Hi, there!
Oh Cathlyn, I'm so excited for you. A visit to the Walt Disney World Resort is always magical, but your granddaughter's first birthday visit is sure to be exceptionally so!
My daughter experienced the theme parks for the first time last summer when she was just shy of her first birthday. I know she won't remember all the pixie-dusted fun we had, but my husband and I will never forget how our hearts completely melted as we watched her face light up with joy and excitement!
There are lots of
family-friendly attractions in the theme parks that are perfect for Guests of all ages. My daughter most loved attractions with gentle, easy tracks like Peter Pan's Flight and The Seas with Nemo & Friends. She also enjoyed boat-ride attractions like "it's a small world" and Frozen Ever After. As a mom, I appreciate attractions that have interactive queues. My daughter had the best time waiting to ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh because she was having so much fun in line!
The entertainment at the Walt Disney World Resort is second-to-none. Be sure to catch a performance of
Festival of the Lion King or
Finding Nemo - the Musical. These Broadway-worthy shows at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park will have your little princess grinning ear to ear!
I also recommend booking at least one
Character Dining Experience. These unique meals always make for precious memories! Since she's under the age of 3, your granddaughter can eat for free at the Character Dining Experiences featuring buffets. I've found that there's always kid-friendly food on the buffet like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and fresh fruit. Don't forget to let your Server know you're celebrating a special day!
Do be sure to get your birthday girl a complimentary celebration button. You can pick one up at the Front Desk of your Disney Resort hotel or at Guest Relations in any of the four theme parks. A celebration button not only makes a great souvenir, it also adds a little extra magic to your visit! If your granddaughter isn't interested in wearing it, attach it to her stroller or diaper bag.
Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Cathlyn. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Ashley