Ways to ask the "BIG" Question at Disney

[magdog79]

Ok. So here is what I have planned so far. My girlfriend and myself have setup a trip to disney to stay at the Coronado. Its a 7 night stay starting Sept 18th to 25th and we are bringing my family (Mom, Dad and Sister) and her family (Mom and son, 3yrs old). We are still trying to fback kitchigure out what we are doing on what days so I can insert items or locations and not get the weird question as of why.
Now here is the hard part I am unsure what Disney has for proposals other than the back kitchen private dining experience. I don't know if I should do it at a dinner for two or have the family there or is there other ways? Are there ways to have it happen at a show or attraction or something or should I try and plan this alone or can you call Disney and they can help with the planning?

 

[mom2of2]

Disney no longer helps with private engagements. Try www.giftsofalifetime.com they do engagements at WDW and can work with you. I would also suggest that you do this early in your trip so that you can enjoy your vaca without worrying/stressing over the whole thing.

 

[Koyta]

My fiance later told me that he had it all planned out, but in the end when we were standing together on the balcony at Animal Kingdom lodge, he said he just knew it was the right moment and he asked me. It was beautiful and I'll never forget it. The next day, we had our picture taken with Mickey and Minnie, with him proposing again.

Anyway, what I would suggest is come up with some ideas but if a moment just feels right, do it. I also agree with mom2of2, do it early in the trip.

 

[Brad&Kryssi]

Whatever you decide, good luck and congratulations!

 

[skr8pn]

I don't know how long disney has supposidly decided not to help with engaugments. I say this because I proposed in Cindy's castle with the help of Disney themselves. I called up disney's general info line and told them what I was looking to do and they finally got me in touch with who I needed to talk to. I sewed the ring into the pocket of my shorts I was going to wear that day so that little tid bit may help you. I searched on the internet a lot.

There's a ton of great places. There's the castle, there a rose garden down below it that's kinda peaceful, a photographer hangs out there to so you can set it up to have them on hand to take the pics. I got every pic of our engaugment on film, well, digitally, disney takes a great pic (and charge accordingly). There's the wedding chapel you could take a stroll down there one evening, there's the many beaches that are quite peaceful in the evening, again call them, they can set a lot up. There's a point there on the boardwalk. Also sept is not to busy (that's when we went and got engauged so there's a lot of options. Let's see, what else, horse drawn carriage ride, everest as the yeti scares you . California grill, I looked into that but it's kinda noisy, excelent food though. Have dinner at the place in the wilderness lodge, then check out the waterfall, do it in front of that. It's quite and romantic little walk out that way too. I'll come up with more, if I can dig up the phone number i called I'll let you know. I bought the "unofficial guide to WDW" and it was full of number, maybe a special occasion number.

 

[CarolinaGirl453]

My fiance proposed in WDW last April, and we're going back for our honeymoon in December. Here's what he did:

We had dinner at Victoria and Albert's. He had called ahead and let them know that he was planning to propose. Shortly after we sat down for dinner, he excused himself to go to the bathroom. I found out later that he then handed off the ring to the hostess. She must have delivered it to the kitchen staff because when dessert came, mine was a covered silver platter. The waiter removed the cover to reveal a bed of roses. The ring was tucked into the center rose. It was absolutely beautiful!! And after that, how could I say no????

Before we left the wait staff all came out to congratulate us. They had even printed up a special menu with our names, the date, and "Happy Engagement" printed on them.

Point being, even though WDW no longer officially helps with engagement planning, some restaurants and individual cast members will still be glad to help. Just ask.

Congratulations and good luck!

 

[hmgolden]

DH actually set up what I thought would have been the greatest proposal ever. He arranged with the manager of the British Invasion to propose during one of their performances. Unfortunately, it raiined and they didn't play that showing (perhaps forshadowing to the downpour we had on our dessert party ). He ended up proposing the next day in the Magic Kingdom.

So, yes, there are individual cast members who will be willing to help, you just need to figure out what you want to do.

Good Luck!

 

[magdog79]

Thanks everyone for your input. I have some thinking to do.

skr8pn any additional info you can dig up will be greatly appriciated

 

[notnothin]

Thanks everyone for your input. I have some thinking to do.

skr8pn any additional info you can dig up will be greatly appriciated

maddog79: I just PM'd you with details of our engagement package from CRT in December of 2005. It was a truly memorable event. If you need additional information, just let me know.

 

[magdog79]

First I want to thank everyone who gave ideas or accounts of what happened to them they were very helpful

Ok here is an update...

