Mother’s Day is the special time of year when you get to celebrate mom, and at Walt Disney World Resort you can treat mom to some truly unforgettable experiences that she will cherish forever. Whether mom enjoys getting pampered with a spa experience, indulging in delicious dining, or spending time exploring the attractions and shows inside the theme parks, there’s something special for every mom this Mother’s Day and throughout the month of May.
Here are 10 ways to spoil mom at Walt Disney World Resort:
1. Relax with a Spa Day
Treat mom to a relaxing spa experience Senses – A Disney Spa at either Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Both offer a therapeutic haven of pampering and wellness with services including aromatherapy massages, water therapy, sugar exfoliation body treatments, rejuvenating citrus facials and more. Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort also offers a whimsical new nail treatment: Disney Nail Designs by Jamberry. Make it a mother/daughter day and have young spa-goers get matching Mickey, Minnie or Frozen nail decals with mom. To book a treatment at either spa, call 407-WDW-SPAS.
2. Try Your Hand at Cake Decorating
A new pastry experience at Disney Springs is sure to delight mom and all the sweettooths in the family. Amorette’s Patisserie, located next to the World of Disney store, offers a 90-minute cake decorating class led by expert pastry chefs. Participants will get to decorate their own iconic Mickey Character Cake. This experience is only available to those age 10 and up, with a minimum of two guests. Reservations can be made online at DisneyWorld.com/dining.
3. Indulge in Bountiful Brunch at Walt Disney World Restaurants
Show mom how important she is with a delicious brunch at one of Walt Disney World’s top-rated restaurants. Several, such as The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Garden Grove at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort, offer special Mother’s Day brunches on May 14 to celebrate mom. Several other Disney eateries offer a daily brunch. Dining reservations can be made online at DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.
(David Roark, photographer)
4. Enjoy Dinner and a Captivating Show
Treat mom to an enchanting evening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a Rivers of Light dining package. Mom will enjoy a delicious meal from one of two restaurants and receive guaranteed seating for Animal Kingdom’s newest nighttime spectacle, Rivers of Light. The show combines water and light to celebrate the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world. Families can dine at either Tiffins or Tusker House for their pre-show dining experience. For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.
5. Get Closer to Nature
Take mom on Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest nature tour, Caring for Giants. This hour-long expedition lets guests get a closer look at the African elephant herd on Kilimanjaro Safari’s savannah and learn what it takes to care for them. A dedicated animal specialist will detail how the animals are cared for and talk about the habits of these pachyderm. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate. The tour is $30 per person. Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.
6. Tour the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Enjoy one of the many exclusive tours offered during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. In the Gardens of the World Tour, guests join horticulture experts to learn about the landscaping that goes into preparing for and maintaining the flora and fauna of this festival, including the artistic topiaries found throughout the park. In the English Tea Garden Tour Presented by Twinings of London, mom can stroll through an English tea garden and learn about the importance of this classic beverage in British culture. These tours, along with others, can be booked by calling (407) WDW-TOUR.
(Matt Stroshane, photographer)
7. Explore Unique Resort Adventures
Take mom on a one-of-a-kind adventure at one of many Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Mom can fly high above Bay Lake with a parasailing excursion at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. All fliers must be at least 6 years of age to take to the skies. Reservations can be made by calling (407) 939-7529. If she prefers to keep her feet closer to the ground, take her to Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. There, guests can see the horses that pull Cinderella’s carriage or trot up and down Main Street, USA. There are also pony rides, horse rides, carriage rides and more. Prices vary based on experience. Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.
8. Take in a Stage Show
Enjoy a theatrical day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by taking in all of the exciting stage shows in the park. Start mom’s day off with Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. This 25-minute experience retells the classic story of Beauty and the Beast in a Broadway-style musical complete with live renditions of the film’s songs, enchanting choreography and favorite characters. After experiencing the tale as old as time, stroll over to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. This action-packed, 30-minute show gives guests a peek into how stunt scenes are executed for thrilling movies like the Indiana Jones series. Cap off the day with Fantasmic!, a 30-minute nighttime show where Cheer on Mickey Mouse and friends as they fight to win back his imagination from the hands of various Disney villains.
9. Live Adventurous Thrill Rides
The daring mom will love a day taking on the exciting attractions at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can complete the mountain challenge by riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and Space Mountain all in one day. Once those are conquered, they take a ride to see where ‘a million diamonds shine’ on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland. If younger ones are in tow, take flight on The Barnstormer located in Storybook Circus.
10. Give Mom a Night Out
Guests at Walt Disney World Resort can enjoy a grown up night out and drop the kids off at one of the Children’s Activity Centers. There are four convenient locations on property that provide supervised childcare for children ages 3-12. Centers include arts & crafts, video and board games, Disney movies, dinner and activities. For reservations, see the resort’s front desk or call (407) 939-3463.
- Camp Dolphin, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Lilo’s Playhouse at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Sandcastle Club, Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Simba’s Cubhouse, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge