We got engaged on our trip just a few weeks ago July 2021. I read this thread a lot while planning, and thought would share our experience. We met during the pandemic and went to Disney August 2020 staying at BLT on our first trip as a couple together. Shortly thereafter, we bought at BLT, which was the first thing we bought together.
This trip, we were staying at BLT and SS for a 12 day split day with our 4 older teenage kids on their first trip with all of us together and I had everything planned 60 days in advance. I didn't use Disney Engagements, but instead had booked Capture your Moment by Disney for just the two of us first thing at park open on Sunday July 25th with dinner planned for the evening at BOG. I had planned on proposing at the castle either at the wishing well or in front first thing before guests were in the background. Then she got an email on Wednesday while we were in the parks about a special premier for Jungle Cruise on Sunday the 25th at Disney Springs. Well she asked our teenagers who were with us if they wanted to go and they all were excited and said it be cool to see it before almost anyone else. So Plan A was out the window. Time to pivot.
So Saturday July 24th was a non-park day for us. First time I took the ring out of safekeeping and had it on me to be spontaneous. The boys had wanted to hit the pool and relax at the resort. Just the two of us went to the Polly to walk around down by the beach. Then walked over to the wedding pavilion. We were brushed aside from looking around as they had a wedding that day, we made it over to GF to view the lobby and walk the grounds, still didn't have the right vibe. Back to BLT and the kids. We had dinner at Whispering Canyon with our boys and checked out Wilderness Lodge grounds. Still wasn't the right vibe. Finally that night, I said let's put something nice and and just the two of us walk over the bridge to California Grill. No reservations, but spoke to the desk, and they let us up to have a bottle of wine at the bar. I passed a message to our bartender, and he was in on it. He worked with me to convince her out on the balcony for fireworks (she doesn't like heights) and we were on the balcony front row for HEA.
Now, both of us love Disney, and have been many many times. Neither one of us had been to California Grill and Top of the World was closed last trip and this trip. So as the fireworks and music swelled, I finally felt the timing was right, was able to pass my phone while recording to someone behind us, and dropped to a knee and popped the question just before the grand finale and she said yes.
In retrospect Plan B was the better plan. Now when we stay at BLT using our points, that is "our" resort in many ways, and every time we see the Contemporary, we look up to where we got engaged. Planning is great, but you'll know when the moment is really right and special.
