Birthdays-what are the perks at Disney?

[mom2boystx]

Hi all!!

We are coming to Disney in October and both of my boys bdays are within the same week. What are the 'unofficial' perks of having their birthday there? I know we can get them a button so everyone knows it's their day. They will be turning 8 & 5.

I am wondering what anyone here on the boards has experienced with any extra fun stuff for birthdays?

Thank you! I am so happy to have found this great place to learn lots of great info!
Peggy

 

[bicker]

It is a random thing. We've taken a few of the kids for their fifth birthdays, and only once were we gifted with what I would consider an over-abundance of recognition for it (a bunch of characters gathering around the table to sing happy birthday). I believe it helps if you make special arrangements to purchase a birthday cake yourself at the restaurants (though sometimes Disney might generously provide a small one -- however, again, I think they go all out more often when you've spent a good big of money yourself to do so).

 

[Mickey Fliers]

The best plan is to go without any expectations of anything special. If you want a special cake at dinner, I would go ahead and order it. We have been for three different b-day's (DS turning 6 and other DS turning 5 and 6) and have usually gotten a special surprise, but none was expected. We have been given a cupcake at dinner at Chef Mickey's and we have had cards and balloons delivered to our resort room. Just make sure you have CRO make note of the bday's on your ressie, and maybe some pixie dust will come your way.

My oldest actually shares Mickey's bday (Nov. 18) and we were there for the 75th Bday for Mickey and my DS's 6th. That was fun.

ETA: Make sure your kids get their (free!) bday call from Goofy. I think most CM's can do this from any phone.

 

[Queenie]

I got a few extra comments from CMs and park guests as we walked around - just enough to make the day feel extra special without feeling self concious. When they did the checks on Dinosaur, the CM told me to be extra careful as dinosaurs particularly like to eat birthday people - they taste of birthday cake!!

 

[mary's mom]

when you make ress tell them about the birthdays. When you make ress at the hotel on property tell them about the birthdays and they will surprise you with something. Also get a birthday button from guest relations from each park. sometimes the CM's will have everyone in the line for the attraction you are in sing very loudly happy birthday to you.

 

[TXMommy]

On DS's 8th birthday last year he wore his birthday button all day - we got put at the front of the line at Tomorrowland's Indy Speedway! That was fun (I hate that line!). He got lots of comments from CM's and other guests, and got a cupcake from Minnie at Chef Mickey's. There is a thread on here somewhere about how to make the most of your b-day at WDW - try a search.

 

[Disney-Junkie]

We took our twins on their 10th birthday in 2004 and they had a blast. The biggest thing was getting special desserts, cake, etc, 3 times a day for the whole week.

We saw some people wear the birthday hats but knew my kids wouldn't wear them all day and guess who would have to carry them?

 

[princess pooh]

The bus driver got everyone on the bus to sing me happy birthday

 

[Sunshine427]

If I forgot to add a "note" to my online reservation telling them we'll be celebrating my son's B-day, can I call & tell them now?? We are not going until May.

 

[disneytraceyl]

What if you are celebrating your birthday at disney, but it is a week prior? Can you still get a pin???

 

[JulielovesDisney]

You can buy them the birthday hat, which is a light up cake shape. I know CM's give birthday people extra attention, along with the characters. Random people will sometimes wish them a happy birthday too. If you're boys like that kind of attention (I know some people don't) then it will be a great experience for them!! Have fun!!

 

[LisaBi]

OK - I think we are going to go WDW for my son's 13th birthday. He has Down Syndrome - so in some ways is 5 and others is 15 (like any kid!). I can't decide where to book a special meal (think kid friendly). If we do something like Crystal Palace that includes dessert on the buffet, how should I work in a cake? What else can I do special? I know about the button. Can I arrange something (for a price) - like a gift delivered to our room, or a "gift" in a gift shop (pre-purchased)?

I want to make this really special - I didn't think we were going to be able to go at all this year, and now I can go for a few days that happens to be over his birthday. He's been begging to go, so I want to make it a surprise and a big deal for him.

Anyone have any ideas on things I can do?

Thanks,
LisaB

P.S. We are staying at Pop, and I'm not looking to spend a lot extra.

 

[TiggerStac]

My DS's favorite thing that happened on his birthday (4th) was leading the parade at Crystal Palace with Piglet!! He absolutely loved it and still tells everyone about it.