Where better to propose to your Disney-loving love of your life than in the Happiest Place on Earth? If you're looking for some inspiration, here's some of the most romantic spots and ideas for where and how to propose in Walt Disney World - and a few don'ts too!
Where to propose in Disney World: Classic
The obvious choice for a proposal at Walt Disney World is in front of Cinderella Castle. It is the quintessential magical experience that will make your other half feel like a princess/prince for their special moment. But the Castle is pretty big and there are some spots that are better than others. Even if you and your hopefully-soon-to-be fiance love to be the centre of attention, bang in the middle of main street is going to be less than magical - it will be crowded and while you'll get lots of onlookers, you'll also get the oblivious ones, rushing to their next destination, with the potential of ruining your big moment. There are some little alcoves on the bridge between the castle and Fantasyland / back of Tomorrowland that are just slightly more tucked away. If you can, wait until a PhotoPass photographer is there and tip them off, so you they can catch the moment when you drop to one knee.
If you'd like to do it in the evening, then unfortunately shortly before, during or after the fireworks really is not the time. It is heaving and less than romantic! However, there is a little advertised display on the castle that would be perfect. It is called the Kiss Goodnight. The Castle lights twinkle, while 'Wish Upon a Star' starts to play. The Castle colours change, and you then hear the narrator giving a little speech to thank you for coming and wishing you a safe journey home. Wish Upon a Star then reaches its peak - and it is this point that it is truly magical and a perfect time to drop to one knee! It usually runs every 30 minutes after the official park close, although it occasionally runs more frequently, and even more occasionally, not at all (so have a back-up plan!) The first run of it is going to be pretty busy, with lots of people milling around - so find a reason to stay as late as possible for a quieter time.
Where to propose in Disney World: In Private
There is not many truly private locations in Walt Disney World - but there are some romantic options for an in-room proposal. Through Disney Floral and Gifts, you can arrange for a surprise to be left in your room - a glass cinderella slipper, rose petals on the bed, a dozen roses, a corsage, a tiara, a spa pamper package, chocolates, balloons - there are lots of options for setting the scene. Worth knowing that you can't arrange this for the day that you check in, so plan for your big moment to be a little later in your holiday.
Where to propose in Disney World: On the Beach
There are a few beaches in Walt Disney World, and some of them can provide a really romantic setting, especially if you time it with the fireworks. The Polynesian and Grand Floridian hotels have a shoreline on the Seven Seas Lagoon - looking towards Magic Kingdom. Watch the fireworks from there, and propose with them as the backdrop. The quietist spot is going to be in between the two resorts - we've been completely alone watching the fireworks from there on several occasions.
Similarly, the Beach and Yacht Club near Epcot have a beach in front of them, on the opposite side to the Boardwalk. Time it with IllumiNations, to have a fireworks backdrop.
(Side note - this is Florida - stay away from the waters edge, there are alligators).
Where to propose in Disney World: Horse and Carriage
There are horse and carriage rides around the grounds of two of the Disney hotels - Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness. View the gorgeous setting and relax on your romantic ride, and then pop the question. And at Christmas, Fort Wilderness also offers a horse drawn sleigh ride! There is also horse back riding at Fort Wilderness, if horses are their 'thing', although I'm fairly sure this is less romantic! You can reserve your carriage or horse ride by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529.
If you can't get over to a resort but want something slightly similar, at a pinch, there is also a horse-drawn trolley car that does a circuit of Mainstreet USA, in Magic Kingdom. It will be full of other people too though, and is a very short, two minute ride, so may not have the romance you're looking for.
Where to propose in Disney World: Exclusive Dining
Victoria and Alberts is, without any contest, the best restaurant in Walt Disney World. It is a AAA 5 Diamond, award winning restaurant, serving up between 7 and 10 course meals, with a strict dress code, and no children under the age of 10. If a restaurant proposal is what you've been dreaming of, then this is the one. If you want to add something extra, you can work with Disney Floral and Gifts to have a delivery here too. They do typically have several proposals each week though, so there is a small chance someone else might steal your thunder, although it is a very small restaurant. To avoid this, you could consider the Chef's Table, an exclusive table with a view of the kitchen, which starts with a champagne toast. You'll need to book here 6 months in advance.
Where to propose in Disney World: Fine Dining
If V&A is a little over your budget, there are other restaurants that could also add a little magic to your proposal. Cinderella's Royal Table, inside Cinderella Castle is a fairytale location, with princesses circulating the restaurant, so would be there to congratulate you. (Busy and full of kids though!) California Grill at the top of the Contemporary Resort has stunning views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, if you time it right, as does Narcossee's at the Grand Floridian. Ask for a window seat, or go out on the deck.
Where to propose in Disney World: Private Cruise
You can book a private cruise to view either IllumiNations, in Epcot, or Happily Ever After, near Magic Kingdom. You charter a boat or yacht and have a private driver. The music from the fireworks is piped in, to ensure you get the most out of the (very romantic!) experience.
There are also other cruises - you can charter a pontoon boat near Epcot, or yacht near Magic Kingdom, and private dining can also be arranged. Book by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529.
Where to propose in Disney World: Extravagant
If you'd like to pull out all the stops, then Disney have you covered. Disney Weddings and Honeymoons have Engagement Planners that can work with you to give you the proposal you're looking for. This can include private events, access to areas that may be otherwise off limits, or involving specific characters.
There are options in Walt Disney World for all kinds of proposals - from personal to huge public displays. Make sure you're doing something that your other half will love (my now-husband knew I'd be mortified if done in public, for instance) and it will be magical wherever you chose!