Engagement Help Please!!

[trekkinDave]

Hello folk,

I've been searching high and low on the internet for good information about the best way to propose to my girl friend at WDW in two weeks from now. We have been together for 5 years and this will be our first vacation that is just the two of us. All of the leg work has been done, we are booked at Port Orleans french quarter, have a dining plan, and tickets.... I have gotten her parents blessing, and the ring is BEAUTIFUL.

I have a few idea's in my head but for some reason, I cant seem to hammer down the final idea that I would like to use.

1) The wishing well at the castle was my original idea... have her close her eyes really tight and make a wish and POOF when she opens her eyes I am on a knee with the ring, and using a line like "You've made all my wishes come true... will you marry me?" Im not positive where the well is and when it is accessible though, and I don't want to screw it up

2) The rose garden- Just a standard proposal there, nothing fancy.. but I have heard its really pretty there.

3) The circle in front of Cindy's Castle- She LOVES to pin trade and I have already purchased a Mickey proposing to Minnie Pin on E-Bay. my idea is to try to get a photo pass photographer in on it and ask him/her to wear the pin backwards and then convince my girl to trade pins with his secret pin.. when she get the proposal pin and looks confused.. i would then propose to her on the spot with the castle in the back ground. Also, the photopass person would be on had to then take a few shots (which i would love to have) of her saying yes. The hitch here, how to I talk to the photo guy without her knowing, and if the photo person will be receptive to the idea.

4) Very Simular to the idea with the pin and the photopass photog... but without the photog.. just tell her i got her a pin... make her pick a hand.... the ring in one and the pin in the other... make sure she has the pin... then when she is confused about the pin's meaning.. pop the question.. maybe i can get a photo pass photog in on it too.

5) There is always Cindy's Royal Table... but I don't think I will get reservations this close to travel.


Finally, I had planned on doing it the second day of the 5 we are there... do the ladies think i should do it the first night we arrive?

And finally finally... are there any suggestions on things to do about our engagement? I have heard that telling guest services get you a Just Married (engaged) pin. Do they give you special treatment if you tell them you got engaged? Should I tell the world then? Any advice would be helpful!!!

[Disneychix]

Oooo! Congrats! I like option 3&4. Or 2. Anyway you do it I'm sure it will be special!

Any place by the castle will be mobbed so it depends what kind of a scene you want for the proposal. Is your GF into public apperances or would she like a nice quiet proposal? Do you want to be in a park or will she want to start calling a million people to tell them which is hard to do in the parks.

I love the idea that you already have the mickey proposing pin. Perhaps you can 'get' a CM to 'trade' it to her telling her it's good luck or something. POFQ has a CM pin trader in the lobby. You can perhaps talk to him.

Also, I wouldn't be able to wait until the second day but do it if you can! I'd be too excited!

[trekkinDave]

I am leaning toward options involving the pin myself.... I think it would be nice and a complete surprise.

How helpful are the photopass people? Do you think they would be willing to play along? I understand they are pretty busy, especially on the main pathways by the castle where everyone wants a picture.

I would LOVE to have a picture of her getting the ring, but maybe I can just stage a picture after she gets the ring, so that the photo will look nice.. LOL

also, I am not opposed to doing it in the semi public walkways since, in my experience, december 2 weeks before christmas usually isnt that busy compared to other times.

we sat down last night to plan out the meals to make reservations for and the days at each park, so I am feeling more like doing it the first night we arrive for two reasons... 1) with the EMH and whatnot, the day i originally wanted to go to MK is now Hollywood studios, so unless i change the days around i would have to wait till thursday (we leave friday) 2).... well i think it would be nice to have te WHOLE vacation together engaged...



Any advice on tellg guest services?

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

OMG!!!!
#3!!!!
That is a perfect proposal!!! I don't know your GF's personality, but I would love a public proposal like that!!! To get everything together, I would rely on the help of guest services in the park. Place a phone call or two and maybe a few emails. I would even let the hotel know- maybe they would have some suggestions on how to pull it off.
You will certainly have to post the pictures!!!! I am such a sap for this stuff!!
Good luck and keep us informed.

