Hiya Arzetta,
Welcome to planDisney! I love birthdays, and I’m so excited to help you plan a magical birthday for your grandson! It is truly an honor and a privilege to do so. Every year is a milestone year, but what better way to celebrate nine than the first trip to Walt Disney World Resort. No matter what you decide to do, it will be extra magical because you will be there to celebrate with him. After you book your Theme Park tickets and make Disney Park Pass Reservations, there is no better place to start planning a magical birthday than Enchanting Extras, advanced dining reservations, and accommodations.
One of my favorite ways to mark another magical year of life is with
Enchanting Extras. Is your grandson a Jedi in training?! Then perhaps he would love to build his own BB unit at the Droid Depot. Does he love animals?! Then maybe he would love some behind-the-scenes access to Disney’s Animal Kingdom through the Wild Africa Trek. Another idea you might consider is booking a Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom. The Nighttime Spectaculars are always my favorite part of every vacation, so securing unique viewing locations will enjoy yummy treats is always the perfect way to commemorate another year around the sun.
No birthday is complete without great food and birthday cake in my family. You can celebrate at select Disney Dining table service locations by having a
Mickey Mouse Celebration Cake marking your grandson’s birthday brought to your table. If you are interested in doing this, I would highly recommend pre-ordering when you reserve your
advanced dining reservations 60 days before your trip. Regarding where to dine, the options are vast, and depending on what your grandson loves, you can find a dining location that is themed for his particular interests. One of my favorites is Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Villas. They are themed to make you think about Moana, Lilo, and Stitch, so it makes me feel like I’m relaxing in Hawaii. On top of that, their breakfast is my favorite at Walt Disney World Resort! Spoiler alert you can also get a Celebration Cake at this location, and who doesn’t love a little cake with breakfast?!
Speaking of theming, I’d love to wrap up my recommendations by talking about accommodations. If you haven’t already thought about it, I recommend staying at a
Walt Disney World Resort Collection Hotel. If your grandson has a favorite Disney movie, he could stay right in the middle of the story. On top of all that, as a resort Guest, I enjoyed extra time in the Theme Parks with lower crowds. There is a Walt Disney World Resort Collection Hotel for every budget and Disney lover. One last perk of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel is having special birthday balloons and gift baskets sent to your sister’s room from
Disney Floral and Gifts, which will be an excellent way to add additional birthday magic.
I hope I didn’t overwhelm you with options Arzetta. Sometimes I get a little too excited! As you read through these, if there is any you want to learn more about, please let
me know. Final tip before I let you go, don’t forget to stop by Guest Services when you get to the Theme Parks to pick up a Celebration Button for your grandson’s birthday. Cast Members love to join in on the celebration, and it will be another way to make him feel extra special on his special day.
Happy Planning!
Ashley F.