The Ultimate Guide To Proposing At Disney World for 2023

Picture it: The perfect moment — your ENGAGEMENT! — in the perfect place: Walt Disney World! It’s that once-in-a lifetime moment that begins your story with your significant other that ends with your “Happily Ever After.”

“Will You Marry Me?

The thing is, Disney World is filled with magical moments, memorable places, and magnificent experiences. So how on earth do you narrow down THE time, THE place, and THE moment for everything to be absolutely perfect? I mean… no pressure, right?

But also… no worries! Why? Because we’re here to provide you with the ULTIMATE guide to PROPOSING at Disney World!

Engagement and Proposal Packages at Disney World

Let’s say you’re dreaming of a grand gesture, but don’t even know how to start when it comes to planning and logistics in a setting as big as Disney World.

I’m POPPING THE QUESTION at DISNEY WORLD! NOW WHAT?!

Did you know that you can receive a little help from Disney World? There is a resource waiting for you with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons. You can peruse the website and even request more information.

Cinderella’s Glass Slipper

You may also call (321) 939-4610 and select option #4. However, at this time this audio prompt recommends visiting the website for those specifically planning a proposal, because the focus — as you may guess by the name of the site — is indeed on weddings and honeymoons over engagements. That said, another result of the call for proposal information is a recommendation for exploring what Disney calls “Enchanting Extras.”

“Enchanting Extras” include Tours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

These are add-on experiences such as tours, specialty dining, and other experiences beyond what you may already be familiar with from the parks and Resorts. And guess what? We’ve got all of those listed right here on the DFB, too.

Click HERE to see ALL of the EXTRA EXPERIENCES you can enjoy in Disney World!

But, hey, since the ultimate goal of a proposal includes a wedding and possibly a honeymoon, the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons site is a great spot to gather some information and — perhaps more importantly — inspiration!

Floral and Celebration Packages

Want to spread a little extra pixie dust over the occasion? Disney Floral & Gifts offers gift baskets and floral arrangements that can be delivered straight to your Disney World hotel, including a package called “A Disney Engagement.”

©Disney

The package features — get this! –– a crystal glass slipper (by Arribas Brothers) and a white Mickey crystal pillow on which you can present an engagement ring (alas, not included )! A bottle of bubbly, glasses for toasting, chocolates from The Ganachery, and rose petals to scatter are also included.

Cinderella’s Glass Slipper (previous Contemporary Resort Display)

Note that the Disney Floral and Gifts website shares that “We will happily send your gift to any open Walt Disney World Resort, as well as open good neighbor resorts and hotels located on Walt Disney World Resort property.” The delivery itself arrives at your Resort’s front desk, and the team then notifies the guest.

Tips for Proposing at Disney World

THE RING

You likely have a certain sparkler in mind already, if you plan to propose with an engagement ring. But if you really want to go ALL IN ON DISNEY with this thing, you might want to check out the selections from Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. The selection of wedding and engagement rings present subtle Disney touches. For example, the Mickey Mouse Fairy Tale Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring pictured below features a few hidden Mickeys!

©Disney

Yes, these rings are totally a thing, and it’s even a kick just to browse and daydream on shopDisney a bit even if you don’t purchase.

Check out the Disney-inspired sparklers HERE!

Find a Cast Member

You may need a little help along the way, and Disney Cast Members just so happen to be in the business of making magic!

Disney World Cast Members

We’ll chat more about getting pictures of your proposal in a bit, but for now, we’ll leave it at this: you may want to give a small whisper to a nearby PhotoPass photographer that you have a VERY special moment you’d love their help in capturing.

Pluto and a PhotoPass Photographer

Oh, and that ring we mentioned above… Are you concerned it might set off the security scanners? (I often bring my glasses in the park, and believe it or not, those teeny-tiny hinges on my glasses case have set those things off.)

Security Screening at Hollywood Studios

Consider giving a heads up to one of the security guards, who may be able to assist in keeping the cat IN the literal bag.

The folks at Plan Disney have some advice for this, too: “My first piece of advice would be to offer to take ALL of your bags and backpacks through the security line, allowing your significant other to enter the no-bag line. If you do this every day of your trip, you’ll set this expectation up in advance so she won’t suspect a thing.” 

Are you dining at a special restaurant?

“Table for two, please!” Topolino’s Terrace in Disney’s Riviera Resort

Perhaps you can let your server or the hostess know. We can’t guarantee there will be any extra pixie dust sprinkled for the occasion, but if you’re worried about someone stopping by the table right when you’re getting ready to pop the question, they will know to be on the lookout and not pay a table visit during the crucial moment.

And if a Cast Member does play a part in making your proposal memorable, you can let Disney know by leaving a Cast Member Compliment!

Click HERE to learn how to leave a Cast Member Compliment!

