Hulu fears ABC iPad app could hurt its $9.95 subscription plans

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April 22, 2010

Online streaming service Hulu is expected to introduce a $9.95-per-month subscription plan on May 24, but the company reportedly fears a free streaming application from ABC for the iPad could undermine its efforts.

The Los Angeles Times this week reported that Hulu plans to introduce a new service, dubbed Hulu Plus, that would give users access to a greater range of content. Customers would still be able to view the five most recent episodes of popular shows like “Lost” and Glee” for free, but subscribes would have access to a “more comprehensive selection,” the report said.

Hulu also has plans to tie its subscription service in with a new iPad application. But according to Peter Kafka at MediaMemo, Hulu’s iPad subscription aspirations could be devalued by a free streaming video application from ABC already available on the App Store.

Citing industry sources, Kafka said that Hulu CEO Jason Kilar “tried desperately to get ABC not to introduce its free app,” because ABC giving away free content makes subscription-based access to Hulu on the iPad seem less valuable. ABC obviously did not place much weight behind Kilar’s concerns, as the network’s streaming application was available on the iPad from day one, and has found great success.

ABC’s embrace of the iPad should come as no surprise, as the network is owned by Disney, of which Apple CEO Steve Jobs is the single-largest shareholder. In addition, after the iPad was announced, Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger called the iPad a “game changer” and said his company has big plans for interactive content on the device.

The Hulu subscription will reportedly only apply to shows from ABC, NBC and Fox. Cable networks like AMC and FX, Kafka said, will not offer content with the $9.95-a-month plan.

Click here to keep reading more from Apple Insider.

Playhouse Disney is buzzing to new show “The Hive”

By

Chip

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April 22, 2010

The Walt Disney Company today announced that it has acquired The Hive for global satellite broadcast on Playhouse Disney across 150 countries. The new CGI preschool animation series from UK based production company The Hive Enterprises Ltd and its distributor Bejuba! Entertainment Inc, is being produced by Lupus Films, Monumental Productions, and DQ Entertainment International.
The multi-territory deal will see The Hive shown from early 2011 on Playhouse Disney channels in France, Germany (GSA), Italy, Spain, South-east Asia, Korea, Japan, India, Latin America, Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Hive is a colourful new 26 x 21‟ (or 78 x 7‟) series which follows the fortunes of the happy, friendly and extremely cute Bee family, who live together in The Hive. Storylines explore the themes of family, working together to solve problems, being part of a diverse community and caring for the environment.
Giorgio Stock, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Disney Channels EMEA and DIMG EMEA said: “The Hive is a good addition to our worldwide programming schedule and underscores our on-going commitment to create global programming with creative production companies from markets in the UK and the rest of Europe. The characters are hugely endearing and we hope that The Hive will encourage preschoolers to foster an appreciation for the environment and working together to solve problems.”
“It‟s fantastic to have Playhouse Disney on board,” says David Willing, creator and producer of The Hive, “a huge amount of work has been put into the show and everything from the scripts to the animation is absolutely spot on, so I‟m delighted that it‟s now guaranteed a massive global audience.”
“Playhouse Disney is a great partner and their support has proven to us that The Hive is setting up to become an international hit”, says Tatiana Kober, president of Bejuba! Entertainment.
The Hive series is also set to premiere this autumn in the UK on GMTV‟s preschool Fluffy Club weekend programming strand.
The series is being exec produced by Ruth Fielding and Steve O‟Pray with Camilla Deakin as series producer. Ray Merritt is creative director, Mark Williams is animation director and the BAFTA award-winning Bridget Hurst is head writer. Co-producer DQ Entertainment International Ltd is providing animation services. All licensing activity is being handled by Space Enterprises Ltd.

Disneyland Resort Paris ‘Princess’ Mum Forced To LEAVE

By

Chip

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April 22, 2010

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There are tons of articles going around this morning about this Disneyland Paris Mom who was asked to leave for violating the Disneyland Guest dress code. I am unsure why it is drawing so much attention as Disney has a strict policy against this.

A UK mum was barred entry to Disneyland in Paris after dressing up with her daughter in a ‘fairy princess’ outfit.

The 35-year-old mother Natasha Narula said she was left “stunned and humiliated” when Disneyland officials told her she could not enter the theme park wearing her princess dress because she could be mistaken for a staff member.

