Walt Disney World is well-known as a popular destination for folks who are getting married or celebrating their honeymoons. Thousands of couples visit the resort every year to celebrate the start of their new lives together, and Disney gladly welcomes them, offering a variety of special packages tailored to their needs. Of course, before you can get married, you need to propose. And Walt Disney World is positively overflowing with opportunities to create a memorable moment for your partner. In fact, there are so many ways to propose at the resort that it can be difficult to decide which is the best, and which is the most suitable for your future wife (or husband). There are a number of things to consider when planning a Disney engagement, for example:
- Does your intended mind having large crowds witness the the proposal? If so, it’s probably best to avoid public areas of Walt Disney World.
- Are they likely to appreciate a huge, noisy statement of your love for them, or are they are more likely to hope for a quiet, private moment together?
With these factors in mind, here are 10 potentially amazing ways that you can propose at Walt Disney World. These are just a starter – we hope that readers will weigh in with some more ideas in the comments section!
10. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
It’s possible to hire an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage at the Fort Wilderness Resort and the Port Orleans Resort. At Fort Wilderness, you’ll ride through past lush pine and cypress trees, while at Port Orleans you’ll take in the banks of the Sassagoula River. At the time of writing, the rides last for 25 minutes and cost $45. As the romantic carriage ride draws to a close, you can produce a ring and ask the big question. Just be sure that your loved one won’t mind having the driver listen in.
9. Order a custom cake
Image: Disney
If you’re planning to propose in one of Walt Disney World’s restaurants, Disney can rustle up a custom “Will you marry me” cake for you. You can choose from a variety of types and shapes of cake, but be sure to reserve both restaurant and cake well in advance (at least 72 hours for the cake, as much as six months for the restaurant, if you are set on one eatery in particular). You can call Disney’s special cake hotline (407) 827-2253 to arrange the details.
8. Share a car at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Opinions of the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theaterat Disney’s Hollywood Studios vary widely. In possibly Walt Disney World’s most unique restaurant, guests sit in 1950s convertibles under a starry night sky in a giant drive-in theater. From there, they can watch snippets from Hollywood’s earliest, cheesiest sci-fi “masterpieces”. If the person you plan to propose to is either a huge fan of B-movies or a nostalgic romantic who would appreciate an old-fashioned drive-in theater date, this could be a great setting for your proposal.
7. Visit the honeymoon destination at Epcot’s World Showcase
Does your partner dream of visiting Venice, Paris or some other exotic location? Then why not head to Epcot’s World Showcase, where you’ll find recreations of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. You can propose in front of one of them, before promising to visit the real thing on your honeymoon.
6. Watch the Wishes fireworks at the California Grill
Situated at the top of the Contemporary Resort’s iconic A-frame structure, the California Grill is one of Walt Disney World’s most popular restaurants. It’s also one of the best places at the resort from which to watch the Magic Kingdom’s Wishes fireworks display. What better way to set the mood for a proposal?
5. Fly above the resort in a hot air balloon
The Characters in Flight balloon offers guests a birds-eye view of the Walt Disney World Resort, floating into the skies from its tethered position in Downtown Disney’s Village Lake. It was one of a spate of minor additions to Downtown Disney in 2009 following criticism that the closure of the Pleasure Island nightclubs had reduced the area’s appeal. If your partner doesn’t suffer from acrophobia, there are few more impressive settings for a proposal – particularly if you time your visit to coincide with the sun setting.
4. Go on a private IllumiNations cruise
If you want to propose during a fireworks display, but would prefer a nice, private setting, you can hire a private pontoon boat that will sail from the Yacht and Beach Club Marina or the Boardwalk Marina to the International Gateway bridge inside Epcot itself. The boats do not sit right next to each other, so you’ll feel like you’re having a private viewing of the spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth show. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.
3. Propose at Cinderella’s Royal Table
There are few more romantic Disney movies than Cinderella, and it’s possible that your partner grew up dreaming of one day meeting her own Prince Charming. Disney is happy to help you prove that you fit the bill, and offers a special Engagement Package at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Located within the grand towers of Cinderella Castle, this ultra-unique dining experience (hands down the most expensive restaurant in the park for all three meals) places guests among Medieval architecture and their favorite Disney princesses. At just the right moment, a Cast Member will bring out a glass slipper (cradling the ring) on a bed of rose petals, allowing you to drop down on one knee and pop the question. A non-alcoholic celebratory drink (this is the Magic Kingdom, after all) and a dessert are thrown in for good measure, while a professional PhotoPass photographer will capture the moment. Of course, this is one to avoid if your partner doesn’t like to make a scene!
2. Frame the perfect picture
Everybodythat visits Walt Disney World gets a picture of themselves in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. And, indeed, there are few better backdrops for a photograph of your proposal. You can have a quiet word with a PhotoPass photographer and ask them to capture the special moment.
1. Say it with flowers
Whether you have the budget to book a savanna-view room at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, or just a simple room at a Value Resort, some partners will simply prefer a nice, quiet, private proposal in the comfort of your own room. To make the moment extra special, you can arrange for a bouquet of her favorite flowers to be waiting for her by calling Disney Floral and Gifts on (407) 939-4438.
Share your proposal ideas!
How would you like to propose (or be proposed to) at Walt Disney World? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
