RickinNYC
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2003
- Messages
- 7,870
The cast:
Me (37) My name is Rick and I'm addicted to Walt Disney World and Mickey Mouse watches.
Joe (37), my partner of 13 years. He's not-so-much a Disney World fan as I am, but he enjoys himself tremendously.
Vinnie (37), an old childhood friend of Joe's. A professed Disney World fan but after this trip, I doubt it.
Dennis (25, just ask him, he'll tell you), a friend of Vinnie's.
Cameos by:
Jerry (37), Joe's fraternity brother from college who currently resides with his lovely wife
Michelle (30), Jerry's wife
Billy, aka the Prince of Darkness (7), Rick's best friend and evil to the core. Ok, so he's not evil, he's just a cute troublemaker who happens to be covered head to toe in fur, walks on all fours, and has a severe Beggin' Strip addiction. Ok, so he's not really a troublemaker. But trouble seems to find him.
Day 1 - Nighttime
After we were seated, I noticed Joe acting all fidgety and excited. His head was whipping around, eyes as wide as saucers, mouth split into a mile wide grin.
Whats the matter? I asked.
After all these years, and all of our visits, I always wanted to eat here!
I knew that but always passively aggressively poo-pooed the idea simply because I hadnt heard too many great things about the joint. But I didnt tell him that. This is just between you and me, remember? I figured I had a surprise for him later that night so I wanted the evening to be all for him. Even though we had been together for years, we had decided to formalize things and have a ceremony and reception in a couple of years. That being the case, I felt if we were going to formalize things to that level, I wanted to be proper and give Joe a ring.
So poo-pooing aside, thats why I found myself sitting next to a fake volcano, nervously keeping one eye on my watch.
The waiter brought our menus and introduced himself. We quickly ordered margaritas, which arrived in absolutely massive glasses. We toasted our vacation and our 13th anniversary. Broken backs, crashed computer systems and power surges notwithstanding, everything was perfect.
We chatted quietly over dinner, talked about our plans for the week, friends we were to meet later that evening. It was so pleasant having a calm dinner in the midst of Walt Disney World. If ever asked to close my eyes and think of a happy moment or place, this would be one of them. Sitting with my amazing partner, a ring burning a hole in my pocket, in the middle of Epcot, enjoying the sights and sounds.
After dinner was over, we walked through the pavilion plaza only to hear, Pardon me, your table is ready . Pardon me, your table is ready
Incoming! Joe yelled and he was off like a shot.
I found him outside, chortling merrily to himself.
We strolled across the southern most point of the World Showcase. We had friends to meet up with at the Boardwalk in an hour and we had to take showers and change. Joe had to do his hair because apparently he was trying something new.
We ambled by Canada and the United Kingdom with nary a glance. Secure in the fact that we had 8 more fun filled days, we knew wed be back to explore them in more detail. Walking through the International Gateway, our first day at the parks had come to a close.
Walking back to the Boardwalk, I decided to take the helm and not let Joe get us lost once again. He did it earlier in the day, he might do it again, yknow. And lo! I found the Boardwalk in no time! We immediately went up to our room and to our dismy, we had a surprise waiting for us! On our bed was a room service platter covered with Mickey glitter. On the platter was a solid chocolate picture frame with a white chocolate "picture" of the Boardwalk. Placed around the frame were tasty chocolate truffles. A note was attached that said, "Welcome to the Boardwalk. We hope you have a magical stay." We have never in all of our trips experienced anything remotely like it before.
"Did we order this and forget?" Joe asked.
"I don't think so."
"Do you think it's the equivalent of a mint on a pillow?!"
"Nah, probably not."
"So this is what rich people get! They get free stuff!" Joe was marvelling as he munched a truffle. "Do you suppose it's because we're at the Boardwalk and this is normal?" Joe asked. "We always stay at a moderate and we get squat."
"Ummm. I think it's just because they're being nice Joe."
With that, he popped another truffle and hopped in the shower. I sat out on the balcony enjoying the view as the lights popped on. It was hard not to be immersed in the magic.
Not too much later, we were both scrubbed fresh and new, wearing fancy schmancy Pleasure Island duds. Joe went ahead to meet up with his fraternity brother Jerry and Jerrys wife Michelle. I used the excuse so that I could use the phone and call room service. Youll have the deserts and chocolate covered strawberries at the room no later than 9:00pm, right?
Yes sir, 9pm it is. Dont worry.
I had plotted that Id go downstairs to meet up with Joe and the gang and shortly before 9, Id run up for some reason and meet room service. After all was set up, Id change into my surprise Halloween costume, a Prince Charming outfit that Id had designed and created by a fellow DIS member. I would call Joe on his cel to come up. Ring given, Illuminations fireworks, sweeping score, tears and ta da!