I know for me personally if this lady is standing somewhere and my daughter would happen to only see her from behind she would run up to her thinking she was a Princess or a Disney Character. When she would see she was neither it would break her heart. So I am glad Disney has this policy in place.

Here are the guidelines for Walt Disney World so I image the same would apply at Disneyland.

Disney World Guest Appearance Guidelines

Disney World reserves the right to exclude visitors to their gated attractions who wear clothing that could create a distraction. This policy is in effect at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island and Disney Quest.

Examples of unacceptable attire includes:

Clothing displaying offensive messages/language
Adult costumes or clothing that can be viewed as a costume (children under age 10 are excluded)
Clothing made with offensive material, (ie transparent)
Clothing that is excessively torn
Clothing which exposes inappropriate portions of the body such as string bikini tops, G-strings, bikini bottoms, etc.
Guests wearing wedding attire are discouraged from entering the Theme Parks.

All Disney Theme Park guests are required to wear shirts and shoes at all times. Swimsuit tops are allowed when worn with other appropriate clothing.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comment section below?

Must Sees at Disney World: Animal Kingdom

By

Chip

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April 22, 2010

This is a great article from Nancy at the Affordable Mouse. She shares with us some “must sees” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Like her we don’t always get to goto the Animal Kingdom on every trip. Having a toddler as well makes things even harder..our last trip all she wanted to do was ride Space Ship Earth and goto Playhouse Disney. Go figure..

Here are just a few Must Sees for more click the link below.

Simba Rocks. And So Do His Friends.

The Festival of the Lion King is an awesome show, and one that we really try to never miss when we visit Animal Kingdom. Based on the movie this live-action show has all of your favorite characters performing to songs from the Lion King…and the performances, costumes, dancing, singing, and props are amazing. The audience sits on all four sides with the action taking place in the center, and there really is not a bad seat in the house. And you should note that audience participation is STRONGLY encouraged so be prepared to shout out your best animal sounds. Just letting you know to be prepared.

It Seems Like It’s Fun To Be A Bug

Really it does! And after seeing It’s Tough to be a Bug, you may agree with me. Despite all the evidence presented in this show about all the terrible things that happen to bugs (your little ones may never let you squish an ant again, I am warning you now…) this is a fun show. It’s another one of Disney’s 3-D attractions and even though we have been a number of times, I still get surprised at certain…um…things that happen.

And one of the coolest things about this attraction is the way you get into it, as it is held below the Tree of Life…so you will really get to see how amazing this tree is, up close and personal. Which actually brings me to my favorite thing to do in the Animal Kingdom…..

That is just a few if you want to read more check out the Affordable Mouse!

A few of my favorite must sees are:

Donald’s Safari Breakfast at Tusker House

I would have to say this is by far one of my favorite meals at Walt Disney World. We actually have the picture of our family with Donald on our mantle! The food is great and has some very interesting flavors. We had a very pleasant breakfast here and it was cool to see Mickey and the Gang dressed differently.

Finding Nemo the Musical

Our favorite show at Walt Disney World. The colors are so beautiful the show itself is great it is so energetic and fun you kinda forget your watching a show it is that engaging. Our little one didn’t move a muscle the entire show other than to say “Look Daddy Nemo” or “There’s Dory”. They need to take this show on the road!

Be sure to comment and let her know your favorite Must Sees at the Animal Kingdom!

Pook-a-Looz Craze hits Walt Disney World

By

Chip

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April 22, 2010

Some crazes fade just as quickly as they arrive –- but sometimes they are just too fun ignore! Two new crazes have found their way into Disney Parks and judging by how unique and cute they are, I’m sure we’ll be seeing them around for quite some time.

Pook-A-Looz, the new line for plush, apparel, and accessories from Disney Consumer Products are truly too cute for their own good! Pook-A-Looz were created to capture the personalities of iconic Disney characters in an offbeat and unique way. The new line features more than 30 different characters ranging from classic characters such as Alice In Wonderland, Muppets, to favorites from Pixar films.

Pook-A-Looz were first debuted at D-23 last September, since their launch, Pook-A-Looz have exploded, not only retailers across the country but at Disney Parks as well. Be on the lookout, later this fall, Disney Theme Parks will be releasing Pook-A-Looz that can only be found in the Disney Parks! Disney Parks Pook-A-Looz designs range from Sorcerer Mickey to Yeti & Figment! Here’s a sneak peek at an upcoming Pook-A-Looz that will be found in Disney Parks!

