A Disney Proposal: What do you think?

[JSirch507]

So I’ve been googling and reading about Disney proposals for the last month. My GF is a true Disney lover (I see DVC in our future). . We are heading to the parks very soon.

I've been doing some lurking here, but I thought I’d ask the experts for their opinions and advice on my plan. The proposal itself is pretty simple, and requires only a small bit of help from two CMs. Here it is:

Location: At MK, during Magic Hours, late in the evening (11 pm-ish)

• 
  1. We go into a large store on Main St.; I make an excuse to separate from my GF (“Oh, I’d like to get you a few small presents. Let me pick ‘em out…”)

• 
  2. I go outside and find the nearest Photo Pass photographer, to pitch this: “We come out, holding a large Disney bag. We get a few shots, then you have a ‘problem’ with your camera that leaves us standing there for a few seconds. I use the delay to begin going through the large Disney bag to show her some of her presents, suggesting she reach in to see what she can find. The bag includes a few small gifts (some candy, t-shirt, key chain), plus two ‘Just Engaged’ pins plus a diamond ring. When she finds the ring box, I take it, drop to one knee and propose…” This requires help from CM#1.

• 3. I return to the store, buy a smattering of small gifts and ask for the biggest Disney bag they have. Perhaps they have “Just Engaged” pins? (help from CM#2).

• 4. I meet up with the GF, and we walk outside…where if all goes well, Step 2 goes into action.

So my questions are: Do you think this would work? It is basically a “just in time” plan in that I talk to the CMs just minutes before it all happens.

Any recommendations on a store that is a decent size, on Main St., with an exit close to the Photo Pass folks? Near the Castle would be nice, but not required. Would the CM in the store be able to round up “Just Engaged” pins, or should I try to snag those at the hotel or at Guest Services?


Thanks all! I'll appreciate (and take to heart) any tips or advice!

 

[lurkyloo]

I love the ideas you have here, but I worry that there are too many "moving parts" that have to work perfectly in order to pull it off. For one thing, finding a PhotoPass photographer (especially at the end of the night) is not always as easy as you'd think—they seem to stay primarily by large landmarks (the Castle) and character meet n greets. Also, having to explain the whole ruse with the coming out of the shop and the fumbling with the camera—I worry they wouldn't grasp the plan quickly and would blow the surprise. Lastly (and this could just be me) if my DH told me he was buying me a bunch of little surprise gifts, I would want to wait to open them in the room, not standing on the sidewalk at MK.

One suggestion would be to try to snag a Photopass photographer earlier in the day to see if s/he would be around to help you out later. Another idea (but one that will cost some money) is to contact Disney Fine Art Photography to prearrange the moment and have them capture it. They do more professional work than PhotoPass, and because you'd be "hiring" them, essentially, you could plan everything ahead. They also have experience planning surprise proposals in the MK. Another idea is the independently run service Gifts of Lifetime. Their specialties are treasure hunts and in-park surprises.

It is wonderful that you want to do something special for your bride-to-be, and I think with some help from the people on this board and Disney, it will work out beautifully!

 

[JSirch507]

Oooh...good points. I was assuming the Photo Pass folks would be around, but I imagine they do thin out a little.

Thanks a lot for the advice! I'll need to do a little re-figuring...

 

[CosmicLove]

In my experience there are almost always 3 on photo pass main street. I think it's a wonderful idea and can totally be pulled off. Photo pass loves to participate in events like these. I would suggest some help from family or friends if possible, but if not I really think can be done all on your own. I'm pretty sure if you make a big enough deal about the gifts you bought, she will want to open them right there! At least I would... I have no patience. Also, from what I understand they are phasing out the "Just Engaged" buttons... BUT my Mom is heading to MK tonight and she will find some for you and we can mail them to you, if you need. (they are that worth it) I wish you two all the best!!!

 

[shordiebecka]

I think this is a good idea..however, MK at night can be quite lively and I would want your lady to have her moment and not have to worry about being rushed. My fiancee proposed to me on an early morning walk in Disney World around our resort (POR). It was great- just the two of us- then I got my just engaged pins from conceirge and all day long got to show the ring and tell my story. He had someone who passed by "take" our picture..and right before he proposed, so of course it was on camera. Just a thought Also, later, a photopass phtographer re-staged the proposal in front of the castle and we got some great "just engaged" shots. Good luck!

 

[JSirch507]

Thanks for the replies! And CosmicLove, thanks for the great offer.

I am calling the resort and Disney Florist (there'll be flowers in the room when we return from MK) for possible help with the "Just Engaged" pins. I'll continue to mull over the details...

 

[Mindyjoy]

I agree that this plan sounds like it hinges on a lot of specific things happening, and may be difficult to pull off exactly the way you have it in your head, which may end up being more frustrating than romantic.

Sometimes the best proposals are more spontaneous. Does your GF have a specific location in the park that she really loves? Maybe you can propose while on her favorite ride (or in line)?

My DF knows I love the snowfall at Disneyland so he proposed during the snowfall. We were next to a drinking fountain, which doesn't sound too romantic but now whenever we are in the park we make sure to visit "our" drinking fountain.

 

[DisneyHappiness]

My DF proposed to be during the fireworks at MVMCP, there were a done of people around. However, I loved it! But he did not have any other people involved in the plan. Do what makes you feel comfortable and what will make you both enjoy the moment

 

[Kimmielee1961]

My BF had me completely baffled. I knew the proposal was coming, but not when. I asked him to honor one request... that it wasn't a proposal like my first one! (This is my second marriage). My first husband didn't really propose at all... the ring was in his glove box in his Trans Am (we are talking the 80's) and as we were driving 70 miles an hour down I-75, he said... "Your ring is in the glove box if you want it."... OH MY GOSH? Really?

