Just back from Disney: news about birthdays

[Stephres]

Hi, we just got back from Disney today and I just wanted to let anyone planning upcoming trips know that we were very disappointed in the princess lunch at Restaurant Akershus. It was our daughter's third birthday so when we checked in we let them know to be told "the princesses don't sing." Our service was so slow our daughter was losing it so we gave her a pb&j sandwich we packed. When we finally did get waited on, we tried to explain that she had already eaten but we still had to pay for her lunch (which was the exact same smuckers pb&j sandwich we gave her!). The princesses breezed by and spent no time with her, did not make a big deal about her birthday, just stopped and said to her, "turn around and look at Mommy so she can take our picture." Then they were off. They totally ignored my five year old son (which was not a big deal, but still!). When we finally got our bill it was $90!

Later we went to Beaches and Cream and told our waitress it was ger birthday and she flickered the light, announced the birthday and everyone sang to her. Then she brought her a Mickey Mouse Sundae with a candle on it and everyone clapped when she blew it out. She is still talking about blowing out the candle and everyone singing while she hardly mentions the princesses!

I guess live and learn! So when they say they don't make a big deal about birthdays, take that as they make no deal about it!

[Third times a charm]

That is really terrible. Obviously your daughter and son are none the worse for it, but as a parent you plan so much and want everything to be perfect to think you paid $90 and the princesses didn't fuss over your princess is very discouraging. And why only a PB&J sandwich? Did you know that's what was going to be served? What did you have to eat?

[happygirl]

:sad2: That is horrible

[ksoehrlein]

Unlike your DD, we lucked out with tons of magic for DD's 5th birthday last week (sorry!), but we also noticed that the biggest fuss was made over her at places that don't normally cater to celebrating children.

Although she did get the birthday placemat and cupcake at both CRT and Chef Mickey's, she had the most attention at Le Cellier, where they made her a Jr Chef and allowed her to assemble her own chocolate "moose" with the help of Chef David. Meanwhile, Chef Mickey's only did that "Celebrate" song with an announcement that this was to celebrate everyone's bdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc, etc. It was still nice, but just not as special or individualized as I had hoped. I guess it's hard to be enthusiastic when your on your 8th or 9th birthday child of the day, but that's no excuse for your experience at PSB.

I'm sorry your PSB lunch experience was so disappointing. Did your children have autograph books? I've found that those tend to cause the "face" characters to spend a little more time chatting with each child because stopping to sign slows them down a bit.

[Trinity721]

:( That's horrible! I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience, especially on your DD's birthday. After hearing all the neat things that have happened to other DISers and their children, I am really surprised. You would have thought they would have done something, anything! That is really disappointing.

Our experience at PSB for dinner was quite nice, but it was our first character meal and I really wasn't expecting too much. But it was very nice for us, and DD enjoyed herself.

[Stephres]

Third times a charm, you are exactly right: the kids are none the worse for the experience. As a mom, you just want everything to be perfect and when it's not and your DH is not happy about the money you just spent, it's frustrating.

To be honest, the kids were given an appetizer plate to cheese, crackers and "troll mix" (trail mix) and then a plate with the smuckers pb&j and grapes. So it was plenty of food for them. I was just astonished that it was the exact same sandwich I had just given her.

She did have a great time at Beaches and Cream, so I think ksoehrlein is right: for birthdays you might want to try a restaurant where the cast members will make more of a fuss, rather than characters that rush by.

[Schmeck]

Were you told beforehand that the 'princesses' do something out of the ordinary if it is the child's birthday? If so, then you have the right to be disappointed that they did not acknowledge the birthday. But I don't remember ever hearing about a 'birthday service' of any kind there.

[meandtheguys2]

Were you told beforehand that the 'princesses' do something out of the ordinary if it is the child's birthday? If so, then you have the right to be disappointed that they did not acknowledge the birthday. But I don't remember ever hearing about a 'birthday service' of any kind there.

