Hi Stacey, and welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
My children have made such special memories with their grandparents at Walt Disney World, and I'm so excited you're planning a grand adventure of your own! I turned to my daughter, who is close in age, for her advice on what would make an extra-magical vacation for a 9-year-old Mouseketeer.
While we've had a great time at every moderate resort, we think the Royal Guest Rooms at
Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are extra-special. There are so many wonderful Disney details in the room, including headboards that light up with fireworks. This resort shares amenities with its sister resort, French Quarter, which means two feature pools and lots of great food and recreation options. Of the value resorts, we recommend Disney's Art of Animation Resort for its fantastic theming and feature pools.
My daughter gives a thumbs-up to your dining selections, and also suggests a special "grown up" dining experience. She loved dressing up and dining at The Hollywood Brown Derby, where our server even brought her a mocktail. Another really special dining experience we've shared is
Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
As for experiences, my 9-year-old loves wandering around Epcot's World Showcase, eating snacks, exploring the different countries, and searching for characters. At Magic Kingdom Park, she must have a Dole Whip from Aloha Isle Refreshments (okay, I need one too), and loves the Happily Ever After fireworks.
Stacey, it's a pleasure to help you plan your special together time! Please come back and see us with more questions as you plan and dream.
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn