Love is in the ears: Proposing and more romantic things to do at Disney World

USA Today

30-01-2025

Why the happiest place on Earth is for lovers
Cinderella Castle provides a romantic backdrop for a fairy tale wedding — Photo courtesy of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons
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Disney World may not be the first place you think of when it comes to romance, but it's home to some of the most legendary couples of all time, like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Belle and the Beast, Ariel and Eric, and Cinderella and Prince Charming.
So it should come as no surprise that there are many romantic things to do at Disney World. Thousands of real-life couples pilgrimage to the park each year to get engaged, marry, honeymoon, or renew their vows. It's a tale as old as time, and in many ways, it's the perfect place to pursue your happily ever after.
'From fireworks spectaculars to Michelin-starred dining and sunset cruises, the options for celebrating a couple's love story are endless,' says Korri McFann of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons. 'There's no more romantic place for weddings and vow renewals. We have venues that fit any wedding vision, including castles, beaches, romantic gardens, immersive theme parks, and Disney's Wedding Pavilion, which sits on a small island in the Seven Seas Lagoon with Cinderella Castle framed in the altar window.'
Whether you're considering a Walt Disney World Valentine's Day date night, anniversary celebration, or wedding, here's everything you need to know about Disney's romantic side.
Can I propose at Disney World?
Couples in love find romantic things to do at Disney World at every turn — Photo courtesy of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons
'Yes!' says McFann. 'We have many magical backdrops for an unforgettable proposal, including iconic locations like Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park and the Tree of Life in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The international settings of World Showcase pavilions at EPCOT can hold special significance to a couple. Plus, the gorgeous new World Celebration Gardens feature dazzling lights synchronized with thousands of lights on Spaceship Earth.'
Book a Capture Your Moment session with a professional Disney photographer to document your proposal. This will relieve the stress of the person popping the question and ensure photos and memories that last a lifetime.
A Disney love story
Getting engaged is one of the most romantic things to do at Disney World — Photo courtesy of Josh Blye
'People often think of Disney destinations as places for kids or families, but I think this is a complete misconception,' says Josh Blye, a travel advisor who specializes in Disney vacations. He proposed to his husband at their favorite spot in Walt Disney World, the Victoria Gardens in the Canada Pavilion at EPCOT. "It's a small, usually overlooked spot that most people simply walk through to access other areas. It's so serene and beautiful.'
That path also leads to Le Cellier Steakhouse, a personal favorite of the couple. They make a reservation at the chateau-inspired award-winning theme park restaurant every visit.
'On our way to dinner, I stopped Owen in the gardens and told him I wanted to give him his final birthday present," Blye recounts. "Very quietly and privately, I proposed, and he said yes. Afterward, we enjoyed an incredible meal and celebrated with champagne."
The next day, Blye arranged a private engagement photo shoot in the park with Disney Fine Art Photography and Video. "It was truly magical."
Romantic spots in Disney World
Some Disney wedding packages include professional photographs for keepsakes — Photo courtesy of Disney Fine Art Photography & Video
Among the many romantic things to do at Disney World, there are hidden spots and parks where you can propose, grab a kiss, or take a photo.
'Cinderella Castle is the epitome of romance,' says Blye. 'That's why so many people pop the question in front of it.'
McFann also recommends the Wishing Well at Magic Kingdom for a photo opp. 'It's a quiet location that features the iconic Cinderella Castle as a backdrop,' she says. 'I'm also a fan of the many private venues around World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT. Imagine having a multimillion-dollar fireworks and fountain spectacular as the backdrop to a proposal.'
At EPCOT, you can stroll through bucket-list destinations like Italy, France, and Japan and take romantic photos in front of sights like the Eiffel Tower. Don't forget to pick up a couple of Happily Ever After buttons at any guest relations location. These buttons will garner shoutouts from cast members and maybe even a high-five from Mickey himself.
Romantic Disney World restaurants
Fireworks fly at the many romantic Disney World restaurants — Photo courtesy of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons
It's easy to enjoy romantic dining in Disney World, although even sharing the park's signature Dole Whip can be romantic with the right person.
Love is always in the air at the Michelin-starred Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and at Cinderella's Royal Table inside Cinderella Castle.
'Couples will also find romantic settings at our many rooftop restaurants with incomparable views of the parks, fireworks displays, and more,' says McFann.
You could spend a Walt Disney World Valentine's Day at the California Grill atop Disney's Contemporary Resort, Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort, and Toledo at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.
Romantic hotels in Disney World
The wedding pavilion at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a dreamy place to get married — Photo courtesy of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons
Unfortunately, you can't stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite unless you're invited or win a rare Disney-sponsored contest or charity auction. However, plenty of romantic hotel options remain for a Disney World honeymoon or romantic getaway.
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is a top choice, with its adults-only pool, indulgent spa treatments for couples, and private balconies overlooking the fireworks.
Celebrated for its Victorian charm and sophistication, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is luxurious and romantic. A USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice winner for Best Amusement Park Hotel is home to Enchanted Rose, the "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired lounge featuring cocktails, candlelight, and the cozy Belle's library.
'The new Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is one of my favorite romantic spots,' says McFann. 'This island-inspired retreat [and Readers' Choice Awards favorite] offers sweeping views of Seven Seas Lagoon and prime viewing for the Magic Kingdom fireworks. It's an idyllic resort for couples looking for a tropical oasis and offers incredible dining at Wailulu Bar & Grill.'
Disney's BoardWalk Inn is another of McFann's favorites for a romantic getaway. Located within walking distance of EPCOT and with water taxi and Disney Skyliner service to Disney's Hollywood Studios, it gives couples quick access to the parks. The resort also has an extensive collection of restaurants and shops along its waterfront boardwalk that are perfect for date night.
Romantic packages for Disney World
World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue — Photo courtesy of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons
Whether it's a Disney World honeymoon, Valentine's Day, or anniversary, you can book many romantic packages. It all begins at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons, where experts, like Cinderella's fairy godmother, work their magic to create a couple's dream experience, customizing each detail specifically for them.
'We specialize in creating 'surprise and delight' moments, from musical performances to Disney character greetings," says McFann. "One of the biggest compliments for our team is seeing the children of couples we worked with coming to us for their weddings. We've been celebrating love stories for more than 30 years, and it's amazing to see the entire family return to celebrate the next generation.'
Happily after ever, indeed.