Spending just long enough to get a photo with a 3 year old birthday girl is less than should be expected. Actualy, birthday or not, the people who book these have a right to expect more than that for their time effort and money.

Thank goodness I have boys!

[disneyjunkie]

She did have a great time at Beaches and Cream, so I think ksoehrlein is right: for birthdays you might want to try a restaurant where the cast members will make more of a fuss, rather than characters that rush by.

I don't think anyone should expect the CMs to make a fuss over a birthday or any celebration. You never know what may be going on that can prevent them from going all out for ALL guest. Just because it was done at B&C for the OP, doesn't mean it happens all the time.



Many times we read all the great things that have happened to other DISers and we tend to forget that nothing is guaranteed.

[fireman17]

On our trip 5/2 - 5/11 our DS birthday was celebrated on 5/2 at Chef Mickey's our DD birthday is 6/5 so they each had a cupcake with a candle on it. Al the charaters came over after the celebration song was sung and waited until our children blew out the candles.
There were other children that had the same attention given to them as well and we thought that was great but, the topper was the bus ride back to the resort. The driver was great he was telling jokes and keeping us amused then he asked if it was anyone anniversary or birthday, well we all yelled it was our DS birthday he then had the entire bus sing happy birthday to our DS.
I thought that was top notch for our driver to do and, when we got to our resort our DS gave him a great big hug.
I thinnk he'll remember that for a while...

[huey duey & luey]

I don't think anyone should expect the CMs to make a fuss over a birthday or any celebration. You never know what may be going on that can prevent them from going all out for ALL guest. Just because it was done at B&C for the OP, doesn't mean it happens all the time.



Many times we read all the great things that have happened to other DISers and we tend to forget that nothing is guaranteed.

I have to disagree. I really don't think it is unusual to expect a little special treatment for a special ocassion, especially a child's bday at WDW. If you went to Applebee's they would get special treatment, why not a restaurant in WDw that cater's to children? If she was a little older she would have been diappointed
Tara

[eeyore45]

I have to disagree. I really don't think it is unusual to expect a little special treatment for a special ocassion, especially a child's bday at WDW. If you went to Applebee's they would get special treatment, why not a restaurant in WDw that cater's to children? If she was a little older she would have been diappointed
Tara

Unfortunately I believe that people take advantage of Disney, expecting "freebies".... also, its expensive for most to go to WDW, so they take advantage of "near' bdays, or "near" anniversaries and "celebrate" the day as if it were the "special" day... like Alice, its everyone's "unbirthday"...

and I've also noticed how some will celebrate the whole week - expecting "special" treatment at each place - 3 - 5 places?? Its no wonder that the magic expires in quite a few CM's, its not an excuse, but an understanding of such...

here's a poster who had 3 different places : "Although she did get the birthday placemat and cupcake at both CRT and Chef Mickey's, she had the most attention at Le Cellier," that's one busy 5 yr old!

Sometimes its luck,(maybe its a good whine?) sometimes its a well organized parent... for us, DD and my mom will be celebrating bdays, I plan on getting a "free" pin, and ordering special cakes (and paying for them) and ordering special items from the WDW Florist (and paying for it) Like last year, it was noted on our ressies (for food, and resort - the Polynesian) that it was our 25th anniversary, and we got nothing "special" but I made sure it was "magical"!!!

[huey duey & luey]

I didn't necessarily mean freebies, but I think a little bit of attention isn't unreasonable. The op stated that it wasn't even mentioned by the princesses

[KerriMc]

I'm sorry you didn't have that "magical" experience. We celebrated dd's 4th birthday at Cinderella's Gala Feast at 1900 Park Faire and we had a wonderful time. It wasn't over done, but they did acknowledge her and Cinderella was there when they sang Happy Birthday. Cinderella gave her a princess crown to wear that said "Happy Birthday" and the placemat. We had ordered a cake so they brought that out before dinner as she was going to be on our side of the room then, but that was ok as the kids attention was better at that point anyways ;) . She wasn't overly fussed on, but just enough to make her feel really special ... like a little girl deserves to feel on her birthday. princess: We can't wait to do it all again next year. The only thing different this time will be that we won't order a cake because at a buffet you want to enjoy the desserts and really don't have room for cake. We ended up eating cake for the week we were there :rolleyes: (so much for that South Beach Diet thing ... :blush: ) . So yes ... we will want that freebie of that cupcake ... woohoo :p ... and that cheap signed placemat (that dd adores mind you) ... I really don't think that is too much to ask!