I decided to call Disney's Guest services just to ask them about proposals and see what they would say. They in turn told me they would transfer me over to the group planning/reservations team. I then talked to a very helpful and pleasant lady by the name of Courtney. She asked me a few questions in regards to when I was arriving and if I had any ideas preferences to locations and so forth.
She went over some things they have done in the past with other guests. She also emailed me some disney literature with different ideas and packages they have. They also said something can be arranged (mostlikely for a price) anywhere they would like within reason. They had private ways plus ways to use characters or get friends or family involved too.

Here is the first document for Cinderella's Royal Table

Cinderella’s Royal Table
Engagement Package
$250

Includes:
Drinks throughout the meal. (Non-Alcoholic, because we are a dry Kingdom.)
-Bottled water, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, sodas, and iced tea.
Appetizers for 2
Entrees for 2
Special Chocolate Slipper Dessert for 2
-White chocolate slipper filled with chocolate mousse, on top of a bed of angel food cake, surrounded by assorted berries.
Non-Alcoholic Champagne Toast w/ take-home Cinderella Champagne Flutes
Engraved Glass Slipper
-We place the ring inside the slipper, on top of a platter and rose petals
-Platter will be covered with a dome

*If you want the server to take pictures, please let the manager know when you exchange the ring. You will want to leave the camera on the edge of the table.

Process:
You will check in like any normal guest. We will then be made aware that you are here. Once you are sat in the restaurant, at your table, you will want to scan the restaurant and look for the manager-on-duty. We will be the ones dressed in professional attire with a Disney nametag. Once eye contact is made, please excuse yourself to the restroom. Our restrooms are on a separate level, where your girlfriend/boyfriend will not be able to see. At this point, we will take the ring and then lock in our safe-lock box.

As a normal guest would, enjoy the meal. Once the entrée platters are cleared, the next thing coming out to the table will be the “special” covered platter (with the slipper and ring). It will be placed in front of the individual you are proposing to and the server will say something like, “My Lady, this was ordered especially for you.” (It will be something like that.) Since it has a dome on top, either the server or you will take it off and then you are set to do whatever you want (get down on one knee, sing a tune, read poetry, etc).

After a “YES” has been declared, the server will then bring out the champagne for a toast. As you are enjoying your champagne, the server will then bring out the special slipper dessert.

At the end of your meal, the bill be presented and the manager will bring out a bag that has your flutes, ring box (if applicable), slipper/box and any extra rose petals.

Cinderella’s Royal Table
Breakfast Engagement Package


Includes:
Drinks throughout the meal. (Non-Alcoholic, because we are a dry Kingdom.)
-Bottled water, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, sodas, and iced tea.
Breakfast Meal
Non-Alcoholic Champagne Toast w/ take-home Cinderella Champagne Flutes
Engraved Glass Slipper
-We place the ring inside the slipper, on top of a platter and rose petals
-Platter will be covered with a dome

*If you want the server to take pictures, please let the manager know when you exchange the ring. You will want to leave the camera on the edge of the table.

Process:
You will check in like any normal guest. We will then be made aware that you are here. Once you are sat in the restaurant, at your table, you will want to scan the restaurant and look for the manager-on-duty. We will be the ones dressed in professional attire with a Disney nametag. Once eye contact is made, please excuse yourself to the restroom. Our restrooms are on a separate level, where your girlfriend/boyfriend will not be able to see. At this point, we will take the ring and then lock in our safe-lock box.

As a normal guest would, enjoy the meal. Once the entrée platters are cleared, the next thing coming out to the table will be the “special” covered platter (with the slipper and ring). It will be placed in front of the individual you are proposing to and the server will say something like, “My Lady, this was ordered especially for you.” (It will be something like that.) Since it has a dome on top, either the server or you will take it off and then you are set to do whatever you want (get down on one knee, sing a tune, read poetry, etc).

After a “YES” has been declared, the server will then bring out the champagne for a toast.

At the end of your meal, the bill be presented and the manager will bring out a bag that has your flutes, ring box (if applicable), slipper/box and any extra rose petals.

Here is the second document with other ideas

Walt Disney World Resort Engagement Ideas 2005-2006

The Wishing Well
The wishing well is located in the Magic Kingdom to the right of Cinderella’s castle. The well is open to the public but can be less crowded during the morning or Cinderellabration*. Finding an excuse to walk down the area to the wishing well can be easy by looking for a restroom or Tomorrowland attraction area. During the walk to the so-called destination the man of the hour finds this wishing well and encourages both him and his lady to make a wish. The gentleman must go first to make a wish, close his eyes and throw a coin into the well. Once he has went he will motion to her to do it and she in turn will do the same-close her eyes and throw a coin into the well. As she closes her eyes, he should in-turn get down on one knee behind her. Once she opens her eyes, while he is on bent knee, he can say my/your wish has come true and pops the big question.
*Cinderellabration is a show presented several times each day in front of the castle in the Magic Kingdom and would be a good time to make the proposal at the wishing well. Just make sure it is done at the beginning of the show because there are fireworks at the end and she will not be able to hear him over the fireworks.
* Theme park admission is required.

