Orlando runs almost entirely on Disney, which is either a reason to go or a reason to avoid it depending on who you are. If it's a reason to go, you already know exactly what kind of proposal you want. The castle, the fireworks, the Magic Kingdom moment you've both imagined since you were kids.
But Orlando has more to it than the parks. Lake Eola is a legitimate city park with a fountain in the middle of downtown. There are hot air balloon operators running flights at dawn over the farmland outside the city. If you came for the theme parks, you can stay for the proposal. If you want something quieter, you can find that too. You just have to look for it.
Orlando Proposal Ideas
The majority of visitors to Orlando Florida come for the fabulous theme parks, whether that’s Walt Disney World Resort with the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Theme Park, Universal Orlando complete with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or SeaWorld Orlando with amazing animal encounters.
However, there is another side to Orlando for those that wish to explore it. You may be surprised by the art, music, history, and culture you can find in Orlando, alongside its beautiful parks and lakes. If you’d like to get to know the real Orlando as well as the theme park city, you may find more romance for your proposal than you expected, whether you stay in downtown or venture out to the fashionable suburbs of Maitland or Winter Park.
Disney World Proposals
Cinderella Castle. Photo: Alexey K. / PexelsDisney World is one of Orlando’s top attractions, and if you have chosen this city as a place to propose because your girlfriend is a big Disney fan you’ll probably want to find a romantic spot inside the park. The most popular place to propose inside Disney World is the rose garden in front of Cinderella’s Castle, and although it may not be that original, it is certainly a memorable spot to pop the question. If you really want to make it special why not propose inside the castle. You can book a proposal package including dinner at the royal table, where the ring is delivered at the end of the meal in a rose petal filled glass slipper.
Other fantastic ways to propose inside Disney World include during the evening firework show at the Magic Kingdom, during a private cruise out on the Seven Seas Lagoon, at Sunset Pointe in Disney’s Polynesian Resort, during a carriage ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness resort, or on the sweeping Grand Staircase at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Of course if you’ve been to Disney World before and there’s a particular ride or attraction that your girlfriend really enjoys, this is a more personal choice. Asking her to marry you just as the ride starts will really take her breath away.
Novelty Orlando Proposals
A sunrise balloon flight. Photo: Etkin Celep / PexelsIt seems that anything is possible in Orlando, so if you’re looking for a truly spectacular proposal there are plenty of possibilities to choose from. Try taking a hot air balloon ride over Orlando at sunrise, accompanied by a champagne brunch. Or perhaps go snorkeling at Discovery Cove and have your marriage proposal presented by a playful bottlenose dolphin.
If you’re visiting Orlando at Christmas make sure you check out the ICE attraction at Gaylord Palms Resort, and ask about their proposal package. You could even have your proposal message carved into an ice block.
Scenic Outdoor Proposals
Swans on Lake Eola. Photo: Zay Small / PexelsOutside Disney World, Lake Eola Park is a popular downtown location to get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy a stroll among the swans and other wildlife with a beautiful view of the Orlando skyline. You can hire a swan shaped paddle boat or an electric gondola on the lake itself, or simply enjoy the picturesque surroundings and perhaps a concert at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre. Another superb downtown location would be Leu Gardens, a stunning botanical oasis that hugs the shore of Lake Rowena and provides a riot of color and beauty whatever the season.
If you’d like to venture a little outside Orlando for your scenic proposal, consider a day trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park, which is 20 minutes north of the city. Check out the wildlife and enjoy a picnic before taking a dip in the spring which remains at a refreshing 72 degrees all year. You could also hire canoes to take out on the water for a real taste of Old Florida.
Romantic Restaurants in Orlando
When you’re looking for a romantic post proposal spot to eat in Orlando, your choice will depend greatly on which part of Orlando you are in. Whether you’re looking for somewhere in downtown Orlando, in one of the suburbs such as Maitland, or in Disney World itself, there are a huge variety of restaurants and flavors to choose from.
Kres Chophouse is a fine dining restaurant on Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando specializing in steaks and seafood, set in a restored 1930s building with an intimate, low lit feel. The Boheme is located in the downtown Grand Bohemian Hotel, and you can enjoy classic dishes with a modern twist accompanied by live music. Take in the Sunday jazz brunch for a real Orlando tradition. Cafe Trastevere is a very romantic downtown Italian restaurant, and in mild weather the candlelit tables on the terrace overlooking Magnolia Avenue create a fabulous atmosphere.
