My mom turns 60 on Christmas day. Her one wish was to have a fun girls trip in Walt Disney World. Since her birthday falls on the day it does, 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!

Anyway, 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!

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.

2.) Birthday button (and hat, shirt, etc): Stop by city hall at the Magic Kingdom (or at guest relations at other parks) or ask when you check into your Disney resort for a birthday button. 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 customize cake made and delivered to your resort or at certain restaurants around 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.

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 Wishes. 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.

QOTD: Have you ever celebrated your birthday in Walt Disney World? What did you do?