Hi Gabriella!
Welcome back to planDisney! A first birthday with your little one at Walt Disney World Resort sounds like a most magical celebration. Your son is sure to have an amazing time celebrating his special day with Mickey and friends!
Gabriella, you are correct that children under 3 do not require a park ticket as they are considered special Guests of Mickey. Ready for more good news? Since he doesn't need a park ticket, you don't need to purchase him any
Lightning Lane passes, including the Lightning Lane Premier Pass!
With Lightning Lane Premier Pass, you'll be able to select your purchase date and choose your park. On your selected date, you can access each attraction with a Lightning Lane entrance once in your chosen park without needing to prearrange return times. That flexibility is especially great with a little one, allowing you to work around their needs and schedule (naps, snacks, rest breaks, etc.) rather than worrying about a strict plan. Don’t forget that if you’re staying at a
hotel in the Disney Resorts Collection, you can begin purchasing Lightning Lane passes 7 days before your check-in date for the entire length of your stay. This is a great advantage as availability for Lightning Lane passes is limited!
If you’re looking for another special way to celebrate your son’s birthday, I’d recommend making a reservation at
Chef Mickey’s inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The restaurant is full of energy and some familiar faces - perfect for little ones. Since he's under 3, he'll also get to dine for free at this character buffet! There is even an option to purchase a
Mickey Mouse Celebration Cake when you make your dining reservation if you'd like. You may also want to consider a
Capture Your Moment session with a Disney PhotoPass photographer. These private sessions are available in all four theme parks, and reservations are available starting 60 days before your arrival date. While there is an additional fee for the session, images are included with your
Memory Maker if you choose to add that option to your trip!
I hope this information has been helpful, Gabriella, and that you have a wonderful time planning a first birthday at
The Most Magical Place on Earth! As you continue to plan, you may find our
planDisney Video Library helpful. There are many videos specific to visiting Walt Disney World with little ones, including tips on Baby Care Centers, resort days, and packing your park bag. . .just to name a few! Of course, if you have any other questions, please stop by to see us again - we're all ears!
Cheers,
Kristi