How are ya Trish and welcome to planDisney!
A Princess 5th Birthday First Time Walt Disney World Resort Vacation you say?! I did the exact same thing for my goddaughter's 5th birthday, had the most wonderful experience, and never crossed the magical threshold of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Just consider me y'alls' Fairy Godmother and I'll tell you how I did a little Bibbidi Bobbidi Booing of my own.
Pro tip: Get your celebration buttons! If you're staying at a
Disney Resort Collection hotel they have them at the front desk. If not, you can find them at Guest Relations in any Disney Park. A First Visit button and a Happy Birthday button will be the crown and scepter your princess needs to make sure every Cast Member, character, and park visitor knows her for the royalty she is. Some I'm Celebrating buttons wouldn't hurt for the rest of her royal entourage either! Wear them every day of your trip. Princess birthdays are bigger than just one day you know.
Start off with something spectacular like an early breakfast reservation at
Cinderella's Royal Table. Who wouldn't want to see the other princesses in Cinderella Castle of all places? And make her feel extra special by doing something a bit out of the ordinary like having a cupcake at the end of her breakfast! Nothing says royalty and opulence like cake at 8 a.m.
Is her royal highness a daredevil like Merida or a bit more laid back like Snow White? Test her mettle on
The Barnstormer. It's a great first coaster for little ones. If she's anything like my goddaughter she'll be pushing for the bigger stuff like
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad next. If not, a mellow trip on
Under The Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid will be just the thing to settle her spirit.
You may be in luck as The Festival of Fantasy Parade is set to make its
reappearance soon! If its arrival is in time for your trip, put your princess in a good viewing spot and let the magic begin. Pro tip: Make sure your daughter is visible to the parade performers. If they can see her button, it's on! My goddaughter has never felt so special in her life.
Make your princess sees some fireworks! Currently, EPCOT's
Harmonious and Magic Kingdom Park's
Disney Enchantment are perfect options to end a princess day. But let her get a nap first! I know my goddaughter is a little more Mad Hatter than Cinderella without her beauty rest.
Trish, I hope I've given you some ideas on how to make your princess's 5th birthday as special as my own baby's 5th was.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Bye!
Taylor