disney4dan 68 Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 So, time has been flying by like lightning around here and I woke up last summer to realize that my 25th wedding anniversary is coming up in June 2014. Anyone married this long knows that keeping secrets from each other is not an easy (and usally not healthy) thing to do. But my DW Nancy has never really been surprised by me. Not in a good way anyways, there was that time that I surprised her by not doing anything special for her 40th birthday. So, now that everyone knows I'm not the brigthest bulb on the Christmas Tree, I am seeking out some help from fellow fiends on planning a special trip for this June. As I said earlier, I have been coming up with ideas, doing some research when I can, and have even enlisted the help of the three kids, Justin age 21, Rachel age 15, and Matt age 13. And another family who has gone to WDW with us in the past and the wife was in our wedding party. So, as I schemed, saved, researched, I came across a post from Ami (PolyPixie on these boards) on FB saying she had just become an official Disney Travel agent. I understand that others on this board are also TA's, but I first "met" Ami on those "other" boards nearly 6 years ago and I thought it was Kharma. I pulled the plug and immediately contacted Ami, becoming her first official customer. Unfortunately for her, with it being a surprise, she wasn't able to post much about it. I had been trying to find a way to make the Fort affordable, but with the family and extended family that I would like to have present, it wouldn't work for us. We decided on two rooms (for now, possibly adding a third) at Pop Century. While we love the Fort, Pop Century has a history with Nancy and I where that is where we "escaped" for a long weekend many years ago after going through the process of building our house. The stress of building our house and living with her parents had built up quite a bit and a long weekend back for an affordable weekend helped restore some magic. Less than one year later we planned a Grand Gathering with around 15 family members and reserved it at Pop during free dining. Because of an "unheard of" managers special discount, our entire group got a 30% room discount AND free dining. It really made an impression on all of us and it was a "most excellent" vacation. Followed up years later with a return trip when our oldest was recovering from multiple cancer treatments and a recent diagnosis with Celiac disease, we were again treated very well by the folks at Pop Century including custom made meals for our gluten free son who appreciated the efforts. So, Pop Century has also earned a special place in our family history for many great memories. Ami scored us some great dining reservations, including Chef's Table at Victoria and Alberts with another couple. Without ratcheting up the cost of this trip too much (I do have kids that would like to go to college someday), I have been trying to come up with a way to renew our vows that is interesting, not overly complicated, but memorable. My first thought is to see if we could have our vows renewed by a "Captain". Nancy is a huge Johnny Depp fan, and loves the Captain Jack character. Does anyone think it would be possible to plan a surprise encounter with Captain Jack and have him officiate the renewal of our vows? Savvy Mate? Ami has been doing some research along these lines, but I thought I would throw it out to fellow Fiends on whether anyone has arranged something special like this through Disney? Any CM's with inside information on the process? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 My first thought is to see if we could have our vows renewed by a "Captain". Nancy is a huge Johnny Depp fan, and loves the Captain Jack character. Does anyone think it would be possible to plan a surprise encounter with Captain Jack and have him officiate the renewal of our vows? Savvy Mate? Ami has been doing some research along these lines, but I thought I would throw it out to fellow Fiends on whether anyone has arranged something special like this through Disney? Any CM's with inside information on the process? Anything your little heart desires is possible.If you have the money, sounds like they'll make it happen. "Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings - Nobody knows more about creating your perfect dream wedding; at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons its part of everything we do. Whether you envision a grand affair, or an intimate gathering, your wedding, vow renewal or commitment ceremony can be anything your heart desires. Anything you can imagine we can bring to life…just the right touch, just as you dreamed, in ways you can’t even imagine." http://www.disneyweddings.com Phone 321-939-4610 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
devores 382 Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 I will add that to officially have this done, you have to go through Disney Weddings. There is no way to set this up either officially or unofficially any other way. Same with proposals. So, if ya got the money, you can do it. If youre looking for cheap, find a friend and dress him up like the good Capt. Just don't do it on Disney property. If youre looking for just a quick vow renewal, that is a little easier to set up. No characters, not in a park can be done by collaborating with a few CMs. In a park is bit trickier, but with some advanced foot work, it can be done. Add a character, and there is no way to do it without paying the bucks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 Another option, it will still cost you, but a lot less.When I was a Concierge at the Grand Floridian, at that time, we tried to honor all guest requests. One request I had was, would I set up, and perform a vow renewal ceremony on the beach at sunset? Of course I said yes, and I did. So there I am, in a 3 piece suit with flowers, a bottle of champagne, and a camera.I have to admit, it went very well. The guests were very, very happy. It's a great memory for me too.So for the cost of a one night stay at the Grand, you get a memorable vow renewal ceremony, but it certainly won't compare with Captain Jack Sparrow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AC in A2......Aaron 693 Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 It would totally compare if you officiated their ceremony Lou. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 I knew I liked you for a reason. You're full of crap, but I like you anyway. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Grumpy and Grandma 740 Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 So there I am, in a 3 piece suit with flowers, a bottle of champagne, and a camera.We need that picture! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
