Dis Pros, can you please point me in the right directions?

[Austriankrystl]

Hi Princess! (hey, I say that a LOT in real life... ) LOVE that you showed up here. I think this is the greatest--knowing the "Background stories" are so much fun!

I LOVE that the love of your life was waiting for you "just under your nose". How fab is that? We can be sooo blind! I'm glad things are going strong and that you both get along so well--so much more important than numbers on a piece of paper!

I hope you are right about the bonding! I've been antsy 'cause it's his first time and he's overwhelmed with the idea of planning (that's my department, anyway).

 

[Austriankrystl]

OK. just so y'all know, when I met my DF we talked for 5 min. and I left to go home. I remember thinking: WOW, she's lucky, wish I could clone him. but not seriously.

3 months later I get a phone call from overseas. They had broken up and she had no idea what to do. We talked a LOT about cultures, etc. and she decided to come visit (and try to win him back). New Year's Eve she came with him to my city. And when they left (1.1.2013), she told him he "had to give me his Facebook information and stay in contact". She got us talking for me to "win him over" to her--and it didn't work quite right.

We've been officially together since 2.2. and moved in together exactly 1 year ago today. (I moved countries for love, giving up my work and my really cool Greencard-type visa.)

Absolutely the most pragmatic engagement: after signing a notarized "Statement of Relationship Status" for me to live in Germany we were driving back to work (we work in the same company now) and at a stop-light he said: I guess we're "married" now--I swore to protect and care for you and I mean that forever. If you're a good girl, we may even have a wedding someday if you want. (In German that doesn't sound patronizing, I promise).

New Year's Eve 2014 at midnight he asked me to slow Dance with him at the Family get together and whispered in my year, "and this is how my happily ever after (Glück bis ans Lebensende) starts and I want every day for the rest of my life to start like this. Marry me."

that's the whole long boring story--I didn't even get a ring. I don't need one, though, and it's just not this culture.

 

[RVMH]

What a lovely story.... and so it begins..... and though , inevitably, there will be moments of anger and sadness, it really does get better and better through the years...I promise!

For now you can concentrate on a wonderfully romantic, fun-filled, memory making honeymoon that you will cherish for a lifetime. While I love the place where I am in life, I do envy you that spectacular sense of a great adventure ready to begin. It's rather like the feeling I had just before jumping out of an airplane last year....a bit scary but thrilling.....

 

[practicallyperfect77]

What a lovely story.... and so it begins..... and though , inevitably, there will be moments of anger and sadness, it really does get better and better through the years...I promise!

For now you can concentrate on a wonderfully romantic, fun-filled, memory making honeymoon that you will cherish for a lifetime. While I love the place where I am in life, I do envy you that spectacular sense of a great adventure ready to begin. It's rather like the feeling I had just before jumping out of an airplane last year....a bit scary but thrilling.....

Skydiving is the most amazing feeling ever. I did it in Vegas one year for my b day. Cracks me up that the place sold t shirts that said "Why gamble with your money when you can gamble with your life".

I'm still waiting for my "prince". I'm sure he's out there somewhere.

AK - I too love reading about your adventures and planning. Fingers crossed for a BOG cancellation. If not, you *might* be able to snag a fp+ and go there for lunch. It does NOT count towards one of your 3 ride FP+ ressies.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I'm still waiting for my "prince". I'm sure he's out there somewhere.

AK - I too love reading about your adventures and planning. Fingers crossed for a BOG cancellation. If not, you *might* be able to snag a fp+ and go there for lunch. It does NOT count towards one of your 3 ride FP+ ressies.

Your prince is out there. No doubt. Just keep enjoying life and he will find you when you least expect it.

One thing to remember. Just because you don't get a reservation does not mean you can't eat there. You could just wait in line. If you go late enough the line might not be that long. If its something you want, you can make it happen. It's Disney. There is always a way.

 

[thumper*]

You have enough on your plate just at the moment. You don't even have to start thinking about a TR until it's all over. I am enjoy writing them because I get to relive an awesome vacation.

Where specifically in Germany are you from Bavaria covers a wide area? Just wondering if I got to experiance your little part of the world when we were there last year.

 

[Austriankrystl]

RVMH-- you are soooo right. I am really happy at this point in my life (and heck, I waited a LONG time to get here!!!!) and where I have come. I know that things are going to be ups and downs, but seriously--this is AWESOME!