Wishes Proposal
Wishes is a nightly fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom park. The proposal is best done near the rose garden in front of Cinderella’s castle where the fireworks can be seen best. The man of the hour should prepare to propose 5 minutes prior to the show because with music and fireworks she will not be able to hear him. After the proposal is made, the fireworks begin in celebration to the engagement.
* Theme park admission is required.

Private Proposal Cruise
Grand one is a yacht that can be rented for private events starting at $250 and up for about 3 hours. The cruise can take place in the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom in the evening one hour prior to the fireworks. A staff of at least 2 must be onboard the yacht at all times. Flowers can be delivered aboard and catering may be done as well for additional cost (Can cater either a full meal or just dessert). The man of the hour can make the proposal at anytime but during Wishes (the fireworks show) is the best time. Since the cruise takes place outside of the park, there will be no problem as to timing for best available moment.
*For more information on the yacht rental and additional amenities please call Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort at (407) 824-2557 or contact your sales associate for details.
Carriage Ride Proposal
At the Disney’s Port Orleans Resort at Walt Disney World Resort you may take a carriage ride for the proposal. The carriage ride takes place at the Port Orleans resort grounds for a rental. There are additional amenities you may use for the proposal such as flowers, photography, etc.
*Please call (407) WDW-PLAY or contact your sales associate for details. This is originally the golf line but also is used for booking carriage rides.

Beach and Fireworks proposal

Imagine Hawaiian feast at Ohana’s or a Polynesian Luau at Spirit of Aloha dinner show. The romantic evening continues for your proposal with stroll along Disney’s Polynesian resort’s beach area with a beautiful view of Cinderella’s castle in the Magic Kingdom. Once the evening fireworks show, Wishes, starts the man of the hour bends down on one knee to ask the big question. The celebration is complete with dinner, fireworks, and an engagement.


Character Dining Surprise

Character dining at the Walt Disney World resort can be a one of kind experience especially when a surprise engagement takes place. The couple enjoys their meal until the gentleman excuses himself for a “bathroom break” and goes to another location for a few minutes. When the prospective groom leaves, an announcement is made to the restaurant for everyone to look under their chairs for a surprise. The surprise will have been arranged to be under the ladies chair-an envelope with a short message stating she has won a lifetime of happiness or a similar phrase. After she has finished reading the line the man-of-the-hour is behind her on bended knee to make the proposal to her. Afterwards, they can share unique character pictures together in celebration of the engagement!


Ariel’s Dinner and Fireworks

Enjoy a dinner at the elegant Ariel’s restaurant at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. After dinner, take a cruise on the Epcot lagoon for Illuminations! Reflections of Earth fireworks extravaganza. Either during dinner or shortly after you aboard the cruise is the time to make the proposal. The fireworks go off in celebration of the engagement which would surely be the most wonderful moment as the soon-to-be-newlyweds.

Please contact your sales associate if you have any questions or suggestions.

A Magical Evening to Remember

After a long day in the parks imagine having your own private dinner for you and your loved one. On a beach at the Grand Floridian Resort, we can provide a magical dining experience with a picturesque setting. A table for two with dinner or even just a dessert creates an intimate location to make a proposal. When the fireworks show, Wishes, starts and suddenly the gentleman bows to one knee. In his hand, a miniature of Cinderella’s glass slipper as he is asking the big question “Will you marry me?” to her. After a “yes” is declared, champagne flutes of sparkling cider are brought to the table for a celebration toast. As the evening concludes, Mickey and Minnie bridal ears are presented along with the glass slipper and flowers as remembrance of a magical engagement.

 

[magdog79]

Ok here is what I am thinking to do, any comments or suggestions are welcome. Its actually a combos of two of the ideas with a twist.

I was also thinking I would get the whole family go to dinner then watch the fireworks and afterwards we make a wish at the wishing well. I can have a cm wait till we throw the coins in and then go to her come give her some disney card say that her fairy god mother left something back in the hotel room. While we were out i'd have the hotel leave a dressed up cart with a silver platter and inside I can get the glass slipper with the ring inside. We'd come back to the hotel and she would see a card there with her name saying I want to make your dreams come true signed your fairy godmother. She'd open the the cart and i'd get down on one knee and say you are my cinderella (Play off her name since its Cindy) can I be your prince charming?

Maybe I'll signal the front desk somehow as we are coming in that they bring champagne up and wait around the corner till they here the cheers.