disney4dan 68 Posted January 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 Awesome thought! Maybe the night we dine at V&A; hmmmm And that photo would be awesome. If I really save my pennies, hold off on as many extras as I can, a night at the GF could be possible. Probably not going to get the concierge at Pop Century to do this. I am calling that number tomorrow to start pricing this and to see if I can get the delivery address changed to my work address while Im at it. Caught the mailing for magic bands and making reservations the other day in the house mail. Need to get that stopped! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted January 13, 2014 Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 We need that picture! Hate to disappoint, but I used the camera to take pictures of the couple. Awesome thought! Maybe the night we dine at V&A; hmmmm A night at the GF and V&A, that might make a statement.Just remember that Concierges are all different. You may, or may not, find one that can, or is in the position of being able to do it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
disney4dan 68 Posted January 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 Awesome thought! Maybe the night we dine at V&A; hmmmm And that photo would be awesome. If I really save my pennies, hold off on as many extras as I can, a night at the GF could be possible. Probably not going to get the concierge at Pop Century to do this. I am calling that number tomorrow to start pricing this and to see if I can get the delivery address changed to my work address while Im at it. Caught the mailing for magic bands and making reservations the other day in the house mail. Need to get that stopped! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to post Share on other sites
h2odivers...Ray 952 Posted January 13, 2014 Report Share Posted January 13, 2014 Just a thought. What if you to go for a walk after dinner on the beach at the GF and a man in a suite was standing there and as you approached him you drop to one knee and ask your bride to marry you again. Hopefully she says yes and the the guy in the suit performs the ceremony right there and then. Your friends can be the with the camera. No need to get any CM involved. Just a simple little ceremony.Or as my DW always tells me... K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) I to am not the brightest bulb. Lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
disney4dan 68 Posted January 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2014 Well, I called the wedding planners and the options start at around $5,000 and go up from there. I am sure it would certainly be magical, it is getting beyond our price range and into the realm of being irresponsible (total vacation price with accommodations would be over $10,000). Really liking the idea of just going for a walk on the beach with the other couple after our Chef's Table dinner and meeting our family there - maybe getting photos with the fireworks in the background. Don't get me wrong, if I could afford it, I would probably spring for it, but at this point in our life if I dropped that many "Benjamins" on one day I might need to consult with a divorce attorney! Yessir, that K.I.S.S. principal seems pretty sound right about now. Being back in WDW will be magical enough. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CitaPita...Carmen 59 Posted January 15, 2014 Report Share Posted January 15, 2014 I don't have anything useful to add, but I did want to say that as the wife of a thoroughly unromantic (but no less amazing) man, the fact that you are surprising her with something, and that surprise is a vacation at a special place for your guys will make a huge impact. Anything else would really be icing on the cake. The idea to renew your vows is amazing, but it sounds like this is going to be a family trip. Given that, I'm thinking that one night at the GF, just you and her, after a special romantic dinner and maybe a walk along the lake would be even more perfect. Almost like you've planned a special mini-honeymoon for you the two of you in the midst of an awesome family trip. Kudos to you, and can you have a chat with my husband? :rofl3: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799 Posted January 15, 2014 Report Share Posted January 15, 2014 I don't have anything useful to add, but I did want to say that as the wife of a thoroughly unromantic (but no less amazing) man, the fact that you are surprising her with something, and that surprise is a vacation at a special place for your guys will make a huge impact. Anything else would really be icing on the cake. I really agree with this! I think it's awesome that you are planning something special for her. We celebrated our 10th anniversary at Disney. We really enjoyed our carriage ride at the Fort. We brought a bottle of wine with us. It was nice and romantic. After that and before dinner, we went down on the beach and had a random stranger take some pictures for us. Also, a lot of the resort restaurants will let you order a mini cake in advance. I surprised Jason with having our wedding cake created in a mini version and delivered as our dessert at Narcoossee's. I think it was $35 and was a perfect size for 2. There are pictures of all that in my April trip report. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bmci3398 1 Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 I can't find a dining on/off property thread (but that could be because I'm using my iPad). DH and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary while at the Fort. Thinking of a nice dinner- just the two of us. DH is a meat and potatoes kind of guy and I prefer a surf and turf option. We both love decadent desserts too. Any dining suggestions either on or off (close by) the property? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
disney4dan 68 Posted July 31, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Bull and Bear (off property) Yachtsmen Steakhouse! Many more Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bmci3398 1 Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Bull and Bear (off property) Yachtsmen Steakhouse! Many more Ever heard of Johhny's Hideaway? DH's friend suggested it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
disney4dan 68 Posted July 31, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Never heard of that but it does sound good! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Bull and Bear Very nice.It's at the Waldorf Astoria, enough said. Ever heard of Johhny's Hideaway? DH's friend suggested it. Very close to the Fort and also very nice.Still more than I care to spend, but less than the Bull and Bear. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 On property... Flying Fish Cafe @ Boardwalk - great seafood overall, but there's also a good strip steak (and potatoes) dish on the menumenu Yachtsman Steakhouse @ Yacht Club - meat, meat, meat! But there is also usually at least one nice fish dish on the menu and the food overall is very good.menu Narcoosees @ Grand Floridian - great seafood, terrific atmosphere (plan to watch Wishes from the deck) and also usually at least one good beef dish on the menumenu California Grill @ Contemporary - a little bit of everything, nice atmosphere and a great view of Wishesmenu Jiko @ Animal Kingdom Lodge - both seafood and meat on the menu (changes seasonally), great food, nice atmosphere, get there a little early and have a cocktail up at Victoria Falls loungemenu Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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