Click here to keep reading another fad coming to WDW from the Disney Park Blog.

Tips and Tricks for an Enjoyable Disney World Vacation

By

Chip

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April 21, 2010

The Magic Kingdom

Try to come towards the middle or end of the week, because most families hit the Magic Kingdom early in their Disney visit or on the weekends.
Take the Ferry for a more enjoyable experience ride to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom, it also makes for some spectacular photos.
Ride the prime attractions first thing in the AM or while a parade is going on (if you are willing to miss it) lines will ease considerably.
At Town Square, near the entrance, pick up a Guide Map and the Times Guide, which lists show times, character greeting times, and any special hours for attractions and restaurants. Also many of the stores near the cash registers have park maps and show times in case you forgot when you entered the park.
Book character meals early to get some great pictures before it fills up with people.
- The Crystal Palace Buffet has breakfast with Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, and Piglet Between 8 – 10:30 AM. So see if you can get a 7 or 7:30 am reservation.

Epcot

Epcot is so vast and varied that you really need two days to explore everything. If you have just one day, be highly selective. Be sure to bring good walking shoes as the park is very spread out.
Stop off by the Club Cool, presented by Coca-Cola, is a small treasure among the other gems of Epcot. Well, at the very least, it is a great way to cool down on a hot day. (We always look forward to the free samples of pop from around the world. Did I mention it’s free?)
Its best to go early in the week, when others are at Magic Kingdom.
Visit Soarin when the park first opens as it is usually busy the rest of the day.
If your family loves festivals, go to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (late March early June) or the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (late September mid-November).
Book character meals early to get some great pictures before the park fills up with people.
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall has a great Princess Breakfast and is far enough from the entrance to get many pictures of Space Ship Earth, World Show Case, and a few countries before you enter Norway to eat.

Hollywood Studios

Visit early in the week, while most people are rushing through Magic and Animal kingdoms.
Hit up Toy Story Mania when the park first opens as it usually is packed the rest of the day.
“Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Set Adventure is great to let little ones stretch their legs and blow off some energy.
Check the tip board periodically for attractions with short wait times that you can visit between Fastpass appointments, or using Touring Plan’s “Lines” software on your cell phone for wait times.
Be at the Fantasmic! amphitheater at least an hour before show time if you didnt book the Fantasmic! dinner package.
Sit in the back of the room for the best views at Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage.
Need a burst of energy? Snag a freshly baked chocolate-chip cookie or a pastry at Starring Rolls Cafe, at the corner of Hollywood and Sunset. Alternatively, Hollywood Scoops Ice Cream on Sunset might be just the thing on a hot day.
If you plan to have a fast-food lunch, eat before 11 am or after 2:30 pm.
There are food stands along Sunset. You can get a burger (meat or veggie) or chicken strips at Rosies All-American Cafe, a slice of pizza from Catalina Eddies, or a chili dog at Toluca Legs Turkey Company.

Animal Kingdom

Try to visit during the weekend as most people will be at Magic Kingdom
Arrive a half hour before the park opens as much to see the wild animals at their friskiest (morning is a good time to do the safari ride) as to get a jump on the crowds.
For updates on line lengths, check the Tip Board, just after crossing the bridge into Discovery Island.
As you are on your way to Harambe Village keep your eye out for the last path to the right after the Tree of Life and before the bridge to Harambe Village. This is a SECRET PATH. The front of path is filled with a lot of vegetation so you might have to look hard. Yes it is open to the public. Follow the path for a close look at the Tree of Life and for some great photo spots. Not many people know about this path so you will have a lot of time to yourself and will not be interruptions when you are taking photos.

The Water Parks

In summer, come late in the afternoon when park hours run later or when the weather clears up after a thundershower (and being from FL it will rain almost everyday in the summer around 3 or 4pm). Afternoons are also good in cooler weather as the water is a bit warmer. If you plan to make a whole day of it, avoid weekends, when locals as well as visitors fill the parks.
Women and girls should wear one-piece swimsuits unless they want to find their tops somewhere around their ears at the bottom of the waterslide.
Invest in Bullfrog sunscreen (Being a surfer I know by experience you only have to apply this once for all day protection) and water shoes for the little ones. An inexpensive pair of water shoes will do wonders to save your kids tender footsies from hot sand and walkways and from grimy rest-room floors.
Arrive 30 minutes before opening so you can park, buy tickets, rent towels, and snag inner tubes before the crowds descend, and, trust me, it gets very crowded.

