A sensitive request for help...

[2tinksmom]

Hey, Rick, I was just thinkin' about you earlier today and wondering how your planning was going and then I got a notice that you had a reply to your post. Wow, kinda wierd, huh? Anyway, an update on your progress would be greatly appreciated. I know you've had some great suggestions and I hope all of your planning is going well!!

 

[TeresaNJ]

I just stumbled upon this thread tonight. What a wonderful love story. Rick, you sound like a great guy and Joe is very lucky. If you do decide to eat at V&A's, trust me you will love it. DH and I ate there for the first time last December, and I'll never forget it. The food was absolutely wonderful, and the desserts a work of art. I truly hated to eat mine as it was so pretty. Congratulations, and I can't wait to read your trip report!

 

[RickinNYC]

Hi folks!
This board is great, you all in particular. I've said this before but I'll say it again. I was pretty hesitant to post my inquiry originally simply because, due to my own predisposed ideas that virtually all Walt Disney World fans are ultra conservative, family only, white, heterosexual people that tend to be focused on the "norm" as opposed to what you've all proven. I should have realized that my own opinions were as prejudiced as those of folks that I thought I'd come across.

You have all proved me wrong to the Nth degree and I'm so happy! Your well wishes and wonderful thoughts are so cheerfully accepted and returned tenfold!

So here's my plan. I wasn't able to get reservations in the back area of Victoria & Albert's. Turns out it's a good thing because when I casually mentioned the place to Joe, he gave me a little nose wrinkle and said he couldn't imagine having to get all spiffed up while on vacation.

I also, try as I might, had attempted to book an Illuminations cruise but I got everything so screwed up that by the time I was able to do so, everything was booked.

But here's the good news. An amazingly talented DIS member had sent me a PM. She and her business partner design and create incrediblye costumes. She and I chatted about Prince Charming costume and Lo!, they were able to make one that rivals what is worn by cast members in the Magic Kingdom!

Joe and I will be checking into the Boardwalk at about 2:30pm on 10/17. We're going to either check our stuff or unpack, whichever is available. We'll rush over to Epcot and meet up with a few friends who all happen to be vacationing the same time we are. (They're all in on it too).

We'll have dinner at San Angel in Mexico (please, no groans. Joe's always, always wanted to eat there. He's always thought it looks nifty). Afterwards, we'll stroll the World Showcase.

Prior to Illuminations, I plan on going back to the resort while Joe stays with our friends. I'll rush back, throw on the Prince Charming duds, order in champagne and some desert treats via room service.

Our friends will force Joe to go back to the room (haven't quite figured out how to do that). When he arrives, I'll have lit a couple of little candles that I've brought along. I'll be standing on the balcony when he comes in. He'll snicker when he sees me in the costume (it's a secret and I haven't told him). I'll ask him to join me.

I'll tell him that I've been wanting to do something for a long time. That since we've agreed to have a traditional service and reception in 2005, that I felt he deserved a traditional proposal. Then I'll get on bended knee and present him with the ring and ask him to spend the rest of his life with me.

PROVIDED he says yes (just kidding), we'll hug and probably cry a little. A little while later, there'll be knock on the door and all of our friends will be there. He'll be shocked that they were in on it. We'll celebrate with champagne. The phone will ring and it'll be his aunts and uncles from Jersey, New Mexico and upstate NY calling to congratulate him.

Then I'll change into some party clothes and we'll all pile into a shuttle to Pleasure Island for an evening of dancing and cocktails.

That's the best I could do. What do you think?

 

[kdibattista]

That sounds fantastic... he is very lucky to have someone so special go to these great lengths for him!!!!

 

[PaintedStuff]

Originally posted by RickinNYC


When he arrives, I'll have lit a couple of little candles that I've brought along. I'll be standing on the balcony when he comes in. ... I'll ask him to join me.

<p><font face="Comic Sans MS" color="#0099CC"size="4">Heck, If I had a violin (and knew how to use it) I'd volunteer to stand below the balcony and play!!!!  <b>It sounds dreamy!</b>  Don't forget to post a full report when you get back!</font></p>

 

[TeresaNJ]

That sounds great Rick! I know some people turn their noses up at the San Angel Inn, but I think it is one of the most romantic looking restaurants at WDW. If you can just block out the yelling children, it will be great, LOL. Really though, if you can ever convince Joe to go to V&A's, it's an experience you'll remember forever. Plus, you don't have to get too dressed up, a jacket and tie will do.

 

[RickinNYC]

I guess I could hire a small children's choir to sing love songs from below, and ask the folks in the room upstairs to shower glitter onto our balcony at a designated time.

Nah, that would be just too much! Or maybe...

 

[lizdotcom99]

Originally posted by RickinNYC


Our friends will force Joe to go back to the room (haven't quite figured out how to do that).

Cell phones!!!!! Give your friends a call or call Joe with some silly excuse of why you NEED him!!!! IF you need help with excuses of need for a man....I have a million!!! LOL!

How awesome!! I can't wait to hear this trip report....I would certainly like to be one of the people who call with the aunts and uncles to send my congrats!!!!!

Best of everything for you both!!!!