[acm563]

Awww, that is so sweet. I too like idea #3, wonderful plan and I dont think you would have any issues getting the photographer to assist with your plan. I agree to contact guest services to see if you can get some assistance on your idea.... Wonderful ideas and you have really put a lot of thought into this :):)

[Soilap]

I'd defnitely go for 3 or 1. What you could do is tell her you have to go to the bathroom and leave her at a disney store (with a photo peson close by) Tell her to wait there, check out the pins and everything, while you go to the restroom, talk to the photoperson and have him/her wait outside the store.

You could also take an emergency restroom break just as you arrive at the sotre. Tell her that you'll come back, look for a photoperson who's at a nice location and convince them. Then take your true beloved to the place where the photoperson is at.

I'd also mail customer service and see if THEY can arrange something.

[trekkinDave]

anyone got the email address for customer service?

are the photogs really that agreeable????

[savannahjean85]

I vote for number three.
I would try to contact guest services. I had recently read about someone who got help from the photopass cast member and they were very helpful (proposal situation).
I would think the going to the "bathroom" trick is a good idea. Maybe it would be good to find the photopass person about an hour to half an hour before your propose and tell them the idea/story and set a time to return back to the photopass cast member.
Good luck!

P.S.
http://www.mouseweddings.com/wdwromance.html#places

suggests:
"If you will be staying at a Disney resort but not on the Club Level, you can ask the Lobby Concierge for help when you arrive. Quite frankly, the service they are prepared to provide is variable. One of them might be a romantic at heart and bend over backward to assist you, while another may offer you little or no help. If the first one you speak with isn't helpful, come back later and speak with a different person.

If you've already arrived on property and you have an idea for a creative proposal but no idea how to arrange things, try approaching a Cast Member in the area where you want to make the magic happen. Seek out someone who seems friendly and isn't super-busy at the time. As with the Lobby Concierge, your results will be variable, so ask a different Cast Member if the first one isn't enthusiastic.

"

[Nie0214]

#3! And make sure you come back and tell us how it went! :lovestruc

I am sure there's someone on the Disney staff willing to help you. Like the above post, if the first person doesn't help, ask another!

[iLOVEmickey1]

Such a great idea! I like the pin trading one too!

Definately ask .. I went once to the city Hall guest relations at MK for help with a surprise anniversary gift.. Im sure anyone will help!

Congrats!:)

[kpadalik]

Definitely do #3!!! It is very original and she will be like "how did you get all this planned?" She will love it! Please keep us updated and let us know how it all goes! Good luck!

[trekkinDave]

Is there any truth to the "just engaged" badge at disney that I have read about? If so.. what is is, where can we get them, and what exactly does it do?

[Pumbaa_]

Number 1 would be my pick. It is simple, requires no other people involved and can be done at your leisure!

COngratulations and have an awesome trip!

[JLPooh]

I would pick No. 2; in the Rose Garden. Since you are going in December, I would wait and ask her at night when the castle lights are on. Another thing; is you can have roses delivered to your room; just make sure you are already gone for the evening and they will be their when you get back.

This is what worked for my husband when he asked me a year ago today!!!

Have Fun and Good Luck!!!

[auroralark]

I have to vote for #3. That sounds like an awesome proposal to me. I'm sure whatever you end up doing, your girlfriend will be THRILLED!

Good luck!

[luckyfin]

Not an option that you posted, but if it were me, I would have loved to be proposed to on one of the horse drawn carriage rides that travels through Port Orleans. We did this on our honeymoon and anniversary trip. So romantic:lovestruc

[sflen]

What about the outside walkway at the california grill during wishes or the beach at the polynesian during wishes?

[savannahjean85]

Is there any truth to the "just engaged" badge at disney that I have read about? If so.. what is is, where can we get them, and what exactly does it do?


I am pretty sure the answer is no, right after we got engaged we asked about them but CMs told us they was not one. I do know that some people get the just married button and take a marker and cross out married and switch it to engaged.

