Marriage proposal on Jaws Ride, need help with logistics

[mindsuckr]

I've tried doing some research online, but figured it would be easier to ask people on the boards. Here is some basic background. I am looking to propose to my girlfriend on the Jaws Ride near the end when the shark pops out of the water and gets killed (idea from Mallrats). You only live life once, so you might as well have fun with it while you can. We were going to Islands of Adventure on the 25th of October mainly for Harry Potter. I was originally hoping to do it during Ollivanders with the ring being in the wand box, but heard that Universal no longer assists people with that. I've told her that they are closing Jaws for rehab and talked her into hoping over to Universal just to ride Jaws before they close it.

I only have single park tickets, so I am guessing I would have to upgrade them to park-to-park before we enter. Where do you go to upgrade your ticket?

I was hoping to go to Universal first and hit up Jaws, then head over to IoA. We are going in late October, so I know ride openings can be affected by the "off-season". Does Jaws open right at 9am when the park opens? If not, when does it open?

Is the seating area on the ride big/open enough that I could get down on one knee with vague ease? I'm 6' and 130 so I'm pretty thin if that helps. Also, how well do they cram people together on the seats? Would it be possible to set my backpack next to myself on the seat to try to give myself more maneuverability room?

Are there seat belts on the ride that would stop me from leaving my seat?

Would I be allowed to drop to one knee on the ride without getting in major trouble with authorities? Not sure if I should try to clear it with the park beforehand, or just try to do it and see how it goes. It would be a quick proposal due to it being during the ride.

I'd love to be able to record the event, but since it's only the two of us I have no idea how to go about that one. I figure I could try to record to POV style myself, but it seems like it would be awkward. I'd be open to ideas if anyone has any.

Thanks for any help. I'm sure I will have more ideas pop up as things go along.

 

[RAPstar]

In off season, Jaws sometimes doesn't open till 10 or 11 I think. Good luck, sounds like an awesome idea!

 

[WWEDUDE]

I would definately talk with guest services first, see if they can assist you.

 

[Lorelei Lee]

There are no seat belts, but there's really no space for you to get down on one knee either -- the floorspace between rows of benches is pretty narrow.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

While I think it's a great idea in theory, I unfortunately do see some problems with your plan.

They usually fill each row with guests so you really wouldn't have any room to maneuver to get down on one knee (if you could, which I doubt you can in those boats). Also, the boats don't stop, and with the shark coming out of the water being at the end of the ride, you'd really have only a few seconds to propose before getting back to the disembarking area. Plus the boat rocks somewhat during the shark attack, I'd worry that the ring might be dislodged from your hand into the water - which you don't want to happen.

Just my 2 cents.

B

 

[Metro West]

OP...you are definitely going to need Guest Services' help on this but it sounds like a great idea!

I hope you get it all worked out.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Your best bet, besides calling guest services and explaining your situation. What is more than likely to happen is that it could be arranged so that you go sit in the front (near the skipper; more space). Then, as long as things work in your favor, the ride staff would know which boat you're on. When you get to the end of the ride, perhaps the skipper could work something into their spiel to allow you to propose when the boat reaches the unloading dock and stops, just before they release the boat's side safety bars.

If you're not able to do this in any means, you could always try in front of the hanging shark, or in the middle of Hogsmeade with Hogwarts as the backdrop.

 

[dfriia]

I would think that you could speak with the conductor in front of the Hogwarts Express while having her take your photo. Then, swap places like you are going to get her photo and have the conductor make an announcement for you, then you swoop in with your ring on one knee...

 

[mindsuckr]

Thanks for the help and ideas. I will try giving guest services an email once the holiday weekend is up, and see what I can clear with them.
If I manage to somehow get a video done during the ride, I will post a link.

 

[Bluer101]

Thanks for the help and ideas. I will try giving guest services an email once the holiday weekend is up, and see what I can clear with them.
If I manage to somehow get a video done during the ride, I will post a link.

What ever happens please post back with full details.

 

[stich626]

As a fellow Mallrats fan, I hope you can do the proposal on the ride. My hubby and I take turns fake proposing to each other. Which ever way you do propose, I am sure it will be magical.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

I would think that you could speak with the conductor in front of the Hogwarts Express while having her take your photo. Then, swap places like you are going to get her photo and have the conductor make an announcement for you, then you swoop in with your ring on one knee...

This would be far easier, and significantly safer.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

I found a screen shot of the boat they use for this ride ... as you can see there isn't much room between rows, and they do fill the boat with people.

Let us know what you finally decide and/or set up with Guest Services if you decide to go that route

 

[mindsuckr]

That picture actually helps a lot. It was so hard to find pictures of the leg room. It looks to be about a full foot in length with a little room to spare. Not the most ideal space, but more than I was expecting. Thanks

 

[torinsmom]

Front row has more room. When we went in mid-August,we rode Jaws about 30 minutes after the park opened and there were only 8-10 people in your boat.I think you could pull it off if you get there early.

 

[elgerber]

We were there mid August, and the park opened at 9, and Jaws did not open until 10. We had to wait around a few minutes before we could get in line.

 

[macraven]

Front row has more room. When we went in mid-August,we rode Jaws about 30 minutes after the park opened and there were only 8-10 people in your boat.I think you could pull it off if you get there early.

and ask the TM if you could use the mic so everyone can hear what's gonna happen.

 

[keishashadow]

As a fellow Mallrats fan, I hope you can do the proposal on the ride. My hubby and I take turns fake proposing to each other. Which ever way you do propose, I am sure it will be magical.

as long as GF in question is like-minded.

OP for some a proposal is a more of a private, quiet type momentbut whatever floats your collective jaws' boat

I expect to see the happy moment here or on youtube shortly, congratulations!

 

[reelmom]

Joining in to find out the outcome. I wish you well and hope that you have a great time.

 

[mindsuckr]

Just an update that I ended up going through with all of it and she said yes.
I had hired a local photographer to record the event, but they ended up canceling on me because they came down with a flu and couldn't get out of bed. I was a little bummed about that, but try not to dwell on it at all.
We got there right at park opening, but the ride didn't open until 10. We killed some time on Simpsons and such until it opened. We got one of the first boat rides and I was able to get a seat right up front with no one else in the row.
I ended up asking her at the final part of the ride when Jaws pops out and is killed. I had to get her attention at first because she was so focused on the shark she didn't hear me saying her name. Turned out no one else on the boat noticed it at all, including the skipper. Works out pretty well for both of us since we are both really shy and modest people, and lots of attention makes us nervous.
All in all, we got a good story out of it. Most people say it's one of the more interesting things they've heard. Though people who've seen Mallrats either laugh or say, "that's the most romantic thing i've ever heard."

Thanks again for everyone's help with the planning and questions I had. I really appreciate all of it.