7 Ways to Celebrate Your Birthday at Disney World

Every day at Disney World is a celebration. Some days are just more of a celebration than others. When it comes to making you feel special on your special day, Disney World pulls out all the stops. That’s why there’s no better place in the world to celebrate than the Most Magical Place on Earth. In the long list of celebrations, the one every single person has in common is a birthday. We think every guest should celebrate their birthday at least once at Disney World. If you’re fortunate enough to be at Disney World on or close to your birthday (we define close as being within 364 days either way), then plan to make one day of your visit a celebration of you. Here are our seven favorite ways to make a big deal about birthdays at Disney World.

7 – Get a Birthday Hat

Where else in the world is it socially acceptable and totally encouraged to wear strange, loud hats? Disney sells fun birthday hats for those daring to stand out even more on their special day. Consider also “Happy Birthday” Mickey ears!

6 – Splurge with a Disney Floral Birthday Package

Unknown to many guests is the ability to purchase special floral, balloon, and gift packages from Magical Floral and Gifts. There is a “Magical Birthday Box” for $150 or a “Most Magical Birthday Celebration” for $250, as well as options. This can be a great way to add extra magic to your celebration

5 – Enjoy a Special Treat or Experience

While you may not need an excuse, a Birthday celebration may be the perfect time to splurge on a special treat or Disney experience. There are so many options here. You could do a backstage tour, rent a boat, become a princess at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, see Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs, etc. Adults might enjoy a round of golf or a trip to one of Disney’s Spa for a massage or salon service. It’s your birthday. Treat yourself right!

4 – Have a Special Birthday Meal

With Disney’s wide variety of dining choices, you’ll definitely want to visit a table service restaurant for a special birthday meal. Disney has a way of making everyone feel magical when it’s your birthday. Adults may want to splurge on a nice dinner at one of Disney’s signature restaurants. Kids may want to have a character meal so the characters can wish them a happy birthday! Simply let Disney know while making the dining reservation and upon checking in that you have a guest in your party celebrating a birthday.

While not guaranteed, most restaurants will bring out some type of dessert in the end for the guest celebrating a birthday. We’ve seen cupcakes, ice cream, etc. If not, you can order a cake for the end of the meal (see tip #3). Cast members have timed it for us so that a character is present while we sing “Happy Birthday” to our child during a character meal. We’ve also received birthday cards from the characters. At Chef de France, my sister was serenaded by four young French men who sang to her. Again, while not guaranteed, you can usually expect some type of Disney magic at your birthday meal!

Be sure to make your advance dining reservations well ahead of time. If you are dining at Chef Mickey’s or Cinderella’s Royal Table, you’ll want to make your reservations 60 days out from the day you check in or 60 days out from the meal if you are not staying on Disney property. Call 407-WDW-Dine or make your dining reservations online. You don’t want to miss out on a birthday meal because you didn’t make dining reservations!

3 – Let Them Eat Cake

What would a birthday celebration be without a cake? Fortunately, you don’t need to go off property to purchase a birthday cake. You have a couple of options here. First, if you would like a small cake at the end of your meal (see tip #4), you can order a Mickey Mouse Celebration cake upon arrival at most table-service restaurants. If you would like a more elaborate or personalized cake, you can choose from a variety of cakes and shapes that will be customized for your special occasion. Note that 72-hour advance notice is required and that these cakes are available at most table-service restaurants. You can order the cakes when you book your dining reservation online or through the My Disney Experience app. Learn more by clicking here.

Disney World is also famous for incredibly elaborate cupcakes. Found throughout the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, if a gigantic cupcake is your thing, you won’t be disappointed.

2 – Get a Birthday Wish from a Disney Character

Disney Resort guests can receive a Birthday wish from a Disney character! Children especially will love this, and even adults can feel extra special when they receive a phone call and birthday card from Mickey Mouse or other Disney characters! Simply let the cast member at the front desk know that you have a birthday celebration in your party and what time you would like the call to be made.

1 – Get a Birthday Button

To start your birthday celebration, be sure to pick up a “Happy Birthday” button. This is a birthday must! These are free to guests and can be found at a variety of locations. Pins can be found at any resort concierge, guest relations at Disney Springs and the parks, and most gift shops. Don’t feel like you can only wear your pin on your special day. If we are going on a trip to celebrate a family member’s birthday, we have them wear the pin all week. It’s fun to receive “Happy Birthday” from cast members and guests alike.