Not an option that you posted, but if it were me, I would have loved to be proposed to on one of the horse drawn carriage rides that travels through Port Orleans. We did this on our honeymoon and anniversary trip. So romantic:lovestruc

LOL this reminds me of how DF carried the ring all around the WDW in his pocket, waiting for the perfect moment. He was thinking of asking on the carriage ride but went against it cause our driver made the mood less than romantic.

[Mrs D]

I really like #3 just because it's the most unique. A horse drawn carriage or walking her into the rose garden will be a tip off. Not that a tip off is bad, but the pin trading is out of left field!

Yes, most photopass photogs are really nice, helpful. I agree if you can find one with a 'big' personality that would help make it perfect. There are tons of shops along main street and tons of photopass photgs there too. Stroll down the street, you are scoping out the photogs, once you find one you;d like to approach, go to a store to browse pins, slip out to the "bathroom" and fill the photog in and give him/her the pin. You may want to ask if they can wait for you a little closer to the castle.

First I'd get in touch with guest services now to see how they may be able to help. I know you can do a resort photo shoot, maybe you can schedule a photog for this??

I'm pretty sure I remember ppl wearing just engaged buttons. DS wore a bday button and lots of CMs and guests wished him happy bday! He got free cupcakes and some pixie dust. Oh, when I mentioned it upon check in they sent up a balloon with the mickey weight and an autographed Mickey photo.

On a separate note, I believe I remember that if you have photopass pics taken when you go to edit them there is a just engaged border you can add. Perhaps someone with a current photopass account can check that out.
Either way, you will likely want to pre-order a photopass CD or get in a photopass share.

Best of luck to you! :wizard:

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

Dave, we are waiting in anticipation...come home and post soon!!!

[trekkinDave]

T-7 Days till our Trip.

Im going with the pin and the photopass guy, as plan A and the pin without the photopass guy as plan b....

The ring is going in my pockey for the trip down (everyone assures me that it will not set off the metal detector)

And its going to be the first night... probably.

Ill try to post some pictures and whatnot as soon as we get back..

Thanks everyone for all your help

[MomBoyd]

Good decision. And I think you REALLY need to do it the first night.

[Crystal824]

I got engaged at CRT. They brought a photo pass person to capture the moment so I'm sure you won't have any trouble getting someone to help. Good Luck.

[lynn71092]

Oh, I ssooo need to subscribe to this!!
Another vote for #3 and good luck!!:love:

[DSNY4ever]

Oh I can't wait to see the pictures from this- how sweet. I vote for #3 too :love: What a cute idea. I got engaged in Disneyland and my husband proposed at the top of the ferris wheel in California Adventure just as all of the Christmas lights were turned on in the park (but just a suggestion...don't hand an excited girl a ring at the top of a ferris wheel..I don't think my husband thought about that! Luckily it went right on my finger.)

And haha, we'll be in WDW at the same time as you so if you need help let me know :). Good luck!

I saw a super cute one on here that a couple did in Disneyland I can't find the thread, but the guy talked to the CM that worked at the Charicature booth and he had the woman draw him and his girlfriend and the guy had a message bubble on the picture saying "will you marry me?" and then the response spot was blank and when the CM turned it around to show her she was shocked and he was down on his knee. I thought it was sweet that they had the picture to keep. And the CM hung up a sign saying "shh proposal in progress" after the couple sat down so that the people walking by wouldn't say anything. Just thought I'd share since anyone reading this thread obviously loves this kind of stuff :laughing: It was very cute.

[Mrs D]

Looks like they've added Just Engaged buttons.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Disney2009Celebration.htm

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

YIPPEEEEE FOR DAVE. This is GREAT news!!! You should get them before you propose so you can hand her one after she says YES!!!

[trekkinDave]

The "just engaged" pins being release is a great thing.. ill have to sneak out and try to get those too right before i pop the quesion..

In case anyone is going to be in the WDW on December 15th, around 6-630 ish.. main street USA... that will be the area. LOL

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

Dave- I am sure there will be some Dis'er there who would love to help you out...