Antonio’s La Fiamma is an authentic Italian restaurant in the fashionable suburb of Maitland which features exquisite fish and steak dishes alongside home baked bread, pastries and desserts. Chatham’s Place in the Sand Lake area is a well established restaurant known for its relaxed elegance. Many of the dishes on the seasonally inspired menu feature ingredients from the restaurants own organic farm. Knife & Spoon, based at the Ritz-Carlton in the Grande Lakes resort, is the work of Chef John Tesar and is built around dry aged steaks and a raw bar of oysters and seafood. Dishes run from prime cuts off the grill to butter poached lobster.
Those of you looking for somewhere to eat within Disney World will be spoilt for choice. When you’re looking for a romantic eatery in Disney World the Victoria and Albert in Disney’s Grand Floridian resort comes up again and again. This is one of Disney World’s most formal restaurants, with a strict dress code and a minimum dining age of ten. Make plenty of time for dinner here as you will be served at least six courses. Another great choice in the Grand Floridian resort is Narcoossee’s, which specializes in seafood and which overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Epcot’s World Showcase is a great place to find excellent regional restaurants, and French restaurant Monsieur Paul, or Italian restaurant Tutto Italia are particularly good choices. For something a little different check out Cítricos, a Mediterranean influenced restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian resort, and make sure you arrive by boat from the Magic Kingdom. Jiko, an African inspired restaurant in the Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House is also worth a look. Finally, if you want classic Californian food and a fabulous view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, try the California Grill.
Romantic Activities in Orlando
Wherever you decide to propose, keep the romance alive on your trip to Orlando by planning a few additional romantic activities.
- Hire bikes and take a trip on the West Orange Trail for a fabulous view of Lake Apopka
- Visit the spa at the Grand Floridian resort which has a designated couple’s room
- Enjoy coffee and dessert at Harbor Piazza, Portofino Bay Hotel
- Take in an art house or independent movie at the famous Enzian movie theatre in Maitland
- Take a ride on the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland
- Have your engagement picture taken at the France pavilion in Epcot, with the miniature Eiffel Tower behind you
- Take a boat ride from Walt Disney World’s Port Orleans or Caribbean Beach
Where to Stay in Orlando for Your Proposal Trip
Most of the accommodation in Orlando takes the form of elaborate resorts with every conceivable amenity, usually catering for visitors to the many theme parks in the area. Some of the resort hotels are designed around a particular theme, so whether you want ultimate luxury and relaxation, a great game of golf, an animal experience, or a wilderness adventure, there’s sure to be something for you. There are also a number of great places to stay in downtown Orlando if you’d like to be close to the city itself.
In downtown Orlando the most luxurious place to stay is the Grand Bohemian Hotel, a vibrant hotel with a stunning art collection and exquisite rooms. For a more intimate place to stay in downtown Orlando, check out the EO Inn, a boutique hotel in a 1920s building on the corner of Lake Eola Park, and ask for a room with a lake view.
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation closer to Orlando’s many theme parks, the Evermore Orlando Resort, formerly the Villas of Grand Cypress, is an ideal choice, especially if you’d like a game of golf during your trip. Close to Universal Orlando, the Portofino Bay Hotel combines the atmosphere and architecture of the stylish Italian town with all the comfort and amenities of a top class resort. There’s also a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel near the entrance to Universal Orlando with a spectacular view over the park.
The Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando features both a Ritz-Carlton and a Marriott hotel, and many restaurants and other facilities. Whether you want to relax in the spa or seek adventure on the water, there’s plenty to do at the luxurious Grande Lakes Resort.
If you’d like to stay within Disney World there are plenty of romantic hotels to choose from. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is an African themed lodge style resort set within a large wildlife preserve, ideal if your girlfriend is an animal lover. The Wilderness Lodge is also an excellent choice designed to be in harmony with nature and to recognize ancient Native American cultures and the pioneering spirit of early American explorers.
The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is the flagship hotel of Walt Disney World, and the striking red gabled Victorian style building enjoys a perfect location at the edge of the Seven Seas Lagoon. If you’d prefer to stay in a tropical paradise that celebrates the spirit of the South Pacific, consider Disney's Polynesian Resort which features lush vegetation, thatched roofs, koi ponds and white sand beaches.