Kerri :flower:

[Alicnwondrln]

Spending just long enough to get a photo with a 3 year old birthday girl is less than should be expected. Actualy, birthday or not, the people who book these have a right to expect more than that for their time effort and money.

Thank goodness I have boys!


this is sooo how i feel
thank go di have 2 sons
im sure daughters are great but......

[MrsPete]

Unfortunately I believe that people take advantage of Disney, expecting "freebies".... also, its expensive for most to go to WDW, so they take advantage of "near' bdays, or "near" anniversaries and "celebrate" the day as if it were the "special" day... like Alice, its everyone's "unbirthday"...

This is exactly what I was going to say. We hear of soooo many people going to WDW for children's birthdays; if the character meals did songs, etc. for everyone's "birthdays", they'd only be able to serve half the people who now enjoy the restaurants.

Also, the characters have a "rotation" across the room. If you pay attention, you'll notice it. The princesses are purposefully divided so that they're in different parts of the room. If they had to come together to sing, it'd throw off the entire restaurant's schedule.

Why could Beaches and Cream do more? They're much smaller (what do they have anyway? Seven tables?), and they aren't orchestrating the number of characters, servers, and customers that the princess breakfasts handle.

Parents make a big deal of birthdays.
Restaurants serve food.

[disneyjunkie]

Parents make a big deal of birthdays.
Restaurants serve food.


::yes:: ::yes::

[Stephres]

Yes restaurants serve food, but charcter themed restaurants do say they offer more. I was just disappointed that there was just so little interaction with my daughter considering the amount of money we spent on lunch, whether it was her birthday or not. I had to mention it was her birthday to each princess even though she was wearing the pin. Also, they do rotate around, but they came out one right after the other. I think if they would have started earlier in the meal and had more time in between it would have been a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

I also was not expecting a lot of free gifts. I tried to order (and pay for) a birthday cake at the restaurant the day before we went and was told desert was included and they could not help me with a birthday cake.

I guess I was frustrated because I build this experience up in my mind and it was disappointing. Of course my three year old was happy. I just wanted to warn other parents so they wouldn't feel disappointed.

[disneychrista]

I guess I was frustrated because I build this experience up in my mind and it was disappointing.
Did you build this experience on facts or fantasy? I am sorry that you were disapointed but from the sound of it your DD wasn't and after all it was her birthday. I understand wanting to make your child's birthday special but sometimes we, the parent. need more then the child.

When I first was doing research for our WDW trip I heard people talk about how you could eat with the princesses at Cinderella Castle. I thought the princesses actually sat down and ate with the guests. It was not until much later that I found out that you don't really eat with the princesses but they come and "visit" with you (for about 2 min at best) while you are eating. If I had gone in thinking they really ate with you I would have been very disapointed but I am sure my DD would have been just as thrilled to have them visit even if for 30 sec to say Hi.

[Stephres]

I based my expectations on the messages I read on this very board about birthdays. I have stated several times that my child was not adversely effected by the experience.

[crisi]

Thanks for posting. Sorry it didn't live up to your expectations. I think its important that people recognize that not always does the magic happen. We were there several years ago and it was my parents 35th wedding anniversary. I let everyone know (except them) hoping for magic, and none occurred. I wasn't too disappointed, because I knew sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't.

We had a "bad" character breakfast once as well. Characters were rushed, and their "shift" only lasted halfway through our meal (we were seated 45 minutes later than our PS time). It was really disappointing. We've had many better ones, although none as magical as what is occationally described here - long conversations with princesses, Chip and Dale playing games - in a dozen trips and more character meals I've never witnessed that - much less experienced it. More often, I've experenced what you describe (although without ignoring one child! Except when my son was little and wanted to be ignored - he was a little character shy), character visits consist of 45 second photo-ops.

