Disneyland Abu Dhabi is happening: A look at how Hollywood stars turned theme park into marriage proposal playground

Love, fireworks, fairy-tale engagements: here's how Disneyland became a romantic hotspot

Last updated:
Manjusha Radhakrishnan , Entertainment Editor
2 MIN READ
John Stamos and Caitlyn got engaged in Disneyland where hhe popped the question
John Stamos and Caitlyn got engaged in Disneyland where hhe popped the question
Instagram/johnstamos

Dubai: Now that Abu Dhabi has announced its very own Disneyland (yes, cue the fireworks and confetti), it’s only fitting we talk about something that has bloomed as beautifully as those nightly castle light shows: love.

From fairy-tale proposals in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle to glitzy engagements complete with glass slippers and Disney soundtracks, Disneyland has long been the unofficial HQ for starry-eyed romance. It’s the place where real-life Prince Charmings get down on one knee, and happily-ever-afters begin—not in some storybook, but with churros, fireworks, and a front-row view of magic in motion.

So as the UAE gets ready to roll out its magic carpet and welcome the world's most iconic theme park, here’s a look at all the celebrities who turned Disney into the ultimate proposal playground. Because when it comes to popping the question, why not do it with a side of pixie dust?

1. John Stamos and Caitlin McHugh
The Full House star proposed at Disneyland in 2017 after showing Caitlin a montage of romantic moments from Disney and Pixar films. He popped the question right in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. A literal dream sequence come to life.

2. Rob Dyrdek and Bryiana Noelle Flores
The MTV personality made an entrance—on a prop elephant during a live Aladdin stage show at Disneyland. He paused the production, summoned the genie, and got down on one knee. Now that’s a magic carpet moment.

3. Corbin Bleu and Sasha Clements
The High School Musical heartthrob proposed in 2014 right in front of Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World. He presented the ring inside a glass slipper. Disney royalty vibes all the way.

4. Colton Dixon and Annie Coggeshall
The American Idol alum proposed at Walt Disney World in 2015. Their engagement was followed by a fairy-tale wedding, naturally. Because if you’re going to promise forever, do it in front of Cinderella.

5. Jarret Stoll and Erin Andrews
The former NHL player popped the question to TV presenter Erin Andrews in 2016 at Club 33—Disneyland’s ultra-exclusive members-only restaurant. Low-key luxe, Disney-style.

Manjusha Radhakrishnan
Manjusha Radhakrishnan Entertainment Editor
Manjusha Radhakrishnan has been slaying entertainment news and celebrity interviews in Dubai for 18 years—and she’s just getting started. As Entertainment Editor, she covers Bollywood movie reviews, Hollywood scoops, Pakistani dramas, and world cinema. Red carpets? She’s walked them all—Europe, North America, Macau—covering IIFA (Bollywood Oscars) and Zee Cine Awards like a pro. She’s been on CNN with Becky Anderson dropping Bollywood truth bombs like Salman Khan Black Buck hunting conviction and hosted panels with directors like Bollywood’s Kabir Khan and Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh. She has also covered film festivals around the globe. Oh, and did we mention she landed the cover of Xpedition Magazine as one of the UAE’s 50 most influential icons? She was also the resident Bollywood guru on Dubai TV’s Insider Arabia and Saudi TV, where she dishes out the latest scoop and celebrity news. Her interview roster reads like a dream guest list—Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shah Rukh Khan, Robbie Williams, Sean Penn, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Morgan Freeman. From breaking celeb news to making stars spill secrets, Manjusha doesn’t just cover entertainment—she owns it while looking like a star herself.
Related Topics:

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next