Miscellaneous

Ride the boats or monorail to relax a fussy child, or stressed out parent. You can get some great pictures of the various resorts, possibly stop by for a snack or just take some time to look around.
Drink plenty of water! Use Reusable Water containers to refill with water. If you don’t like the taste of water add crystal light or Kool-Aid packets. It doesn’t matter where you get it…drink water while you are in the parks if you are hydrated you are less likely to be tired and irritable.
No matter where you go bring good walking shoes.. I can’t tell you how many people I see walking around the various parks with Flip-Flops on. While I LOVE Flip Flops, I know they are not good for your back or provide you the proper support when walking long distances. A good pair of walking or running shoes will make you feel less tired at the end of the day..If you don’t believe me try it.
Take advantage of any EMH (Extra Magic Hours) ask cast members at your resort or check online for the various hours. I know the last time we went the Magic Kingdom was scheduled Extra Evening Magic Hours till Midnight but upon walking in the park a few cast members told us they bumped it till 3am!! The park was almost dead and there was no wait on every ride that was open!
Take advantage of the Character meals at the various restaurants and resorts. We always visit the character meals so our little one can meet, hug, kiss and take pictures with the various characters she has grown to love. All characters make rounds in the restaurants and we have never missed a one. It saves so much time when visiting, you don’t have to take time out of your busy day to wait and line to get your picture taken. Mind you not all characters are present you will still have to stop off and see some of the newer ones. But this cuts it down by 75% and you get a good meal too!
Get a Photopass! The Photopass cast members are in all the prime spots, are very creative with how to take the pictures, and can get your whole family in one shot. It cost you nothing to get a photopass, and when you get home you can go online and relive your memories and possibly order a few mementos.
Pintrading is an excellent way to get souvenirs without breaking the bank. My wife and I usually buy 1 or 2 Pins when we visit. It gives us something to do while shopping and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Maybe someday they will be worth something but for us it reminds us of our past trips and makes for some fun conversations while waiting in the lines.

What are some of your Tips & Tricks when visiting Walt Disney World. Let us know in the comment section below.

Disney names new studio marketing chief

By

Chip

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April 21, 2010

Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) on Wednesday named MT Carney as president of marketing for the Walt Disney Studios, the latest appointment in a months-long revamp of the company’s film studio.

Carney, co-founder of communications planning company Naked NY, fills a post left vacant by Jim Gallagher, who left last year as part of the studio overhaul.

Carney will oversee all aspects of worldwide marketing and distribution for films released under the Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures banners, the company said.

“Just as we have looked at ways to restructure how we create and distribute our movies, we also needed to hire someone like MT, who can lead our incredibly creative global marketing teams and ensure that our films reach audiences around the world,” Rich Ross, chairman of the Walt Disney Studios, said in a statement.

Prior to launching Naked, Carney was Worldwide Planning Director at Ogilvy & Mather

New Toy Story Disney Digital Book iPad App

By

Chip

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April 21, 2010

Disney Publishing Worldwide recently announced two original “Toy Story” read-along apps for the iPad both combining Disney stories and unique activities with cutting edge technology. Each “Toy Story” read-along is an immersive multimedia experience – the books feature video from the feature films, karaoke and voice record features, the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, songs from the movies, original games, and even an interactive coloring feature that lets kids finger-paint with up to 10 fingers on the screen.

The “Toy Story” app is free and the “Toy Story 2” app is $8.99 and comes with a one month free subscription to disneydigitalbooks.com. In addition, new “Disney Princess,” “Phineas & Ferb,” “Winnie the Pooh” and “Toy Story 3” apps will go live on the iPad later this spring.

Robert Downey Jr. as the Wizard in Disney’s Wizard of Oz

By

Chip

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April 21, 2010

Several weeks ago we reported newly anointed Disney production president Sean Bailey had a meeting on a “Wizard of Oz” prequel about the wizard before he came to Oz.

Now we’re hearing that those meetings went well, so well that the project is on a fast track of sorts. According to word in the development community, Robert Downey Jr. is talking to producers about starring as the wizard.

Meanwhile, two directors are said to be considered top candidates to get behind the camera: “American Beauty” director Sam Mendes and “Hairspray” and “Bedtime Stories” director Adam Shankman, who most recently pulled the strings from behind the curtain at the Oscars.