You are on "the other side" so to speak--you are in a different chapter and one I REALLY hope I get to enjoy as much as you are! And I think it is really important that we all look and see how great things can be at all stages. Makes me have hope for the "human race" when I read adventures like yours!

Seriously--skydiving! I'm terrified at the thought ('course I'm terrified of WDW right now, too... ) One adventure at a time.

Practically--I got you there! I waited a LONG time, but he did show up (now I feel like a bumper sticker-- "I waited and waited for my prince to come... and when I'd given up, there he was")

Not gonna lie: I loved being single. And now I love being part of a couple--go figure. love where you are (but hey, I get the impression you do just that!) Waiting has it all right!

Thumper--I think this is turning into a trip report... It just might really. See, I have nothing Major here to work out (ok, yeah, I do, but I'm really good with denial and making easy-peasy sound like complex and challenging).

I am still hoping for BOG ('cause all other restaurants I wanted were fine for the dates/times I wanted and I'm just being difficult.) It will not kill me if it doesn't happen, but just got a "trip Report" from a friend and they couldn't get in at all and I would just like for that magic. But I promise NOT to obsess... promise....

Thumper, if you went from Salzburg to Munich (or reverse) or Innsbruck to Munich (or reverse) you drove pretty much right by.... I live in the Bavarian pre-Alps 15/20 min from Chiemsee (where Ludwigs Palace is located on an island).

 

[Austriankrystl]

Thumper and 0037-- I am planning a lot, BUT gotta remember I don't have the wedding stress most People (women) do. Seriously, the first "part" is so calming and collected. It isn't expensive or complicated and I am not doing a "sit-down" for 250 of my nearest and bestest friends... I let that go YEARS ago.

there are benefits to living where I live and embracing different cultures. I was absolutely DEVESTATED when I read that in the USA people can judge so harshly and don't "approve" of things the way I'm doing them. WOW! just WOW! I've had people ask: if the 2nd ceremony is gift-grabbing (heck I don't want presents--customs is a bear!), why we aren't doing one "real ceremony", why we are celebrating in 2 countries instead of making everyone come to one place...

and then: whether our vacation REALLY qualifies as a honeymoon (because the church wedding hasn't taken place). I read a thread here which was really sad. It seems some people decide to "celebrate" something every visit whether it is the right time or not (ok--good for them). So there were a couple really snarky comments on whether people coming on a "honeymoon" or "happily ever after" were REALLY on their honeymoon or were they going on a *gasp* 2nd honeymoon (after the church wedding) and just using it to get free attention. Made me want to give up the vacation for a split-second.

And then I came to my senses.
1 year ago this September, my DF signed a notarized affidavit stating that a) we were in a monogamous, family-like couple's relationship residing in the same house with the same address, b) that he accepts full financial and medical "responsibility" for me, c) we are sharing full financial and life decisions and d) we are planning on being together for an indefinite time period.
According to the government here, we are as close to married as you can get without being actually married (legal life partners). We didn't celebrate, there was not party for this, it was just another step in getting me moved from Austria (hence the nickname) to Germany.
Now, we are taking the "next step" involving a) me going to my embassy and swearing that I am single (they take your word for it). Then gathering paperwork (the sexy part of getting married) from 4 countries and getting a date at the "Justice of the Peace" (I think we're going to be married in a castle--the romantic part) in a simple ceremony and paper signing marathon. Yes, I will have a "dress" and yes, the family here is coming. It is going to be uncomplicated, simple and romantic.

THEN we get to the USA wedding--and I have a paper bag for hyperventilation reserved.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Seriously--skydiving! I'm terrified at the thought ('course I'm terrified of WDW right now, too... ) One adventure at a time.

Practically--I got you there! I waited a LONG time, but he did show up (now I feel like a bumper sticker-- "I waited and waited for my prince to come... and when I'd given up, there he was")

Not gonna lie: I loved being single. And now I love being part of a couple--go figure. love where you are (but hey, I get the impression you do just that!) Waiting has it all right!

