Birthdays!

[madgem]

I've already kinda asked this in another thread but its probably more suited to here!
I'm going to WDW for the first time in September, staying in CBR, as a very special 21st birthday present!
The thing is my birthday is actually 21st August but I couldn't afford peak rates so am going 5th September.
I want to celebrate my birthday as one of the days of my holiday and was wondering who I should tell (eg. hotel, restaurants I have priority bookings with etc) and when I should tell them. Shouls I let them know before I set off or when I get there?
Also what extra things do you get for a birthday? And will they mind that its not my real birthday but an honourary one?!
I'm confused!
Thanks Gemxxx

 

[bethbuchall]

Happy 21st birthday!!! My dd's birthday is also 8/21.

 

[lisaslp]

I have the same questions as you! I know you can tell the CM that checks you in at your hotel, but what other special things can be done??? We actually have 3 celebrations, 2 birthdays and one retirement.
Can anyone help us??

 

[kmebee]

Just bumping for some help. Taking my niece (first trip) and celebrating her birthday in October.

 

[momandseandodisney]

I am there with my son on my BD Oct 1st
looking for ideas too . . .

 

[AlaskaMOM]

From what I've read from other posters is that they get the "It's my birthday" (or something like that) button from the front of the parks and wear it around, It's mostly when CM see birthday button is when some sort of fuss is made. I have also heard that you can order(and pay for) a special dessert to be made and presented at the restaurant that you're celebrating - but that all has to be done in advance . Others who have actually gotten it would be able to tell you more.
By the way Happy Birthday!!

 

[lisaslp]

How do you order a cake? Is it thru disney or an outside source?

 

[taximomfor4]

We were in WDW for dd's third bday last week. Our first hotel asked 3 different times who her fave character is, and which day is her bday, but never did anything at all. We switched hotels on her bday, and she had balloons and a card in the room when we got there. She wore a bday pin one day in each park but other than just a couple of Happy Birthdays, nothing was done. She loves her new pins though, especially the EPCOT one. We had the bday mentioned on 6 ADRs but only one (Whispering Canyon) said anything...they brought her a brownie sundae thing. So definitely plan, if you really want something special, on doing it yourself. I have seen pix on these boards of some gorgeous bday cakes!

Beth

 

[apcall]

my DD8 and DD12 celebrated their birthday at WDW last 10/23 (yes same day, different year...no kidding) and we picked up the badges at MK city hall and subsequently got the following perks....

1) phone call (at the city hall front desk) from goofy wishing them a happy birthday.

2) whole family was treated to the fast pass lane (without fast passes) several times.

3) cupcake/candle/confetti on the tables at all meals (including breakfast...hey its their birthday)....signed birthday place mat at chef mickeys....CMs (with guests joining) singing birthday at all meals (Chef Mickeys, Sci Fi, Crystal). TELL THE HOSTESS AT ALL MEALS (even if you told them when you made the ADR).

4) CMs (including those in the parade) came over to them to wish them a happy birthday.....and numerous guests did as well (which was great!).

5) numerous times recieved free pins when pin trading with CMs

6) recieved a free ice cone somewhere.

7) I told the CM at CBR when we checked in, and on their birthday, which was at the end of the trip, we came back to the room to find an autographed (hand written with marker ON the picture, not added by a computer) 5x7 picture, of mickey & minnie outside the castle, in a card with a special birthday note (hand printed) addressed them, and balloons.

TIP: Make up bright colored t-shirts 'advertising' there birthday in addition the pin.....we had 'today is my birthday and...' on the front, with '...I spent it at Disney' on the back. Remember the whole idea is for them to stand out to get the attention.....
__________________
05/06 - DCL/western

10/04 - CBR/WDW
05/03 - CBR/WDW
05/01 - Poly/WDW
05/99 - shades of green/WDW
04/96 - Poly/WDW

 

[Elisa]

I read a while back a thread that talked about Birthdays that are celebrated when not on the real day. People were saying how Everybody is doing this and it's so common that all the CM's are getting immune to it. I agree that there isn't a more special place to celebrate your big day and I wish you a but I think not everyone should expect free desserts, special entrances and such as they might be hugely dissapointed. I'd plan a special dinner and order a birthday cake ,call ahead for the birthday message and whatever Disney magic you can make happen . Anything else will be a really nice surprise. I do agree to a point with the person who wrote that for those ,especially the children, whose real Birthday it is , that they're not getting as much attention and excitment from the staff. It's just major overload when eveybody is wearing the B-day buttons because their Big day was last month or next month.I do think you should do whatever will make your day wonderful for you ,whatever you choose, but I wanted to point out another point of view from the staff. Have a great trip and enjoy . May disney sprinkle you with Pixie Dust !!!