The two directors being considered, meanwhile, would seem to mark two directions for the picture, given the more subdued and even bleaker tones that have infused Mendes’ work and the lighter, more whimsical one that has marked Shankman’s.

Disney is said to like the premise enough (and with Roth’s “Alice in Wonderland” doing so fantastically well, why not?) that if it all comes together, they could shoot the movie as early as next spring, when Downey has a spot in his production schedule. From down-and-out to playing Tony Stark and, possibly, the Wizard of Oz — it’s like he’s on his own yellow brick road.

Click here for the complete article from the LA Times.

Photo Marvel Entertainment

Disneyworld Earth Day Events & Giveaways

By

Chip

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April 21, 2010

Here is a list of Earth Day items taking place at Walt Disney World.

Downtown Disney: will host Earth Day activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pin Traders station. Including a butterfly releases every half-hour.

Magic Kingdom: Jiminy Cricket will be available for “meet-and-greet” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rose Garden.

Animal Kingdom: Will have several events going out throughout the park including.

Jiminy Cricket meet-and-greets at the entrance from 9 am to 1 pm and Rafiki’s Planet Watch from 2 to 5 pm
PIPA the Talking Recycling Bin will be at RPW 11:20 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:50 p.m. and 2:40 p.m.

Shopping: Walt Disney World now features a line of environmentally friendly products and souvenirs, including tees, accessories, bags, plush, stationery and more.

Every Tree Has Character Reusable Bag made of post-consumer recycled materials ($2.95, plus tax), these bags cut down on consumption of paper and plastic.
Recycled Bottle T–Shirts created from plastic bottles that have been collected from curbside pick-ups or collection centers. The bottles are sorted by color and type of plastic and then pre-washed, shredded, ground into flakes, then washed and dried again. Once dry, the clean flakes are melted down and re-extruded into filament yarn, which is woven to produce the fabric for the T–shirts. Also available are a line of soft cotton T-shirts (made from traditionally processed cotton) to benefit the World Wildlife Fund. Every WWF tee sold results in $1 being donated to the World Wildlife Fund.
Notebooks and journals made from post-consumer recycled paper printed with environmentally friendly soy ink. There are also pens or pencils made from everything from recycled plastic to old automobile tires and even recycled U.S. currency.
Eco–Mochilla Bag — Made in Colombia, these bags are hand-woven from recycled plastic bags. Each one removes up to 150 plastic bags from cluttering the environment and helps Colombian communities generate income to support their families.
Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund plush — a portion of the sale will support the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and go to non-profit organizations around the globe to help wildlife, wild places, and their survival.

If you cant make it out to the Parks check out the Disney Store’s Earth Day Products

There is still time to enter the Disney Store Earth Day Giveaway – Autographed by Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas.

Disney Digital Books offering a seven-day free trial including four Earth Day-themed books, in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The Earth Day-themed books, which contain relevant content to help kids learn about the environment, include all new illustrations and an audio component, providing early readers an engaging storytelling experience with entertaining voices and sound effects, and the ability for children to follow along as the story is read aloud.

To register for a free trial, parents can visit www.disneydigitalbooks.com.

Disney Vacation Connection Desktop Widget

By

Chip

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April 21, 2010

Today, we’re sharing a sneak peek at the new Disney Vacation Connection desktop widget –- that’s it…right there with Pluto. When you open the red suitcase on your computer screen you’ll find valuable news, calendars and information about Disney theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club. It’ll be easy to try. Just download the widget to your desktop (free of charge) and you can customize planning for your next vacation, find special events and ticket prices and create a personalized Disney vacation countdown. Here’s a quick walk through showing how it’ll work.

Click here for more information from the Disney Park Blog.

Disney off the Beaten Path: Getting Married at Walt Disney World.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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April 21, 2010

Disney off the Beaten Path: Getting Married at Walt Disney World.

Did you know that Disney World is a top destination for weddings? Hundreds of couples tie the knot in Disney World every year in weddings that range from simple, intimate affairs to elaborate celebrations. If you’ve ever taken the monorail or ferry to the Magic Kingdom, you’ve gone past the Grand Floridian and probably seen the Wedding Pavilion, a beautiful white building on the far end of the resort property. Maybe you’ve seen a happy couple riding in Cinderella’s glass coach or walked by an outdoor wedding at Sea Breeze point, a charming outdoor location on Disney’s Boardwalk. Catching a glimpse of a newly married couple walking around Disney World in their wedding day finery is a treat; their happiness and optimism is contagious. I had the opportunity to talk with Carly from The Disney Wedding Blog about misconceptions, benefits, and joys of having a Disney wedding.

