Disney Proposal Ideas for a Fairytale Engagement Experience

Looking for Disney proposal ideas, but don't know where to start? You're in the right place. When it comes to Disney proposals, there are many factors that need to be considered. First, you need to think about whether you're looking to execute a Disney World proposal at one of the four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom) or one of the resort hotels in Orlando, Florida, or are you looking to plan a Disneyland proposal at Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park or one of the resort hotels in Anaheim, California. Then, you need to pick where you will ask the question and how you're going to do so. Thinking about any special add-ons or experiences you'd like to incorporate into your special This should be done ahead of time so items and reservations are still available. Ensuring you have a photographer or reserving a photography session is also crucial so you're not struggling to ask random guests for assistance.

To learn more about Disney proposal ideas and locations that will be sure to impress your partner, we chatted with wedding experts Korri McFann, Brand Steward for Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons/Custom Celebrations, Orlando-based photographer Michelle Coombs of Michelle Coombs Photography, and Orlando-based photographer Kelly Canova of The Canovas Photography. Read on for an expert-backed guide to a magical Disney proposal experience.

In this story:

• Four Tips for a Magical Disney Proposal
• Four Magical Disney Proposal Ideas
• Best Places to Propose at Disney World
• Best Places to Propose at Disneyland
• Disney Proposal FAQs

Four Tips for a Magical Disney Proposal

Destination proposals often have many factors that need to be considered ahead of time, and this includes proposing at Disney. From selecting the right photographer to picking the best time of day, here are a few tips for you to keep in mind to pull off your proposal without a hitch.

1. Make Sure You Have a Photographer

If you won't have a friend, family member, or photographer available to take photos when you're ready to pop the question, there's no need to worry as Disney offers "Capture Your Moment" photography sessions that can be reserved. "For couples who are dreaming of proposing at Walt Disney World, we always recommend a Capture Your Moment session," says McFann. "Guests can choose a special place like the Wishing Well at Magic Kingdom Park, or in front of the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and a Disney PhotoPass photographer will capture the entire proposal moment!"

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If you'd rather have a photographer by your side from your hometown or one that you had a chance to review their work beforehand, you can filter through a selection of Knot-approved photographers and videographers on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.

2. Pop The Question in the Morning

Although your Disney proposal will be magical regardless of the time, a morning proposal is recommended to beat the crowds and for the best photo lighting. "The best time to propose is always early morning," says Canova. "Even earlier than rope drop if possible! Fewer people and great light."

A good way to do this is to schedule an in-park breakfast reservation before the park opens. Since guests with dining reservations are allowed into the parks earlier, you can pop the question and then head to your celebratory meal.

3. Consider the Weather

Whether you propose in Anaheim or Orlando, it's always a best practice to check the weather beforehand and have an umbrella handy in case any unexpected rain occurs (especially in Florida). As an Orlando local, rain tends to occur in the afternoon on most days in the summer, which makes our tip about early morning proposals even more important. However, both places can get a bit chilly during the fall and winter months, so make sure you're dressed accordingly or have a light jacket with you to ensure optimum comfort during your magical moment.

4. Make Sure to Make a Park Reservation in Advance

Nothing would be worse than hoping to propose at your favorite park to be turned away since you didn't make a theme park reservation in advance. You can make your park reservation once you purchase your tickets on MyDisneyExperience.

Photo: The Canovas Photography

Four Magical Disney Proposal Ideas

When it comes to Disney proposal ideas, the possibilities are essentially endless. However, if you're looking to plan a Disney World proposal or a Disneyland proposal, here are some ideas you can keep in mind.

1. On Their Favorite Attraction

Although you may not be able to get the best photos of your moment since flash photography is strictly prohibited on most attractions, asking your partner to marry you on their favorite attraction is a great idea. Whether it's when riding Peter Pan's Flight or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the time during which you present the ring will definitely be a memorable one–just be sure to hang on tightly to that ring box if their favorite attraction happens to be a coaster.

2. Dessert Cruises and Parties

"One of our favorite romantic experiences that couples can choose from to drop to a knee and "pop the question" is the firework dessert cruise on Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World," says McFann. If you're not a fan of boats, Disney dessert parties including the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party and the World of Color Dessert Party at Disneyland Park will provide you with a plethora of desserts and prime viewing areas for some of the theme park's most popular firework and water shows. If you want to get creative with your proposal, we recommend hiding the ring or placing it on top of your partner's favorite dessert.

3. In Front of a Character

Whether their favorite character is the mouse who started it all or is one of the Disney Princesses, proposing in front of a Disney character is one way to add some extra magic to your moment. However, if the character meets in an indoor location, you could inform the character attendant and PhotoPass photographer about your plan. That way, they can tell the character what is about to happen, be ready to snap those photos, or temporarily clear the area so you can have a more intimate moment. Mickey Mouse's greeting location at Town Square Theater and the Disney Princess greeting location at Princess Fairytale Hall are two great indoor experiences.

4. Surrounded by Animals on a Private Tour

For an animal-loving couple, you can "Savor the Savannah" with a private safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Although this two-hour tour is an additional $174 per person (in addition to the price of a theme park ticket), it may be worth the investment as you'll be surrounded by a plethora of animals when you pop the question. The tour concludes with tapas and beverages which you can enjoy while you celebrate your engagement. Make sure to reserve your tour in advance as it is popular and tends to sell out quickly. We recommend informing your tour guide about your plans so they can tell you when would be the most ideal time to ask for your partner's hand.

