A trip to Florida is the perfect time to show someone how much you love them. If you’re planning to pop the question during your holiday, or are simply dreaming about how you wish to be proposed to, these are some of our favourite places we think would make a great setting for that very special, life-changing moment.
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Cinderella Castle
This iconic location has been the home to many Walt Disney World proposals across the years, and for good reason. Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park makes a wonderful backdrop to those all-important photos (which can be taken by one of the Disney PhotoPass photographers), and you’re bound to receive some congratulations from cast members and fellow Park-goers too. Jazz up the moment even more by donning your finest Disney merchandise, and get whisked away in the wonderful world of love and Disney.
If you want to make your proposal slightly more private while still having this beautiful backdrop, head to the right hand side of the castle to Cinderella’s Wishing Well.
The Tree of Life
If your significant other prefers the more natural vibes of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, there’s nothing more perfect than a proposal under the branches of the Tree of Life! Take a walk through the Discovery Island Trails to find a quiet spot away from the crowds entering the park and get down on one knee for that special moment.
Disney’s Boardwalk
Head to Disney’s Boardwalk for timeless, romantic charm and a range of exquisite dining, unique shops and exciting nightlife. Time your proposal with a stroll along the water’s edge, taking in all the excitement and pretty sights. This is an area which really comes to life in the later part of the day, thanks to the glistening lights and reflections on the lake. You can then celebrate your proposal with a meal at one of the many restaurants, and dance the night away at one of the bustling nightclubs.
Fireworks Cruise
If you want to incorporate Disney into your proposal but would prefer something a bit more private than Cinderella Castle, a private fireworks cruise could be the answer. Departing from the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Fort Wilderness or Wilderness Lodge Marinas, your private chartered boat will sail through the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake before dropping anchor just in time for you to watch the Happily Ever After Fireworks. With synchronised audio onboard, this is a truly magical setting for you to pop the question ready for your own happily ever after!
Your cruise will need to be booked in advance, by calling 0800 028 0778.
Universal Orlando Resort
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
If you and your other half are Harry Potter fans, there’s really nowhere else in Florida that you’ll want to have your proposal. The area is so immersive and detailed, that you’ll feel like you really are kneeling down on the cobbles of Diagon Alley. Pick a house, don your capes, and capture those fantastic photos in front of the fire breathing dragon on top of Gringotts too. You’ll be able to celebrate the occasion by sampling some of the many variations of butterbeer and taking a ride on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Use your finest love spell and have a truly magical Harry Potter proposal!
Volcano Bay Water Theme Park
Rent a cabana and spend the day lounging around Volcano Bay, one of the best water parks in Florida. You’ll enjoy a secluded and luxurious experience in the private cabana, which comes with towel service, padded lounge chairs, complimentary fruit and snack basket, a small fridge with bottled water, and a concierge service too - this enables you to get any item from any of Volcano Bay’s four restaurants or two bars! This experience will combine romance and fun, making for an unforgettable day and wonderful, unique proposal.
Discovery Cove
A visit to Discovery Cove is an unforgettable, unique experience already, so why not make it extra special by proposing to your loved one during your day there? Our Discovery Cove Packages give you a full day’s experience at the attraction, so there’ll be plenty of opportunity to pop the question. We’d recommend tying it into the dolphin swim (included with the dolphin swim tickets), for a truly unique memory. After the big question, there’s plenty of places to celebrate and relax across the attraction, and a selection of alcoholic drinks are also included with your ticket too, so you can even toast the occasion!
Lake Eola Park
Head into the city and experience another side to Orlando, with a romantic trip to Lake Eola Park. There are many places across the Park that would be perfect for a proposal, especially when the sun is setting and the surrounding city lights start to brighten up the evening. Walking around the sidewalk is one option - the path circles the lake and makes for some wonderful views. Another idea is to rent the swan-shaped paddle boats and pop the question while on the lake itself. There are also beautiful flower beds and great restaurants across the park area - ideal for continuing the romance.
The Orlando Eye
Take in the sights of surrounding Orlando with your loved one when you board The Orlando Eye - the perfect backdrop for your proposal. Again, we recommend planning this experience later in the day so you have the spectacular sunset to add to your proposal. You’ll get great pictures and fantastic memories to share with everybody back home!
Florida Beaches
While the theme park hub and bustling city of Orlando may be top of most people’s Florida bucket lists, a lot can be said about Florida’s outstanding beaches. Whisk your loved one away on a romantic overnight trip to the coast, relaxing along one of the white-sand, crisp blue-water beaches. Your proposal could be as simple as a quaint picnic on the beach, or maybe you’d like to do it in one of the world-class seafront restaurants?
