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There’s always something to celebrate at Disney World! From birthdays to anniversaries or first visits, we love celebrating at Disney World! If you have the opportunity to celebrate a birthday at Disney World, there are some ways that you can make it extra special and magical! Here are sixteen different ways that you can celebrate a birthday at Disney World.
Before You Go
Note Your Birthday Celebration on All Reservations: If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, be sure to note your birthday celebration. You should receive a call from a special Disney friend wishing you a “Happy Birthday!” If you are booking any dining reservations at a Disney restaurant, you can note your birthday celebration at the time of booking so the restaurant can celebrate with you, as well.
Book a Special Meal: Plan a special meal just for the birthday boy or girl. If it is a child (or someone young at heart), consider a character dining experience. You can find our list of the best character meals here. If it is just adults, try a signature dining experience. Or, if you’re looking for dinner and a show, try Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue or Spirit of Aloha.
Order an In-Room Gift or Celebration: Disney Floral and Gifts has a wide variety of in-room gifts and decorations available for purchase. Balloons start at just $9.99 while in-room celebrations begin at $275. Choose from a pre-made gift basket or build your own!
Book a Dessert Party: All four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks offer a dessert party for their nighttime spectaculars. You’ll get to enjoy the best views of Happily Ever After, Epcot Forever, Fantasmic, or Rivers of Light while sampling sweet treats and drinks. You can review all of the dessert parties here.
Book a Makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Character Couture: You can transform into your favorite Princess, Knight, or other Disney Character with one of these makeover experiences. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique provides makeover for children ages 3-12 at three locations- Magic Kingdom Park, Disney Springs, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Character Couture is best for guests who are too old for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but can accommodate children, as well. Julie at Double Your WDW has a fabulous review of Character Couture, complete with photos.
Sail on a Fireworks Cruise: There are a few cruises available, each with a spectacular view and delicious desserts. Your kids will love the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage departing from Disney’s Contemporary Resort. They’ll get to mingle with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee while they eat an array of desserts. Then, Peter Pan afterwards. Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise is a great option for families and couples looking for a great view and dessert without characters. If you’re looking to really splurge, Disney has private fireworks cruises starting at $299 plus tax.
Go Behind the Scenes on a Tour: You can go behind the scenes and learn more about how the magic is made at Disney World with one of their tours. Behind the Seeds in the Land Pavilion at Epcot is one of the more affordable options at just $29 per person. Caring for Giants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is only $30 per person, but does have a minimum age requirement of 4 years. Disney’s Family Magic Tour at Magic Kingdom is fun for families with children of all ages.
Order a Birthday or Celebration Cake: Order a Mickey Mouse Celebration Cake for just $35 at participating restaurants. You can order in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE or at the restaurant. You’ll be able to choose from chocolate or white chocolate flavors. You can also order a custom cake with your desired theme and decorations by calling (407) 827-2253 at least 72 hours in advance. Or, guests at least 10 years of age and older can try the cake decorating experience at Amorette’s Patisserie on Sunday through Thursday mornings at 9 am.
Make or Order a Birthday Shirt: You want everyone to know that you’re celebrating, right? In addition to your birthday button, you can either make or order a special birthday shirt. Some of our favorites are these Mickey birthday shirts, Minnie birthday shirts, best birthday ever shirts, birthday girl shirts, best birthday ever shirts, and best day ever shirts.
After You Arrive
Pick Up a Birthday Button: If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can pick up a complimentary birthday button from the front desk. If not, you can stop by guest services inside any of the theme parks to pick one up. This free button will let everyone know that you are celebrating! You never know what kind of special surprises or pixie dust you could receive.
Have Characters Sign a Birthday Card for Autographs: If you bring a birthday card, you can have the characters sign that for a fun and unique souvenir. You could even bring a few to have “themes” like one for Disney Princesses, one for classic characters, and more.
Take a Ride in an Amphicar: Have you ever ridden in an Amphicar? With less than 400 left in the world, there’s a good chance that you haven’t. But, you can ride in an Amphicar at The Boathouse at Disney Springs. During the 25-minute guided tour, you’ll learn about the landmarks around Disney Springs. The current cost is $125 per car and holds 3-4 guests.
Purchase Birthday Ears: Disney has a HUGE variety of both Mickey and Minnie ears available throughout the parks and resorts. Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs have some of the best selections. New birthday ears will be the perfect accessory for your celebration. You can purchase the Mickey Ears Birthday Hat or Minnie Ears Birthday Headband.
Pick a Pearl in the Japan Pavilion: There’s a unique experience in the Japan pavilion at Epcot. It is both a fun experience and inexpensive souvenir. You can choose an oyster to be opened which will contain at least one beautiful pearl. If you’re extra lucky, you might even find an oyster with two pearls! You can even order a Cinderella carriage necklace holder for your pearl before you go.
Look for Photo Opportunities: Pose for a photo with your celebration button throughout the parks. Ask Disney PhotoPass photographers for magic shots, as well. Plus, if you stop by the PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, you can take pictures with some birthday inspired props and backgrounds. If you have Memory Maker, this experience is included at no additional cost.
Explore the World Showcase: The cast members working in each pavilion around the World Showcase are actually from the country that you are visiting in the World Showcase. These cast members are happy to write “Happy Birthday” in their native language for you as a fun (and educational) souvenir. Order an Epcot passport for them to write your birthday message in.
Ready to book your vacation to celebrate a birthday at Disney World? Call Siera at (734) 771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com today.
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