Hi Haley! Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Traveling to the Walt Disney World Resort with a first timer and a three year old is so incredibly exciting!
Our family loves character dining and we have two favorite locations. We also usually choose a character breakfast because morning is usually the best time of day for my children.Chef Mickey’s Fun Time Buffet at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is so much fun. We have met some of our favorite characters here such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, and Goofy. You can take photos, have autograph books signed, and there is even a fun and interactive song and dance led by the characters.
Hollywood and Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is my three year old's favorite dining location! Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Handy Manny are all here for the fun! This dining experience is so interactive. There are songs and dance and the children are really encouraged to participate! The food at both restaurants are so delicious. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended and character appearances are subject to change.
Traveling with a three year old can be hard work! There is so much to see and do it can be very overwhelming. My suggestion is to comb through the Walt Disney World Resort website, Check out all of the rides and shows, and include your daughter! Pick your top three choices at each of the parks that you plan to visit and make sure that you make those choices your priority! After that everything else that you can accomplish is a bonus! Take time for rest periods and naps! Find attractions that your daughter is really passionate about and that are age appropriate!
I hope that your daughter has a magical first visit and that you create memories that last a lifetime!
~Heather~