[wdwtheplacetobe]

I personally KNOW people who have done both 1 and 2...2 was JLPooh as she said. But what she left out was that it was after Wishes on a MVMCP party night. So romantic.

My other Blue Fairy project went to the Wishing Well, with her entire family! He had a difficult time going that way at the time, tho.

My DH tried to ask out on the Observation Deck at California Grill. I would have NONE of it, since I'm terrified of heights. He thought about after Wishes, but it was crazy busy.....as well as at Ghirardellis (same thing) because we had had our first dinner (Hot Fudge Sundae) there. He finally asked at AK....the little spot by Harambe overlooking the Discovery River and the Tree of Life. This was perfect for me, cuz we can go back there every trip. In fact, a nice lady took our picture this time on the bench.

Good Luck!

I like your Pin idea. They have a department that will help with Engagements now. Call 1-407-wdw-info for help.

:love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love:

[DSNY4ever]

The "just engaged" pins being release is a great thing.. ill have to sneak out and try to get those too right before i pop the quesion..

In case anyone is going to be in the WDW on December 15th, around 6-630 ish.. main street USA... that will be the area. LOL


Haha, we'll be there! I am pretty sure that is our night to watch Spectromagic so we'll probably be scoping out a seat around that time, so beware that you could have quite a crowd watching you ;). But that is an easy way to escape your girlfriend for a minute- plant her down in a spot for the parade (say you have to go to the bathroom) and then go talk to a cast member and ask them to come over to you to pin trade and tell them the plan etc. Maybe that will make it a little easier? Now as we wait for the parade I will be keeping my eyes on all the cast members trading pins!

How exciting- good luck and maybe we'll see you there- if so I'll take pictures for you :)

[princesswendy720]

The "just engaged" pins being release is a great thing.. ill have to sneak out and try to get those too right before i pop the quesion..

In case anyone is going to be in the WDW on December 15th, around 6-630 ish.. main street USA... that will be the area. LOL

Oh oh oh! I'm going to be there, in the MK, on that day, at that time! It's our arrival day too! I'll keep an eye out for ya!

Good luck and I hope you get the photopass photog to play along, I know I read a report of an engagement on Main St where the photog was in on it.

[trekkinDave]

Wendy, and all others.. thanks so much for your help!! Im excited and nervous about the proposal and I think it will be amazing. Like I said earlier.. if anyone is in the MK on Dec 15th around 6-630 in the main street/circle in front of the castle area.... look for me.

This is what we look like
http://davidacollinsphoto.com/MMGS/Katelynd_files/shapeimage_7.jpg


We are arriving dec 15 around 11am and checking into Port orleans, river side and then doing down town disney. then to the park after shopping and lunch.


BTW, wendy... what night are you doing MVMCP? we are doing it Dec 16th...

[black562]

Wendy, and all others.. thanks so much for your help!! Im excited and nervous about the proposal and I think it will be amazing. Like I said earlier.. if anyone is in the MK on Dec 15th around 6-630 in the main street/circle in front of the castle area.... look for me.


Well, I wonder how things went?

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

I am with you- I am hoping it went well. I want to see the pics sooo badly!

[trekkinDave]

Hi everyone. Sorry it took me a few days but it's been a wurl wind ride with non stop Disney fun!!

My FIANCE and I are having a great time!! Of course she said yes!!

I wanted to just let everyone know the wonderful news but since it is difficult to type a lenghty trip report on my iPhone with it's little screen and keyboard, please don't mind if I type it out when I get to my laptop and NOT just want to collapse!

I do have photos but to tell you about them would ruin the anticipation of it all happened.

Thanks to everyone for all the help

And special thanks to Leia (? Can't spell) for finding usin the park and congratulating us in person. It was very sweet !!

Full trip report to follow

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

Thanks for the update Dave, we will be waiting in anticipation! popcorn::

[trekkinDave]

Hi Everyone!!

First, Thanks to all my new dis friends for being so helpful with the planning process.

Im sorry some of you have been waiting on baited breath for the trip report to be published, but Its been a hecktick and I am just getting a chance to sit down in front of the 'ol mac to type it out!