But with the wonder of the internet, you get to hear when the magic happens for someone else and come to expect it will happen for you. Used to be Disney was able to make magic by supplying the unexpected. Ten years ago, most of my trips were pretty ho-hum for magic, and once in a while you'd stumble upon Tigger alone in a corner or towel animals. Now most of my trips are ho-hum, but I know other people are stumbling upon Tigger in a corner or getting towel animals and I'm not. What is nice is that I have previous experience to compare trips to - and know towel animals are the exception.

[eeyore45]

I based my expectations on the messages I read on this very board about birthdays. I have stated several times that my child was not adversely effected by the experience.

Just thought I'd add it was an important post, you've passed on great information, and I'm sure its more than appreciated, maybe not by those that are posting, but even so I think that its important to relay information for others that come and read the thread...

I know I too always hope for more "magic", but I hate to be disappointed, I seem to be well aquainted with Murphy! (of Murphy's Law, anything that can, will go wrong!)

I dont know how I would handle a Princess ignoringm my child, dont they have CM's around? I think I would have gotten the attention of one of them, and been sweet, and polite, and "confused"! and I think the picture opportunities and autographs help make the visit last longer... I also think that there was a thread on the Dis about questions to ask the characters to help aid the interaction... (Alice, has she seen the White Rabbit, Aurora, what is your mom's name? etc... it was a great thread!!)

[robmary]

We had the same experience there for our DD 4th B-day. They seated all the birthday people next to each other. For the most part the princesses could have cared less. The restaurant did bring her a special cookie for her to decorate, but other than that, nothing special. Also, I have stated before here on the DIS boards that the food there is just so so. Especially for picky eaters who are children and let's face it a good portion of the customers are kids there. We also it our DS birthday at Cape May Cafe breakfast buffet and we all loved it there. They sang and brought him a huge cupcake. Food was excellent, characters were great and much more relaxed feeling all around.

[mizzkb00]

thanks for the heads up-this was the part that my sister wanted to enjoy-I had heard other people on different websites say the same thing...I will try other areas since it will be my daughters birthday when we go and I DO want someone to sing happy birthday to her. NTM my daughter does not eat pb & j!!!

[Schmeck]

We were at WDW for DD's 8th b'day. We had 18 family members down there for that trip! We didn't plan on anything special for her birthday, since we considered being at WDW special enough as it is. I think we let her pick which ride she wanted to go on first at MK (Dumbo), and let her plan most of the morning.

We did have the whole family go to the Minnie/Mickey luau at the Poly, and we let her pick out anything she wanted for her b'day present at the Emporium. We also sang happy b'day to her over dessert at the luau. I think I stuck a candle in the dessert as well.

After dinner, we headed over to MK, for the evening fireworks. A group of teenage girls were sitting in front of us. When they heard me ask DD how she liked her b'day so far, they asked "it's your birthday?" then they sang her the birthday song.

She still talks about her great b'day at WDW, even though we didn't really make a big fuss over her...

[crisi]

thanks for the heads up-this was the part that my sister wanted to enjoy-I had heard other people on different websites say the same thing...I will try other areas since it will be my daughters birthday when we go and I DO want someone to sing happy birthday to her. NTM my daughter does not eat pb & j!!!

As Happy Birthday is copyrighten, you won't find anyplace that will sing her Happy Birthday at Disney, you'll have to do it.

[pilgrimage]

As a professional musician, one is allowed to perform "Happy Birthday" without paying royalties. If it is recorded or performed on TV or on the internet, then royalties are due.

[mizzkb00]

very good answer-I hadn't thought of it that way..you are exactly on the money...I guess you can tell I haven't had my first WDW trip yet! 103 days and counting!!!

[DISLOVE]

The restaurant did bring her a special cookie for her to decorate, but other than that, nothing special.

