Hi Joyce!
Thanks for your question. My daughter was around the same age (3 and a half) when she made her first trip to
Disney World. Now in her teens, she surprisingly remembers many of the Disney Princesses she met during that stay years ago. Dreams really do come true at Disney! :-)
The Disney Princesses, Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the gang will be busy preparing for various Meet and Greets, performances, and dining experiences. Unfortunately, they don't handle requests such as making videos or phone calls, so to surprise our kids, we've had to get creative ourselves in other areas:
A. Have a family member with a voice "oh-so-close" to Mickey call and invite them to Disney World.
B. If you're staying at a
Disney Resort, they will send a "Welcome" package or Disney
MagicBands. We'll wait for a period, and, if it's say, the MagicBands, wrap it in a really nice gift and have them open it. They may not quite understand the bands, but the Hidden Mickey logo is neatly adorned on the band and they may make the connection.
C. Purchase a plush doll of a Disney Princess with a helium balloon with a picture of Cinderella's Castle on it.
D. Purchase a personalized T-shirt with her name on it from
shopDisney.
Some of these we've actually done to great effect. We had to be creative, and with your young princess, I'm sure you know better than anyone what would make her most excited. Then, make sure to plan an experience early in your trip where she's sure to meet a Disney Princess. I would highly encourage a Dining Reservation either at
Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) or
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (World Showcase at Epcot).
May you and your family have a Magical Time!
Terry