So after that emotional day, I was constantly trying to piece things together in my head.
If we changed the ceremony to WP, where would we have the reception? (I really don't like plain ball rooms, and didn't think I would have enough guests to fill it out). And then, when I thought about switching to the WP, I knew I was giving up the awesome three-country theme that Kristi had recommended. I actually felt like I was letting her down!
On Saturday, we went to AK and actually had NO lines...it was amazing! So afterward, we walked into Epcot from the Boardwalk, had dinner and had a chance to check out some of the spots being proposed.
We saw Germany, which is beautiful, but it didn't feel "Weddingish" to me. Maybe because I live here and it feels like I'm "home" instead of at my wedding! Of course, that's a tribute to Disney, because it does give me a homey feeling. My Mom is German, and my parents have been married for 44 years (they were married in Munich, Germany). Maybe I'll plan a 50th VR in Germany and get to go with my "world" theme
Based on the "World" theme, we would have used France as our Reception, but after seeing it in location to the actual France Pavilion, I wasn't that thrilled.
Of course, it's still beautiful and at Epcot, but it doesn't actually FEEL like you're in France, like the Italy one does. The best thing that came out of that day was getting to watch Illuminations with DH and deciding we're DEFINITELY doing an Illuminations Party! It was a great experience, and I think it will be an awesome treat for our guests.
So, on Sunday, we met Kristi in Epcot to look at the original plan. I had already told her I was having "cold feet."
In addition to the Germany, France and Italy locations, she showed us the room above the American Adventure pavilion. I LOVE American Adventure (but wouldn't have enough guests to have a wedding there, I don't think). But, I felt like I was going backstage in the White House to see "special" rooms
Here's a couple views of the landing.
And one of a room they can set up with tables and such.
I really liked this, but if we didn't have our wedding in Epcot, it made the logistics of the whole thing a bit complicated. And you weren't really "in" the park...kind of set apart from everything.
Kristi then drove us around some of the resorts to get an idea of where to put on our room block. I have never stayed at any of the Moderates, but since the WL and CR are about $200 a night, it wasn't much more than the moderates (because of the 15% off vs. 30% off for CR) It really helped that she drove us around to these places, though. It gave us a much better idea about things.
Then, we were heading back to Franck's, and Kristi said she had one more reception idea to show us. So, we went to the GF and she showed us the Whitehall Room and Patio.
Here's some pics of me checking it out.
Think, think, think!
I really liked the WHP. It wasn't very "ballroomish" but it had nice elements of the GF decor and theme. And the monorail passes near it and I LOVE the monorail
It also made transportation to and from the wedding and reception much easier.
Then, we went back to Franck's to talk about a few more things.
Kristi told us that Italy Isola was booked the night of the wedding, but it was available the night before. We really liked this location better than France, since there was a less obstructed view of the lagoon. We also talked about the fact that our wedding is on MLK Monday, so having an "event" the night before made more sense for our guests who might need to start traveling home after the wedding.
So, after that meeting on Sunday with Kristi, we changed to:
Sunday 18th Welcome Dinner at Italy Isola
Monday 19th:
10:00am Wedding at WP
11:30-4:00 Reception at WHP
Whew! That was done. There's still so many other places I also liked. I LOVE CG and would have liked a dinner or reception there, but I was running out of events to have at all my favorite Disney places!!!
