Hi there Courtney, thank you for coming to planDisney with your question!
When I was first
planning to propose at Walt Disney World Resort, I spent a long time researching clever ways to not only pop the question, but have that moment captured forever. As is turns out, when I reached out to several local photographers in Orlando they let me know that they were unwilling to do so as it would go against official Theme Park policies at risk of being banned or removed from the property, though I had definitely seen other folks share their professional engagement photos within the Theme Parks online in the past. I reached out to the
Walt Disney World Resort Guest Services team for the official word on professional photography in the Theme Parks and here's what you can currently expect from the current policy being enforced as well as my personal experience:
- The Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules explicitly state the following as one of the Prohibited Activities on property: "Photography, videotaping or recording of any kind, or otherwise engaging in any activity, for unapproved commercial purposes." In our case, we were told that photography for our proposal would be fine for friends and family to take on their own devices and cameras for personal use - but that choosing to hire and pay for someone to take these photos would be considered a commercial purpose.
- The Cast Members wanted to make sure to highlight the Company Rule that states: "We reserve the right to deny admission, prevent entry or require a person already admitted to leave the Walt Disney World Resort or any part thereof, without refund, liability or compensation, for failure to comply with any of these rules." I've observed as folks and their photographers have been asked to leave property immediately, with the photographer escorted off the premises by security Cast Members which would definitely put a damper on such a momentous occasion.
- They also informed me that while couples can bring letters or a sign that reads: "Will You Marry Me?", doing so as a professional photographer will count towards "Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign or other material for commercial purposes" especially now that you've indicated that you were hired to do so and have provided the locations where you intend to shoot this proposal on that date.
- You may have noticed photographers shooting couples across the Theme Parks and Resorts, and currently only third-party photographers who have been approved by Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings team (upon submission of insurance documentation and the signing of a third-party agreement) for couples who have booked their Disney Wedding are authorized to shoot at various locations on property, with the exception of Magic Kingdom Park which is exclusive to Disney Wedding Portrait Sessions.
It looks like these policies have been enforced much more strictly with the introduction of
Capture Your Moment photo sessions with Disney's photographer Cast Members who frequent those picturesque spots throughout the day at each of the Theme Parks with their own signage to mark the occasion, which may be an option for your couple if they don't want to break any rules during their engagement.
Here's hoping you can find another special spot somewhere off-property instead!
Prince