Hi Christine, and welcome to planDisney! I am so excited you are planning your little princess' first birthday, and at The Most Magical Place on Earth! First birthdays are such a monumental moment in your life, and I am so happy you want to celebrate at Walt Disney World. Your little princess will not remember all the events, but those memories will be etched in your heart for life. I am so happy to help!
Christine, the first thing I would do is make a breakfast reservation at
Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Rivera Resort, or
Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort at the 60-day mark before your scheduled arrival date. Topolino's Terrace is a table service style restaurant, and Chef Mickey's is a buffet, but both are packed with some friends your little princess will love to see, including my favorite mouse, Minnie! You will have the opportunity to take socially distanced photos with the characters at breakfast! Character dining is one of my family's must-do's each trip because you get that wonderful opportunity to see some friends, all from your table, not in line at the parks. It's magical! I also recommend ordering a
Mickey Celebration cake if you decide to make a reservation at Chef Mickey's! It will be taken to your table, and your princess can have her first birthday cake there! You can also pre-order one from Amorette's Patisserie at Disney Springs, and take it back to your resort room if you choose to do a private celebration. Whatever you decide, will be magical!
Picking a resort that is closest to the theme parks would be the best option for your family. Having easy access such as hopping on the monorail at Disney's Magic Kingdom Park or riding the Disney Skyliner at the end of a long day at the parks is much easier on your little one. I recommend making a reservation at
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort if you wish to stay in the Magic Kingdom area, or
Disney's Beach Club Resort if you want to be near the Skyliner route. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly resort, I recommend
Disney's Art of Animation Resort, which is also along the Skyliner route. All three resorts are beautifully themed, with easy access to the parks, and provide wonderful accommodations.
Christine, I hope these suggestions help you with your planning adventure! I hope you and your family have the most wonderful time celebrating your little princess on her first birthday! Life is the bubbles, and as my pal, Mickey Mouse says, "see ya real soon!"
Frances