Celebrating my 40th at Disney

[yooperjewels]

Hello,

A friend and I have recently decided that we are going to celebrate my 40th birthday at Disney. We are both WDW virgins, so we don't know all the ins/outs of the parks.

What are your suggestions for a newbie like us as adults.

Thanks for your input

 

[Philleigh]

There is no better way to spend a birthday that ends in zero! I celebrated my 50th there in Sept. I would have found it traumatic, but instead I wore my "Happy Birthday" button and all the cast members wished me a happy birthday. Most restaurants will give you free cake or dessert. We spent the day at Epcot and it was great!

Where are you staying? What types of things do you like to do?

 

[yooperjewels]

I am just in the beginning stages of planning. I need to coordinate with my friend regarding budget and all.

Honestly this is so overwhelming because there seems to be so much to do. We are pretty much game for anything - rides, shows, etc.

I know I want to spend my birthday evening at Pleasure Island. My Birthday is on a Wednesday, so I was thinking we should see what park has the extended hours that day.
I didn't know about the birthday button.... how fun!

 

[Philleigh]

I haven't been to Downtown Disney in Orlando yet so can't comment on Pleasure Island.

I assume you are staying on-site - when you make your reservation they will ask if you are celebrating anything, so tell them that you are celebrating your 40th b-day. When we checked in, the front desk at WL had my birthday button ready. My birthday was not until later in the week, but they said I could wear it the whole time. I felt funny about that, but I did put it on for our nice "birthday eve" dinner at the Yachtsman Steakhouse.

What month are you going? The park with EMH that day is usually more crowded - and if the extended hours are in the evening you'll miss them if you are going to DTD. I would pick whichever park appeals to you most for your birthday. My favorite is Epcot World Showcase because of the food and drinks (Grey Goose Citron Lemon Slush at France - yum!).

 

[Bets19]

Congratulations on deciding to spend YOUR DAY in WDW!!!

I am spending my birthday there too in October on my first solo (i think??? but definately adult only trip). (long story)

Whatever you decide won't be a wrong choice. And definately wear your birthday button. My friend wore hers in December and ended up with free cupcakes at each table service meal. (doesn't always happen but you never know.)

Question for you: when are you going? That can help you decide what to do.

Pleasure Island technically is no more. However, there are many places to go in the Disney Downtown area. I hear Paradiso 37 is great for drinks and appetizers. I've also hear Raglan Road is good too. These are 2 places I am checking out in October. I know there are threads that mention the various bars all around the world. Resorts have good bars too. And of course Epcot.

Good luck and keep us informed.

 

[EvilQueenT]

my sister turned 40 last year. we've been to wdw a ton of times. she's a single parent and had only stayed on property once before at a value resort so i decided to treat her for her 40th. we stayed club level at the boardwalk and did 4 nights 5 days. we booked a signature dinner each night. we took the time to visit some of the lounges/bars. places like la cava in epcot, the tambu lounge at the poly...things like that. we did jellyrolls. it was like being a kid again crossed with a bachlorette party. when we'd ride rides and got to leave out anything we didn't feel like doing...(so nice being able to avoid stroller hell around winnie the pooh lol) and could have a cocktail at noon if we felt like it. the first time we went our youngest sister thought we were awful not taking our kids and in my case my granddaughter for this trip...so we made a theme and did matching tshirts dubbing it the evil sisters only trip.

 

[Bets19]

my sister turned 40 last year. we've been to wdw a ton of times. she's a single parent and had only stayed on property once before at a value resort so i decided to treat her for her 40th. we stayed club level at the boardwalk and did 4 nights 5 days. we booked a signature dinner each night. we took the time to visit some of the lounges/bars. places like la cava in epcot, the tambu lounge at the poly...things like that. we did jellyrolls. it was like being a kid again crossed with a bachlorette party. when we'd ride rides and got to leave out anything we didn't feel like doing...(so nice being able to avoid stroller hell around winnie the pooh lol) and could have a cocktail at noon if we felt like it. the first time we went our youngest sister thought we were awful not taking our kids and in my case my granddaughter for this trip...so we made a theme and did matching tshirts dubbing it the evil sisters only trip.

What a great trip!!! That was supposed to be last year for me... but things changed so this year I am going to do what I want. Rides, bars, pool time etc... I am very much looking forward to explore as an adult only trip.

 

[Snow8882]

I assume you are staying on-site - when you make your reservation they will ask if you are celebrating anything, so tell them that you are celebrating your 40th b-day. When we checked in, the front desk at WL had my birthday button ready.

We've just booked a trip for August next year for my 30th birthday. It's my first time going although my boyfriend visited with his family when he was younger.

Do you need to stay in a Disney hotel to get a birthday button? We decided to stay on I-Drive as we don't drive and it would make travelling between Disney and *whisper* Universal easier?

Thanks in advance!

Snow x

 

[Bets19]

We've just booked a trip for August next year for my 30th birthday. It's my first time going although my boyfriend visited with his family when he was younger.

Do you need to stay in a Disney hotel to get a birthday button? We decided to stay on I-Drive as we don't drive and it would make travelling between Disney and *whisper* Universal easier?

Thanks in advance!

Snow x

You just have to go to guest services in any of the parks. You don't need to be staying on property.

 

[disneylove69]

We've just booked a trip for August next year for my 30th birthday. It's my first time going although my boyfriend visited with his family when he was younger.

Do you need to stay in a Disney hotel to get a birthday button? We decided to stay on I-Drive as we don't drive and it would make travelling between Disney and *whisper* Universal easier?

Thanks in advance!

Snow x

I spent my 40th 1/2 day solo at DL til my friend got off of work. I wore my button and had guests wishing my Happy Birthday which I loved. You can also pick up the button at city hall or at the gate where you buy tickets.