20 guests (and I'd have to rent the chairs [if they even allow them for an event under 20 guests], get the officiant, harpist/violinist, etc.).

This is at Kraft Azalea Gardens as well, the Mead Garden Amphitheater. This is $225 and allows up to 200 (and seats are already provided! ).

Source Picture taken by the Roots
I've loved this place (Maitland Art Center Chapel) ever since I saw it in one of lurkyloo's TR's. However, every time I try to visit the webiste my computer's security system says there's a malicious something or the other and I can't get on it . So I have no idea how much it costs or capacity. Hopefully before I get into really planning I'll know one way or another.

I have no idea how many people would come. My bf has 7 brothers and both of my parents have 7 brothers/sisters so I have a lot of family (and they all live in our state (VA) pretty much). I'm guessing between 15-65 as it's in Florida, the date I'm looking at is a Wednesday, and it's when school is still in.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hi again sweetie - My florist transferred my ceremony floral to our reception restaurant for us. They, obviously, took away the pillars and put the floral in a container more suited to a restaurant table, and then set it up on the table at the restaurant. This was all the decoration we had at our reception restaurant (apart from our favours etc on the table). I am sure any outside florist would be able to help with this, provided it was okay with the restaurant.
The first smaller site at the Azalea Gardens looks beautiful. The second, larger one looks like it could take some dressing up, but would be lovely with some enhancements.
The Arts centre one looks lovely too!!
Would you have a planner at any of these locations or would you be expected to lay out chairs etc yourself? I guess if you hire an outside chair firm they would do this for you. Not something that I had to do myself, so I don't know!!
I am sure that the girls and I will have some recommendations about things like officiants, harpists/musicians, photographers etc if you need them!!! Just shout up if you do!!
Let us know what you decide!!

 

[MrsDuck]

Kimberly: I found the rates for the chapel. I'm going to PM you!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Faith: Thank you SO SO much!

tinkerbell 766: I would really love the first venue, but I have a feeling we're definitely going to go over the 20 person limit (especially if that includes the bride/groom). All these decisions!

I'll definitely start a PJ and be coming back here often as soon as I'm engaged (which I'm guessing will be during our trip in December to WDW). I know he has the ring, but he says he wants to wait for the right time and wants it to be special.

 

[MrsDuck]

Hi girls!!

Anyone know if Karen can help me with a room block at the S/D or if I should just contact the S/D directly? I haven't asked Karen yet as I figured I wouldn't bother her (yet!) in case you lovely ladies knew the answer!

Thanks!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Faith sweetie - None of my guests stayed at the S/D as we used our DVC points for their accommodation, but this is taken from the Swan's wedding FAQ

' Are there discounted room rates for members of the wedding party and guests if they want to stay at the WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN?
Yes. However, room rates will depend on availability, as well as seasonality. Room blocks and special rates can be arranged for 10 guest rooms or more.'

So it certainly can be done!! I would ask Karen and see if it is her who arranges it or whether you have to deal directly with the resort. I would love to know the answer in case future brides need to know.

 

[MrsDuck]

Thanks Jo!!

 

[J.ThaddeusToad]

Hi ladies!

I asked Karen about room discounts last October and this was her response: "I always refer brides to the Swan’s catering team so that they can direct you to the best person for room discounts or room blocks. Please reach out to Robyn Davison (rdavison@swandolphin.com) and Lucy Rivera (lrivera@swandolphin.com) and let them know what you are seeking so that they can get you in touch with the best person to assist you."

The contact people may have changed since last year... wow, can't believe it's been over a year since I started planning!!!

 

[MrsDuck]

Hi ladies!

I asked Karen about room discounts last October and this was her response: "I always refer brides to the Swan’s catering team so that they can direct you to the best person for room discounts or room blocks. Please reach out to Robyn Davison (rdavison@swandolphin.com) and Lucy Rivera (lrivera@swandolphin.com) and let them know what you are seeking so that they can get you in touch with the best person to assist you."

The contact people may have changed since last year... wow, can't believe it's been over a year since I started planning!!!

ooh, thank you!

 

[sarahb01]

Hi everyone!

I started my PJ! There isn't much to report on at the moment, but I thought it was better to start now, than try to remember what happened later.

The link is in my signature.

 

[MrsDuck]

Hi everyone!

I started my PJ! There isn't much to report on at the moment, but I thought it was better to start now, than try to remember what happened later.