If you ever get the chance to skyduve, go for it! And yes, 98% of the time I love where I'm at. sometimes I wonder if I'd actually have time for a relationship. I'm awfully busy keeping up with my 9 nieces and nephews and hanging out with my friends.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Thumper and 0037-- I am planning a lot, BUT gotta remember I don't have the wedding stress most People (women) do. Seriously, the first "part" is so calming and collected. It isn't expensive or complicated and I am not doing a "sit-down" for 250 of my nearest and bestest friends... I let that go YEARS ago.

there are benefits to living where I live and embracing different cultures. I was absolutely DEVESTATED when I read that in the USA people can judge so harshly and don't "approve" of things the way I'm doing them. WOW! just WOW! I've had people ask: if the 2nd ceremony is gift-grabbing (heck I don't want presents--customs is a bear!), why we aren't doing one "real ceremony", why we are celebrating in 2 countries instead of making everyone come to one place...

and then: whether our vacation REALLY qualifies as a honeymoon (because the church wedding hasn't taken place). I read a thread here which was really sad. It seems some people decide to "celebrate" something every visit whether it is the right time or not (ok--good for them). So there were a couple really snarky comments on whether people coming on a "honeymoon" or "happily ever after" were REALLY on their honeymoon or were they going on a *gasp* 2nd honeymoon (after the church wedding) and just using it to get free attention. Made me want to give up the vacation for a split-second.

And then I came to my senses.
1 year ago this September, my DF signed a notarized affidavit stating that a) we were in a monogamous, family-like couple's relationship residing in the same house with the same address, b) that he accepts full financial and medical "responsibility" for me, c) we are sharing full financial and life decisions and d) we are planning on being together for an indefinite time period.
According to the government here, we are as close to married as you can get without being actually married (legal life partners). We didn't celebrate, there was not party for this, it was just another step in getting me moved from Austria (hence the nickname) to Germany.
Now, we are taking the "next step" involving a) me going to my embassy and swearing that I am single (they take your word for it). Then gathering paperwork (the sexy part of getting married) from 4 countries and getting a date at the "Justice of the Peace" (I think we're going to be married in a castle--the romantic part) in a simple ceremony and paper signing marathon. Yes, I will have a "dress" and yes, the family here is coming. It is going to be uncomplicated, simple and romantic.

THEN we get to the USA wedding--and I have a paper bag for hyperventilation reserved.

People can be so judgey mcjudgerton =(. I don't understand why folks don't see there is more than one way to go about things. I am so happy you didn't cancel your trip. When I go in Oct with my niece and nephews it will be 1 month after my nieces bday and 1 month before my nephews' bday. You can bet your bum we're going to be celebrating!

 

[lam0037]

Thumper and 0037-- I am planning a lot, BUT gotta remember I don't have the wedding stress most People (women) do. Seriously, the first "part" is so calming and collected. It isn't expensive or complicated and I am not doing a "sit-down" for 250 of my nearest and bestest friends... I let that go YEARS ago.

there are benefits to living where I live and embracing different cultures. I was absolutely DEVESTATED when I read that in the USA people can judge so harshly and don't "approve" of things the way I'm doing them. WOW! just WOW! I've had people ask: if the 2nd ceremony is gift-grabbing (heck I don't want presents--customs is a bear!), why we aren't doing one "real ceremony", why we are celebrating in 2 countries instead of making everyone come to one place...

and then: whether our vacation REALLY qualifies as a honeymoon (because the church wedding hasn't taken place). I read a thread here which was really sad. It seems some people decide to "celebrate" something every visit whether it is the right time or not (ok--good for them). So there were a couple really snarky comments on whether people coming on a "honeymoon" or "happily ever after" were REALLY on their honeymoon or were they going on a *gasp* 2nd honeymoon (after the church wedding) and just using it to get free attention. Made me want to give up the vacation for a split-second.

And then I came to my senses.
1 year ago this September, my DF signed a notarized affidavit stating that a) we were in a monogamous, family-like couple's relationship residing in the same house with the same address, b) that he accepts full financial and medical "responsibility" for me, c) we are sharing full financial and life decisions and d) we are planning on being together for an indefinite time period.
According to the government here, we are as close to married as you can get without being actually married (legal life partners). We didn't celebrate, there was not party for this, it was just another step in getting me moved from Austria (hence the nickname) to Germany.
Now, we are taking the "next step" involving a) me going to my embassy and swearing that I am single (they take your word for it). Then gathering paperwork (the sexy part of getting married) from 4 countries and getting a date at the "Justice of the Peace" (I think we're going to be married in a castle--the romantic part) in a simple ceremony and paper signing marathon. Yes, I will have a "dress" and yes, the family here is coming. It is going to be uncomplicated, simple and romantic.

