Does it pay to note a special occassion on your reservation?

[LJD2143]

I am debating whether I should call Disney and mention the fact that we will be celebrating our entire family's birthdays during our upcoming trip (September 22-29th at the Poly):

DS9 Sept. 5th
DS6 Sept. 7th
DS6 Sept. 7th (yes, they're twins)
DH Sept. 8th
and ME! Sept. 19th

I know that SO MANY people are celebrating some kind of occassion while at Disney, so I wonder if it really makes a difference? And the actual dates of our birthdays (although all within 2 weeks in Sept) are not during the actual dates of our trip.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

YES YES YES. And also tell them at check in!!!

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

Yes, have them note it on your reservation.

 

[safetymom]

It doesn't hurt to note it but don't count on them doing something. Be sure to get the birthday button and wear it in the parks.

 

[grimley1968]

It doesn't hurt to note it but don't count on them doing something. Be sure to get the birthday button and wear it in the parks.

This is what we've done in the past. Our oldest DD turns 8 on this trip, and her birthday will most likely occur during our next several Fall Break WDW trips, since we're tied to her school's schedule now.

In the past, they've not done much in the resort except wish us Happy Birthday, and I think the CM arranged a birthday wish from one of the characters over the phone when we checked in at the Poly last time.

However, that birthday button in the parks is really more of an attention-getter. You can get them at Guest Services in each park. The CM's really went out of their way to say Happy Birthday to DD that day, and we even got a free birthday cake in Biergarten and the band played/sang Happy Birthday to her. Don't "expect" things like this too much, but be thankful if and when you do get it.

 

[koobs]

Hey my birthday is September 19th too!! I'm never going to spend my birthday at Disney (we really don't do well in very hot and humid weather) so I will just have my Disney celebration with you in spirit.

 

[Lives4Disney]

You can have it noted, but don't count on that note even making it to the resort. If you want some extra magic, best to arrange it yourself.

I agree with the birthday buttons. At restaurants they will make a fuss and bring out a bday treat etc.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[robinb]

I am debating whether I should call Disney and mention the fact that we will be celebrating our entire family's birthdays during our upcoming trip (September 22-29th at the Poly):

DS9 Sept. 5th
DS6 Sept. 7th
DS6 Sept. 7th (yes, they're twins)
DH Sept. 8th
and ME! Sept. 19th

I know that SO MANY people are celebrating some kind of occassion while at Disney, so I wonder if it really makes a difference? And the actual dates of our birthdays (although all within 2 weeks in Sept) are not during the actual dates of our trip.

I know that a lot of people disagree with me, but I would not expect Disney to "celebrate" a birthday/anniversary unless it was on that particular day. It seems to me that by calling Disney you are looking for them to do something special for you when it really is not your special day.

Of course, that shouldn't stop you from celebrating your birthdays! Maybe you should book a dinner somewhere and buy a one of the fabulous cakes that are available: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1173219 . This is my DD's cake at 1900 Park Faire on her 7th birthday:

 

[queenofhartz]

I know that a lot of people disagree with me, but I would not expect Disney to "celebrate" a birthday/anniversary unless it was on that particular day. It seems to me that by calling Disney you are looking for them to do something special for you when it really is not your special day.

Of course, that shouldn't stop you from celebrating your birthdays! Maybe you should book a dinner somewhere and buy a one of the fabulous cakes that are available: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1173219 . This is my DD's cake at 1900 Park Faire on her 7th birthday:

hehe...i have a funny story about that. it happened a few weeks ago at the Monsters, Inc. Comedy Club in MK. Mac and Cheese (two of the comedians) saw a little girl with a birthday button on in the audience. So, they asked her her name, and they asked her how old she was today. She said, "My birthday is not until next month, and I'll be 8 years old!" Everyone in the audience started giggling. The camera switched to her mom who turned bright red and hid her face in her hands. Mac and Cheese stood there open mouthed. They looked like this Then, Mac said, "Way to work the system!" Of course, everyone laughed. Gosh, I know that mom must have been soooo embarrassed, but it was hilarious. Mac and Cheese are great.

But, to answer the OPs question...yes, i think you should definitely note a special occassion on your ressie. We went for DH's birthday this year. When I made the reservation, they actually asked me if we were celebrating a special occassion. I told her it was DH's birthday, and she said, "I'll note that on your reservation." No one at the hotel ever said anything about it being DH's birthday, but we were upgraded from a garden view to a water view room. Honestly, I don't know if the note had anything to do with it. But, it doesn't hurt to mention it. Have a great trip!!

 

[robinb]

When we celebrated by DD's last birthday (her 8th) in Disneyland Hong Kong the CM at City Hall actually questioned her to see if it was her birthday or if we were "working the system". The CMs were great the rest of the day whenever they saw her birthday button, but I know that I would feel really strange having them gush over her if it really wasn't her birthday.

 

[WeLuvTink!]

I would definitely tell them upon check in if not before. My father (64) got a signed card from Mickey and baloons in his room. He wore the button with pride and was wished "Happy Birthday" by most cast members.

That said I would guess that 20-25% of the people in the park were either wearing Birthday, Anniversary, or Just Married buttons....

