Credit: Christian Thompson/Disneyland ResortSo, you’ve fallen in love with a Disney addict. You can’t change that deep and magical love, so you should probably go ahead and use that knowledge to your relationship advantage. How? There’s plenty of romantic things to do at Disneyland, and the biggest of them all (short of your own fairy tale wedding) is to propose!
But there’s one issue when you want to propose at Disneyland:
So. Many. Options.
But never fear, there is help! With these magical tips you can get your Disney day from “Now is the time to panic!” to “Happily ever after!” in no time. With Valentine’s Day approaching, finding a little extra romance at Disney is always a good idea!
Have a plan for the best day ever.
Spontaneity is fun, but when it comes to proposing many people prefer to have a plan. You can start by calling Guest Services at Disneyland at (714) 781-INFO to ask a few questions. In our experience, Cast Members might as you a question, too:
“Do you think they’ll say yes?”
Do people propose at Disneyland who don’t think the answer will be yes?
Anyway, after assuring the Disney Cast Member that you’re reasonably confident in your quest, talk to them about what you’re thinking. Sharing your favorite attraction, show, or restaurant will help you make sure that you hit all the right notes for your proposal and give the Cast Member some options to help you.
Ask Cast Members or strangers for help…really, really nicely.
Working with Cast Members, either on the phone or in the parks, will be best when you’re gracious, have a general idea of what you’re wanting to do, and don’t have any set expectation. If you do need help once you’re in the park you don’t have to run to City Hall and Guest Services—you can ask any Cast Member. Watch for someone who isn’t crazy busy, ask very politely, and have a plan in mind. You’ll do much better with a question like “Can you tell me what time the Dapper Dans are performing, I’d love to propose at the end of their set” than “I am proposing, what free stuff can I get?” Cast Members love making Disney magic happen, so hopefully they’ll have some pixie dust up their sleeves.
Want to see this tip in action? Check out this spooky Disney proposal at the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World! It’s the perfect example of how a quick word to a Disney Photopass photographer can help capture the moment.
How to propose during fireworks, Fantasmic!, or World of Color.
This writer’s husband proposed during the Remember, Dreams Come True fireworks. During the show, he became progressively more concerned because he was waiting for a break in the action…and there basically wasn’t one. He finally proposed during the final two minutes, which worked out great, but he later said that he wished he’d watched it online and known when he wanted to make his move.
Proposing during a Disney show or a ride can be great, but you’ll want to make sure you know when that opportune moment is. Rides are inherently risky for any jewelry being exchanged, but musical performances around the park can also be a fun way to add a little Disney magic to your moment. Nighttime shows are beautiful, just make sure you know the show material well so you don’t miss your cue!
How to propose at a Disneyland Resort restaurant.
There’s no shortage of romantic restaurants around the Disneyland Resort. A quick call ahead to Disney Dining or a polite request when you check-in can also help you get a little extra help with a proposal. Some proposal-worthy options around the Disneyland resort would be:
- The Blue Bayou, Disneyland Park
- Carthay Circle, Disney California Adventure
- Wine Country Trattoria, Disney California Adventure
- Steakhouse 55, Disneyland Hotel
- Napa Rose, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
Also, if you’re talking serious Disney fan then this might be a great time for character dining with Mickey and his pals or super-themed locations like Oga’s Cantina or Trader Sam’s.
One trick with restaurants is that Disney Photopass photographers won’t be available (except for a single photo opportunity at some character dining locations) so this might be a good time to bring some friends. Or make friends with the table next to you when your significant other isn’t looking and ask them to snap some photos. Most Disney people are happy to help!
All table service reservations at the Disneyland Resort are open 60 days in advance. After you’ve made a reservation you can ask to talk to a restaurant directly about a specific proposal idea.
Propose at a Disneyland Resort landmark.
There are tons of visually stunning locations around Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Some ideas to get you started:
- The train platform on Main Street, U.S.A
- Sleeping Beauty Castle (extra hint: the path off toward Princess Fantasy Faire is often less crowded)
- Snow White’s Wishing Well
- Fantasyland ride vehicle photo spots (Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Peter Pan’s Flight, The Mad Tea Party, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant all have these!)
- The garden at the Enchanted Tiki Room
- The deck of the Mark Twain or Sailing Ship Columbia
- Paradise Park at Disney California Adventure
- The Animation Building at Disney California Adventure
Looking to go a little bigger? Disney Fairy Tale Weddings has Cast Members on hand to help you, too!
What to do after you propose at Disneyland
You proposed, “yes” was said, photos were taken…now what? If you’ve taken advantage of Disney MaxPass then this is an awesome time to go take Photopass pictures or snag some on-ride photos. A celebratory treat is always a good idea, or a drink at one of the beautiful restaurant lounges around the resort. A unique souvenir, like your own dated mouse ears or a couple’s portrait or silhouette, would be a great Disney keepsake of your special day, too! Don’t forget to swing by City Hall to grab your complimentary Happily Ever After buttons.
Related: The Gentleman’s Guide to Proposing at Walt Disney World
There’s no shortage of romance to be found at Disneyland, so whether you’re proposing or celebrating love on a random Tuesday, enjoy some romance at the happiest place on earth!
Have your own romantic Disney park memory? Comment below and we’ll feature some of your happily ever afters on ITM to celebrate Valentine’s Day this week!