Photo: Michelle Coombs Photography

Best Places to Propose at Disney World

Although the most magical place on earth is home to many magical places suitable for Disney weddings and Disney proposals, below are some of our favorite and expert-recommended locations on the Walt Disney World Resort property in Florida for popping the question.

Cinderella Castle

It's hard to go wrong with a Disney proposal in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. You might even catch a couple of fireworks or characters in the background of your shots depending on if you have your moment while "Mickey's Magical Friendship Fare" or "Happily Ever After," are in action. We'd recommend making your move at rope drop or towards the end of the night after the fireworks so there is a better shot of having fewer guests in the background of your photos.

If you want to make your move inside the castle, you can book a table at Cinderella's Royal Table. McFann shares that Cinderella's Royal Table offers a romantic experience proposal package that can be added to a dining reservation when booking.

Cinderella Wishing Well

If incorporating Cinderella Castle into your proposal is a must-have, Cinderella Wishing Well at Magic Kingdom is a solid spot. The well is located on the right side of the castle (when viewed from the front) in a nook on a pathway that transports guests between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. This area tends to be slightly less crowded if you're looking for a more intimate setting. This spot is also favorable because you can position yourself to where Cinderella Castle is still in the background.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Victoria & Albert's

When planning your Walt Disney World Resort engagement trip, consider booking a room at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. "I find that for couples looking for the more traditional or "typical" engagement look, The Grand Floridian is the place to go, hands down," says Coombs.

If proposing over a luxurious dinner is what you seek, McFann recommends Victoria & Albert's which is one of the resort's signature dining offerings. This Victorian-style restaurant inspired by Queen Victoria offers an elegant location with innovative cuisine that is sure to impress your partner. "Couples can add the romantic experience (proposal package) when booking their dining reservation," says McFann.

Tree of Life

Take the next step towards the next chapter of your life in front of the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. The tree also offers a picturesque backdrop as more than 300 animals are carved on the trunk.

Epcot's Italy Pavilion

Epcot's Italy Pavilion is home to a bridge inspired by Venice's Ponte della Paglia. This spot offers a beautiful view of many of the surrounding pavilions which make up the World Showcase portion of Epcot as well as Epcot's geodesic sphere icon. And, after your partner says "yes" (hopefully), you can celebrate with a meal at one of the restaurants in the pavilion including Tutto Italia or Via Napoli.

Photo: The Canovas Photography

Best Places to Propose at Disneyland

Although Disneyland Resort in California may be smaller than Walt Disney World Resort, it is still filled with many great spots you can seek out for your Disneyland proposal. Whether you're looking for a more intimate location or one where you'll be the center of attention, Disneyland has a spot for you.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

Although proposing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle may appear to be basic, it's one of the most magical locations at the park–after all, it is the castle that started it all.

Although you might be tempted to position yourself directly in front of the castle, we'd recommend taking a couple of steps to the right or to the left for a better photo–we know it's counterintuitive, but the spots by the black rails will have the castle looking extra scenic in the background of your photos. There may even be fewer guests, too, for a slightly less crowded experience.

Walt Disney's Apartment

Entering Walt Disney's Apartment is a magical experience in itself, but you can make it even more magical by asking your partner the question during your visit. It is important to note that visiting Walt Disney's Apartment is not included in the price of a standard theme park ticket. However, you can purchase tickets for Walt's Main Street Story Tour where you will have the experience to see Walt's apartment. No photos are allowed inside, though, so as long as you are okay with that, feel free to get down on one knee.

Carthay Circle

Carthay Circle sits just a couple of yards from the main entrance of Disney California Adventure Park. What's great about this restaurant which pays homage to old-school Hollywood is that there are private dining rooms available in which you'll receive star-level treatment and food with a Southern California flair.

Snow White's Grotto

If Snow White is your favorite Disney Princess, Snow White's Grotto located next to Sleeping Beauty Castle is a wonderful spot to propose at Disneyland. Filled with statues of the Seven Dwarfs and other classic characters and music from the film, your Disney proposal will be memorable.

Photo: Michelle Coombs Photography

Disney Proposal FAQs

Now that you know about all the best Disney engagement ideas, let's address a few frequently asked questions that often arise when planning to propose at Disney.

How much does it cost to propose at Disney World or Disneyland?

The cost of a Disney proposal can vary depending on your preferences. If you're wanting to simply pop the question in front of one of the castles or in front of a character, a Disney World proposal will cost a minimum of $218 (the cost of two 1-day adult tickets), and a Disneyland proposal will cost a minimum of $208 (the cost of two 1-day adult tickets) [park ticket prices change daily]. If you choose to add any "enchanting extras'' to your proposal such as a "Capture Your Moment" session, that will add another $100 to the total price. Make sure to factor in other costs like the ring, meals, photographers, tours, or any other special additions you're planning on for your special moment when creating your Disney engagement budget.

Does Disney do anything special for proposals?

While Walt Disney World doesn't offer formal proposal packages, Disneyland does. "From beautiful floral arrangements, to live musicians, couples are able to curate a romantic and personalized proposal experience with the help of the Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings team—pricing varies based on the customization of the proposal experience," shares McFann.

Although not directly related to proposals themselves, you can purchase some themed attire to wear during your day. "From celebratory buttons to bridal Minnie ears and groom hats, couples can "look the part" and celebrate their engagement during their entire trip," says McFann. Many of these items can either be purchased at various stores at Walt Disney World and Disneyland or online.

Does Disney have engagement rings?

If you want to Disney-ify your proposal even more, you can select an engagement ring from the Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings Collection.