First time to DW and son's bday

[klynn888]

Hello! I am looking to plan a trip to Disney World for my son's 9th birthday in February. Neither of us have ever been there so I am looking for advice on places to stay, what parks are geared toward his age (or where he will have the most fun), dining plan or not, and also if Disney World offers anything for celebrating birthdays. We are planning to fly to Orlando on Thursday, Feb. 26th, so that my son can wake up on Friday (his actual bday) in Disneyworld. Is this a good time to go? We can't really go out during the week because of my husband's and my work schedule. Gotta pay for this trip somehow . I would like this trip to be really special because I doubt that we will ever return to DW. Any advice is appreciated over and beyond what I've asked as well! Thanks!

 

[Pmlocke]

It sounds like you want to save some money so I would suggest a value resort. As it is just the two of you and if you are not concerned with having a large plush room, my wife and I stay at ASMusic every year we go down. It may be too late to get the deals for that time of year but they were offering the free dining for that week or you could have a reduced rate on the room. If you book with Disney, be sure to let them know that your son will be celebrating his BDay there. You can always tell them at the check in that your son's bday is the next day. They will present him with his pin to be sure he gets the extra special attention every birthday boy and girl deserves. I spent my 60th birthday last year there and it was the best time I have ever had. Hurry up with our planning to be sure you have dining reservations all set. Here is a little tip if you can't get dining reservations. I have never had trouble getting dining reservations when we stay at ASMusic. Just go to the concierge and they will find a place for you. Our favorite is always character dining so we are at Crystal Palace, Chef Mickeys, 1900 Park Fare to name some. I hope this helped some, if you are there February 26, look for me, I arrive 2/25. 61 days til my next trip to reclaim my youth.

 

[klynn888]

Thanks for the tips! Should I do the dining plan the whole time we are there or just pick a few days? I don't plan on telling him until the day we fly out that we are going to DW and I can't wait to see the look on his face when he finds out!!

 

[91raven]

I hope that your DS has a very magical birthday!
Make sure that you tell everyone it his birthday. When you make res. hotel, dinner, etc. If they don't give him a button when you check in ask for one. He can get one for his birthday and a first trip button too. If you make dinner res. remind them when you check in at the podium.
Here are some ideas:
Free or little cost:
If you plan to see characters take an extra empty 9 year old Bday card. The characters can sign it and your ds will have it forever. Make him a birthday shirt wear. Often at dinner your DS will get a birthday cupcake (at sit down meals)

If he is a Star Wars fan and you plan to go to Hollywood Studios. Get to HS before the park opens. Ask at the gate where to sign up for the Jedi Academy. Get a map to know your way. (not sure of directions with the hat being removed) Go down the main street by the shops bare to the left go by the Hollywood and Vine rest. past the big green dinosaur, past Ind. Jones. THe place to sign up should be straight ahead. Sign up for a time to fight Darth Vader on stage. (our DS loved this -huge Star Wars fan)
Cost from home : Wrap small Disney themed presents and give them to every hour or every couple of hours (the dollar store had a lot)
Bring decorations Disney themed and decorate the room after he goes to sleep so he wakes up to it.
Cost:
Pirates Leg. in MK -It is awesome to begin with but they make a really big deal over you on your birthday.
Cake- can range from $20 ish to very expensive - There is a cake hotline phone to call in advance (like 2 weeks) for the very fancy fond. cakes. They are AMAZING!!! (and yummy too ) - either in your room or sit down dinner
If you plan to do a character meal do one on his birthday.

Fancy cake info :Specialty Cakes From Disney Website
Dining Extras | Special Experiences
A custom cake can be the icing on your celebration. Choose from a variety of cakes and shapes, personalized for your special occasion. Just give us 72 hours advance notice so we can make your customized creation. Available at most table-service restaurants. To order any custom bakery cake, call the Walt Disney World Resort at (407) 827-2253. Requires advanced reservations

Room decorations or basket from the Disney Florist (we have not done this)

Hotels:
Our DS loved the Carb. Beach when he was your DS age. Our kids like Art of Animations and Fort Wilderness.

No matter what you do, it will be a birthday he will never forget. Enjoy!

 

[sejnoha]

We are going in March for our first time ever. I am so excited and not trying to get overwhelmed by all the knowledge on here!

Have a magical time!

 

[Candleshoe]

The character interactions when wearing the birthday button are WONDERFUL!

Make sure that it's worn the entire trip

 

[klynn888]

We are getting soooo excited now that it's getting even closer! We will be staying at Pop Century and I managed to get a late dinner reservation at the Be Our Guest restaurant on the night of his actual birthday after a lot of checking and double-checking . I have been telling everyone I've spoken with at reservations that it is my ds birthday and I will be sure to tell everyone I can when we arrive! Your tips have been very helpful! And you're right about the cakes - they are expensive (but very cool)! I am going to try to make a birthday shirt if I have time, otherwise I will probably just order one off of etsy or something. Can't wait to earn our ears!!!