Thats what I planned, anyway.
We all sat on the Belle Vue Room veranda sipping cocktails, enjoying the conversation. Both Jerry and Michelle were in on the plot and they were charged with keeping Joe occupied when the time came.
After many, many, many glances at my watch, the time came. What kind of excuse could I come up with? Bathroom? Wallet? Whats realistic? Joe knows Im so anal, Id never forget anything. What? Nuts! said Joe. I forgot the camera, Ill be right back.
Thats ok, I pounce. I have to go upstairs and use the bathroom anyway so Ill get it. (Did I just say I had to go to the bathroom? Thats not romantic!)
But Joe didnt blink an eye and I was off. I ran to the elevator and got to the room and waited for room service. And waited. And waited some more. And guess what? Yep. I waited. The clock was ticking and it said it was 9pm! Where were they?
9pm became 9:05, then 9:10. I called room service and was told they were backed up and my order was on its way, sorry for the delay. Sorry? I was going to propose!
At 9:15, I gave up. I had been gone for almost a half hour and Joe would undoubtedly think something was wrong. I would rather tell him to come up so I know hes on his way, rather than have him stroll in unexpectedly. With a huge sigh, I gave up on the Prince Charming costume and put it back in the garment bag and hung it up.
Dejectedly, I called him and told him I couldnt find the camera, couldnt he come up and get it. But its in the pocket of the carryon.
Come up and find it please. I looked in there.
Then it must be in the nightstand on my side of the bed.
Come up and help me. I really cant find it.
He replied, Oh! Then its in the armoire next to the television!
Through very nervous but gritted teeth, Please come up and help me find the camera, NOW.
Geez, ok, ok, ok. With a click, he was on his way.
About a minute later, a knock on the door. With a sigh, I peeked through the peephole and sure enough, room service. With a very confused looking Joe standing next to the cart. A muffled, I dont think you have the right room, we didnt order anything.
This is for room 5308 sir, was the puzzled reply.
Still more muffling, all ending with an upturn question mark.
I could have left them both out there for a while longer, it was pretty amusing.
I opened the door and thanked room service for coming. I pointed out the table where he was to set up. Joe was puzzled but came in after him and made a beeline for the carry on and pulled out the camera. See? I told you it was in the pocket for the carryon. I chose to ignore him while the room service guy finished setting up.
With a stage whisper loud enough for the folks in the next room to hear, Joe said, What is this? Is it for our anniversary? Did you order this? Whats if for? Whats going on?
To which I hissed, SSsh! Ill tell you later.
But what? Why? Whats it for?
Will you SHUT UP?
To which the room service guy hissed at me, Im done!
And with the flash of a tip and a quick thank you, he was gone and the door was shut and I was stammering and stumbling and felt my face get flush and I was a little light headed and I wanted to sit down because now I had to do it.
What is going on?! Joe demanded.
I took him out onto the balcony and the Illuminations music was sweeping over us. We had a few crackles and pops and the fireworks burst in the air. Its magic time boy, you best give him the ring now.
And so I pulled the little box out of my pocket, opened it and held it out to him with one hand while the other hand grasped his own. I cleared my throat but nothing came out. The fireworks were booming. The music was peeling from across the tree tops.
I . We ummm . Ever see a 64 guy stumble and mutter like a donkey? That was me.
So I cleared my throat again and started over. We ummmm . Were in the happiest place on earth
And Joe responded, I know! And whats that? he pointed at the ring.
Shush! Were in my most favorite place in the world, the happiest place on earth. But it would be happier if you agreed to be with me for the rest of our lives. Weve been together for 13 years. Would you please marry me? At least thats what I wanted to say. I stammered a lot. And I said umm a lot. And that stupid lump in my throat that kept popping up all day? It was back with a vengeance. And I held the ring out to Joe. And boy were my hands shaking!
Joes reaction? What is this? What are you talking about? Whats this for? I dont get it. What are you doing? But somehow, confused or not, that ring found its way onto his finger and it was a perfect fit.
Im asking you to marry me.
Now? Why? The poor guy was confused either by my questions or because he kept staring at the ring on his finger. Looking back, Im not quite sure which.
But clear as a bell, once he was over the surprise, he said, Weve been together for so long, of course I would. I love you. And we hugged and the fireworks in my heart were out there for the world to see. And they were much, much bigger than the show up in the sky in front of us.
The phone rang. Hello? I asked, a little rattled. Let us up you dope! It was Michelle and Jerry, waiting impatiently downstairs.
