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Ok--we are going to wdw for our first time in September for 8 nights. (2 adults, 13dd and 6ds.) We have lots of ADR's and lots of plans. Most of those are ways we've decided to make magic as a family or for hte kids...but I got to thinking....
my wedding anniversary is at the end of July--the 31st actually. We will have been married for 16 years, and the last several have seen me loose my parents, us let go of our home, moving, financial upheavel, kid medical issues.... etc....and so I'm thinking that we've survived..and I'd like to truly celebrate us...but the only place I can see a vow renewel is through the wedding page and I don't have that much money to spend on something...and while I know he and I can go out to dinner or something...I want something more...I want something that says we've made it inspite of our difficulties, we're still together, blessed to be so and would do it all over again.
SO--I turn to you who have far more experience with Disney than I. Any ideas? Any suggestions?
First, I want to say Congratulations! It sounds like you have made it through a lot of really difficult life things with yourself, your marriage and your family intact, and that is nothing to sneeze at.
I don't have a lot of advice for you as far as vow renewals or ceremonies in Disney go, but you might look into something from Gifts of a Lifetime. Also, I must heavily advise getting the bride and groom ear hats while you're there. Anyone can get them, not just newlyweds. It's just a little extra to announce to the world that you are together, solid, and happy about it. (And you never know what kinds of little extras you will get.)
Congrats on your anniversary. There is also memoriesbybetsy.com that a lot of people use. I think you can order like some strawberries and choc. for your room. Dinner in the castle with the slipper dessert. Watching wishes from the beach.
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If you're looking for a vow-renewal, there are tales of people having them in their room. WDW frowns on not using their service, though.
There are lots of places off-site that offer small renewal services.
Or, just know that you've made it this far and you're committed. Enjoy the time with your kids - they grow up and leave too soon.
And, I'd tell every place (resort, restaurants, etc.) that you're celebrating your anniversary. Don't have to tell them it was a month before.
Congratulations - and I hope you have a wonderful time! The first time is always the most memorable.
When we celebrated our 25th anniversary, I bought the Bridal Ears and Groom hat ears - and we wore them and we were silly - and we wore the anniversary button - (I wrote with a sharpie 25th)
it depends on how much you want to spend memoriesbybetsie is expensive but really special!
I order from disneyflorist.com - I called them and added (and subtracted!) stuff - I got DD a snack pak for $30 (I asked to have only sprite - non caffiene) and a Tropical floral arrangement (I think it lists for over $100 now, but I got one for $50)
IF you have the money Victoria and Alberts is exquisite - otherwise maybe California Grill - or Yachtsman's Steakhouse -
definately if you like champagne THE best champagne is the "red stuff" in Italy at Epcot - its Rosa Regale - if you buy it in the shop they give you a dark chocolate - its smooth bubbles, with a hint of berries in the smell and taste - not yeasty at all!! to buy a bottle its $19 (same price they sell it at our liquor store - I actually bought one in Fishers IN to share with MIL!)
Or, just know that you've made it this far and you're committed. Enjoy the time with your kids - they grow up and leave too soon.
And, I'd tell every place (resort, restaurants, etc.) that you're celebrating your anniversary. Don't have to tell them it was a month before.
Congratulations - and I hope you have a wonderful time! The first time is always the most memorable.
I think Teresa nailed it - just knowing that you made it as a couple, spending the time as a family would be the best! And like she said - celebrate it as your anniversary - they don't ask for the date. Or celebrate something like 'nothing can come between our love for each other - NOTHING!
Don't try to hard to label it - the celebration is in your hearts and the magic will be there!
Congratulations - your story is an inspiration! Best wishes for many, many more years together
If you could swing it financially and get away from the kids for a night, Victoria and Alberts will probably be one of the most luxurious and memorable meals that you will ever have. Another suggestion would be a wishes cruise (maybe throw in some strawberries and champagne?) Congratulations and good luck!
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ZAX
Thanks for the Boo, Eeyore Tatoo, Cam22 and RescueSK!
I think you've had some great ideas. Victoria and Albert's sprang to mind, as did a Wishes or IllumiNations cruise. Another option is Gifts of a Lifetime - we did a photo session through them and had some great results or it might be worth looking at the resort photo sessions that Disney do, if you have a favourite resort?
Congrats on your Anniversary. And overcoming a very difficult time. I love Narccoossee's in GF. Time it so you can watch wishes, they pipe in the music. Most people go out on the veranda to watch. We had a window seat, and it was beautiful watching the castle changing colors at night. Then you can go out to the dock or beach and watch the Electric Water Parade on the lake.
Have a magical first visit.
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Victoria and Albert's sprang to mind, as did a Wishes or IllumiNations cruise. Another option is Gifts of a Lifetime - we did a photo session through them and had some great results or it might be worth looking at the resort photo sessions that Disney do, if you have a favourite resort? 
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