However you decide to incorporate the beach into your proposal, one thing is for certain - it will be wonderfully peaceful and spectacularly breathtaking. Our top beach picks are: Clearwater Beach, St Augustine, Daytona Beach and Jacksonville.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Well-known with the locals but lesser visited by tourists, the Harry P. Leu Gardens (or Leu Gardens for short) is an amazing botanical oasis just minutes from Downtown Orlando. Explore the different gardens to find the perfect location to ask that all-important question. There’s over 50 acres of greenery to choose from, so we’re sure you’ll find the ideal spot. You may even squeeze in a tour of the Leu House Museum too, to find out more about the location. An understated, yet elegant location for your special day.
The Tiffany Chapel
The Tiffany Chapel is a chapel interior located in the Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. This stunningly ornate Art Nouveau chapel was designed by artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, most famous for his work with stained glass. For art lovers especially, the Tiffany Chapel makes for a beautiful and unique proposal setting.
Top tips for proposing in Orlando
Once you know where you’re going to propose in Orlando, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to propose! Here are some tips from the experts to make sure you’ve thought of every detail:
1. Make your proposal unique
When imagining a proposal in Orlando, especially at Walt Disney World Resort, there are images and situations that immediately come to mind. While these are classic locations for a reason, think about how you can make the moment unique to you and your partner to make it extra special.
“Make your proposal personalised- have a think about how you can make it make special. Perhaps you girlfriend loved Cinderella growing up and nowadays has an obsession with shoes? Why not amalgamate the two ideas by proposing with a gorgeous pair of shoes (glass slipper optional) which has the ring attached?”– The One Romance, Luxury Romance Planners
2. Plan, plan, plan
While we’re sure many of you are determined to plan every single detail, it’s vital that you are 100 per cent prepared before proposing. Whether this means confirming certain elements are permitted in your chosen location, or getting people to be in the right place at the right time, planning is everything and should be thought out in advance very carefully.
“Go through every plan of your proposal and make sure you have thought of everything that may come up. If you plan on asking a character to be a part of your moment, what will you do if they say no? If you plan on proposing at a specific area of the park, how will you handle it if there is already someone there doing the same thing? How will you hide your engagement ring box on the day of so she doesn't suspect anything? Consider buying a thin engagement ring box, so that the ring goes undetected.” - The Heart Bandits, Marriage Proposal and Romantic Event Planners
3. Capture your magical moment
As one of the most special occasions in your lifetime, you will be extremely grateful if you can commemorate this life event with photographs. Although it’s another thing that you will have to consider planning, there a number of fantastic photographers available, who are experienced in keeping everything a secret, while still capturing all the precious moments.
“After 5 years of photographing happy moments, we know how to get that special "moment between the moment." Very important when it comes to wedding proposals. We have the very nervous groom-to-be and the unsuspecting one who will soon (hopefully) be saying ‘yes!’ to take care of. Some of our favourite images have been proposals at Disney. One from the romantic balcony overlooking the Magic Kingdom and another after a private dinner at the Grand Floridian Resort as the fireworks were going off behind them. One even had a video camera in the ring box that captured it all on video! We have done proposals at the airport, restaurants and at parks. The one getting proposed to is always surprised and thrilled that we were there to capture the moment, most never knew we were there until the last second.”– Kelly, professional photographer from The Canovas Photography
4. Find some inspiration
While you’ll want your proposal to be as unique as possible, there’s nothing wrong with finding some inspiration from those who have done it before! We’d recommend searching on TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest to find the most picture-perfect spots in your chosen location, or take a look at Disney Fairytale Weddings if you know you want to have a Disney proposal.
“Disney proposals are always magical, but personally I love to see the creative ones. My favourite proposal at Walt Disney World to date is one that took place on the Tower of Terror. That Groom really had it right! As a blog editor and Disney lover, I would love to see someone propose on Aladdin's magic carpets ride at Magic Kingdom, at the Laua at the Polynesian Resort, in front of the Eiffel Tower in the France Pavilion at Epcot, or in the wedding gazebo at Disney's Yacht Club Resort (that actually where my husband and I got married). The flying carpets would be the best though...I mean it's SO DISNEY!”– Dawn at Bibbidi Bobbidi Bride
Already had your perfect proposal? Our Florida Experts have got you covered with the next steps of your planning, with the best places to get married in Orlando, and their favourite Florida honeymoon destinations!