Joe was flabbergasted, They knew?
Yep!
When they came up, Michelle screamed Congratulations! and fawned and cooed over the ring. Jerry squeezed my hand and muttered with a grin, About time, dude.
And then there was a knock on the door and it was our friends from Jersey, Vinnie and Dennis, two friends of Joe that were in WDW the same time. Vinnie toting a bottle of bubbly, bellowing Congrats!
They knew too?
Nope, they just guessed and decided to show up with champagne. Wasnt that nice?
And then the phone rang and I nudged Joe, Its for you.
How do you know? he demanded.
To which I rolled my eyes in exasperation. Just a wild guess. Answer it.
It was Joes Aunt from upstate New York wishing him well and congratulations. He chatted excitedly with her for a moment and hung up. He grabbed me by the hand and took me out on the balcony. Howd you do this? You cant lie, howd you manage?
And he just stared at me in more shock and wonder. I just smiled back like the famed Cheshire Cat and felt a bit big for my britches. Nothing boosts a mans confidence more than knowing you got one over on someone!
We cracked open the bubbly, toasts were given, backs were slapped. Everyone was in great spirits, the night was young. Pleasure Island was calling. We piled into Jerrys SUV and went off to party and play.
Cocktails were had. Dancing was done. We popped into the Rock n Roll Beach Club but it was pretty dead so we headed over to Adventurers Club, my personal favorite. The others were getting antsy so of course, I was overruled and we headed over to 8 Trax. We boogie oogie oogied and danced the night away.
By around 1:00am, we were all pretty much done for. It had been a long, exciting day and I for one needed to head to dreamland.
Jerry was kind enough to drop us all off at our respective resorts rather than wait for Disney transportation. What a relief! We said our goodbyes to Jerry and Michelle, they had to head back to Fort Lauderdale in the morning.
We made our plans to meet up with Vinnie and Dennis later that day but the morning was ours.
As we plopped into bed and pulled the covers up, I whispered to Joe, I feel like a kid! I cant believe were in Disney World again!
Joe responded, I cant believe you gave me a ring!
Disney sure is magical for everyone, isnt it?
Me (37) My name is Rick and I'm addicted to Walt Disney World and Mickey Mouse watches.
Joe (37), my partner of 13 years. He's not-so-much a Disney World fan as I am, but he enjoys himself tremendously.
Vinnie (37), an old childhood friend of Joe's. A professed Disney World fan but after this trip, I doubt it.
Dennis (25, just ask him, he'll tell you), a friend of Vinnie's.
Cameos by:
Jerry (37), Joe's fraternity brother from college who currently resides with his lovely wife
Michelle (30), Jerry's wife
Billy, aka the Prince of Darkness (7), Rick's best friend and evil to the core. Ok, so he's not evil, he's just a cute troublemaker who happens to be covered head to toe in fur, walks on all fours, and has a severe Beggin' Strip addiction. Ok, so he's not really a troublemaker. But trouble seems to find him.
Day 1 - Nighttime
After we were seated, I noticed Joe acting all fidgety and excited. His head was whipping around, eyes as wide as saucers, mouth split into a mile wide grin.
Whats the matter? I asked.
After all these years, and all of our visits, I always wanted to eat here!
I knew that but always passively aggressively poo-pooed the idea simply because I hadnt heard too many great things about the joint. But I didnt tell him that. This is just between you and me, remember? I figured I had a surprise for him later that night so I wanted the evening to be all for him. Even though we had been together for years, we had decided to formalize things and have a ceremony and reception in a couple of years. That being the case, I felt if we were going to formalize things to that level, I wanted to be proper and give Joe a ring.
So poo-pooing aside, thats why I found myself sitting next to a fake volcano, nervously keeping one eye on my watch.
The waiter brought our menus and introduced himself. We quickly ordered margaritas, which arrived in absolutely massive glasses. We toasted our vacation and our 13th anniversary. Broken backs, crashed computer systems and power surges notwithstanding, everything was perfect.
We chatted quietly over dinner, talked about our plans for the week, friends we were to meet later that evening. It was so pleasant having a calm dinner in the midst of Walt Disney World. If ever asked to close my eyes and think of a happy moment or place, this would be one of them. Sitting with my amazing partner, a ring burning a hole in my pocket, in the middle of Epcot, enjoying the sights and sounds.
After dinner was over, we walked through the pavilion plaza only to hear, Pardon me, your table is ready . Pardon me, your table is ready
Incoming! Joe yelled and he was off like a shot.
I found him outside, chortling merrily to himself.
