Tips for Proposing at Disneyland – From a Guy Who Did It

I have to start out by acknowledging that my husband, Brian, is a very smart man. My love for Disneyland has never been difficult to spot, and after we visited the resort while we were dating he knew that it was the perfect place to propose. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I asked him to help me put together some tips and tricks for those looking to get engaged at Disneyland. So here you go: tips for proposing at Disneyland from a guy who did it!

Photo Credit: Amanda Derrick

When Proposing at Disneyland: Do your homework

Weeks before we left on our trip Brian started discussing his plans with one of our best friends, who was luckily coming with us. He was happy to help, and immediately suggested calling Guest Services at the resort. We highly recommend doing this, although it is a bit of a “your mileage may vary” sort of thing. If you don’t get much help, try calling back another time to see if a different Cast Member is more willing or has a different idea. Have a plan first, then ask for help in pulling it off. My favorite part of this story is the first thing the Cast Member asked when they called:

“So, do you think she’ll say yes?”

Does anyone propose who doesn’t think the answer will be yes?

Telling the Cast Member that he was feeling pretty good about my answer, Brian said the fireworks were my favorite thing at the parks. They sweetly set up a plan for us to have “surprise” reserved seating on the Main Street train platform for the Remember, Dreams Come True fireworks. This was all settled before we arrived, so Brian didn’t have to worry about sneaking away and setting something up while we were in the parks (which is important, because I’m a highly suspicious person).

Brian did tell me one thing he wished he’d done: listened to the soundtrack for the fireworks or watched them on YouTube to plan where in the action to propose. “I was in a panic because there were no breaks!” And he’s right, the fireworks were probably less than two minutes from being over when he finally did it! So take Brian’s advice, and if you’re proposing during a show, parade, or fireworks then study up and be ready for your opportune moment.

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. Just be on the lookout 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 suggest a quieter spot with a Photopass photographer for me to propose?” than “I want to propose, what free stuff can I get?”

When Proposing at Disneyland: Bring help

Because Brian opted to propose to me during the fireworks we couldn’t have a PhotoPass photographer. Luckily we were at the park with friends and they were prepped and ready to snap pictures for us; afterward they too mentioned it would have been good to know exactly when Brian was going to go for it, so prep your helpers! They had also secretly hung out to save our seats in the reserved section, so when Brian and I showed up at the last second it was a surprise for me—I think if I’d had an hour to sit in those seats and think about it I may have started to put the pieces together!

We’re engaged! Brian is a genius. Photo Credit: Drew Thompson

If you’re choosing another location, look for PhotoPass photographers. A quick word to clue them in and they will take lots of pictures of all the action. If you decide to propose in one of the restaurants, make sure to sneak away and let your server know. At character dining experiences you can even request an assist from one of your special visitors. You can also check out online Disney communities, message boards, and Facebook pages (like the Magical DIStractions group) to ask for suggestions and even recruit local help for your proposal. I’ve seen it all come together, and it’s a lot of fun!

When Proposing at Disneyland: Have a plan for AFTER the proposal

As the fireworks ended after Brian proposed there was lots of hugging, laughing, kissing (sorry Bri, I know public displays of affection aren’t your thing, it couldn’t be helped), photographing, and general happiness. I still can’t believe that Brian AND our friends had kept it all a secret, and that I didn’t figure it out! But the night was young, and we were still at Disneyland. What to do next? Happily, our friends graciously picked up Fastpasses for some of my favorite rides, so off we went. A perfect way to end our day.

After the excitement of the proposal dies down it’s a great time to hit your favorites. Head for an attraction, visit a character to share your news, or enjoy a special meal. Just plan for what’s next, because a proposal is tough to beat! Make sure you snap lots of photos to remember the day; this is a great time to use PhotoPass+ One Day or One Week to capture all the excitement. One of my favorite pictures is of Brian and me on Space Mountain the night he proposed, when he reached over and held up my hand so the ring is on camera! (I made a fist, because I was terrified the ring would fall off, ha!)

For the safety of your ring, I don’t recommend ACTUALLY proposing here. Happily engaged on Space Mountain! Photo Credit: Amanda Derrick

When Proposing at Disneyland: Be ready to go back

Brian’s final tip: “When you’re proposing at Disneyland, know that every year she’ll want to visit that spot…for the rest of your lives.” And it’s true, I do! Whether we grab a treat to go sit on “our bench” for a while or we just run up for a quick kiss goodnight before heading home that spot is always the last place we go on our trips. It is my favorite spot in the parks, and the perfect way to end our trips together. So whatever you choose, don’t forget to go back and remember your special moment. You can bet we’ll be watching the Remember, Dreams Come True fireworks on our trip back this spring, and I’m just a tiny (massive) bit excited!

I need some romance in my trip!

Here are some resources to help you find the perfect proposal spot—or just add a little something extra special to your day in the parks.

Dining:

• Blue Bayou
• Napa Rose
• Carthay Circle
• Café Orleans

These are great for a proposal itself, to celebrate after the “yes”, or for a romantic celebration in the parks. We highly recommend getting a reservation. You should also call ahead to discuss proposal options if you’d like to arrange for a special dessert or presentation.

The view from Cafe Orleans is wonderful! Photo Credit: Amanda Derrick

Special Events:

• The World of Color Dessert Party features special reserved seating (yes, with chairs!) for World of Color, with delicious snacks, desserts, and drinks. It’s awesome, and so worth it! This would make a great proposal or romantic date night.
• The Frozen–Live at the Hyperion Dining Package includes dinner at Carthay Circle (very romantic) and reserved seats for the show at the Hyperion. If your significant other is a fan of the Arendelle sisters, this one is for you!
• The Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package starts with dinner at the Blue Bayou, then includes a reserved area to see the parade. A great night for anyone who grew up loving this classic parade!

We took our kiddo to the World of Color Dessert Party, but that view? Totally proposal-worthy! Photo Credit: Amanda Derrick

Romantic Spots:

• Sleeping Beauty Castle
• Snow White’s Wishing Well
• Top deck of the Mark Twain Riverboat
• Main Street Train Station
• Caricature sketch in New Orleans Square
• Hungry Bear Restaurant patio
• Disneyland Hotel gardens

The gardens at the Disneyland Hotel provide a beautiful proposal setting! Photo Credit: Nicole Reynolds

Disney also has a website set up to help you out in the romance department. The Disneyland Engagements Website is a great place to brainstorm, get an idea of what the resort is prepared to help with, and find phone numbers to make it happen. Their sister site, Disneyland Floral and Gifts, provides a comprehensive list of your options for delivering something beautiful to your special someone at your Disneyland Resort hotel.

What will you choose to add a little extra romance to your next Disneyland visit?