Karen was born in Massachusetts and primarily grew up there with a few pit stops along the way. Her first trip to Walt Disney World did not occur until she was 14 years old when she went with her family to the Polynesian Resort. It was not until years later when she returned with her children and husband (for their first trip) that the real obsession began. Returning to the lobby of the Polynesian brought back all the memories she had forgotten, and ignited a Disney passion in her family's life. Karen currently guest blogs for The Disney Driven Life as their wedding expert and is co-founder of her blog, The Best Friends Guide To.
Attention all Disney brides! You’re envisioning a Venetian style wedding with canals, beautiful architecture, waterways and delicious food. Perhaps fireworks later into the night? But then you realize…how am I going to afford that and will anyone be able to fly to Italy ? Your dreams seem to be dashed but I’m here to say go to Walt Disney World and hold your ceremony and reception right In Italy at Epcot.
Italy is one of my favorite places in Epcot with beautiful sights, awesome views and of course great food. There’s a choice of two different pavilions for your ceremony and reception. Keep in mind that both have restrictions about when you can have your services ( before 10 a.m or after 10 p.m ) and they offer a limited buffet service. These are all things that should definitely be discussed with your coordinator before hand.
Italy Isola is a beautiful outdoor terrace right next to the lagoon. It can fit about 100 to 150 guests. The pictures I have seen look amazing and of course a great spot to view Illuminations as well.
Italy West Plaza is a slightly smaller outdoor terrace next to Isola’s larger bridge. This would hold about 50 to 125 guests. There are rental fees for both sites as well as food and beverage minimums, but can you really put a price on an “Italian” wedding at the most magical place on earth?
Not all of us are princess gals ( I am but that’s another story), and would like to add a sense of adventure, fun and mystery to a WDW wedding. This is the perfect answer . Choose from over 10 different Epcot locations at which to hold your reception, while making it possible for relatives and friends to attend and keeping it family friendly as well. Ciao Bella!
Contributed by Karen (NDM #224). Karen is our resident Disney Wedding’s expert and co-creator of The Best Friends Guide To . . .
