Proposing at Walt Disney World is a magical though stressful experience. The one proposing must consider how, where, and when the perfect proposal will take place. Here are some tips for making a magical Disney memory with your special someone.

1. Contact Guest Services

If you are even considering a Walt Disney World proposal, contact guests services first. The Cast Members are helpful and knowledgeable, and will be able to ensure that things go smoothly from planning to celebrating. They will calm your nerves and answer all your questions.

Once you decide that Disney World is the right location to propose, decide which setting is best for you and your love.

2. Choose the setting

Walt Disney World offers so many different atmospheres from worldly and local locations to the past, future, and fairy tale lands. Choose the setting that best reflects your love and relationship. This may take some serious thought and examination including the logistics behind each idea.

Proposing while a ride is in motion probably isn’t an option since this could be dangerous. Instead, consider popping the question in front of the ride’s entrance.

If a restaurant is more appropriate, it might be a bad idea to plant the ring inside a cupcake. Instead, have a Cast Member put the ring on top.

Consider these magical ideas too:

Restaurants: Cinderella’s Royal Table, California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, Victoria and Albert

Experiences: Carriage ride, private fireworks cruise, fireworks dinner proposal, Sunrise Safari (Animal Kingdom Lodge guests only), beach proposal at the Polynesian or Grand Floridian, Characters in Flight hot air balloon

Wouldn't it be romantic to get engaged during Wishes Fireworks Spectacular?
Wouldn’t it be romantic to get engaged during Wishes Fireworks Spectacular?

Special Locations: Tree of Life, Pier Lighthouse on the Boardwalk, Jelly Rolls Piano Bar (call ahead, and they’ll customize a song for you), Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (a Cast Member can incorporate your proposal into the show upon request), Dinner Shows like Hoop Dee Doo or Spirit of Aloha (when they ask if anyone is celebrating something special).

Finally, consider when you will propose. I would suggest doing it early in the vacation so you’re not a nervous wreck the whole time and so you can celebrate as a newly engaged couple throughout your vacation. It also might be a good idea to pop the question early in the day for the same reasons.

3. Customize

There are a number of customizable options for a personalized proposal. Here are some of our favorites:

Glass Slipper Engagement Package
This is the only complete engagement package offered in Walt Disney World. It includes a glass slipper, which can be engraved with up to 25 characters including names, a date, and a special saying, and a meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Please note that this package requires one week notice.

Empty Magic Kingdom Proposal
If you read the article about experiencing a nearly empty Magic Kingdom, you could figure this one out on your own, but here’s a reminder. Booking a tour or dining reservation before the park opens will allow you early entrance. Imagine getting down on one knee in front of Cinderella’s Castle with almost no one else around! Consider coordinating with Guest Services to have Cast Members sneak some pictures, and this memory will be truly magical! Plan ahead; highly coveted dining reservations book up to 180 days in advance.

Scavenger Hunt Proposal
Gifts of a Lifetime will plan a customized scavenger hunt, which will lead to a surprise proposal of a lifetime. Because of the secret nature of this event, not many details are available on their website, but you can contact them at least two weeks in advance, fill out a questionnaire, and make your plans privately.

In addition to these experiences, Disney Floral and Gifts can provide flowers and gift packages delivered to your room or just about anywhere on Disney property. Most of their packages can be combined with the ideas mentioned above.

Consider having flowers or a special gift delivered to your room.
Pop the question after a fine meal at a restaurant like Narcoosees.

4. Act Normally

This may be the most nervous you have ever been and will ever be in your life, but in order to keep your intentions secret until the big moment, you should act as normally as possible. Visit favorite attractions, eat at favorite restaurants or snack carts, and try not to let on that anything is different.

If you have coordinated with Guest Services, they suggest that you contact them about an hour before you pop the question to confirm that all the details are in place. Try sneaking off for a minute; it shouldn’t take long.

5. Celebrate!

If you arranged for friends or family to attend the proposal, this is their cue to appear and celebrate.

Spend the rest of your vacation celebrating your engagement!
Spend the rest of your vacation celebrating your engagement!

Proposing in the parks has become a common sight, but everyone loves a good love story. It is highly likely that other guests, complete strangers, will congratulate you and your new fiancée.

Consider having “Just Engaged” buttons ready for both of you to wear. You’ll be celebrating for the rest of your vacation!

Does a Disney World engagement sound exciting to you?
Leave your comments below.