How to Celebrate Your Birthday at Disney!

A friend of mine asked me on Facebook the other day on how to celebrate a birthday in Disney World. It sounded like a good blog post for the rest of you as well! The trip itself to Disney is a great way to celebrate but there are definitely ways to put icing on your Disney birthday cake. Most people will know to get a reservation at their favorite restaurant(with or without characters), so I wanted to touch on some non-dining ideas to make you trip more magical.

Free!

• Pick up a Celebration Button from Guest Relations. Wearing Disney’s Happy Birthday buttons will get you special attention from cast member in the parks.
• Tell your server at your restaurant (sit-down only) about your special day and they will bring you a decorated cupcake…free!

Let them eat Cake!

• 6 inch birthday cakes can be requested at the podium of most full-service restaurants and don’t require any advance notice. They cost about $21 (plus tax and gratuity).
• You can also order this cake at your hotel to be delivered to your room through room service or guest services.
• If you want a personalized cake then place an order for your special birthday cake from the WDW Resort Cake hotline at 407-827-2253. They will deliver it right to your table at your restaurant after your meal. Requires 72 hour notice and serves about 5 people (other sizes are available).

Fireworks!

• Birthday Cruise – Enjoy a private pontoon ride for you and up to 9 of your friends to watch the nightly fireworks for either Illuminations or Wishes! The cruise lasts about an hour and a half and the cost is $346.13 which includes your driver. You can add on birthday decorations and/or food and drinks for an additional cost. To reserve, call 407-WDW-PLAY up to 180 days in advance. A credit card is required to hold the reservation.
• Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party – Enjoy a buffet of different desserts and beverages (sorry no alcohol) while viewing Wishes! on a dedicated covered patio. The party starts about an hour before the fireworks begin and lasts until 30 minutes after the fireworks are over. The cost for this event is $24.68 for adults and $14.90 for kids (ages 3 – 9). Separate park admission is required and so is pre-payment. Reservations are highly recommended as this frequently sells out an can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
• Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party – Similar to the above event but this one takes place at EPCOT’s Showcase Plaza while viewing Illuminations. A buffet of desserts from around the world AND sparkling wines are included in the price this time (hence the higher cost). There is also coffee, tea, and soft drinks available. The cost for this event is $49 for adults and $29 for kids (ages 3 – 9). Separate park admission is required and so is pre-payment. Reservations are highly recommended as this frequently sells out an can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Decorate your Room!

• Celebrations (in your room) – The folks at Disney Floral and Gifts (the official florist of Disney World) are more than happy to deck out your hotel room with lots of birthday decorations, treats, and souvenirs. You can choose from the simple balloon or flower bouquet to the grand gesture of your entire room decorated with the Disney theme of your choice. Side note: Since Disney does not pre-assign room numbers before your arrival, the soonest your room decor can be set up is the day after your arrival.

For the Kids!

• Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney has a party room to host your kiddos birthday bash with their friends. They offer two different theme options, Goofy’s Scien-Terrific Bithday Bash and a Perfectly Princess Party. They run about an hour and half long and guests must be 3 years an older. For pricing, call 407-WDW-BDAY.
• Pirate Birthday Anyone? Let your little swashbuckler enjoy his (or her) day as an honorary pirate by reserving some time at the Pirates League. Enjoy getting decked out in full pirate garb and get sworn into the League in their hidden chamber! Prices range from $29.95 (for no outfit – We brought our own from home!) to $74.95 depending on the outfit you choose. Call 407-939-2739 for reservations. Grownups are more than welcome to go through the process too!
• Finish out your pirate birthday by going on a boat ride!
  •  Pirate Adventure Cruise – young pirates jump aboard their vessel to go on a treasure hunt stopping at different exotic ports of call (aka different resort marinas). They end their adventure and split up their pirate booty of snacks and drinks. This is a kid-only adventure that lasts 2 hours from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Cost is $37. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations.
  • Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage – Or maybe a night voyage sounds more interesting. The whole family will enjoy a party starting with snacks and drinks and pictures with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. Then set sail on your vessel listening to pirate tales and songs while you get positioned on Bay Lake to watch the Wishes Fireworks show. Afterwards you sail back for a surprise visit with the man himself Peter Pan! The cost is $59 for adults and $34 for kids. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations.
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – We can’t leave the princesses out can we? Let Disney’s Fairy Godmother’s in training transform your little girl into a princess! OR your son into a heroic knight! You’ll be able to select hairstyle, make-up, nail color, accessories, and costume. You can choose between 3 different packages with prices starting at $59.95 up to 194.95. The knight’s package is $18.95. Disney has two different locations to create the magic, one in Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom and a second location in Downtown Disney. Call 407-WDW-STYLE for appointments.

Birthday Activities!

• La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – How about taking the birthday boy/girl for an amazing show. Acrobats, singers, trapeze artists, jugglers and clowns entertain you during this outstanding 1 hour 30 minute show. Prices start at $54. Performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 6PM and 9PM.
• Characters in Flight – Anyone up for a birthday in the clouds? Take flight 400 feet in the air in the world’s largest tethered hot air balloon! The ride lasts 8 to 10 minutes and you get a 360 degree view of Downtown Disney and the parks off in the distance. The basket can hold up to 29 people in its 19 foot diameter basket. The cost is $18 for adults and $12 for kiddos. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Spa Visit – 11 Spa locations are spread throughout Disney World and provide a wide range of services. Call (407)-WDW-SPAS for appointments.
• Exotic Driving Experience – Take a few birthday laps at the Walt Disney Resort Speedway in some of the world’s fastest cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Audi and Nissan) either by yourself or let a professional take you on a thrill ride. Prices range from $200 to $400 depending on the car you choose. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations.
• Richard Petty Driving Experience – Or maybe you have a NASCAR birthday fan in your group? Hit the road in a real NASCAR race for up to 50 laps or choose a ride-a-long experience. The cost ranges from $99 for the ride-a-long to $2,599 for the full 50 lap experience (you can also chose less laps for less cash). Jr. NASCAR race fans can also take a ride-a-long spin. This is for kiddos ages 6 to 13 (must be 48″ or taller) for $59. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations
• Golf – Enjoy 4 different championship golf courses at Disney World. Resort Guests (slightly cheaper) and Day Guests enjoy rates that are per person and include greens fee, use of an electric cart and pre-round practice balls. If you are staying at a Disney owned and operated resort, Disney will provide complimentary transportation to the golf course. Call 407-WDW-GOLF for tee times.

These are just a few ideas that would can your birthday more magical. Did I forget anything? Let me know if you have any other inventive birthday ideas while staying at Disney World!