The link is in my signature.

Off to read!! I love S/D PJs!!

 

[Jilian]

I just talked to the S/D's sales team to get room block pricing a few weeks ago. We were booking for March, which is their high season and they were able to do $189/night not including tax and resort fees. The downside about going with Swan instead of an actual Disney resort owned by Disney is that you don't get the free transportation to and from the airport with the swan/dolphin. Swan/Dolphin also charges a parking fee per night, I think it is $12.

I contacted Disney leisure groups and as long as I could guarantee them 10 rooms would be booked on at least one night during our block they offered us $166/night at moderates (including all taxes) and something like $120 or so for values (I didn't pay much attention to that price because we weren't interested). They also offered 10% off tickets and a free "extra" like mini golf or Disney quest.

So there are discounts for us Swan brides if you're willing to do the work to set them up.

 

[MrsDuck]

I just talked to the S/D's sales team to get room block pricing a few weeks ago. We were booking for March, which is their high season and they were able to do $189/night not including tax and resort fees. The downside about going with Swan instead of an actual Disney resort owned by Disney is that you don't get the free transportation to and from the airport with the swan/dolphin. Swan/Dolphin also charges a parking fee per night, I think it is $12.

I contacted Disney leisure groups and as long as I could guarantee them 10 rooms would be booked on at least one night during our block they offered us $166/night at moderates (including all taxes) and something like $120 or so for values (I didn't pay much attention to that price because we weren't interested). They also offered 10% off tickets and a free "extra" like mini golf or Disney quest.

So there are discounts for us Swan brides if you're willing to do the work to set them up.

This is great news! Thank you!!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I just talked to the S/D's sales team to get room block pricing a few weeks ago. We were booking for March, which is their high season and they were able to do $189/night not including tax and resort fees. The downside about going with Swan instead of an actual Disney resort owned by Disney is that you don't get the free transportation to and from the airport with the swan/dolphin. Swan/Dolphin also charges a parking fee per night, I think it is $12.

I contacted Disney leisure groups and as long as I could guarantee them 10 rooms would be booked on at least one night during our block they offered us $166/night at moderates (including all taxes) and something like $120 or so for values (I didn't pay much attention to that price because we weren't interested). They also offered 10% off tickets and a free "extra" like mini golf or Disney quest.

So there are discounts for us Swan brides if you're willing to do the work to set them up.

This is really good for S/D brides to know!!! Thanks sweetie!!

 

[MrsDuck]

More questions from me! Sorry ladies!

Has anyone booked floral through Karen but not chosen a bouquet off of the "list" she provides? If so, I'm assuming there is an upcharge, correct?

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hi sweetie - I had very specific ideas about my floral!! I eventually arranged my floral through Karen, as I had originally researched another florist independently, but it didn't work out.
Because I had very precise visions of my floral, Karen contacted two or three of the florists she works with, and put my ideas to them. They then came back with recommendations, ideas and prices and between us, Karen and I chose to go with 'Petals by Design Orlando'. I was 110% thrilled with all my floral.
Working closely with Karen worked out well for me, as she was so familiar with my 'vision', that, on the day, when she first saw my floral, she knew it didn't quite live up to my dream, and sent it back to be 'tweeked'!!! When I received it, it was all I had dreamed of!!!!
So, I did work with Karen for floral, but certainly didn't choose one of the standard bouquets. My floral wasn't cheap, but was wonderful. Floral was always going to be something I was prepared to throw money at as it was very important to me!!!
If you know what you want, tell Karen and she will track down a suitable florist and make sure they deliver what you want - to the letter!!!!!

 

[minniebride]

Hi ladies!

I asked Karen about room discounts last October and this was her response: "I always refer brides to the Swan’s catering team so that they can direct you to the best person for room discounts or room blocks. Please reach out to Robyn Davison (rdavison@swandolphin.com) and Lucy Rivera (lrivera@swandolphin.com) and let them know what you are seeking so that they can get you in touch with the best person to assist you."

The contact people may have changed since last year... wow, can't believe it's been over a year since I started planning!!!

Just wanted to let you know that Robyn is no longer in charge of Swan catering. She got promoted to a different position several months ago.

The person you want to contact for Swan catering is Lindsey Cullen & she is fantastic!!

 

[MrsDuck]

Thanks for the heads up!