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WDW Radio Tip of the Week: A Visit to the Disney Wedding Pavilion

The WDW Radio WDW Tip of the Week

How many times have you traveled the Monorail loop to Magic Kingdom Park, only to peer to the right, just after Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to see the beautiful Walt Disney World Wedding Pavilion?  If you are like me, you have wondered: “I would really like to see what it looks like, but I am not getting married and/or I already am married and don’t plan on a Disney vow renewal ceremony. Am I allowed to see where all the fairy tale wedding magic begins?”

Well I am here to tell you: Yes you can.

Wedding Pavilion Walt Disney World WDW radio photo by Kristin Fuhrmann Simmons Wedding Pavilion Walt Disney World WDW radio photo by Kristin Fuhrmann Simmons

The grounds of the Disney Wedding Pavilion and Picture Point (the gorgeous ivy covered arch where outdoor ceremonies take place) are easily accessed by foot via a walking path between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and the Polynesian Resort. The waterside path is a smooth and easy walk from either location. It is a great activity to do if you are keen on seeing the pavilion grounds or if you want to take in some exercise.

Wedding Pavilion Walt Disney World WDW radio photo by Kristin Fuhrmann Simmons Wedding Pavilion Walt Disney World WDW radio photo by Kristin Fuhrmann Simmons

Tips for visiting the wedding pavilion grounds:

Guests are always welcome on the pavilion grounds, but the building itself is not always open. Always check with a Cast Member before entering the pavilion. I repeat: Always check with a Cast Member first. You can ask the Cast Members at Franck’s: the wedding studio building just before the pavilion. We checked with staff before we entered the sanctuary, and we were happily escorted to the building.

We were told the following by a grounds crew member: The public is NOT allowed inside the pavilion during private ceremonies or during set up. There will always be an announcement on the boards along the pathways to the pavilion if the area is closed for a private ceremony.

Cast Members are happy to allow guests to view the sanctuary if it is open. You can also schedule a formal tour by calling the Disney Wedding Team at 321-939-4610. Check with a Cast Member if you are in doubt.

The pavilion itself is closed most of the time when it is not in use, and staff will not open the doors without a formal tour planned. However, guests are always welcome to tour the grounds and you could get lucky (like we did), as the doors to the pavilion may be open during routine maintenance. It never hurts to ask. Just be polite a respectful. We found the Cast Members were delighted to see the happiness and joy spread over our daughter’s faces when we went inside.

While the pavilion itself is non-denominational, it is a place of worship, respect, and sanctity. I highly recommend using your best judgement as a parent if you plan on taking your children to the wedding grounds.

Picture Point is the ultimate photo stop. Cinderella Castle can be seen in the distance. The grounds and horticulture are gorgeous year-round and make for the perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation photo.

Wedding Pavilion Walt Disney World WDW radio photo by Kristin Fuhrmann Simmons Wedding Pavilion Walt Disney World WDW radio photo by Kristin Fuhrmann Simmons

 

Have you been on the grounds of the pavilion? How did you like it? Did you get to see inside the sanctuary? Share your memories with us.

 

(Photos from the author’s personal collection.)

To learn more about Kristin and read her recent posts for WDW Radio, please visit her author page by clicking the link on her name at the top of this post.

 

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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