My son (just turned 10 in February) really loved the Crystal Palace...when I made the seating, I mentioned it was his b-day ... they decorated our table with Mickey confeti and streamers, had a card signed by the characters, and brought out the special cupcake after we ate. I do not recall embarrassment (my guy has a low threshhold for that)
We also had his b-day breakfast at Chef Mickey's ... there he received a laminated autographed birthday placemat to take home, a cupcake. They did do the napkin waving a singing, but it was not to the point of singling him out and having people stare ... it was nice.
If my guy wasn't embarrassed, that says a lot to me
Also, at the guest relations in each park, he received a birthday button (I believe MK and MGM had the same one).
I hope your birthday guy has a terrific time
Also...if you want more than the free b-day cupcake, you can order a cake (when you call to make the ADR you can ask for the number to call to do that) ... I think the smallest is $14.99. We were happy with the cupcake, esp since we had the desserts on the buffet .. more would have been overkill. Just thought I would mention that incase you're interested
