Category Archives: Reviews

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Photo Shoot

Posted in Reviews, The Finer Details, Wedding Planning by

The following post was written by Disneymooner Vanessa.

Many couples choose to add a Bridal Portrait Session at the Magic Kingdom to their wedding plans; however, many do not realize that you can also have photos taken at the other parks.  My husband and I decided to add-on a shoot at Disney Hollywood Studios too.  Since we were married inside Epcot that meant that we would have photos from three of the four parks at Walt Disney World.

One of the best things about adding on an additional park is the flexibility you have in backgrounds for your photos.  The photographers are willing to be creative and work with you to get the types of pictures you want at that park.  The majority of couples only choose a Magic Kingdom Portrait Session, so adding on another park gives the photographers a chance to be more creative with their shots.

We were picked up at our resort hotel at 5:30 a.m. and then headed over to take our photos at the Magic Kingdom.  Since it was March this was well before sunrise allowing us to get some photos in the dark with the lights on the castle.  By the time we left the sun was up and we had some additional pictures taken in the daylight.

Our photographer and his assistant had us climb back in their van and then drove us over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  We arrived long before the park was scheduled to open to the public giving us the flexibility to take pictures throughout the park.  We entered in near the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith making our first stop for photos.   My husband loves this ride, so we were able to get pictures with the large guitar at the park’s entrance behind us.

From that point we walked through most of the park.   We had a lot of great pictures taken with us walking down Sunset Boulevard with shots of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in the background.  We were also able to have photos taken with a vintage Hollywood feel in front of several of the shops on Hollywood Boulevard.

The photographer took a number of pictures in front of the Sorcerer Mickey Hat.  We also had photos in front of the Great Movie Ride since we were having a Hollywood theme for our at-home reception just a few months later.

At this point the photographer let us pick where we wanted additional pictures in the park.  Since I collect Wizard of Oz memorabilia I asked for a picture near the block dedicated to Judy Garland with imprints from the Ruby Slippers in front of the ride.

We then asked for some pictures in the courtyard for Muppet Vision 3-D.  I remembered looking at photos from fellow Disneymooner’s Julie wedding reception that was held in the courtyard and I knew that it would provide great pictures.  Plus, we grew up during the era of “Muppet Babies” and Miss Peggy was one of my favorite characters.

As we were leaving the Muppet courtyard the photographer took us over to the Streets of America to have some photos taken with the New York backdrop and near some of the buildings.  These photos are so unique because they look like we were actually in these locations without having to travel thousands of miles.

We were also given the option to have photos taken near the Star Tours ride.  Since neither of us are huge Star Wars fans we opted out of having any done in that section of the park.  However, this is a great thing to know for any Star Wars fans who would like to have wedding pictures there.

The current pricing for a Magic Kingdom Portrait Session is $1,500.  Adding on a second park only costs an additional $200.  While the cost is only $200 more, the prints that you receive do change with the two park package.  Instead of receiving a 12 print album, proof disc and 4×6 keepsake prints you receive thirty 5×7 prints in a Disney-themed album.

If you decide that you only want a portrait session in Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom without any photos in the Magic Kingdom the cost is only $850.  Disney Fine Art Photography also provides options for resort portrait sessions and Trash the Dress sessions at the water parks.

Disney Fine Art Photography gives couples the chance to have photos taken in some of their favorite areas inside the Disney parks.  So, if you are a Star Wars or Muppets fan or you love riding the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror consider adding Disney Hollywood Studios to your portrait session.

For more stories about theme park photo shoots please join our private forums Disneymooners

Advertisement

Bridal Shower at the Attic

Posted in Featured Venue Fridays, Reviews by

I’d like to say that I chose The Attic for my bridal shower because it “was my vision” but this wouldn’t be true as my shower venue was chosen for me by some very good friends, who decided to spoil me rotten!

For those that don’t know me, I’m from the UK but a large majority of my wedding guests were American and they were keen to throw me a traditional (well sort of) American shower and who was I to stand in their way. However, unlike most bridal showers mine was to be a few days before our actual destination wedding, close to our wedding venues, so that all our wedding guests could attend.

My two close friends wanted to plan and organize and all they wanted from me was the best time to do it, the rest was up to them.  I gave them full access to my Wedding Planner and he was happy to talk and assist them with their plans. This way our wedding surprises weren’t imaging their shower surprises although it killed me that my Wedding Planner knew more than I did about my own wedding week.