“I’m Celebrating” Buttons

Share your good news with the World (Disney World, that is)! Don’t forget to stop by Guest Relations or your Resort hotel’s front desk to request a FREE Celebration Button! There are a few designs, and “Happily Ever After” will likely be the theme you receive after yelling “WE’RE ENGAGED!!!” to a Cast Member (kindly, of course ).

Let’s Celebrate!

Tip: Rather than collect these buttons together after the proposal, you may want to plan a little Guests Relations visit on the DL beforehand so you can have the buttons at the ready to wear immediately after your engagement. Get ready to hear “Congratulations!” and well wishes not only from Cast Members, but from fellow guests as well!

And did you know that you can even get your Celebration Button PERSONALIZED? 

You can get a celebration button for any occasion, really!

For just $3.00, you can stop by Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom and spruce up your buttons a bit for an extra special souvenir!

Learn how to zhuzh up your Celebration Button HERE!

Commemorate with a Souvenir

While we’re on the topic of special souvenirs, you may want to pick up something to remember this very special Disney World visit. We found this adorable “Will You Marry Me?” Castle Engagement Ring ornament in EPCOT’s Creations Shop recently.

For the perfect proposal!

Or you can start preparing for THE BIG DAY while you’re at it, by picking up some Bride and Groom Mickey and Minnie Ear Hats!

Bride and Groom Mickey Ears Hats

Perhaps a special frame for your favorite engagement photo from the trip will do nicely.

Mickey Castle Swirls Frame

Whatever you choose, it’s sure to make you smile in the future!

Options for Proposal Pictures

This is certainly a moment you’ll want to capture. Lucky you! You’ve got a whole team of Disney PhotoPass photographers ready to help commemorate your engagement.

Disney PhotoPass photographers are the BEST!

Now, it’s up to you — you can ask a PhotoPass Photographer’s assistance in capturing THE MOMENT with a little whisper and wink. (Of course, if you plan to get down on one knee, that’s a pretty big tip off to the photographer, too. ).

But if you prefer to share the proposal moment in a quiet moment by yourselves (or as quiet as you can find in Disney World), that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy taking special shots after the proposal to remember the day of your engagement!

So the “when” is your call. Here are some tips on the “how” and where:”

PhotoPass Locations

There are OODLES of locations where PhotoPass Photographers are stationed around the parks (and even the Resort hotels, in some cases). These include locations that have likely already come to mind, like at the park’s icons such as EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth and the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom.

Spaceship Earth

But you may be surprised at all of the options, and you can find them easily by navigating to PhotoPass locations on the My Disney Experience app.

My Disney Experience Drop Down Menu — Simply find PhotoPass

But how about looking through that list and doing a little outside-the-box thinking? Wouldn’t it be fun to have an engagement photo taken with the ULTIMATE couple: Mickey & Minnie?!

Mickey and Minnie

You’ll find them together at Adventurers Outpost in Animal Kingdom. And there are even MORE options…

Capture Your Moment

Did you know that you can have your own private photo session in Disney World? You may want to arrange a special Capture Your Moment session where you can have a photoshoot with a personal and dedicated PhotoPass photographer!

Capture Your Moment

Each session lasts up to 20 minutes for $99 (and you can book back-to-back sessions for an additional $99 per session). Capture Your Moment is available in all four parks, including five EPCOT World Showcase pavilions. You can find all of the information and options here.

©Disney

Please be aware that your prints and digital downloads are not included with the price of your Capture Your Moment session and must be purchased separately. However, prints and downloads are no additional cost if you’ve paid for Memory Maker (or have a qualifying Annual Passholder entitlement). Ditto goes for regular PhotoPass images captures around the parks.

Again, you could even pop the question during the session, if you’d like.

©Disney

But remember that the time is limited to 20 minutes, and this might be a better option for an engagement photo session as opposed to the proposal moment if time constraints are a concern for you. (Plus, your significant other won’t wonder why if you ask them to dress up a little bit if the session itself is an additional surprise.)

Learn more about PhotoPass, Capture Your Moment, AND Memory Maker HERE!

Favorite Places to Propose at Disney World

In Front of Cinderella’s Castle on Main Street, U.S.A.

When you imagine “Happily Ever After,” what image pops to mind? For many people, it’s THIS ONE:

Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. is ultimately the symbol of Cinderella’s own fairy tale ending, in addition to being the single most iconic landmark in all of Walt Disney World.

She lost her shoe, but look at her now!

And the nice thing is that the time and logistics are up to you! Perhaps you’d like an early morning moment so you can enjoy the first full day of your engagement.

The sun rising in Magic Kingdom

Or maybe you’d like to start YOUR happily ever after immediately before or after watching the “Happily Ever After” fireworks — which, BTW, are returning to Magic Kingdom on April 3, 2023!

Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom

Until then, you can enjoy Disney Enchantment to cap off your day. Just bear in mind that this is the most people-y time on the already people-y Main Street, U.S.A., so if crowds aren’t part of your dream scenario, this may not be your ideal time or location.

Take a tour of Main Street, U.S.A. HERE. 

The Wishing Well

So, let’s say you love the idea of incorporating Cinderella’s ultimate fairy tale ending, but aren’t so much into the crowds that gather on Main Street. You might want to consider seizing your moment at Cinderella’s Wishing Well.

Cinderella’s Wishing Well in Magic Kingdom

SOMETHING TO KNOW, though: The Wishing Well has, as of late, become a fairly popular photo spot. (In fact, a PhotoPass photographer is often stationed here, which can, for your purposes, be a great thing!) It’s never crowded in the way Main Street is, but it’s just good to know that there may be a bit of a line.

Less well known, but also lovely, is the Cinderella Fountain located behind the Castle on the same side as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland.

Cinderella’s Fountain

This gem is often overlooked (as is the hidden crown behind Cinderella’s head).

Cinderella’s Fountain

No matter which you choose, don’t forget to being a coin or two to make a wish before or after the proposal! Not only is it a lovely thing to make a wish for your bright and happy future, but the proceeds from all of the coins tossed into the well are collected and donated to children’s charities in Orlando.

Pull a coin or two from your Adventure Fund!

Just a nice way to share the love, isn’t it?

Find out more about WHERE ALL THE COINS GO when you make a wish in Disney World!

The Beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort During Fireworks

Do you REALLY enjoy the idea of your proposal being accompanied by a world class fireworks production, but hesitate over finding room to kneel on Main Street, U.S.A.? Why not enjoy the fireworks from the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort before or after popping the question?

The Beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (the side closer to Grand Floridian)

Other locations where the music from the show is piped in WITH a Castle view include the outdoor overlook from the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Marina area in front of Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Castle view from Gasparilla

We also imagine (though are not yet certain) that they may well pipe in the music at Narcoossee’s when this Grand Floridian restaurant reopens after its current refurbishment. They even pipe in the music at the Polynesian’s ‘Ohana! In both instances, obviously, you will want to time your Advance Dining Reservation to coincide with the fireworks.

‘Ohana Windows offer Castle Views!

You can also enjoy fireworks with the music — though WITHOUT a Castle view — at the beach Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and along Bay Lake at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (though the best viewing spot here is steps away from Geyser Point Bar & Grill, and while we LOVE the place, it doesn’t necessarily have the same romance factor, unless you’re in love with the Cheesy Barbecue Brisket, in which case… join the club).

The Beach at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Oh, it might be good to know the fireworks showtime for this plan, huh ? Be sure to visit My Disney Experience to see fireworks showtimes (and we’d recommend checking again a week or two in advance, as showtimes are subject to change).

Click HERE to see the BEST restaurants with views of FIREWORKS!

Fireworks Cruise

Ok, one more fireworks idea for you… How about a SPLURGE to go along with that show? Did you know that you can enjoy your own private Fireworks Cruise to go along with Disney Enchantment (through April 2nd) or Happily Ever After (starting April 3rd)? Yep! The same is true for EPCOT’S Harmonious!

Harmonious in EPCOT

(Just be aware that Harmonious ends its run on April 2nd. EPCOT Forever will return as the interim show starting April 3rd while the park prepares to welcome a new production later this year as part of Walt Disney World’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.)

Fireworks Cruises for either park start at $399.00. Though you may desire this to be a cruise just for two, it’s good to know that each 25-foot pontoon can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests.

Pontoons at the Grand Floridian Marina

The cruise also includes a Captain and assorted snacks and beverages.

P.S. This is one of those “Enchanting Extras” that we chatted about above!

Find out more about Fireworks Cruises here

Tree of Life

Okay, we’ve chatted plenty about Magic Kingdom and the Castle. But there are, of course, other gorgeous and memorable icons in Disney World.

The Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Perhaps there’s no better place for you to start your life together than the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

SO Much More to Explore

Featuring over 300 intricate animal sculptures, it’s a location that is as visually stunning as it is inspiring and memorable. But even that’s not all…

Learn 6 Mind-Blowing Things About the Tree of Life!

Speaking of icons…

Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

“I Love you.”

“I Know.”

“I Love You” Princess Leia Shirt

If THAT is your shared way of expressing your feelings to one another, then your site just might be in front of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

No further explanation needed. (And if it is, no worries — just suffice it to say this isn’t your ideal location, and not to worry, because we’ve got MORE great locations!)

Visit a galaxy far, far away by clicking HERE…

Eiffel Tower in EPCOT’S France Pavilion

Aaah, Paris… the City of Love! If you’re dreaming of a Parisian proposal, but find yourself in EPCOT’s World Showcase instead , you can have BOTH at the France pavilion!

