There's no place more magical than Disney for a wedding proposal. You can take your partner around the world in one day and propose in nine different countries at Epcot, go to a Fantasyland castle in Magic Kingdom, board the Millennium Falcon in a galaxy far away at Hollywood Studios, or take a safari ride over the Serengeti at the Animal Kingdom. No matter what you like, Disney has something for you.
To help you plan the perfect Disney proposal, we turned to Disney expert and wedding planner Rebecca Martens. Ahead, Martens outlines Disney’s engagement and proposal packages, the most enchanting places to pop the question, and tips to keep in mind as you profess your love at the happiest place on Earth.
Meet the Expert
Rebecca Martens is the owner of Belle Events, Houston's premier wedding and event planning company. Her career began more than 15 years ago as an intern at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Following the internship, she was promoted to an event manager position in the Park Event Operations department where she executed birthdays, corporate parties, social events, and extra magical weddings in all four Disney theme parks.
Disney Engagement and Proposal Packages
“Disney has an entire department that can help you plan your perfect engagement, and they are the best of the best,” says Martens. “They can help you down to the smallest detail in personalizing the perfect proposal.” You can enlist Disney planners for a worry-free proposal at all four Disney destinations on land and sea and a Disney PhotoPass photographer can immortalize your proposal, too.
Custom Disney Experiences that build your dream day start at $7,500 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, $10,000 at Disneyland Resort California, or you can say aloha to forever in Hawaii with a custom Aulani engagement package starting at $3,800. Magical moments are also yours for the taking on Disney Cruise Line with Port Adventures at dreamy coastal destinations or adults-only fine dining onboard.
At Walt Disney World in Florida, there are also Enchanting Extras to sweeten your experience like romantic in-room celebrations, horse-drawn carriage rides, flower arrangements, and private VIP tours.
You can still get engaged in the most magical way if your budget doesn't allow for the professionals. “Disney is for everyone,” says Martens. “As long as you respect the park and the other families there celebrating their Disney trips, you really can propose almost anywhere in the parks,” she adds.
Disney Proposal Tips
“Propose early in your trip so you can celebrate for your entire vacation,” says Martens. “Also, do your research and don't plan a proposal around an attraction that could be down for refurbishment. Disney planners are all equipped with this information and can make sure you have a flawless trip.”
For after the proposal, Martens recommends heading straight to any Disney Guest Services location in the parks or at Disney Springs. “From there you can get the complementary button that lets everyone know you’re engaged so all the cast members can share in your joy.” Martens adds that you shouldn’t be afraid to engage the cast at your resort or favorite restaurant. “Disney cast members love to go the extra mile for guests, especially courteous, respectful, and kind ones.”
Disney Proposal Destinations
Now, here are some of the most romantic places to propose at Disney.
The Wishing Well
The Wishing Well at Cinderella's Castle is an ultra-romantic place for your bent-knee milestone. Drop a coin in the well, make a wish, and then tell your forever someone that your wish is to spend your lives together.
Main Street, USA
“For the Disney fan, there’s no better place for your proposal than right in front of Cinderella's castle during the evening fireworks,” says Martens. “You can't beat the view from Main Street USA. Get in line to see your favorite character or have a Disney dining experience with characters and surprise your soon-to-be-spouse there. Make sure to be respectful and keep the line moving after you've had your special moment.”
Animal Kingdom
For nature lovers, Martens suggests the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: “There are small cut out walkways surrounding the tree that are off the beaten path and less crowded. You can also book a sunrise safari that’s limited to a few guests where you get to see the animals wake up for their breakfast. As a nice little plus, your tour includes breakfast, too.”
The Eiffel Tower at the France Pavilion
An Eiffel Tower proposal is the stuff of dreams. Whisk your beloved away on a romantic Parisian affair in Epcot, pop the question and then seal the deal with a French kiss.
The United Kingdom Pavilion Courtyard
“The courtyard in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot is so quaint and beautiful with a perfect English Garden,” Martens says. “And if you time it right, Mary Poppins might be around to make it extra supercalifragilistic!”
Mad Tea Party
“If your love makes you dizzy, the teacups could not be more perfect,” says Martens. Pour yourself into a photogenic Disney icon and make your special person’s head spin with joy.
Victoria & Albert’s
“For the food lovers, Victoria and Albert’s restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has the best food and you could even go for the Chef's Table to make it more magical,” Martens says. You would get a front-row seat to the action and an indulgent multicourse dinner that’s a visual feast. “Just be sure to propose during the amuse-bouche because if you wait for dessert 11 courses in, you might be too full to get on one knee,” she says.
The Boardwalk
“For a less formal approach, the Boardwalk is full of fun street food, candy stores, and ice cream shops, and as a bonus, you have a lovely walk around Crescent Lake,” says Martens. She adds that if you’re lucky, the nightly Epcot fireworks can make for the perfect grand finale to your evening.
Seven Seas Lagoon
Martens suggests popping the question at the beach on Seven Seas Lagoon facing the nightly fireworks at Cinderella's Castle. Here you can snuggle up to your partner and enjoy the water illuminated by the dancing lights. This will certainly be a memory you’ll cherish forever.