Here the run down of events!

Pre-Departure

I spent the day teaching a class in NYC and since the class ran overtime i was RUSHED to pack and felt really really anxious about the whole trip. Eventually got around to relaxing and spending the night at my DGF's house since her parents were driving us to the airport in the morning. There were a few close calls where she was trying to help my pack my bag (Where the ring was) but we finally settled off to sleep with visions of mickey dancing in our heads... the wake up time was fast approaching!

Day 1 (departure/DTD/MK)

Our travel plans went as planned. I was nervous about the ring in my pocket and when she said she had to use the bathroom.. i jumped at the chance to seperate us for the screening process. I sent her to a shorter line so she could speed through to the bathroom and I stayed in the longer line "because all my electronics and camera stuff" would make me take longer through the screening since it all had to be put seperate.

I emptied my pockets and everything except the ring in a small baggie in that little change pocket on my jeans... I stepped up the the metal detector and took a giant breath... stepped through..... NOTHING!! No beeps.. no "WELL LOOK AT WHAT WE HAVE HERE" all my worries were for nothing!.

I collected my stuff and moved to the gate. The flight was uneventful.

We arrived at PO-Riverside and checked in. I tried to keep her way while i checked in because I had told them we were getting engaged and I didnt want them to mention it.. THEY DIDNT.

The room was ready so we headed up, and i was worried that they had placed balloons or somethig for the engagement.. NOTHING.

Crisis Averted.

I got a few crazy looks when i was complaining about the weight of my backpack with the camera stuff and the laptop in it since she suggested that I just leave it at the room.. I insisted that I NEEDED my stuff and stopped complaining and she let me be. (fweew.. the ring was in the bag at that point)

Headed to the MK and took our time, taking alot of Fotopass pictures on the way up mainstreet.. she oooh'ed and ahhhh'ed the whole way.. but since the castle wasn't lit yet.. I knew what my final plan was.

We strolled up the street with my anticipation growing trying to find my spot. The main street where I had planned on it happening was busy busy busy with people waiting for spectromagic.

we went into the store right around casey's and the crystal palace and i left her to "use the bathroom".

Time was of the essance since the castle lighting was about to happen. I walked fast to try to find a spot and POP there was a photographer with a spectacular view of the castle...I HAD FOUND MY SPOT.

i waited on line and told her "this will probably be the strangest question you have heard all week...." she promptly cut me off and said "if you ask me when the 3:00 o'clock parade is going to be.. I'm going to scream!!" we chuckled and i knew she would help me out..

I told her i was planning on proposing to my girlfriend and asked her to help.. she squeeled a little and said yes... I explained that Katelynd loved to pin trade and that she would do anything to trade for a "secret" pin that was turned around.. but i noticed that the photogs done wear pins. She agreed to year it on her vest and I said I would be back in a little bit with the DGF in tow and we would wait in line. She agreed to act casual and said she would think of something to say.

So I found Kate in the store and told her they were about to light the castle and had found a spot to watch... We headed out.. her eyes as big as saucers when the castle was lit.. "OH LOOK HUNNY, A PHOTOPASS... LETS GET A NICE SHOT IN FRONT OF THE CASTLE"

She got a little annoyed that I mad her wear her pins in the photo, and wouldnt let her in the backpack, but i won and she wore them...

we went back to the photog and kate was about to walk away.. which is when i said the magic words.. "Katelynd... she has a secrete pin!!!"

she ran back and presented her lanyard for trade.. lol

the photographer they said.. "ohh you dont want this pin.... you see.. prince charming himself gave me this pin just short while ago and this is a special pin. Are you sure you want to trade for this one?"

Of course Katelynd wanted to trade!!

She handed the pin over face down and told her to make a wish... she did and took the pin and looked at it.. it was a Mickey proposing to Minnie pin.. Katelynd said.. awww look hunny this is cute..

She started to walk away and I grabber her around the waist and pulled her close.. I said "Katelynd, I love you with all of my heart, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" Her responce (she was startled) was "David, Shut-up".... I dropped to one knee, and opened the ring box in front of a crowd of about 75 people.. I took her hand and waited as she began to tear up. After what seemed like 30 minutes.. she finally said.. "YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!!"