For Carly, who met her husband while participating in the Walt Disney College Program in 2002, having a Disney wedding meant they could incorporate something that played a big part in their lives into one of the biggest days of their lives. It also meant they could share that connection with others. To them, there was no better place to celebrate their marriage than at Disney World.

Disney off the Beaten Path: Getting Married at Walt Disney World.

Still, planning a wedding long-distance had its disadvantages. Notes Carly, most brides will travel to Disney for one, possibly two planning sessions that involve visiting multiple locations and making major decisions. Oh, and cake testings. She only had a few hours to meet face to face with her wedding coordinator, so this meant relying a lot on emails and phone contacts. It also helped to be a very organized bride. Rather than just sending out “save the date” cards, Carly sent out newsletters and information packets detailing everything her guests would need to do. “If we had been closer, it would have been much easier to take care of a lot of the little things and I think our event would have been better for it. I’m just glad that Disney’s FairyTale Weddings has such a wonderful staff, because I never could have done it without them!”

Think Disney weddings are all Mickey and Minnie? This couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, some weddings have no Disney references at all. Says Carly, the biggest misconception of Disney weddings is that people think they are

“all juvenile, cookie-cutter events that look a lot like children’s birthday parties. I think people have an image of what a day int he park is like and they just stick a bride and groom into all of that chaos. In reality, most Disney weddings are increidbly elegant and stylish and many don’t have any Disney elements at all, other than the location. The weddings that do incorporate the characters or other Disney touches, do so in a way that fits the feel of the wedding, so guest never feel that the couple isn’t taking the event seriously or that the couple is focusing more on Disney than they are on their own wedding. Disney weddings are handled in such a professional way, it really is a picture-perfect wedding celebration every time.”

Disney off the Beaten Path: Getting Married at Walt Disney World.

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings supplies much of the vendors a couple will use, athoughsome outside vendors are allowed. For example, a bride can use her own photographers in most Disney locations, although you must use Disney photographers in the parks. You need not worry about variety available from Disney vendors; they generally can make anything you want happen. Call it Disney magic, if you will, but the creative minds behind DFTW can turn out lovely weddings, even on a budget. Couples can choose from various ceremony locations, from white sand beaches to the more formal Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian. Nearly all Disney restaurants are available for receptions, depending on the size of the party, but couples can also choose certain locations in the parks as well as formal resort ballrooms. Many couples choose to hold extra events on property, like a rehearsal dinner or a dessert party at Epcot during Illuminations. All of these events count towards a couple’s minimum costs.

Disney off the Beaten Path: Getting Married at Walt Disney World.

Disney weddings and vow renewals start at around $5000 for an Escape wedding, a smaller event (under 20 people) that takes place at several outdoor sites around Disney World. Wishes weddings start at around $15,000 and offer brides more elaborate venues, food, floral and photo choices. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and time of the year. Disney couture weddings are “the sky’s the limit” type of affairs designed by famed wedding designer David Tutera. While $15,000 may seem like a great deal of money to spend on a wedding, it’s actually on the lower end of what the average U.S. couple spends and for that you get an elegant, unforgettable setting in what many of us think is the happiest place on earth. Whatever wedding a couple chooses, they’ll have the opportunity, as noted by Carly, to “share the excitement of getting married at Disney with each other” and “with all of (your) guests as well!”

Planning a Disney wedding? Check out the The Disney Wedding Blog for gorgeous photographs and tips. You might also like the wedding boards at Disboards where you’ll find advice and planning journals from Disney brides. Passporter also has a forum for Disney weddings as well as an E-Book on planning a Disney wedding. For a surprising reception location, check out this post on The Disney Food Blog about a vow renewal that took place in The Great Movie Ride. For a very funny take on Disney weddings, visit Sambycat’s (of Those Darn Cats podcast fame) blog, My Life on the WDW D-List. She also discusses her wedding planning adventures on the podcast, which you can listen to on iTunes.

Thanks to the always gracious Carly for sharing her wedding photos.