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Grandparents and Grandchildren meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse; Magic Kingdom; carousel
  • On Mar 12, 2024
    Melissa from PA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Good morning. I'm active duty Army and want to know if I can reserve and pay for a trip to Disney World for my Mom who has never been there and this would be a super surprise from me.

    Welcome to planDisney, Melissa! From all of us at planDisney, thank you for your service. What a special way to celebrate your mom by gifting her the vacation of a lifetime! Thank you for your question. I am happy to help!

    As a servicemember on active duty, if you are going to Walt Disney World Resort with her, you can reserve a Disney Resort hotel using the military rates. Call the Disney Resort Hotel Reservations line to make a reservation. This rate applies to select Disney Resort Hotels and room types. If you are planning the vacation for her and not going, she cannot get a room with that rate. Since you're planning a visit in May, call as soon as possible! Shades of Green is also another great option for lodging!

    For tickets, you can purchase the Disney Military Salute Tickets at the MWR office on base or through Shades of Green Resort if you're going with her. If you don't plan on going with her, purchase discounted Magic Your Way tickets at MWR. Link the tickets to your My Disney Experience mobile app and don't forget to make Theme Park Reservations to enter the parks!

    We've got ears, say cheers! It's your mom's first visit to Walt Disney World, so some special extras have to happen! Here are some of my favorites:

    • Buttons: Pick up a "My 1st Visit!" button when you check in to your Disney Resort Hotel or at Guest Relations booths at the theme parks!
    • Mickey Ears: No visit to Walt Disney World is complete without a pair of Mickey Ears! Visit Curtain Call Collectibles at Disney's Magic Kingdom Park and commemorate this special visit with a pair of embroidered ears!
    • Character Meal: At least one character meal is a must! There are many to choose from, but some of my favorites include Garden Grill Restaurant, Tusker House Restaurant, and 'Ohana! Great food and hugs from Mickey?! Oh BOY!
    • Pixie Dust: Stop by Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and ask a Fairy Godparent-in-training for a sprinkle of pixie dust! I got to do this on my first visit to Walt Disney World as an adult, and it is one of my favorite memories to date! 
    • Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: This is a big splurge, but oh my goodness! What a way to celebrate a beautiful vacation with sweets and a magical view of Happily Ever After fireworks! There are three options to choose from: Pre-Party, Post-Party, and Seats & Sweets. The Pre and Post Parties have reserved seating in the Plaza Garden, and Seats & Sweets is at Tomorrowland Terrance Restaurant. It is worth every penny!

    Melissa, I hope all of this information was useful today! Reach out at any time if you have other questions before your visit. I hope your mom has the most wonderful visit to Walt Disney World!

    Magic Awaits!

    Frances

thumbnail image for Frances

Meet the Panelist: Frances, North Carolina

Hey ya'll! My name is Frances, I am a mom and military spouse from Texas who currently calls the Tarheel state home. My family and I enjoy visiting the Walt Disney World Resort as often as we can because we love the joy and magic every trip brings us. We consider Walt Disney World to be our "home away from home!" If you are dreaming of adventure in the great wide somewhere, then you have got a friend in me! I enjoy sharing my passion for Disney with everyone I meet! Learn More About Frances

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