It might just be me, but, I feel like the parental expectations might be a bit high. We are in the process of planning our DD's 3rd birthday celebration at WDW. I would be thrilled to have them bring her a special cookie to decorate. I'm hoping for a bunch of little things, most of which my DH and I will orchestrate before leaving home, but I don't have my sights set on a special fireworks display just for Allison's Birthday!

Seriously though... we need to focus on the child's happiness. They would be thrilled with the little displays (my DD is still talking about the 5 sec kiss on the top of her head from Minnie). If your child is happy, you should be too!

My 2 cents...

[crisi]

As a professional musician, one is allowed to perform "Happy Birthday" without paying royalties. If it is recorded or performed on TV or on the internet, then royalties are due.

Disney still won't do it. They are picky about intellectual property rights (for good reason) and want to enforce very strict fair use (for good reason).

[metta4]

So sorry to hear about the disappointment but I am glad to hear about her happy time at B&C.

We just celebrated at WDW our son's 3rd bday and only have great things to say about the experience. We did a character dinner at Crystal Palace and the whole thing was wonderful. Every hr they have all the bday people/kids parade around with Pooh and friends and there is one big singing of a birthday song. We bought (no freebie here ) a 6 inch bday cake for ds to get at the table and the cm who brought it out did sing happy birthday (an added surprise). The cm's were wonderful and the service great. I would recommend CP in a heartbeak. All I told DS before hand was that we were going to see Pooh bear for his bday dinner so he didn't have any expectations beyond that.

edited to add: and we only celebrated his bday on his actual bday..although at other PS when they heard it was his bday that week they offered to do something (ie: 'Ohana's for dinner the night before his bday the cm asked him how old he was and he said 2 but my bday is tomrrow then I am a big guy...i'll be 3)..we declined b/c we wanted the actual day to be a little extra special....

[kdtwiss]

We just got back from Disney last week and though our ds now 7 wore a bday button, not one person said happy birthday to him. I was not expecting miracles, just a happy bday or two would have been nice.
To the OP - we went to PSB for dinner and would have welcomed that PB&J! Norwegian food is just not my cup of tea I guess. I found it pretty disgusting. Sorry for those who love it! I will say though that we went there for the princesses and not the food so we were not disappointed. DD got photos and autographs from Belle,Ariel,Aurora,Jasmine and Mulan and she was thrilled. The chef went out of his way to come talk to us as I asked our server if it was possible to just have some pasta with marinara for our oldest ds who is autistic and had basically eaten nothing all day as he is so particular. Chef Mike I believe his name was was fantastic and went really out of his way for us to provide our ds with some food he would actually eat. I would go there again (as long as I had the dining plan) but I would eat something first! LOL!
CHILLED SCRAMBLED EGGS! UGH!

OP - I know just how you feel, we do kind of have wonderful ideas of how things should be - we want the best for our children after all, and I don't think it was too much to expext a happy birthday - or 5 extra seconds from the princesses. Each princess spent very little time with our dd and did ignore our 3 boys, but they did not care thankfully. DD did not realize how rushed the visits were, but I did and well truthfully , if the princesses are not able to spend at least - say ONE minute with each table if the table wants it, there needs to be fewer people seated.
For ds' bday we did the Wishes BDAY cruise,and I will tell you, that was the absolute highlight of his (and all of ours) trip. He could not believe there was a special boat decorated just for him ballons and all! The cake btw was amazing, not a cheapo cake as I had expected. There were party hats,party noise makers, a big birtday banner and sodas and powerades for us. OUr captain took us out by Wilderness Lodge where we saw that elictric water parade and back over to MK to see the fireworks. I had not told ds about that so when we got there we had just enough time to sing Happy Birthday then we told him to look at the castle for a special birthday surprise just for him. He was blown away - and believes in Disney magic enough to believe they were for his bday. When I asked him on the plane ride home what his favorite part of the trip was he said his birtday fireworks. I recommend this special cruise to anyone going down for a bday! I don't care what TourGuide Mike says about it! It was sooo worth the extra $$ to have a special bday boat! What an amazing experience! The music was piped in, the night was just magical - all the grownups were in tears! I recommend it to anyone! It was also great for our ds 2 who had been petrified of the fireworks even with headphones. He was all smiles - "I not scared now!"