THEN we get to the USA wedding--and I have a paper bag for hyperventilation reserved.

Some people are just awful and so quick to judge. I am so glad you are keeping your trip. Trust me, I know the exact thing you are talking about. BF and I are celebrating, but it's months after so we would be the people they tell not to celebrate. My grandmother almost passed away on my birthday, our anniversary was spent going to see if my grandfather was alive after a seizure, and his birthday is right around the anniversary of my father's death. So, we don't get to celebrate during the year so we're celebrating in December.

Just enjoy the whole wedding process. Honestly, do what you want to do without what everyone thinks. My boyfriend's family is super religious so if we have any alcohol (including a champagne toast) and any popular music and dancing, they will leave the reception and probably disown BF

So, I thought about having two receptions, which is ridiculous. And now I'm leaning towards eloping, with just my mom there and having a celebration/recpetion later (mostly because the big fairytale wedding will be really hard, probably impossible for me emotionally since my father died). And I'm sure there will be lots of judgement and comments from my family and friends.

So, just do what makes you and your fiancee happy. This is a celebration for YOU, not them. I know we are going to be happier and the planning easier once we do what we want, versus trying to please everyone else.

 

[Austriankrystl]

Practically--I sooo understand. If it hadn't been for the car accident, I totally wouldn't have had time in my life. sigh.
You sound like me--busy with other people's kids and just enjoying life to the fullest! Sounds like FUN!!!!!!

oh 0037--that is AWFUL! you have had such a rough year! I am sooo sorry--losing family is the worst. Followed closely by "Almost losing family and fearing the worst". I am so proud of you for sticking to your plan and Celebrating Life at Christmas--that is the BEST THING TO DO!!!!! I, for one, applaud you for making the time and effort for yourselves!

My wedding is mine. We ARE doing the 2-times. Partially because of the same issues you face. Language barriers (honestly, I am NOT translating and interpreting at my own party!) and cultural (religious) differences make it just pragmatic. And did I mention easy?

If it makes you feel better--I think those "People" you mentioned (drinking and dancing) already feel I am condemned and either won't come or will brace for the worst.

No one who loves you will judge you having a wedding you want when you decide the time is right for you--or the emotions related with your situation (we are going to do something in the USA for my parents' sake--they want to be a part of this and my daddy needs to give his not-so-little girl away).

 

[StitchBuddy]

Congrats! Most anywhere you eat you will enjoy! You will probably want to have at least one day that you don't go to the parks. That would be a good day to eat a late breakfast at one of the resorts. I know you said you are not morning people, which I totally understand. However, your sleeping pattern will already be off with the time change. My suggestion would be to take advantage of it and use a couple days of early entry especially Magic Kingdom, you can get a lot of rides done the first couple of hours. Beats standing in line!! Have fun!

 

[Austriankrystl]

Thank you Stitch... You are right, I think.

We have booked a 5-day base tickets. We can always add days if we want. I really don't want to "push" it (DF hasn't ever been, so it's an "unknown"). Sleeping in and then just seeing what we can see sounds really nice.

I am hoping to be able to schedule 1 evening meal for each park (or just "outside") just for ease.

Just wishing I had taken the 6month thing more seriously (and had it worked out--I didn't need my hotel resi like I thought. grrrr....). Now I am just waiting it out and hoping for the best!

 

[RVMH]

0037 is so right! There are those life moments that put everything in perspective and make you realized what's really important.....having just come through a hurricane on NC Outer Banks I've been thinking about things like that.

Do something with and for your parents; that's important.

What does it matter that total strangers have some rigid notion about who should celebrate what and where and when? Do what feels right for the two of you.

 

[Austriankrystl]

Thank you, RVMH, hearing your confirmation means a lot to me!

I am getting busy planning everything (we're in the "home stretch" for so much).

Monday I ran into a bit of a planning snag.

The good: a ressie for BOG opened up and I jumped on it!