Once the date was picked I really didn’t know anything more. Cinderfella (my husband to be) and I wanted to arrange something for the men whilst us ladies were “showering” so he invited them all to what we referred to as a Groom’s Bath – they went and did a manly thing… had ribs at Tony Romas LOL

I did make one stipulation for my shower and that was that alcohol was served, I refuse to drink tea (remember I have little knowledge of American showers) at a party that was being thrown in my honor.

Just before Noon I got the call from those planning this fab shower that it was to be at The Attic at The Boardwalk…..oooo I was very excited, I had always wanted to see what was in that room above Jellyrolls.

To get to The Attic you have to go through the Lobby at The Boardwalk and then walk through the corridors all the way to The Attic. It’s a long way but you know when you get there because this sign greets you.

You can’t miss the sign!

Once we arrived at The Attic I walked in to see that we had our own hosted bar where the bartender was able to mix any cocktail we wanted I decided to hit the Margaritas for the afternoon but lots of the girls were drinking Daiquiris and Pina Coladas.

The fun part about having a shower this close to our wedding and in Disney was that I got really interact with the girls and hang with them all something I knew I wouldn’t really get the chance to do on our wedding day!

The Attic furnishings are what I would call very “cottage like” wicker chairs, flowery garden patterns in pastels on the furnishings with knickknacks all over the place. The Attic easily fits 50 guests in when using the indoor and outdoor spaces, however you can only use the existing seating.

Inside seating

Tables and chairs are also set up outside so guests can choose to eat inside or outside.

The outdoor space is perfect for Group Photos

We had a buffet laid on for lunch and it was really good, items included an array of salads, cheese plate, crudités and dips as well as hot pasta, chicken and salmon. Topped off with a few desserts. It was over 8 years ago and I don’t recall all the desserts we had but I do know we had plenty of food and it was good quality and tasted good.

I decided that American showers are fun… I enjoyed the games… until that day I didn’t really realize that shower gifts were different to wedding gifts so I was totally overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity, I just felt it was too much given that all our guests had paid lots of $$ to travel to our wedding destination.

The men were allowed to join us for the last half hour of my shower so that the Food and Beverage minimum had been met so we were all tasked by my lovely shower planners to drink more alcohol… well it would have been rude not to!

Our 3 hours were finally up, the bar tender made us all take drinks to go…. LOL it felt like Vegas and we headed back to one of our guest’s 2-bed villas at the Boardwalk to finish the party.

I personally would hold another event at The Attic it’s the sort of space that you can use for an Escape Wedding Party or perhaps a more intimate Wedding Rehearsal brunch or dinner?

To get more ideas on using Disney’s Attic for any part of your Disney Fairytale Wedding be sure to check out the Disneymooner Forums.

Keepsake Floral: A Disney Bride’s Review

Posted in Reviews by

I’m admitting right here, I wasn’t a bride that was that into floral.

I know that sounds like blasphemy, but I wanted to spend money on other areas. So naturally, I never thought I’d want to save my bridal bouquet and spend money on having it professionally preserved.  I made no plans prior to the big day and was completely content with letting the bouquet sit in the hotel room after the festivities and wilt away.

The morning of my wedding, Disney Floral delivered my bouquet to my room.   I opened the box, let out a giant sigh and fell instantly in love.

I looked up and said: “I need to have this preserved.”  It was a spur of the moment decision and one I still don’t regret.  So the day after the wedding my parents dropped off the bouquet at the Grand Floridian concierge desk and contacted Keepsake Floral.  Keepsake Floral works with Disney brides and will come and pick up your bouquet at your resort. Typically brides arrange this service prior to their wedding and the bouquet is taken away after the reception.

After the wedding, I worked with them to customize my shadow box and Keepsake got to work on my display.  Brides can keep their preserved floral simple with just their bouquet or add in many items from their wedding day. I added in my husband’s boutonniere and a favorite wedding image. While their services are not cheap, I felt that having my actually bouquet was worth every penny spent.  I was really pleased with the final results.

My shadow box is hung in our dining room and not a day goes by that I don’t glance at the flowers. This bride is very happy she made the last minute decision to create a keepsake I can cherish forever.

Many other Disneymooner brides have used Keepsake Floral and have shared their own reviews and photos.

Disneymooner Julie’s Keepsake Display

Disneymooner Carrie’s Keepsake Floral Display

Totally happy with the finished product. They were great to work with and you can have as many phone consults as you think you need.  And Disney did the hard part – getting the flowers to them after the reception.

– Carrie

Be sure to check out the forums to find out more about the experience and pricing.

Visit Keepsake Floral for details on their service.

Have you used this vendor?  Have you used another floral preservation vendor?  Share your experiences with us.

