Hello, Erika! I love your question! Those of us at planDisney can relate to your level of excitement! My wife and I have taken all three of our sons to the Most Magical Place on Earth to celebrate their birthdays! My first tip is to make this visit all about him!
If your soon-to-be five-year-old is a fan of Star Wars then a visit to
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a must! Your family will be immersed in a galaxy far, far away! I wish I could be there to see your son when he sees the
Millennium Falcon for the first time! Also, while visiting this park, be sure to swing by Toy Story Land and then climb aboard Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway for an adventure into the cartoon world of Mickey Mouse and friends! Look out for the tornado or you might lose your feathers like poor Donald!
No visit to the Walt Disney World Resort for a birthday is complete without a visit to
Magic Kingdom Park! Here you will enjoy the classic stories of Disney on some of the most memorable attractions! When my sons were the same age as your son, they loved Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Jungle Cruise, and, yes, even the Haunted Mansion!
As far as
Disney Dining goes, there are so many magical experiences that are perfect for a birthday! I recommend a breakfast Character Dining experience at either
Chef Mickey's or
Topolino's Terrace! You can also check out Minnie's Seasonal Dine or the Disney Junior Play 'n' Dine at Hollywood and Vine at Disney's Hollywood Studios! Wherever you make your reservations, be sure to notify the Cast Member greeting you that you are celebrating a birthday! They will be sure to add a little extra Disney magic to the day!
Erika, I am so excited for your son's birthday, your husband's first visit, and for you to be a part of the magic!
Hakuna Matata! Jonathan