Hi Joy,
It makes my heart super happy to hear that you and your granddaughter will get to experience "The Most Magical Place on Earth" together this fall. That's so special that you're taking her for her very first visit, and I just know that you will make memories that you'll all cherish for many years to come!
I have a 13-year-old daughter, and we got to enjoy a couple magical days at the Walt Disney World Resort just the two of us last fall. She and I were just chatting about what made our trip so special, and we'd love to share some ideas with you. First, what kinds of things is your granddaughter interested in? Is she a thrill seeker? Does she like to shop? Is she a foodie? Does she love Instagram? If she's a thrill seeker, she'll definitely want to conquer the mountains at Magic Kingdom Park: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Thunder Mountain, that is, as well as Expedition Everest, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. If she likes to shop, she'll LOVE Disney Springs. If she likes to try new foods, I'd encourage you to plan some
special meals for her to enjoy. We made a reservation at The Plaza Restaurant in the afternoon for some All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Milk Shakes and Plaza Loaded Fries. Mmm...SO yummy! If she's into social media, be sure to look for some of the famous
"Disney Walls" and post the pictures to Instagram. Whatever you decide to do, she'll love sharing the magic with you!
Just a few more tips: be sure to ask for a complimentary "My First Visit" button for her and feel free to introduce her to some common Disney hobbies like pin collecting and hunting for Hidden Mickeys (shapes hidden in attractions that look like Mickey heads). Joy, I hope that you have a truly magical vacation together!
Missy