Hiya Carol,
Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney with your planning question! First and foremost, a very happy birthday to your daughter. How exciting that she will be celebrating her special day with Mickey Mouse and the gang. That sounds like the perfect recipe for a magical birthday celebration!
So, Carol, let’s jump right into your question. As a Florida local, I am a very big fan of visiting
Magic Kingdom on a
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party day. In my experience, crowds during regular park hours tend to be lower, and I find I can navigate the park much more smoothly with my girls. Just keep in mind that party Guests can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 p.m., so you may start to notice the park getting busier around that time.
Since you have
Park Hopper tickets, you also have some flexibility. You could enjoy Magic Kingdom earlier in the day and then hop to another theme park later, or come back another evening to watch
Happily Ever After light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. That way, you still get your pixie-dusted fireworks moment without feeling rushed.
To make the most of your day, be sure to use the
My Disney Experience app. It is such a helpful tool for checking attraction wait times, finding character locations, and seeing if any cavalcades or entertainment offerings are happening during your visit. It can really help you plan your day without feeling like you are chasing your own glass slipper around the park!
If your daughter has her heart set on seeing Mickey, Minnie, or the Disney Princesses, I also highly recommend looking into a character dining experience. Character dining is one of my favorite ways to take a break from the Florida sun while still keeping the magic going. Your family can enjoy a meal, take photos, collect autographs, and spend time with some favorite Disney pals.
For Mickey and Minnie,
Chef Mickey’s at
Contemporary Resort is such a fun option. If your birthday girl is dreaming of a royal celebration,
Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella Castle is truly a magical experience. Just be sure to book dining reservations 60 days before arrival, since they can be very popular.
One last birthday tip: be sure to stop by Guest Relations or most merchandise locations to pick up a complimentary
birthday button for your daughter. It is such a simple way to add extra magic to the day, and Cast Members and Guests will love wishing her a happy birthday throughout the park.
Carol, I hope this helps answer your question and that your daughter has the most magical birthday. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to stop by and visit us again.
See ya real soon,
Christina