Liz and Greg

 

[BCVOwner2002]

I can't wait to hear how this turns out! Your plans sound great!!! Keep us posted. Annmarie

 

[PrincessDeb]

Sounds awesome! Great planning considering how you couldn't get what you originally wanted. Keep us informed-we have to know what happened! Best of luck to you along with kisses and hugs

 

[blanq]

I don't know how I missed this thread back when it was started, but I am here to weigh in on it now. Rick, I first have to tell you that I fit all of the criteria you spelled out in your last post: I am fairly conservative. I am white. I am part of a traditional family (me, DH, 1 child), and I am heterosexual. Nevertheless, I am here to tell you I am so excited for you and Joe! It is so obvious that you care deeply for him, and I think he is lucky to have found someone who cares so very much for him. You have been so thoughtful in your planning! I think San Angel is a great place for dinner, so no groans from me. That place is dark and I think it is romantic too! Now, I HAVE to comment on your whole Prince Charming thing! What a creative and great idea! I think it is a special way to mark this very special occasion of a "proper" engagement. I think that Joe will be so suprised; your friends will be a great cover to help you to get back to the BW to set this whole thing up. You absolutely MUST do a trip report upon your return so we can hear what a wonderful time you two had! And then, I'll make sure my DH, of almost 20 years, reads it to get some pointers in the romance department. I love him deeply, but jeepers that guy could bring the romance up a notch. LOL! Congratulations and Best Wishes to you and Joe!

Linda

 

[MickeysMommy]

I said it before and I'll say it again ~ I think this is wonderful, not only that you are doing this for your partner but that you found someone that you want to spend the rest of your life with. I can't wait to see what happens (or should I say "read") and I wish you both all the best! Good Luck and Have a wonderful time.

 

[buckylarue]

Rick-
It sounds like a fantastic plan! Make sure you get your friends to get PICTURES!!! We all want to see you in your Prince Charming costume, and see the two of you together enjoying your anniversary celebration! Also, if you haven't already, you two should get a picture at the Leave a Legacy display in Epcot; my avatar is the picture my partner and I have there.
Wishing you all the best,
Wally & Dan

 

[staylor]

I too cannot believe I just found this thread. I'm watching your trip countdown to see how much longer we have to wait for a trip report. Rick, what a thoughtful guy you are. I'm sure this will be a moment the two of you remember forever. Have a fabulous time.

 

[Robinette]

Darn, I'll miss seeing you on the balcony by only a couple days. I have goose bumps reading how you're going to do the proposal, I think it will be wonderful. I love how all your friends will be at the door soon after... Have a wonderful vacation! Maybe my DH & I will run into you guys, we'll keep an eye out for two very happy, glowing men.

 

[zurgswife]

Rick......I can't wait for pics and a trip report....Joe is sooo lucky.....You are an awsome person...can't wait to hear how the Prince Charming turns out...

 

[DisneyConvert]

One of the wonderful things about Disney (like the world in general, I suppose), is that there's really no perfect one-way to get through and enjoy it.

Early Entry or not? Character Meals or not? Big family trips or going single? We all have our own wonderful perspective and individuality.

So many folks (including my parents) thought my wife and I are ill to be bringing our 2 yr. old son to WDW for the 3rd time in 25 months. It gives us pleasure; it gives him pleasure; it doesn't hurt anyone; hence it makes the world a better place.

A great entertainment complex, a supportive message board, and our hope for a world that allows us all to allow/celebrate our differences as well as what brings us all together.

Congratulations!

 

[GeekChic]

I too am coming to this thread late: please forgive me I didn't read all the replies so far but I just had to add my two cents, which with inflation is worth about a tenth of a cent LOL

You said:

"However, I'm very aware that we are still non-traditional in that we're a gay couple. And I can assure you that I am also aware that to a large population, we're not welcome."

That just about broke my heart, Rick! Bless you and your partner for being in such a loving, long term relationship! Love and family are what matter, life is too short to worry about other people, do what your heart tells you. I do totally admire you and your partner's desire to be discreet (I'm hetero but I'm not into PDA's either!) esp. not in a place as kid-conscious as WDW. You are surely two very classy gentlemen!

You deserve to have a wonderful anniversary, and I wish we could see the joy on his face when you surprise him! Wherever, or however you do it, it'll be beautiful.

We just stayed at the Grand Floridian about 2 weeks ago and I was just thinking...what if you gave him the ring on the beach? While the fireworks were going off? After a glorious dinner at V and A's (Or Narcoosees, which had FABULOUS food and a great view!) You could give it to him on the veranda outside Narcoosees if you wanted...there are so many great romantic spots hidden in WDW for such a thing!

I'll keep my brain percolating if you still need ideas...and again, congratulations on your anniversary.

Do not even worry a bit about the hotel staff, Disney cast members are instructed to be very sensitive to every family no matter what the situation, and there are many, many CM's who happen to be gay too so I'm sure that they will do all they can to make your stay a joy. I hope they surprise you with something really special.

Where are you staying? Can't wait to read the trip report!

Hugs to you and pixie dust for a great trip!!!

 

[staylor]

It looks like Rick & Joe are almost there. I cannot wait to hear the report.

 

[Castlebound]

Are there any other straight women beside myself that are really envious of the planning and thoughtfulness that Rick has put into this trip? My DH really does try, but planning something romantic and a surprise just is not his forte. I would get all teary eyed if my husband had a hotel room all decorated and was wearing a Prince Charming costume just to tell me that he loved me. No ring needed! Heck I would tear up if he did it at home! Maybe Rick can offer romance challenged straight guys tips on grand romantic gestures! Congratulations to you both on your anniversary! By the way I also fit into the Middle America, traditional family, and white categories. I do know people who would have plenty of disparaging things to say about your relationship some are unfortunately related to me. But even us “normal” families have to deal with rude people who feel like they have a right to have a say in our lives. My DH and I teach our children that one of the most important keys to happiness is having people in your life who love you because of who you are, not because of who or what they think you should be. I hope you enjoy your trip!

Christal