The Crowd cheered really load and we hugged and kissed for a minute. The photog was nice enough to take a few more "JUST ENGAGED" photos in front of the castle, and we went on our way together... we were marveling in the whole ordeal and the photog called us back and had use re-stage the proposal in front of the beautiful castle.


The rest of the night was a blur phone calls to family, yelling "WERE ENGAGED!!!!!" at complete strangers and just enjoying the fact that we were about to start our lives together as DF AND DF.. ;-)



The rest of the trip was amazing as well, but there wasnt much notable to report besides leah, stopping us and congratulating us.

Thank you again everyone for your help.. I am still waiting to get the photopass cd ordered, but will try to remember to post some photos as soon as i get them.

[tofubeast]

Aww! Congrats, I am so happy it all happened without a hitch. That PP photographer was awesome! I can't wait to see the pics! Wishing you both happy wedding planning!

[wdwtheplacetobe]

Excellent story!!!

I cried at the moment the Photographer said..."Prince Charming himself just gave me this pin" 'Cuz I was in on the secret.

Our engagement day at WDW was perfect, too.

Congrats on starting your life together!!!

:love: :yay: :love:

[acm563]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You did GREAT....Your post brought tears to my eyes, but I am just a softie when it comes to things of this nature.... May your life be blessed with many years of happiness and great things to come:grouphug:

[Bill Brown]

Congratulations! Great heart warming story.:thumbsup2

[DDucksWife07]

Yayyyy!!! I'm so thrilled to hear that everything went great and that she was surprised! I'm also dying to see pictures, I'm calling you tomorrow, being that I had to find out via a message board :) Love you both!! Let the wedding planning begin ;):love: :yay: :cool1:

[lynn71092]

OMG!!
I can't believe she told you to shut up!!
That was hilarious:rotfl: :rotfl:
Congrats to both of you and can't wait for the pictures!!:hug:

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

Dave- that is soooo great. I have cold chills reading your post. I know how much you planned and worried, so it's fantastic that everything worked out for you both!
I can't wait to see pics too.
Congrats!!!

[GrimGrinningVal]

Loved the engagement story! That was a great idea to incorporate the secret pin with the photopass photographer! Can't wait for the pics!!!

[DSNY4ever]

Hey Dave and Kate! I am the "Leah" that said hello to you guys when I saw you in Hollywood Studios. I saw the pins when we were waiting to get into the animations building and then when I saw your faces I thought, that must be them! I glad it went so well and you guys looked like you were having a great trip. I am sure she will never trade that pin now!

And yes Main street was packed that night! My husband laughed because I kept my eye out for you guys (even thought I didn't see you that night) and at 6:30 I said "somewhere on this street a couple is getting engaged right now!!!!" :yay:

What a great story for you both and have a wonderful time with the wedding planning and a wonderful marriage- it is only the start of great things to come :)

[weluvjasmine]

Congratulations! What a beautiful story.

[suzycute]

What a fantastic story - and what a romantic guy! She is one lucky lady!! :lovestruc

[black562]

Perfect Perfect Perfect...I love it when a plan comes together.

That is so adorable and it couldn't have happened better. I'm so glad everything went off without a hitch. I can't wait to see the pictures taken of the proposal.

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

Hey Dave- where are the pics???
We're dying over here!!!

[NTDreams]

How utterly romantic. Congrats!

[Aerorea]

OMG, that is so sweet! I had to giggle about the fuss over the backpack. A few years ago on almost the same day my now-DH was making a fuss over his big heavy coat (only it was warm that day). What a wonderful story!

[Tinks1984]

Not seen this thread before, but WOW!

My heart was beating so loudly when I was reading the proposal story! :hyper: Such a lovely way to pop the question! Well done Dave - it'll be something to tell the children and Grand-children about!! So glad you got some photo's!! :)

[kpadalik]

Just following up on some of the old threads that I've subscribed to...did pictures ever get posted of the engagement?