When my mom was about to turn 60, her one wish was to have a fun girls trip in Walt Disney World. Since her birthday falls on Christmas day, she has NEVER gotten a lot of ”hoopla” for her birthday. Sure we know better than to wrap her birthday gifts in Christmas paper, and not get her a red and green cake, but let’s face it, everyone is so busy with the holidays it’s hard to focus on a birthday other than that of baby Jesus!
When she told me she really wanted a quick girls trip to Disney to celebrate her birthday, I sprang into action to plan for the most FUN birthday bash ever. After all, she totally deserves it as the most selfless giving person ever. When I started making our October plans and doing some research, I got frustrated trying to think of things and having to hop all over the internet to find different things, so I thought I would come up with a list of fun birthday things to do in Walt Disney World for adults (kids at heart, right?) Hopefully this list will be helpful to some people looking for fun ways to celebrate!
7 Ways to Celebrate Your Birthday in Walt Disney World:
1.) Mark your reservations: Be sure when you book your vacation that you mention there is a celebration going on. That way, it can be marked on your resort reservation and your dining reservations. There is no guarantee, but resorts and restaurants have been known to sprinkle a little pixie dust for birthday guests. When I check in I also make sure it was noted properly on the reservation. We have gotten balloons and cards in our room, chocolate, cupcakes at lunch, free dessert at dinner, and more. (Please please remember this is NOT something Disney has to do, it’s just “extra” so try not to expect it so you won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t happen.)
2.) Birthday button (and hat, shirt, etc): Grab a birthday button at your resort or at the theme parks. Wear it with pride and watch the magic happen! Cast members and guests alike will tell you happy birthday and make you feel extra special. The button is a freebie, but if you want to pay for a little something extra, you can purchase a birthday ear hat or have a shirt made at Downtown Disney letting everyone know it is your birthday.
3.) Cake: Let me tell you, Disney makes some AMAZING cakes. You can call the cake hotline and have a customized cake made and delivered to your resort or at certain restaurants around the property. I have been lucky enough to be the recipient of several cakes throughout the years. Thanks to my fellow cake fiend Jen, and they are so worth it, and such a fun surprise!
4.) Spa treatment: There is a spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian resort, and also at Saratoga Springs resort. Jen and I actually had pedicures done on my birthday one year, and it was so fun! They have a full spa menu if you are looking for some extra pampering with friends or family.
5.) Fireworks dessert party: Disney knows how to light up the night sky, and they have been wise enough to pair their amazing fireworks with dessert parties, fireworks cruises, and the most recent addition, the Ferrytale Fireworks dessert cruise during the nightly fireworks. So many fun things to choose from (book well in advance for these events!)
6.) Guided Tour: There are a plethora of tours around Disney property, ranging from a behind the scenes Magic Kingdom tour, to a wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I think most people would be plenty excited to get to take part in a special tour on their special day.
7.) Recreation: A lot of people don’t realize there is so much more to do at Walt Disney World than go to the parks. A birthday is a perfect occasion to do something special. Some examples are: play a round of golf, rent a boat at one of the many marinas, parasail, rent a surrey bike, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Thanks for reading my tips on how to celebrate your birthday in Walt Disney World
QOTD: Have you ever celebrated your birthday in Walt Disney World? What did you do?
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Is there a better way to celebrate your birthday than at Disney? We just got back from my boyfriend’s birthday trip there and it was a blast! I might have forced him to wear his birthday pin, so I could live vicariously through him.
Heather says
I loved your pics!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
With my due date being Christmas Eve, I have a small fear that our little guy will be born on Christmas Day. While I’d like for him to have his own birthday, I know that I have no control over when he does arrive.
Happy early birthday to your mom! Sounds like a great idea to celebrate her milestone birthday a little early this year so that she gets the celebration that she deserves.
Heather says
You are right. It may not be the most ideal but baby will be fine!
Rachael @ Catch Me if You Can says
I celebrate my birthday at disney way too often. Im an October baby so we go all out for the food and wine festival. this year we did the premium food and wine festival package but in years past we have done the wine view lounge at party for the senses. Fall is a great time to celebrate your birthday at disney because of all the decorations and parties going on. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Food and Wine, dessert party, eat to the beat concert series. i love fall at disney 🙂
Heather says
We will be doing MNSSHP and food and wine!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I would love to do a birthday celebration in Disney! I turn 25 this year! Wondering if I can convince Josh… haha
Karen says
Sorry we can’t go with you guys! Hope you have a great time (I know you will)!!