Eiffel Tower as seen approaching EPCOT’s France Pavilion

With the Eiffel Tower in view, you can propose, perhaps, near the lovely fountains which sparkle day and night.

The Fountains in France

(And, yes, there is often a PhotoPass Photographer stationed here, too!)

Take a tour of EVERYTHING to do in EPCOT here!

By — or IN! — a Carriage!

Okay, so maybe you don’t personally own a 1929 Carriage Cadillac, but Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort surely does!

Grand Floridian Entrance

Just before entering the Grand Floridian, on the left you’ll spy a white Carriage car, perfect for stunning photos! (Plus, if you’re arriving to stay at the Grand Floridian, you can pop the question early so your partner doesn’t ask “Why are you so nervous?” the whole trip. )

Of course, you never know… you may spy another kind of Carriage entirely when you’re at the Grand!

Carriage outside Grand Floridian

Cinderella’s famous Carriage (or shall I say Pumpkin-turned-Coach) can be rented for weddings at Disney’s Grand Floridian (and on special occasions such as Valentine’s Day and New Year’s, you may even find Cinderella’s Carriage at Magic Kingdom as a photo op!).

Cinderella’s Carriage in Magic Kingdom

But we’re jumping ahead of ourselves… let’s just get through the proposal here.

Carriage Rides at Port Orleans Resort

How about proposing from INSIDE a Carriage with a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside or at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground?

After all, a coach was a HUGE part of Cinderella’s story…

Mosaic in Cinderella Castle Walkway

Why not yours, too?

Explore Cinderella’s Story — and these stunning mosaics — HERE!

During a Special Meal

“If music be the food of love, play on…” The Bard considered music to be the food of love. But here at the DFB we consider FOOD to be… umm…

Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime meal at Victoria & Albert’s will do nicely

… the food of love. (Hey, we can’t all be Shakespeare. Moving on… )

You had to know this was coming — of COURSE we’re going to suggest a special meal in a special restaurant as a GREAT place to propose! Your mind may spring to fine dining locations such as the stunning Victoria & Albert’s (which happens to be even more stunning after its recent renovation).

Queen Victoria’s Room at Victoria & Albert’s

Or perhaps you’d enjoy asking someone to share your castle inside THE Castle… Cinderella’s Royal Table, in case you’re not aware, is located inside Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.

Special location for a special meal? DONE!

BONUS: This location will return to its traditional Character Dining experience starting February 28th, 2023! Why not have a bevy of Princesses around to wish you well as you start your journey?

Sleeping Beauty at Cinderella’s Royal Table

Yep, I said Character Meal. They aren’t just for kids, you know. And while they may not scream “ROMANCE,” they are positively packed with fun and spirit and — most importantly — Disney pals, which may be just your vibe!

It’s Mickey at Topolino’s Terrace!

Click HERE to see ALL of the Disney World Character Meals!

Frankly, I’d say “SURE!” to a proposal from anyone who bought me a pizza at Via Napoli.

Pizza at Via Napoli is totally Proposal-Worthy

But that’s just me. What I’m saying is, there’s a lot of room for improvisation here, folks! So, pick your favorite spot from among the list, and enjoy the meal of a lifetime!

Find ALL of the Disney World restaurants HERE!

YOUR Special Place

It is fun to daydream about the big splurge or the perfect photo, isn’t it? But maybe there’s that place that’s special to just the two of you. Remember, the gesture doesn’t have to be over-the-top. You’re in a great place already (Disney World!), and the rest is gravy.

The Happiest Couple

Do you have a special ride that’s sentimental to you as a couple? Does your spouse-to-be share your same sense of humor and you can totally picture yourself proposing in the Haunted Mansion’s Attic with the Bride saying “I Do” in the background? (It’s not for everyone, but might just be for you!)

Here comes the bride…

Did you know he or she was THE ONE when you first found out about your shared love for Disney World or maybe a specific film, character, or Resort?

“Your Happy Place, you say? Funny… Mine, too.”

You can simply build on the idea from there.

The proposal of a lifetime at Walt Disney World Resort — you’ve got the tips and ideas… now all you need is an enthusiastic “YES!”

Coffee printing at Joffrey’s

P.S. Our readers shared some of their own Disney DREAM proposals with us on our Instagram — check it out here!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don't Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Order Your Copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 900 pages, the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We've done the research for you, so you'll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family's needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you'll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2023 to save 25% off the cover price today!

Use code WDW2023 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.

Do YOU Dream of a Disney Proposal? Please let us know in the comments!

The post The Ultimate Guide To Proposing At Disney World for 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.

from the disney food blog https://ift.tt/5yYpIaP