The bad: a technical problem wouldn't complete the reservation! I did everything right--filled everything out. But the "telephone number" field refused to accept my number (it is a required field. why? seriously? are they going to CALL me? ). I just kept getting a red warning. So I entered about 6 different telephone numbers--and NONE worked!

No problem, I'm frustrated, BUT I decide to just write tech services from MDE. EXCEPT they require the SAME FIELD! It wouldn't let me send the email.

Instead I called... for 1 hour... from Germany... yeah...

I do have to say, the CMs were really nice and although there was no solution for the technical problem, they did manage to transfer me to the dining and reservation line who not only secured all my reservations, they updated my hotel info, put my "special wishes" into the program--and took the HONEYMOON notice and entered it manually into EVERY SINGLE RESERVATION!

They were very understanding and gave me another email address to contact directly with the problem. And the dining CM was very comforting about probably finding a regular reservation closer to our arrival. GREAT people.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Thank you, RVMH, hearing your confirmation means a lot to me!

I am getting busy planning everything (we're in the "home stretch" for so much).

Monday I ran into a bit of a planning snag.

The good: a ressie for BOG opened up and I jumped on it!

The bad: a technical problem wouldn't complete the reservation! I did everything right--filled everything out. But the "telephone number" field refused to accept my number (it is a required field. why? seriously? are they going to CALL me? ). I just kept getting a red warning. So I entered about 6 different telephone numbers--and NONE worked!

No problem, I'm frustrated, BUT I decide to just write tech services from MDE. EXCEPT they require the SAME FIELD! It wouldn't let me send the email.

Instead I called... for 1 hour... from Germany... yeah...

I do have to say, the CMs were really nice and although there was no solution for the technical problem, they did manage to transfer me to the dining and reservation line who not only secured all my reservations, they updated my hotel info, put my "special wishes" into the program--and took the HONEYMOON notice and entered it manually into EVERY SINGLE RESERVATION!

They were very understanding and gave me another email address to contact directly with the problem. And the dining CM was very comforting about probably finding a regular reservation closer to our arrival. GREAT people.

Maybe they had set up their phone number field to accept only the American format of three-digit area code plus seven digit phone number? I wonder if other overseas guests have had this problem?

 

[Waiting2goback]

Thank you, RVMH, hearing your confirmation means a lot to me!

I am getting busy planning everything (we're in the "home stretch" for so much).

Monday I ran into a bit of a planning snag.

The good: a ressie for BOG opened up and I jumped on it!

The bad: a technical problem wouldn't complete the reservation! I did everything right--filled everything out. But the "telephone number" field refused to accept my number (it is a required field. why? seriously? are they going to CALL me? ). I just kept getting a red warning. So I entered about 6 different telephone numbers--and NONE worked!

No problem, I'm frustrated, BUT I decide to just write tech services from MDE. EXCEPT they require the SAME FIELD! It wouldn't let me send the email.

Instead I called... for 1 hour... from Germany... yeah...

I do have to say, the CMs were really nice and although there was no solution for the technical problem, they did manage to transfer me to the dining and reservation line who not only secured all my reservations, they updated my hotel info, put my "special wishes" into the program--and took the HONEYMOON notice and entered it manually into EVERY SINGLE RESERVATION!

They were very understanding and gave me another email address to contact directly with the problem. And the dining CM was very comforting about probably finding a regular reservation closer to our arrival. GREAT people.

There is a reason Disney is awesome. Its the people. I know the level of service has dropped off a bit but they are still great. Anytime I call to make any kind of reservation I deal with someone who seems to love their job. I have heard stories of CM's that are miserable but I have yet to come across one.

That's great you got the reservation you wanted. Just one more piece falling into place to make your honeymoon great. I am happy for you.

 

[Austriankrystl]

thanks guys. I had heard the same that there are so many who seem to love their jobs and are really nice--and I really needed the friendliness right then.

The telephone field just wasn't working--even USA numbers wouldn't take (and I tried with tech support "on-line".

I did get everything I knew I wanted EXCEPT BOG. no openings and really, I didn't expect them to work miracles.

After the call they ask if your experiences was "magical, exemplary, great...." (don't remember the exact words) and I chose "exemplary" in my email I said that "magical" would have been had there been a surprise opening available.

But yes, at least 1 step closer....

 

[RVMH]

Haven't heard from you in a while and have been wondering how your plans are going.
what's new ????