We strolled across the southern most point of the World Showcase. We had friends to meet up with at the Boardwalk in an hour and we had to take showers and change. Joe had to do his hair because apparently he was trying something new.
We ambled by Canada and the United Kingdom with nary a glance. Secure in the fact that we had 8 more fun filled days, we knew wed be back to explore them in more detail. Walking through the International Gateway, our first day at the parks had come to a close.
Walking back to the Boardwalk, I decided to take the helm and not let Joe get us lost once again. He did it earlier in the day, he might do it again, yknow. And lo! I found the Boardwalk in no time! We immediately went up to our room and to our dismy, we had a surprise waiting for us! On our bed was a room service platter covered with Mickey glitter. On the platter was a solid chocolate picture frame with a white chocolate "picture" of the Boardwalk. Placed around the frame were tasty chocolate truffles. A note was attached that said, "Welcome to the Boardwalk. We hope you have a magical stay." We have never in all of our trips experienced anything remotely like it before.
"Did we order this and forget?" Joe asked.
"I don't think so."
"Do you think it's the equivalent of a mint on a pillow?!"
"Nah, probably not."
"So this is what rich people get! They get free stuff!" Joe was marvelling as he munched a truffle. "Do you suppose it's because we're at the Boardwalk and this is normal?" Joe asked. "We always stay at a moderate and we get squat."
"Ummm. I think it's just because they're being nice Joe."
With that, he popped another truffle and hopped in the shower. I sat out on the balcony enjoying the view as the lights popped on. It was hard not to be immersed in the magic.
Not too much later, we were both scrubbed fresh and new, wearing fancy schmancy Pleasure Island duds. Joe went ahead to meet up with his fraternity brother Jerry and Jerrys wife Michelle. I used the excuse so that I could use the phone and call room service. Youll have the deserts and chocolate covered strawberries at the room no later than 9:00pm, right?
Yes sir, 9pm it is. Dont worry.
I had plotted that Id go downstairs to meet up with Joe and the gang and shortly before 9, Id run up for some reason and meet room service. After all was set up, Id change into my surprise Halloween costume, a Prince Charming outfit that Id had designed and created by a fellow DIS member. I would call Joe on his cel to come up. Ring given, Illuminations fireworks, sweeping score, tears and ta da!
Thats what I planned, anyway.
We all sat on the Belle Vue Room veranda sipping cocktails, enjoying the conversation. Both Jerry and Michelle were in on the plot and they were charged with keeping Joe occupied when the time came.
After many, many, many glances at my watch, the time came. What kind of excuse could I come up with? Bathroom? Wallet? Whats realistic? Joe knows Im so anal, Id never forget anything. What? Nuts! said Joe. I forgot the camera, Ill be right back.
Thats ok, I pounce. I have to go upstairs and use the bathroom anyway so Ill get it. (Did I just say I had to go to the bathroom? Thats not romantic!)
But Joe didnt blink an eye and I was off. I ran to the elevator and got to the room and waited for room service. And waited. And waited some more. And guess what? Yep. I waited. The clock was ticking and it said it was 9pm! Where were they?
9pm became 9:05, then 9:10. I called room service and was told they were backed up and my order was on its way, sorry for the delay. Sorry? I was going to propose!
At 9:15, I gave up. I had been gone for almost a half hour and Joe would undoubtedly think something was wrong. I would rather tell him to come up so I know hes on his way, rather than have him stroll in unexpectedly. With a huge sigh, I gave up on the Prince Charming costume and put it back in the garment bag and hung it up.
Dejectedly, I called him and told him I couldnt find the camera, couldnt he come up and get it. But its in the pocket of the carryon.
Come up and find it please. I looked in there.
Then it must be in the nightstand on my side of the bed.
Come up and help me. I really cant find it.
He replied, Oh! Then its in the armoire next to the television!
Through very nervous but gritted teeth, Please come up and help me find the camera, NOW.
Geez, ok, ok, ok. With a click, he was on his way.
About a minute later, a knock on the door. With a sigh, I peeked through the peephole and sure enough, room service. With a very confused looking Joe standing next to the cart. A muffled, I dont think you have the right room, we didnt order anything.
This is for room 5308 sir, was the puzzled reply.
Still more muffling, all ending with an upturn question mark.
I could have left them both out there for a while longer, it was pretty amusing.
I opened the door and thanked room service for coming. I pointed out the table where he was to set up. Joe was puzzled but came in after him and made a beeline for the carry on and pulled out the camera. See? I told you it was in the pocket for the carryon. I chose to ignore him while the room service guy finished setting up.
