1. Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room - Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Elegant, delectable and  downright delightful, the timeless British tradition of Afternoon Tea is there for partaking. One of mine and my girls’ favorite ways to bond has become a favorite pastime for me and my two daughters, afternoon tea at Disney Grand Floridian has become a staple on our frequent Disney World trips. 

Thank goodness for us and all the moms and daughters headed for Disney world, there is a super delightful tea service, served up Disney style at The Grand Floridian. Moms and daughters can indulge in three tiers of assorted finger sandwiches and baked goods with a steaming pot of the tea of their choosing. The elegant surroundings and ambience of the Garden View Tea Room add to this refined English experience. 

If you have a young "princess" then be sure to share the Garden View's Disney's Perfectly Princess Tea. This royal experience is filled with with music, dancing, storytelling and more as "Rose Petal," a magical rose from Aurora's garden, has come alive to host the party, leading a special princess parade, storytelling and sing-alongs. And best of all, Princess Aurora makes an appearance, so make sure your little one is dressed as their favorite Disney Princess, which is highly encouraged for the event!
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2. Sunrise Yoga - Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Just because you are on vacation in a place where the fun never stops does not mean you cannot indulge in a bit of mindful practice to start your day. At Disney Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, an early morning Sunrise Yoga class is offered on Monday and Wednesdays at 7:00AM. This revitalizing gentle class is on our list to do for our next Disney trip as a way of refocusing our minds and revitalizing our bodies before heading off to start our day. All ages are welcome as well as all fitness levels, so this could be a great way to introduce yoga to your young daughter(s). Mats and towels are provided on-site, which means there is nothing you need to bring except the two of you and an open mind and heart!

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3. Pampering Day - Disney's Saratoga Springs & Spa /Grand Floridian Resort & Spa/Other Disney Resorts

If you ask me, the ultimate in mom-daughter bonding is getting pampered together! Depending on your little lady's age, the two of you can treat yourselves like princesses and enjoy one of many spa services offered at a few of the Disney World properties. From massages to facials and other body therapies, a girls' day can prove relaxing and regenerating. Disney's Saratoga Springs has a very special "Sweet Treats Manicure and Pedicure" for princesses in training!  Other Disney Character Couture Packages are available at select salon locations within Walt Disney World Resort as well. 

​4. An Exhilarating Safari Adventure - Animal Kingdom

If you and your little lady are adventure buffs, you will surely love the idea of going on a 3-hour Wild Africa Trek in none other than Disney's Animal Kingdom. This privately priced tour takes guests for a ride in a rugged safari vehicle over Disney's open savanna with a chance to discover a variety of African animals such as giraffes, rhinos, hippos and crocodiles. You and your girl will get to journey along a grassland path and over a rope bridge all while learning about the park's dedication to animal conservation. You will also receive a complimentary souvenir with which to remember your safari together!

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5. Splitsville Luxury Lanes - Disney Springs
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A super fun way to hang out for some mom-daughter bonding is with an evening of bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs. Me and my two girls went for the very first time on our last Disney trip. You will love this huge bowling alley which has 2 floors, 30 lanes and 5 bars. When you are done, why not try your hand at a game of pool. And you can indulge in some appetizing snacks to energize your game or head out to the indoor/outdoor patio for some fresh sushi.

7. Goofy's Candy Company - Disney Springs Marketplace

In the heart of Disney Springs Marketplace is one of the most fun candy stores around! Treat yourselves to a candy bonanza at Goofy's Candy Company by getting lost in this candy wonderland. Take your time selecting from a huge variety of sweets and if you are inclined to do so, ​get creative and build a sweet masterpiece! The “Create Your Own Treat” cards available at the store counter, which allows allows you to select your treat, select a dipping flavor, select one topping and then last of all, select a drizzle!

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8. Shop for Hours at World of Disney - Disney Springs
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What is any vacation without a little shopping for the girls to enjoy! You can literally get lost for hours inside World of Disney with the world’s largest collection of Disney merchandise. Browse through the latest fashions in Disney apparel, accessories, Mickey Ears and home décor to toys, pins, plush, souvenirs and so much more. This is always on our itinerary and we never leave empty handed!

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10. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride - Disney Springs

​My gang of three are huge fans of hot air balloons and right in the heart of Disney Springs West End, Aerophile is available for a high flight up in the air. Build memories from ascending 400 feet into the sky where you will take in an awesome 360-degree view during a tethered 8-minute balloon ride experience. You and your girl(s) can see for up to 10 miles during your ride! This balloon ride comes direct from France and was custom-built for Disney by Paris-based company Aérophile S.A.. The 19-foot diameter basket of the Aéro30 holds up to 29 people, plus one Aérophile-certified pilot. Price for a ride is $20 for kids 10 and older and $15 for kids ages 3 to 9. 

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2. Plan and Book Your Dining Reservations

Now that you know WHERE you'll be on any given day, have fun browsing through the plethora of dining options in each park. Whether you prefer quick service or table service dining, it's a good idea to pre-plan which place you wold like to try. The reason we pre-plan our dining is not only to make any necessary dining reservations, but, for the fun of trying different eateries. From our experience, had we not done pre-trip research into the various options available at each park, we surely would have missed out on some wonderful meals! This method is also helpful if you are dealing with any dietary restrictions in your party or if you have picky eaters in that you can view the full menus beforehand. Reservations can be made online and new dining rules are in effect throughout Disney World.

Our Suggestion: Go to the Disney Dining site, which lists all Disney Park restaurants. You can narrow your options by specific park and even by resort, should you be interested in trying one of the Disney resort restaurants' Character Dining or other dining experiences. You will be amazed when looking at the options in this fashion, just how many choices you have and how many you might not have even noticed in person if you hadn't visited the site first! Take the time to read through the menus and see what options they have for those with dietary restrictions such as vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free and any food allergies. Even if you plan to get quick service, it's a good idea to set an approximate time for when you will eat, so it's on the itinerary. Now you can add all dining reservations and plan under the appropriate park column of your itinerary and call to make the necessary reservations!
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