Hi, Kim!
I am so excited to hEAR that you are planning your kiddo's first visit to the Walt Disney World Resort! As you prepare for this adventure, be sure to do some resEARch on the
Walt Disney World website to see what most appeals to your family. Your must-do list is really a matter of personal preference, but I would be happy to offer my opinion on the activities you asked about.
When it comes to dining at the Walt Disney World Resort, I think every guest should experience a
character meal. My favorite place for character dining is
Chef Mickey's. My family's long-standing tradition is to have breakfast at Chef Mickey's on the first morning of our Walt Disney World Resort vacation. The food here is delicious, and it's such a fun, joyful atmosphere! Although character appearances are always subject to change, at Chef Mickey's, you can expect to visit with characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto.
As for the other dining experiences you asked about, as a big
Beauty and the Beast fan,
Be Our Guest Restaurant is a favorite of mine due to the outstanding theming. Be Our Guest Restaurant is located inside Magic Kingdom Park, making this a convenient place to dine on a day that you are visiting the theme park. That being said, a dinner show such as
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue combines great food with top-notch entertainment. I truly don't think you can go wrong either way.
I definitely think watching the
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is a must-do, especially during a first visit. There are plenty of great spots to watch the parade from, but finding that perfect spot often means taking time away from other theme park activities to save your spot. If you want a view of the parade that is practically perfect in every way without losing precious time, then the
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package might be right for you.
Since the Force is strong with your family, I'm sure you cannot wait to visit
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. I think all Star Wars fans would love the experiences at both
Savi's Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers and
Droid Depot. However, if I had to choose only one, I would go with building a lightsaber at Savi's Workshop. It is an extraordinarily special experience. As far as
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, my best advice is to sign up early, as soon as Disney's Hollywood Studios opens for the day.
If we can answer any additional questions for you as you prepare for your trip, please visit us again. Have a magical day!
Samantha