Proposal / Engagement - What are the logistics?

[siliconknight]

HI All! I have seen lots of posts about proposing at disney but less about the logistics, also have one or two specific questions about my plans. So here it goes!

I have a nice dinner planned at V&A and was going to walk the beach at the poly and propose during wishes. I had a few questions regrading brining this into reality.

1) Should I check or let anyone at disney know? I have a reservation at the GF and the always ask if there is a special occasion but when I call with my G/F i can't really say yes LOL.

2) I was going to call V&A and just ensure that the length of the meal doesn't go over the amount of time it would take to get to the Poly. Meal is at 5:15 wishes is at 10 so I think I'm pretty safe.

3) Is there anyone else that it would be worth letting know? The GF desk, or calling the 407-W-Disney number?

And my last question, how busy is the beach at the poly anyhow and is the view pretty good? (I know not as nice as being front and centre but its so crowded and hot). Is there any place thats a bit more quite? I was their last year a bit later in the year and the beach was busy but not packed, had about 10ft between the next person.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Sweet Melissa]

HI All! I have seen lots of posts about proposing at disney but less about the logistics, also have one or two specific questions about my plans. So here it goes!

I have a nice dinner planned at V&A and was going to walk the beach at the poly and propose during wishes. I had a few questions regrading brining this into reality.

1) Should I check or let anyone at disney know? I have a reservation at the GF and the always ask if there is a special occasion but when I call with my G/F i can't really say yes LOL.

2) I was going to call V&A and just ensure that the length of the meal doesn't go over the amount of time it would take to get to the Poly. Meal is at 5:15 wishes is at 10 so I think I'm pretty safe.

3) Is there anyone else that it would be worth letting know? The GF desk, or calling the 407-W-Disney number?

And my last question, how busy is the beach at the poly anyhow and is the view pretty good? (I know not as nice as being front and centre but its so crowded and hot). Is there any place thats a bit more quite? I was their last year a bit later in the year and the beach was busy but not packed, had about 10ft between the next person.

Thanks everyone!

Don't let anyone at Disney know your plans BEFORE you propose. I've seen stories from too many people who note the planned engagement on their room or restaurant reservations only to have the surprise spoiled by a cast member who congratulates without realizing that the big moment hasn't happened yet. After you propose? Let everyone know. Wear the Just Engaged buttons, mention it at the podium when you check in at restaurants, etc. You'll get a lot of congratulations and possibly a couple other small surprises.

V&A meals take about three hours. Your 5:15 PM meal will conclude in time to clear out for the 8:30 seating.

I can't answer any questions about the crowd and view at the beach. I haven't seen what it looks like there lately with all the construction going on at the Polynesian.

 

[BrideBree]

Don't let anyone at Disney know your plans BEFORE you propose. I've seen stories from too many people who note the planned engagement on their room or restaurant reservations only to have the surprise spoiled by a cast member who congratulates without realizing that the big moment hasn't happened yet. After you propose? Let everyone know. Wear the Just Engaged buttons, mention it at the podium when you check in at restaurants, etc.

Never thought things like this actually happen. Helpful for our guys here on their proposal planning. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Wild4Walt]

I would do some snooping on the net before having your heart set on Poly for the proposal part - the beach area is pretty torn up looking lately ( although this may change some before you arrive ).

Just know what to expect so it meets your expectations.

Another alternative may be viewing from by the Wedding Pavillion area. It's a short walk from GF and should not be crowded ( unless there is a wedding going on - but I think you could verify that with Disney direct )

The area may be a good way to fit in the proposal.

 

[Ainsley09]

I think there is no mean to openly showing off Any proposal or Occasion related to engagement or wedding on forum...

 

[Krystarella]

HI All! I have seen lots of posts about proposing at disney but less about the logistics, also have one or two specific questions about my plans. So here it goes! I have a nice dinner planned at V&A and was going to walk the beach at the poly and propose during wishes. I had a few questions regrading brining this into reality. 1) Should I check or let anyone at disney know? I have a reservation at the GF and the always ask if there is a special occasion but when I call with my G/F i can't really say yes LOL. 2) I was going to call V&A and just ensure that the length of the meal doesn't go over the amount of time it would take to get to the Poly. Meal is at 5:15 wishes is at 10 so I think I'm pretty safe. 3) Is there anyone else that it would be worth letting know? The GF desk, or calling the 407-W-Disney number? And my last question, how busy is the beach at the poly anyhow and is the view pretty good? (I know not as nice as being front and centre but its so crowded and hot). Is there any place thats a bit more quite? I was their last year a bit later in the year and the beach was busy but not packed, had about 10ft between the next person. Thanks everyone!

First off, she's going to love whatever you do because 1) you're you, and 2) it's disney!

I think you'll be fine with timing, you seemed to have thought that out well. But I do agree with other posters here- the beach at poly is pretty lackluster lately with all the DVC construction. Someone mentioned the beach near the wedding pavilion- I second that! It's beautiful there, it's usually quiet (again, make sure there isn't a wedding!) and it's perfect to watch the fireworks.

If you're looking for something a tad more grandeur or planned, you can also rent short boat cruises to go around the lagoon from GF around to the back of wildnerness lodge, around the bar of the middle (the retired water excursion) and back to open water. While you're cruising the waters, your boat captain tells you little known facts about disney (conception, construction, firework displays, etc.)You watch the light parade on the water from your boat, and then you get a private showing of the wishes fireworks from your boat with the sound booming through your speakers of the boat! You can also order sandwiches, drinks, and dessert to board with you if you'd like. It's expensive, but definitely worth it if you're looking for that. Obviously if you're looking to be alone (without a boat captain) and looking to have the moment of her standing and you kneeling, this isn't for you. But just another option! My parents did this for my brothers and mine graduation from college, and it was truly spectacular.

I got engaged at disney but my fiancé surprised me, and he told me that it was more nerve wracking making sure that HE ALONE was checking into rooms and restaurants before he actually proposed in fear that someone would say something because he let all the cast members know ahead of time. No one spilled the news to me, but I too have heard horror stories of proposals gone awry because of prematurely excited cast members! But DEFINITELY get "just engaged" pins after...we got so much special treatment and free dessert at three or four restaurants because of them! Our home hotel (Boardwalk Inn) even sent champagne to my room, his room, and our families rooms to celebrate that night!

Good luck, and don't overthink it! You're going to propose to your love...what's better than that?!?!

 

[julierocks]

We've been to V&A's three times, and the cast members there are the best you'll find on property. They will call you about a week before your reservation to confirm name spellings, allergies, etc. You could tell them then if you'd like. They might have a suggestion of how to make the evening even more special.

I agree with the previous poster that it can be tricky to keep the mood romantic on the beach at the Poly. You'll have kids running all over. Just something to think about.

 

[Bewitch324]

Another nice spot to watch the fireworks is down on the dock near Narcoosee's. Sometimes kind of crowded though... but it has the benefit of being relatively close to V&A's...

Good Luck...I know that whatever you end up doing she will be THRILLED!!!

Brooke