Hey there, Kathleen! How about, rather than a helpful planning guide, a helpful planning
team? I'm so glad you found us because planDisney is here to help. It sounds like you have so much to celebrate and a magical day ahead!
I understand how it can become overwhelming. There is so much to do that you could stay for days and still not have time to experience everything. But the good news is you don't have to do it all to have a magical time! Focus on a few priorities and build your day around these.
Let's start with attractions. According to the
calendar,
Magic Kingdom Park is open on July 8 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. If your trip includes a stay at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you can enter the park at 8:30 a.m. with
early theme park entry. When the park opens, it's challenging, but skip Main Street, U.S.A. and head to Adventureland instead. Start with The Jungle Cruise, then Pirates of the Caribbean and work your way around the park going counterclockwise. The first sight of Cinderella Castle is stunning, and every bit of iconic Disney magic! It also means this part of the park is busy, and the other areas are a bit less crowded to start the day.
Save a few shows for the heat of the day. The Enchanted Tiki Room, Country Bear Musical Jamboree, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Carousel of Progress and The Laugh Floor are perfect in the middle of the day. Air conditioning, time off your feet and entertainment—it's the perfect combination to beat the heat.
To celebrate your granddaughter's birthday, I would make dinner reservations. If she is a fan of Beauty and the Beast,
Be Our Guest puts you inside the enchanted castle. Try the grey stuff; it's delicious! The Crystal Palace is another good option, where Winnie the Pooh and pals celebrate Friendship Day every day!
Okay, I said to skip Main Street, U.S.A., in the morning, but it's not to be missed. When the sun goes down and the lights come on, there is nothing more spectacular. Nothing, except
Happily Ever After fireworks, that is. These illuminate the sky and Cinderella Castle starting at 9 p.m. The shops on Main Street stay open after the attractions have closed, and I love to linger and take it all in at the end of the day.
You can also find a few extra sprinkles of Pixie Dust to add some birthday sparkle. Stop by a store and ask a Cast Member for a Celebration button. These pins let everyone know your granddaughter is a V.I.Princess for the day. When you check in for dinner, note that you are celebrating a birthday. Stop by Sir Mickey's next to Cinderella Castle in Fantasyland and ask for a complementary pixie dusting. The popcorn buckets at the Main Street Confectionery are a magical treat! Honestly, everything here is.
One of my other favorite treats is the Mickey-shaped waffles with fruit and hazelnut chocolate spread from Sleepy Hollow. Savoring a Mickey waffle while gazing out at Cinderella Castle is perfection!
There's so much I can tell you, Kathleen, to help you plan your day at Magic Kingdom. If you'd like to share some of your dreams and preferences, we can help you plan a day that is practically perfect for you and your granddaughter. You can
follow up with me directly or ask any of the magical
planDisney panelists!
Magic Awaits!
Jana