Need help from all the experts for a special occasion at WDW...

[janets]

A co-worker of mine is planning a big trip to WDW in May and plans to propose to his girlfriend while there. He's got an elaborate plan scheduled, and it will take place at Cinderella's Castle right after the fireworks. He's having a custom made glass slipper to present to her (made by Steuben) and will be involving the staff of the restaurant as well.

He's also planning on having his girlfriend's family and his come down to join them just after the fact to share in their excitement. He's got a couple of things that he needs to do and hasn't figured out how to accomplish them so I thought I'd come to the experts and ask.

One: He wants to create T-shirts for everyone and is trying to find out if there is a picture of Mickey/Minnie which would be suitable for an engagement rather than a wedding that can be put on the shirts.

Two: He's trying to make the room reservations for her entire family and is trying to minimize the costs so that as many as possible will be able to come. He's going down in the spring and buying an AP and is trying to find out when the AP rates for May will come out. I see from a post today that the Jan/Feb ones aren't even out yet but does anyone know if there are usually decent rates for that time of year. He's going to try and put them in AS if possible. He's been quoted a rate by AAA at $94/night and he's not sure if this is as low as it's going to get.

Three: Anyone who has been through the engagement scene at the world and can offer any advice would be greatly appreciated.

If I think of anything else he needs, I'll post again.

Thanks to all the experts out there.

 

[spiceycat]

you can get OKW for around $100 a night at that time - only if he is willing to stay Sun-Thurs (leaving on Friday) nights - OKW is a DVC resort - the studio comes with a microwave and a under-the-counter refrigerator. If he was willing to have a couple of meals in the rooms they could save money.

This is renting from a DVC member - on this site - go to DVC rental/trade and see what deals you can make - if it is too good to be true (under $9 a point) - go ask on the DVC boards if anyone had trouble with this person.

these rooms have 2 queen beds - the All stars have 2 double beds

there is also a 2-bedroom that sleeps 8 - but it cost alot more than the studio (sleeps 4 adults)

here are some sites

wdw florist
1-407-827-3505
http://www.disneyflorist.com/

other florist
http://www.theperfectgift.cc/

http://www.giftsofalifetime.com

http://www.towncenterflorist.com/feature.asp


the gifts of a lifetime - has a personal shopper - that could probably help with the T-shirts - it won't be cheap!

 

[stacy6552]

Have him rent points from a DVC member and put the family up in some villas. Whats it going to cost him to "go down and get AP's"? It might not be worth the room discount.

Have him email jane@giftsofalifetime.com. She is the true expert.

 

[mandasbutterfly]

How special!!!! She is a very lucky girl let me tell you!!! I just got engaged at Disney about two weeks ago. It was so special and exceeded all of my dreams. I felt like a princess!!!!! My now fiance and I stayed at POR in a river water view room for the first night. We took the boat to DTD, shopped, had dinner and went to the Poly beach to watch wishes. Then the next day we moved to the Grand Floridian. My fiance did well surprising me. He planned this whole trip and kept telling me that we could not get a laggon view room because they were booked so there would be no possibility of a castle view. I believed him because the resort was booked the night before and that is why we stayed at POR. Well he checked us in and I looked around the lobby and such. Our room was ready a while later and we were off. We walked to our building Saygo Cay (I am pretty sure that was it) and then walked to our room. I didn't even notice that is was at the end of the hallway facing the Magic Kingdom. He entered the room first and ran to open the curtains and to my total surprise was the best view of the castle ever!! I was so shocked!! We then got ready for a PS that he made and he said it was at the California Grill. We took the monorail over and I looked around while he checked us in. He came and got me and again we had the best view of the castle from our table. We had a fabulous dinner and right when the lowered the lights for the fireworks he proposed. It was the best moment of my life and I still get chills thinking about it. The restaraunt staff was great and the waiter took pictures and they came out great. My fiance did great setting all this up and slipping the camera to the waiter and having the Fairy tale cuvee champagne for us and desert with a message in chocolate that said Congratulations from the California Grill. It was the best. Sorry I went into way to much detail. Well as you can tell Disney is a great place for proposals and the CM's are great and really get into it. We had the best vacation ever and the staff everywhere we went was so helpful. My fiance said they were great everytime he called and spoke with them about his plans. I mean we really lucked out with the view both at the California Grill and from our room at the Grand Floridian. I just remeber sitting on our balcony the next night and watching the fireworks, sipping more champagne and looking at the contemporary where we were engaged the night before. We both said it doesn't get much better than this!!! I don't think our engagement could have gone any better. If he needs any ideas or help I would love to try and help. As far as the hotels I think the DVC sounds like a great idea. AP rates will come out but not until way closer to May. He should probably go ahead and make a reservation and then change it if the rates come out. Or could he rent a suite at one of the hotels. That should sleep a few more people than a regular room and they could have a small party after the proposal? Well depending on how many are planning to go... There are so many options!! How exciting!! I am still over excited about my engagement it is unbelievable. Disney is truly magical and what a great guy for wanting to propose to her there. I know I have a keeper to say the least.!!! Let me know if I can help at all.

 

[franw]

There is also the Pop Century which is opening this month if he wants to stay in the values. I'd make the reservation and keep watching for AP rates - definitely ask for a AAA rate if he has a card. That way he can make a few priority seatings for some special gatherings. Tell him there is a 90 day advance PS on Cinderella's Castle now. I'll bet he could talk to the CRT staff prior and set something special up for the proposal. I've read some pretty heart warming stories over the years here. Try a search in the archives on proposals and see if a few don't turn up. Wish him luck.

 

[spiceycat]

forgot on this site is another board - disney wedding and honeymoons - they can probably make some more suggestions