One of my family’s favorite ways to spend our time at Walt Disney World is to celebrate our young daughters’ birthdays there. Nothing beats having your birthday at Disney.
See years back, we used to do the kiddie parties where we would spend hundreds of dollars for a 2-3 hour birthday party. These birthday parties indeed cost a ridiculous amount of money for a short window of time to celebrate. They were also over quicker than I could sneeze.
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So, when we became annual pass holders for Disney World, as well as DVC members, we decided to use our points wisely. Our points were used to be at Disney World twice a year to spend at Disney World to celebrate both our girls’ birthdays. We have done multiple birthday celebrations over the last 5 years that we have become Disney World Birthday pros.
Moreover, this tradition is so well-loved by our girls that they begin planning their birthday trips right after they come back from each current Disney trip.
So, if you are debating celebrating your birthday at Disney, then our family highly recommends it.
But if you are indeed reading and wondering the best ways to celebrate your birthday at Disney, then read on now.
The Top Six Ways to Celebrate Your Birthday at Disney
1. Wear Disney Birthday Gear
Disney World sells a plethora of Birthday merchandise. Every year, Mickey Mouse celebrates his birthday on November 18th. Each of the four Disney World theme parks, give out a FREE pin to celebrate his birthday. On his 90th birthday and for months after, Disney World celebrated Mickey Mouse’s 90th Birthday with special birthday/celebration merchandise. While many of this gear is no longer for sale int he parks, you can still find online at eBay. But, still, Disney World sells special more generic birthday gear, such as Birthday Mickey Ears with a piece of cake with a little candle, pins and more. Plus, if you stay at any of the Disney World resorts, mention your birthday celebration to get a free birthday pin with your name written on it to wear all around while you celebrate, as well.
2. Dine with Your Favorite Disney Characters
Disney World is well-known for its character dining experiences. Honestly, if you have a favorite Disney character, then chances are they are a part of a character dining experience somewhere on Disney property whether it is the actual parks or at one of the Disney World Resorts. Check out our favorite character meals here for more information. That said, dining with the characters for a birthday celebration is truly a fun and unique experience we highly recommend.
3. Fireworks Dessert Party
Another fabulous way to celebrate your birthday at Disney World is to enjoy watching one of the fireworks shows in a separate location where you enjoy a variety of Disney specialty desserts. Watching the fireworks alone on your birthday is a cause for celebration. But to be in a smaller party type-setting and enjoying delicious desserts is an extra special treat for a birthday celebration.
4. Get a Birthday Makeover
For the little ones, nothing beats getting all dressed up for the occasion. Disney World has what is known as the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which allows young girls to get the royal treatment while being transformed into the princess of their choice. They can wear their favorite princesses dress and get their hair and makeup done, too. When my girls were younger, this experience was always requested. It was honestly just another way to make them feel even more special for their birthday celebration at Disney World.
5. Take a Cruise
Disney World offers special charter boats to cruise the Seven Seas Lagoon. While onboard, you get to feast on desserts and soft drinks while watching the fireworks on the lake. Yet another way to experience the fireworks show and feel extra special on your birthday, as well.
6. Get a VIP Tour
Want your birthday celebration to be a day you will never forget that is tailored just to you? Then, a Disney World VIP Tour is a must experience. You get to explore the parks with your own VIP Tour Guide during a customizable experience filled with attractive benefits. Honestly, the sky is the limit for Disney World VIP Tours. It depends on your budget and needs, but again another great option for an extra special birthday celebration. Check out our favorite character meals here for more information.
Tamara says
Aw – so much fun! It would never happen for us because of summer birthdays and we only go to Disney in the winter, but our close family friend just celebrated her 8th birthday there. So much better than a crappy party here. She did Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!
Janine says
Couldn’t agree more, Tamara!! And my girls did Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for more birthdays than I can now count 😉
Dara says
We have celebrated Zachary’s birthday at Disney as well as mine. Zachary still recalls that he has the same birthday as Donald Duck – although actually it’s not the exact same day, it’s just that Zachary wore his birthday pin the whole time we were there and Donald’s birthday was on one of those days. On my birthday, when we had breakfast reservations we wrote that we were celebrating it and I got a signed card from the characters!
Janine says
Dara, this sounds like Lily. See up until last year we were there for Mickey Mouse’s actual birthday. Her birthday is a few days later. But she always wore her birthday pin on Mickey’s birthday. She even would tell cast members she had the same birthday as Mickey because he is her favorite character (always and probably always will be). And the signed card always is a nice touch, too 🙂
William D Holland says
Do they have birthday celebrations for people like me who are older than dirt? lol
Happy Thursday, Janine! Day #29 in a row of rain and no end in sight here. Sigh!
Janine says
Omg, Bill to the rain!! I hope there is an end in sight soon for you. Have a wonderful weekend now 🙂
Seana Turner says
The VIP tour is so terrific if you can afford it. You really get to see a lot and get treated like royalty!
Janine says
I couldn’t agree more and I know the VIP tour can be a bit pricy. But definitely a great way to celebrate if you can afford and budget for it 🙂
Joanne says
These sound like fabulous ways to celebrate a birthday!
Janine says
Thanks, Joanne and couldn’t agree more!!! 🙂
Gloria Spagnoli says
I know you are all looking forward to the next trip to Disney….for Emma’s bd! xxoo
Janine says
Aw, thanks, aunt Gloria and yes we are very much looking forward to it!! xoxo 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
Is there anything more magical than Disney to celebrate a birthday? You all are so lucky and I love all of your Disney tips always. We haven’t done the VIP but now I need to look into it. Thank you for this. You’re like the Disney Queen, and for real, can’t tell you how much I appreciate these posts.
Janine says
Aw, thank you for saying that and I really just love sharing what I know about Disney to help you and others. Makes my day to know that these posts do indeed help those with their Disney needs 😉