Greetings from the Disney Parks Moms Panel! It is going to be a wonderful birthday for your mom when you head to Walt Disney World. I remember celebrating my own parents special birthdays there and it made them just feel younger instead of older.
There are some wonderful shows that you might consider for the first night and it will just depend on where you wish to be...parks or resorts etc. The
Hoop Dee Doo Revue is a fun and lively show held in Pioneer Hall in the Fort Wilderness Campground. There are three shows each night giving you some time options. If you are in the Animal Kingdom Park I strongly suggest you take in the incredible
Festival of the Lion King show which has many times throughout the day. You can then stay and enjoy the new night time activities of this great park including the lighting of the Tree of Life. These two shows would be my choices if taking my own mother.
For a special dinner you might consider getting a reservation at the
California Grill restaurant located in the Contemporary Resort. This is an elegant location that will give you views of the Magic Kingdom after dark when it comes alive with millions of twinkling lights. If you time it right you can also view the fireworks show from there.
You might also consider booking an Illuminations or Wishes fireworks cruise for that evening. Have dinner at one of the many Disney locations and then order dessert from private dining to be served on the pontoon boat. They come with a captain so all you have to worry about is having a great time.