Celebrating Mother's Day at Walt Disney World

I am one lucky mom. Not only do I have a beautiful and loving son, but I get to spend most Mother's Days at one of the Happiest Places on Earth: Walt Disney World. We sort of fell into our May tradition one year when we booked a trip that happened to fall over the holiday. Since then we have deliberately scheduled our Spring jaunt to Florida to include Mother's Day. And I have loved the holiday even more ever since.

So how can you combine a vacation for the family with a day to spoil the special mother in your life? Read and learn!

Flower and Garden Festival. Every spring, Epcot hosts its Flower and Garden Festival where the park is festooned with character topiaries, blazingly bright floral trees and baskets, and flora and fauna everywhere you look. Kiosks burst with gardening tips, tools and tricks and every weekend there are special displays and classes to attend to learn more about your own green thumb. Minnie Mouse has her own butterfly tent and there are signs of spring and summer everywhere you look! Plan to take Mom to this favorite park to enjoy the biggest "bouquet" of decorative flowers ever. She may receive a carnation upon entering the park and can enjoy not only the beauty around her, but also a couple of rides on Soarin', Mission Space and Test Track! And don't forget a tour around World Showcase!

Mother's Day Brunch. Do a little research and plan a delicious brunch for your mom. Disney has no lack of fantastic places for a great sit down morning meal, and Mother's Day is a day to celebrate! If Mom enjoys a resort buffet, try Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge or the Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club. A few delicious table service restaurants at the resorts also include Kona Café at the Polynesian, Spoodles at the Boardwalk, or the Grand Floridian Café at the Grand Floridian Resort. If Mom likes a little character with her meals, 'Ohana at the Polynesian, Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary or Cape May Café at the Beach Club Resort. You can also plan to dine in the parks at Crystal Palace or Cinderella's Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom, Tusker House at the Animal Kingdom Park, Hollywood and Vine at Disney's Hollywood Studios or Akershus in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot. Check with your reservationist to see if any of these locations are featuring special menus just for Mother's day!

Spa Time. Check out the offerings at the Grand Floridian Spa and the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa and book Mom a little TLC time. Relaxing massages and facials are available, as well as intensely relaxing spa pedicures and manicures. Florida is sandal country, so give her tired feet a relaxing break and some shiny new polish!

Dinner Out. If your family prefers to hit the ground running in the mornings and then celebrate with a delicious dinner for Mom, check out some of the signature restaurants on Disney property for a pampering dining experience. These restaurants include the Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club, Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge, the California Grill at the Contemporary, the Flying Fish at the Boardwalk, and Citricos and Narcoosees at the Grand Floridian. If signature dining is not your preference, explore the options in World Showcase at Epcot, as well as some of the other incredible restaurants on property.

When I think of all the Mother's Days we have spent at Walt Disney World, I can easily draw the conclusion that just being on vacation with my husband and son makes the day completely special for me. We do make plans for special meals for the day and my gifts have ranged from a pick a pearl ring from the Pearl Kiosk at the Beach Club to a homemade keychain from my son's night at a kid's club to a wind chime from the Flower and Garden Festival. But truly the best gift is sharing my special day with my family in our favorite place on earth.