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.