Hi, Jillian!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and thanks for your question. I bet your family is looking forward to visiting the
Walt Disney World Resort this summer, especially since you’ll be celebrating a special occasion. There’s no better place to spend a birthday than “The Most Magical Place on Earth!”
From what I’ve heard from my fellow panelist Sherri, who is a former Cast Member, being selected as the parade’s Grand Marshal is quite random, and you never can tell when your family might receive some extra pixie dust. Although there are no guarantees, arriving early and being present for the park's rope drop ceremony might help…your birthday boy may just catch a Cast Member’s eye!
Be sure to pick up a complimentary birthday button for your son when you go to the theme parks. It can even be customized with his name so he’ll receive personalized birthday wishes from Cast Members and fellow Guests throughout your visit! Also, if you have any table-service meals planned during your vacation, don’t forget to tell your server it's your son's birthday--he's likely to get a special sweet treat at the end of your meal.
I hope this helps, Jillian, and that you have a wonderfully pixie-dusted visit to the Walt Disney World Resort! Please feel free to write back with more questions as your planning continues.
Wishing you magic,
Courtney