Momental Designs: A Disney Bride’s Review

Posted in Reviews by

By Justine

 

I am a practical person. I know that wedding invitations get thrown away. Normally my practical side would kick in and say “Justine, you don’t need fancy, customized invitations, just get that print at home kit from Wally World and get on with your life.” But it turns out that invitations were something that was really important to me. I saw them almost like advertisements for our wedding. The cooler they were, the more people would want to make the long haul to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” to see us get married.
So, I started poking around the internet looking for custom invitations. I wanted something that really depicted “us” as a family—myself, Adam and our furkids (3 dogs, 1 cat). I found one company but they were really slow getting back to me and even with being comfortable spending a higher amount; they were still pushing my budget. So, I googled some more (key words: custom hand drawn invitations) and combed Etsy and one day I stumbled across Momental Designs. I loved the way their website was laid out. It has lots of example of their works and I really clicked with their “Sketched” collection. I also appreciated that they provided a price range for each collection. There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect item only to find out later it is out of your price range.
I sent an email and within a day I had a phone conference set up with their main designer/artist, Kristy Rice. She asked me some basic questions about what I was envisioning and I told her about our wedding vibe. At this point we paid a deposit fee of $200 for their time in creating our invitation artwork. This is a flat fee and does not go towards your purchase. We also signed a basic contract and I sent her a link to an online photo album that had a few pictures of myself, Adam and the furkids. She said she would work on a first draft and have it posted on the blog in about a week. At this point we were a little under a year out, so although I wasn’t in a hurry, I appreciated their promptness. After the initial contact with Kristy, the rest of my communication was with Kelley her assistant. I always received a reply to my emails within 24 hours unless it was the weekend.
We received our first draft on time along with a brief questionnaire about what we liked and what we didn’t. There were a few things that needed to be fixed (Adam look like Zack Morris and not himself) and I wanted more color on the outside folder and darker purple flowers on the inside. Other than that we were happy. They made those changes quickly and then we were kind of in a holding pattern until after our planning session. Once we were back from the PS and we had all of our events finalized, we worked with Momental to do our enclosures. They were really great about making sure all of the pertinent info was included. When we were finally ready to order, we paid an extra fee to have them ship us a hardcopy. They offer a digital proof option for free. We had three different people read over it; we initialed each page and then it back to Momental. They had to receive this back before they would move forward on our printing. We paid the rest of our balance; they printed out all the pieces and shipped them to us. They arrived all nicely packaged and waiting for us. They do offer addressing services, but Adam has really nice handwriting so he did that himself.

 

 

 


Overall I had an excellent experience with Momental Designs. I loved how prompt they were and their prices, while somewhat high, were worth it to me because they provided everything I wanted: an invitation that was all about us.

The Grand Floridian: A Disney Bride’s Review

Posted in Reviews by

By Sarah

For as long as I’ve visited Walt Disney World growing up, I always gazed longingly at the Victorian- themed gem nestled on the shores of Bay Lake.  I dreamed of staying there one day and thought about how magical it would be to be a guest at Disney’s “Flagship Resort”.  When we decided to have our wedding in Disney World, the planning often focused on where we would stay for our two weeks there.  We immediately knew we wanted to experience what this resort had to offer.  Our decision was based on several factors: the ambiance, amenities, location and value.  Wait, did she just say value and Grand Floridian in the same sentence? Let me explain.

As part of the wedding planning process, brides and grooms must face the room block decision.  A special perk of this is discounted rooms, which allows the possibilities of staying at a deluxe resort for a significantly discounted rate.  We took full advantage of the perk and booked a concierge level room for a price we will never see again.  The location of this resort for us was another plus.  Not only is it  right next to the Magic Kingdom with  great transportation services but it was also near two of our wedding event venues.  Our rehearsal dinner was at 1900 Park Fare and our ceremony at the Wedding Pavilion.  It was a nice touch to be able to see our venue every time we went outside.


The ambiance and atmosphere at the Grand Floridian is next to none.  The cast members were there to help with everything we needed during our stay including helping with delivering welcome bags and carrying all our wedding gear upstairs.
The luxurious amenities of this resort are endless. From the rooms and suites, dining experiences, views of the Magic Kingdom, shops, a spa and a salon, it makes for a relaxing experience.  I used the Spa in the week before the wedding, several guests used the salon to get their hair perfect, and one guest even had to purchase dress socks that he left home in NY.
Staying at the Grand Floridian was a decision we would make over again. I highly recommend it if you are looking to spoil yourself a little for your wedding or honeymoon.  The high level of quality is evident in every aspect of the resort from the pools, to stores and even the grand lobby.

For a more pictures and reviews of the Grand Floridian and other resorts visit www.disneymooner.com forums.