With a stage whisper loud enough for the folks in the next room to hear, Joe said, What is this? Is it for our anniversary? Did you order this? Whats if for? Whats going on?
To which I hissed, SSsh! Ill tell you later.
But what? Why? Whats it for?
Will you SHUT UP?
To which the room service guy hissed at me, Im done!
And with the flash of a tip and a quick thank you, he was gone and the door was shut and I was stammering and stumbling and felt my face get flush and I was a little light headed and I wanted to sit down because now I had to do it.
What is going on?! Joe demanded.
I took him out onto the balcony and the Illuminations music was sweeping over us. We had a few crackles and pops and the fireworks burst in the air. Its magic time boy, you best give him the ring now.
And so I pulled the little box out of my pocket, opened it and held it out to him with one hand while the other hand grasped his own. I cleared my throat but nothing came out. The fireworks were booming. The music was peeling from across the tree tops.
I . We ummm . Ever see a 64 guy stumble and mutter like a donkey? That was me.
So I cleared my throat again and started over. We ummmm . Were in the happiest place on earth
And Joe responded, I know! And whats that? he pointed at the ring.
Shush! Were in my most favorite place in the world, the happiest place on earth. But it would be happier if you agreed to be with me for the rest of our lives. Weve been together for 13 years. Would you please marry me? At least thats what I wanted to say. I stammered a lot. And I said umm a lot. And that stupid lump in my throat that kept popping up all day? It was back with a vengeance. And I held the ring out to Joe. And boy were my hands shaking!
Joes reaction? What is this? What are you talking about? Whats this for? I dont get it. What are you doing? But somehow, confused or not, that ring found its way onto his finger and it was a perfect fit.
Im asking you to marry me.
Now? Why? The poor guy was confused either by my questions or because he kept staring at the ring on his finger. Looking back, Im not quite sure which.
But clear as a bell, once he was over the surprise, he said, Weve been together for so long, of course I would. I love you. And we hugged and the fireworks in my heart were out there for the world to see. And they were much, much bigger than the show up in the sky in front of us.
The phone rang. Hello? I asked, a little rattled. Let us up you dope! It was Michelle and Jerry, waiting impatiently downstairs.
Joe was flabbergasted, They knew?
Yep!
When they came up, Michelle screamed Congratulations! and fawned and cooed over the ring. Jerry squeezed my hand and muttered with a grin, About time, dude.
And then there was a knock on the door and it was our friends from Jersey, Vinnie and Dennis, two friends of Joe that were in WDW the same time. Vinnie toting a bottle of bubbly, bellowing Congrats!
They knew too?
Nope, they just guessed and decided to show up with champagne. Wasnt that nice?
And then the phone rang and I nudged Joe, Its for you.
How do you know? he demanded.
To which I rolled my eyes in exasperation. Just a wild guess. Answer it.
It was Joes Aunt from upstate New York wishing him well and congratulations. He chatted excitedly with her for a moment and hung up. He grabbed me by the hand and took me out on the balcony. Howd you do this? You cant lie, howd you manage?
And he just stared at me in more shock and wonder. I just smiled back like the famed Cheshire Cat and felt a bit big for my britches. Nothing boosts a mans confidence more than knowing you got one over on someone!
We cracked open the bubbly, toasts were given, backs were slapped. Everyone was in great spirits, the night was young. Pleasure Island was calling. We piled into Jerrys SUV and went off to party and play.
Cocktails were had. Dancing was done. We popped into the Rock n Roll Beach Club but it was pretty dead so we headed over to Adventurers Club, my personal favorite. The others were getting antsy so of course, I was overruled and we headed over to 8 Trax. We boogie oogie oogied and danced the night away.
By around 1:00am, we were all pretty much done for. It had been a long, exciting day and I for one needed to head to dreamland.
Jerry was kind enough to drop us all off at our respective resorts rather than wait for Disney transportation. What a relief! We said our goodbyes to Jerry and Michelle, they had to head back to Fort Lauderdale in the morning.
We made our plans to meet up with Vinnie and Dennis later that day but the morning was ours.
As we plopped into bed and pulled the covers up, I whispered to Joe, I feel like a kid! I cant believe were in Disney World again!
Joe responded, I cant believe you gave me a ring!
Disney sure is magical for everyone, isnt it?
again AWWWWW
) This trip report definitely started the wheels turning in my head. Thanks so much!
CONGRATS!!!! I'm glad everything is working out so beautifully (as it always does in the World) I love your trip reports, thanks for taking the time to write them. I just have to make sure I''m not drinking tea next time, spraying it all over the keyboard you've got me laughing so hard. 