So, I told my BF that the glove box was off limits!! I had family in town last weekend from Michigan and on Friday, we met them at their hotel (I live in the Orlando area) and went to dinner with them at Epcot. I thought, perhaps... he might ask me at Epcot because that is where we "officially" decided that we were dating and in a relationship that ultimately (hopefully) would lead to us getting married.

We passed by the spot without even a glance toward it so ... it wasn't the night. I had convinced myself that it would be on Feb. 17th when we were going to be alone... as I have an 11 year old son.

That night, on the way back to my house, he put the cab light on in his car and said "Open the glove box." I was sooo not happy.. "Really???? The ONE proposal I didn't want? Really???" After much coaxing and me calming down, I opened the glove box to find a ring box. For the love of Mickey Mouse... was he really going to do this? I opened the ring box and inside was a RING POP!! You know... one of the sucker things??? I almost killed him... then I laughed and laughed... I love that he did that and made me laugh.

Well... the next day we were meeting my family at Magic Kingdom after they finished up getting Pirate faces done... My BF said... "Have them come over to the Partners Statue of Walt and Mickey, in front of Cinderella's Castle for a picture. I still had no clue what he was up to.

As my family (My Brother, SIL, niece, nephew and their son along with MY son...) walked toward us my son whispered to my SIL... "this is it. He's going to propose to my Mom". She grabbed her camera to get ready. As I was talking with my family, my BF clued the Disney Photographer in on the secret and then handed my niece HIS camera and said... "It's time". She missed out on that clue... and when she realized that he was going to propose, she grabbed her camera.

My BF said... "let's go first". So... we stood there for 3 or 4 shots... then something caught my attention to my right (BF was on my left) and I turned for a moment. When I turned back, I thought he was gone... Until I looked down. He was doing it!! He was on one knee and even though in my heart I knew this moment had been planned and was coming... I was so shocked and I immediately started sobbing. The first 4 or 5 pictures show my face completely covered because I was crying so hard.

The best picture, even though it doesn't show the Castle behind us... is the one in my profile... I can't post the link just yet since I am a new poster.

I am the luckiest girl in the whole world!! Now, trying to plan a Disney wedding or a Beach wedding... finding it hard to pick a date that doesn't have someone upset with me because they can't make it... and narrow down a list of over 100 to a reasonable amount. OH MY GOSH!! How do you women do it???

So, my advice to the OP... no matter what you plan... Keep it simple because ultimately the details that matter are the moment that you are on your knee and say those MAGICAL four words... "Will you marry me?"

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

Kimmielee--- I LOVE that he tricked you! Your story made me cry a little bit (although, as you may note from my picture, I am a littttle biased towards castle proposals.) Congratulations!!

 

[CityGirlLost]

My BF had me completely baffled. I knew the proposal was coming, but not when. I asked him to honor one request... that it wasn't a proposal like my first one! (This is my second marriage)... So, my advice to the OP... no matter what you plan... Keep it simple because ultimately the details that matter are the moment that you are on your knee and say those MAGICAL four words... "Will you marry me?"

YAY! Another second time Disney bride. What a great proposal! Congratulations.

 

[Kimmielee1961]

YAY! Another second time Disney bride. What a great proposal! Congratulations.

Thanks!!

 

[KristiLyn]

Kimmielee - such a cute proposal!! Congrats!!!

 

[Kimmielee1961]

Has the OP come up with a plan yet?? Or anything to report?

 

[jtanddolly]

If you decide to go with a different location...the wishing well is always a great place to get engaged! I've also read about some great engagements during Cinderella's Royal Table meals. You can even have the ring delivered on a glass slipper.

 

[JSirch507]

I'm the OP...and here's an update: She said yes.

Basically, I went with something close to my original plan.

The good: The CMs in the store were great (they did have the "Just Engaged" buttons, and wrote our names on them, complete with the mouse-ears dotting the I's). The PhotoPass photographer was game. I also requested buttons from the resort, which they provided delivered to the room with a nice food/gift basket. I had flowers in the room on our return, and the gift basket with wine was a surprise to us both.

The park was pretty uncrowded around 11 pm, so it didn't feel crowded or rushed. There were cheers and applause, and several CMs from the store (who were onto the plan) came out to watch, too. But it wasn't really a "center of attention" moment, which I didn't really want.

During Magic Hours that late at night, many parts of the park were pretty empty. There would be many good spots to pop the question and be nearly alone.

I had a bag of "decoy gifts," and I pulled out the ring box after the second photo. The rest is kind of a blur from there.

The not-so-good: The photos! This was around 11 pm and the photos really didn't turn out well. The "actual" proposal shots are really blurry, and the later re-created/staged shots (at the suggestion of the PhotoPass guy) are also not that great. Yeah, it was at night and if the shots of us had been really clear, the castle would have been washed out. The suggestion of hiring a photographer was a good one...We'll keep and treasure the PhotoPass shots, of course...but they aren't really great pictures.

All in all, it was a surprise and a success...it felt somewhat spontaneous but wasn't timed to the minute or anything. It allowed us to wander through the park until I steered her toward the store...it was at a relaxed pace. Of course, it was a little stressful to pull it all together in 5 minutes, but it worked pretty well and gave us a great Disney engagement story and some blurry pictures to share.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and help!

 

[Kimmielee1961]

I'm the OP...and here's an update: She said yes.

That's all that matters!! Congratulations!!

 

[KristiLyn]

Yay congrats!!!!

 

[Lulu83]

Congratulations! Sounds very romantic and now you can start planning your Disney wedding

 

[Jilian]

I'm glad it all worked out! Maybe we'll see you guys around the planning section now?