Hey there, hi there, Travis! You're as welcome as can be here at planDisney, and I couldn't be happier to see you here with such a special question.
Eek! I seriously squealed with delight when I read this question, Travis! I cannot imagine a more magical and memorable place to not only celebrate your girlfriend's birthday but to have your girlfriend become your future wife than her favorite theme park at The Most Magical Place on Earth. I am
so happy and excited for you, and I am honored to help you plan this oh-so-special, unforgettable day in both of your lives.
First, I recommend booking a
Capture Your Moment: EPCOT photo session. When you book this, you will get a 20-minute personalized photo session with a PhotoPass photographer in either the Germany Pavilion, Italy Pavilion, American Adventure Pavilion, Japan Pavilion, or Morocco Pavilion (subject to availability). You can use her birthday gift as a ruse to participate in the session, and while the two of you are posing for a photo in her favorite or the most romantic pavilion, you can pop the magical question while the photographer captures that unforgettable moment. The two of you will be in the EPCOT World Showcase, so it's the perfect place to remind her that there is nowhere in the world you'd rather be. If you can, check in for the photo session by the Kidcot Fun Stop in the American Adventure Pavilion without your girlfriend. That way, you can tell the photographer about the proposal so that they are ready and can offer any suggestions.
To celebrate the engagement, I recommend grabbing some sparkling wine from the kiosk in the Italy or France Pavilions (if you're both 21 or over) and strolling the World Showcase to a romantic restaurant for a celebratory lunch or dinner. While I suggest choosing a restaurant that is special to the two of you, it doesn't get more romantic than
Monsieur Paul in the France Pavilion. If fine dining is not your girlfriend's style and she is like me and would rather dine somewhere a little more casual, I also suggest making a reservation at
Le Cellier Steakhouse,
Tutto Italia Ristorante or
Chefs de France. The key is to choose a spot that will be special, comfortable and delicious for you both. Since you will be together and newly engaged, it is sure to be romantic, no matter where you are.
When you
make your dining reservation, be sure to make it for two Guests but do
not list your girlfriend as one of the Guests. That way, the reservation won't be listed on her plans on her My Disney Experience account, and you can keep it a secret and a romantic surprise!
One more thing, Travis! I recommend heading to the shopDisney website to order a Minnie Mouse Bride Ear Headband and Mickey Mouse Groom Ear Hat or keep your eyes peeled for them in the parks. Sneak the adorable ears into your EPCOT park bag and then pull them out for an extra fun surprise after she says YES!
I hope this is helpful, Travis, and GOOD LUCK! I am wishing the two of you a beautiful, pixie-dusted proposal and a happily ever after. Please feel free to stop by any time with any questions you may have. You've got a friend in me.
Reach out and find your happily ever after,
Mandy