Last minute resort-only kids birthday ideas??

[Jen81NYC]

We were supposed to go on a 3-day DCL trip this weekend and then to WDW on Monday but our cruise trip was just canceled because extended family members tested positive yesterday. My kids are devastated, especially my older one who is turning 9 this weekend and had his heart set on a Castaway Cay birthday. We’ve scrambled and added a resort-only weekend to our trip instead since park tix are sold out (Ie, checking into Poly on Friday instead of Monday). How do we make his actual birthday special?? ADRs are still a huge question mark since it’s so last minute. Cabanas at typhoon lagoon are sold out. Can I get his room decorated? Should i order a cake? Just randomly walk around Disney springs and buy something for him? Help!! This was originally an April 2020 Covid-postponed trip for his then 7th birthday and I really want to make this special, because he’s so sad about the “DCL with cousins and grandparents” cancelation. For the DCL i had ordered a cake and stateroom bday decor and I’m a little lost now. Would love any advice!! Thanks!!

 

[Best Aunt]

Just randomly walk around Disney springs and buy something for him?

That doesn't sound like it would be much fun for him.

I'm a grown up and it wouldn't be much fun for me.

If he likes animals, you could go over to Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you don't have a car, you could take the bus from your hotel to Animal Kingdom park, and then take the bus from the park to the hotel. Or Uber/Lyft/cab.
You should be able to find the hotel's monthly activity sheet somewhere here on the Dis. That hotel has more activities than most. The Mara is a quick service restaurant there; see if there is anything on the menu that your family would enjoy. Looks like they have cupcakes, if you don't want to order a cake.
https://allears.net/dining/menu/mara/lunch-dinner/

If you want someone to decorate the room for you, there has only been one way to do it officially. I think it was Disney Floral & Gifts. Pricey and not necessarily things he would like.

If someone in your group would be able to let someone into the room when he's not there, there is a Facebook group which started during the pandemic for laid off cast members. I think you could find someone who would decorate and probably also bring a cake from Publix. Probably other food from Publix as well if you think there's something which would make him happy. I think it's called Ear For Each Other.

 

[Lisa_lvspplmvr]

Not sure where I heard this but someone said they can sometimes get you park tickets if you are staying at a deluxe . Not sure if it’s true . May be worth a try talking to the concierge. Also , same was said about dinner reservations if it is in your own resort . I hope you find magical moments for your family !

 

[Skippyboo]

Could you go to Seaworld or Universal- Places where you don’t need a reservation, maybe even Legoland.

 

[Jen81NYC]

That doesn't sound like it would be much fun for him.

I'm a grown up and it wouldn't be much fun for me.

I’ve never been to Disney springs so this is why I asked for input, fyi! This is a first family trip to Disney and I am scrambling to make this weekend special.

 

[Best Aunt]

I’ve never been to Disney springs so this is why I asked for input, fyi! This is a first family trip to Disney and I am scrambling to make this weekend special.

It's a lot of fancy shmanzy stores. Only a few stores which would be of interest to a kid.
www.disneySprings.com

 

[robinb]

What about going to Sea World? It's pretty reasonable compared to Disney and Universal.

 

[Jen81NYC]

What about going to Sea World? It's pretty reasonable compared to Disney and Universal.

Thanks! Yes I’m definitely considering that. We’re spending Monday to sat at parks so was thinking of maybe more low key stuff but may just do that instead, thanks!!

 

[Jen81NYC]

Not sure where I heard this but someone said they can sometimes get you park tickets if you are staying at a deluxe . Not sure if it’s true . May be worth a try talking to the concierge. Also , same was said about dinner reservations if it is in your own resort . I hope you find magical moments for your family !

Ooh that would be great! Will definitely check. Even one theme park reservation like for epcot would be helpful!

 

[robinb]

Thanks! Yes I’m definitely considering that. We’re spending Monday to sat at parks so was thinking of maybe more low key stuff but may just do that instead, thanks!!

UT has a special for $97:

SPECIAL OFFER! Valid for two (2) one (1) day admissions to your choice of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa or Adventure Island. Includes one FREE meal voucher for each visit. Ticket expires one (1) year from the date of purchase. Second visit must occur within 14 days of first visit. This ticket is non-refundable.

 

[Minnie1222]

My daughter used to order cakes from Amorette's Patisserie at Disney Springs. You need to call them 48 hours in advance for the larger cakes. They also have small dome cakes and other treats at the bakery for immediate purchase. Another option is to order from the local grocery stores via Instacart, Amazon Prime, etc..

Good luck with the cake. Happy birthday to the child.

 

[Kae]

Try for Dinner at the Wilderness Lodge Whisper Canyon Cafe, you can take a boat over to WL, watch the Electrical Water Parade from the beach at Poly or WL, Watch the Fireworks from the beach at Poly. ride the monorail, even take the Epcot loop. Just hang by the pool.

 

[amcc]

Go over to Fort Wilderness and depending on his interests, there is horseback riding, archery, canoes, fishing. Then take the boat to MK and hop on the monorail and do a hotel tour to see the Easter eggs (if they keep them past Easter).

 

[Mommamakingmagic]

If you decided to go to Disney springs .. you could try the cirque du sole show there and a dinner .. the show seems fun for that age range

 

[Jml813]

What about Aquatica or Discovery Cove? Swimming with the dolphins would be awesome and fairly reasonable.

 

[_19disnA]

I think any 9 yr old (as well as your younger children) would be hugely disappointed to be AT Disney but not able to do any of the parks. Disney Springs is a place to shop/eat that appeals more to adults, so I doubt younger children would really have much interest in spending a lot of time there. Universal or some of the other local attractions others have mentioned seem like better alternatives.

Not sure I follow the story, but if extended family members can't go on the cruise, how does that prevent your family from still going on the cruise? If your original plan included some time at Poly, didn't you already have a park reservation for that day?

 

[MainMom]

I vote for Discovery Cove.