[disneyjunkie]

For ds' bday we did the Wishes BDAY cruise,and I will tell you, that was the absolute highlight of his (and all of ours) trip. He could not believe there was a special boat decorated just for him ballons and all! The cake btw was amazing, not a cheapo cake as I had expected. There were party hats,party noise makers, a big birtday banner and sodas and powerades for us. OUr captain took us out by Wilderness Lodge where we saw that elictric water parade and back over to MK to see the fireworks. I had not told ds about that so when we got there we had just enough time to sing Happy Birthday then we told him to look at the castle for a special birthday surprise just for him. He was blown away - and believes in Disney magic enough to believe they were for his bday. When I asked him on the plane ride home what his favorite part of the trip was he said his birtday fireworks. I recommend this special cruise to anyone going down for a bday! I don't care what TourGuide Mike says about it! It was sooo worth the extra $$ to have a special bday boat! What an amazing experience! The music was piped in, the night was just magical - all the grownups were in tears! I recommend it to anyone! It was also great for our ds 2 who had been petrified of the fireworks even with headphones. He was all smiles - "I not scared now!"

How much is the birthday cruise? How do you book it? How far in advance can it be booked?

[kdtwiss]

Hi, the cruise was $220 , but in my eyes was well worth it! Nothing like having your very own birthday boat! Our boat fit 12 comfortably. Not crowded at all. We booked about 3 months in advance and I belive 90 days is as far out as you can book. We actually got two boats as we had 2 birthdays and 24 people! It was great. When we got to the viewing area for the fireworks the captains tied the two boats together. There is also an illuminations birthday cruise which I believe books faster. That must be great also. I just can not say enough about how absolutely magical this was! I know every time we go if we are not celebrating a bday we will at least book the regular cruise, which I think was about $135, for our last night. There is just nothing like being with just your loved ones for such a sight!

OOPS = I think you book it by calling 407 wdw play, but I think I booked it when I was making my initial reservation for my package.

[Disneyglobegirl]

Unfortunately I believe that people take advantage of Disney, expecting "freebies".... also, its expensive for most to go to WDW, so they take advantage of "near' bdays, or "near" anniversaries and "celebrate" the day as if it were the "special" day... like Alice, its everyone's "unbirthday"...

and I've also noticed how some will celebrate the whole week - expecting "special" treatment at each place - 3 - 5 places?? Its no wonder that the magic expires in quite a few CM's, its not an excuse, but an understanding of such...

here's a poster who had 3 different places : "Although she did get the birthday placemat and cupcake at both CRT and Chef Mickey's, she had the most attention at Le Cellier," that's one busy 5 yr old!

Sometimes its luck,(maybe its a good whine?) sometimes its a well organized parent... for us, DD and my mom will be celebrating bdays, I plan on getting a "free" pin, and ordering special cakes (and paying for them) and ordering special items from the WDW Florist (and paying for it) Like last year, it was noted on our ressies (for food, and resort - the Polynesian) that it was our 25th anniversary, and we got nothing "special" but I made sure it was "magical"!!!

I have to agree with this - we noticed tons and tons of people celebrating Bdays and anniversaries while we were on our trip. I know lots of people go to Disney to celebrate and I think it is great that some places give them alittle something extra but I really wonder how many people do the week long celebration just to get the extras. In fact at Chef Mickeys it seemed that every table in our section was celebrating a bday - there was atleast one cupcake with candles at everytable but ours for the celebration song they do there. We felt like the special ones cause we were the only ones not celebrating - LOL As a funny side note DH got a Magical Moments Cert from our waitress at Hoop Dee Doo cause she asked if we were celebrating anything and he laughed and said that his birthday was in 3 months - LOL - It was kind of funny.