Hiya, Caty, and welcome to planDisney! Oh boy! You have a fantastic adventure ahead with your little ones at
Walt Disney World Resort, and how exciting to plan a surprise for them when you arrive. They'll believe in the magic for sure! Let's look at ways to make that happen for your Mouseketeers; they'll talk about this visit forever.
My top tip is to order a Disney-themed treat through the
In-Room Floral & Gifts page. Click the link to be taken to this preferred partner's website for a selection of snack baskets, plush toys, balloons, and more. Your Disney Resort Hotel
Front Desk will accept delivery for you to pick up, or you can arrange delivery to your room. One option is to have the surprise waiting at the end of your first park day. Get your camera ready to snap photos of your kiddos' faces when they spy what Mickey left for them!
You can also mention that this is a special first visit when you check in. There's no guarantee, but you might get a little pixie dust, such as a personalized note from a character. I was delighted last year when my husband returned to our room from a morning coffee run with a birthday balloon for me!
Remember to ask for a complimentary celebration button at the Front Desk or any
Guest Relations location. I even have a "First Visit" button to commemorate a podcast I filmed on the topic! Cast members can personalize these buttons for free, or you can pay for a fancier painted name at
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe at Magic Kingdom Park. You might be surprised by how much attention your children will get when they proudly display their buttons!
My final tip is to schedule a character meal during your stay. My family has found this is the best way to get one-on-one time with characters. I recently snagged a walk-up reservation at
Garden Grill Restaurant, so it never hurts to ask. If your kids tell the characters this is their first visit, I bet they'll welcome them enthusiastically!
Caty, I'm waving my magic wand, hoping for the most magical vacation ever. I'm getting goosebumps imagining your kids' faces when they see Cinderella Castle for the first time; my allergies must be acting up because my eyes are watering! Please
stop by planDisney anytime!
Magic awaits,
Elaine