 

[rcraw45425]

Our last GF stay was during DDs birthday. The GF sent up a personally autographed Cindy photo in front of the castle and a GF chocolate bar. Other DD also received a personalized card. Oh yeah, we were also upgraded to lagoon view.

 

[Lilo'sMom]

hehe...i have a funny story about that. it happened a few weeks ago at the Monsters, Inc. Comedy Club in MK. Mac and Cheese (two of the comedians) saw a little girl with a birthday button on in the audience. So, they asked her her name, and they asked her how old she was today. She said, "My birthday is not until next month, and I'll be 8 years old!" Everyone in the audience started giggling. The camera switched to her mom who turned bright red and hid her face in her hands. Mac and Cheese stood there open mouthed. They looked like this Then, Mac said, "Way to work the system!" Of course, everyone laughed. Gosh, I know that mom must have been soooo embarrassed, but it was hilarious. Mac and Cheese are great.

Yup, this was my daughter. It happened on Tuesday, August 28 at the Pirate and Princess Party. And yes, DD was wearing her Birthday button, and yes, she was completely honest about her birthdate with Mac and Cheese. Just as she was when we checked in at the Poly the day before. My husband and I had our reservations noted that we were celebrating our 10th Anniversary in Disney that Friday (August 31) - so at check in Duane gave us our anniversary buttons. Then he asked our daughter when her birthday was - and she told him that it is on September 24. He handed her a birthday button, told her to wear it proudly since her birthday was less than a month away. He said "This is a big week for all of you - welcome to Disney World, enjoy your celebrations and enjoy your special room." As requested we were given a room in Samoa, on the first floor with patio access to the Volcano Pool.
DD was completely honest about her birthdate with anyone who would ask - -including Mac and Cheese. So yes, there were a few occassions where it was a bit awkward, often hilarious and but by no means embarassing.

As a side note, DD decided to take off her birthday button on the date of our 10th wedding anniversary since that day was about her parents. She is such a sweetie!

 

[weschmom]

We went in January for DD's 5th birthday, but couldn't be there on her actual b-day (1/9), so I had a badge made with the princesses on it that said "I just turned 5!". It worked well. She is young, and I didn't want to be in that awkward situation where she blurts out "it's not my birthday!" while wearing a Disney b-day badge.

To the OP --> definitely let them know! My DD was nicely surprised one day when we came back to our room and found a big bouquet of balloons tied to a signed, 5x7 photo of Ariel, her favorite princess, on her bed. To this day she is still asking me how they knew Ariel was her favorite (they asked me at check-in but she didn't hear it). Love that Disney magic.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Don't bother noting it on the ressie.
2) That is a bunch for the CM's to read/react (one or two would be fine).
3) However, mention all of it to the check-in CM.
4) They can mark it down for cards and balloons.
5) Only takes a few extra minutes.
6) And reference which character is which person's favorite.
7) In most cases their favorite character will autograph their own picture.

NOTE: The Front Desk "Runner" is the person who usually makes and delivers the cards and balloons. If there is a lax-time, sometimes the Front Desk CM's will do it. However, it is the Front Desk CM or Lobby Concierge that puts int the request for the Runner.

 

[queenofhartz]

hehe...i have a funny story about that. it happened a few weeks ago at the Monsters, Inc. Comedy Club in MK. Mac and Cheese (two of the comedians) saw a little girl with a birthday button on in the audience. So, they asked her her name, and they asked her how old she was today. She said, "My birthday is not until next month, and I'll be 8 years old!" Everyone in the audience started giggling. The camera switched to her mom who turned bright red and hid her face in her hands. Mac and Cheese stood there open mouthed. They looked like this Then, Mac said, "Way to work the system!" Of course, everyone laughed. Gosh, I know that mom must have been soooo embarrassed, but it was hilarious. Mac and Cheese are great.

Yup, this was my daughter. It happened on Tuesday, August 28 at the Pirate and Princess Party. And yes, DD was wearing her Birthday button, and yes, she was completely honest about her birthdate with Mac and Cheese. Just as she was when we checked in at the Poly the day before. My husband and I had our reservations noted that we were celebrating our 10th Anniversary in Disney that Friday (August 31) - so at check in Duane gave us our anniversary buttons. Then he asked our daughter when her birthday was - and she told him that it is on September 24. He handed her a birthday button, told her to wear it proudly since her birthday was less than a month away. He said "This is a big week for all of you - welcome to Disney World, enjoy your celebrations and enjoy your special room." As requested we were given a room in Samoa, on the first floor with patio access to the Volcano Pool.
DD was completely honest about her birthdate with anyone who would ask - -including Mac and Cheese. So yes, there were a few occassions where it was a bit awkward, often hilarious and but by no means embarassing.

As a side note, DD decided to take off her birthday button on the date of our 10th wedding anniversary since that day was about her parents. She is such a sweetie!

HEY Lilo'sMom!! It's a small world afterall!!! Oh my gosh, DH and I just cracked up at Mac & Cheese. We loved their act, and I'm glad you weren't embarrassed. You guys were good sports.

 

[raven69david]

Another vote for YES!!!! We have gotten two free upgrades at AKL from standard room to savannah room view from CM's placing special notes on our reservation advising of a special occassion(s) during our visit .

 

[momof2forever]

We are taking our children to disney in a few weeks(Oct) for their birthday presents and their birthdays were in Sept. They are 4 and 7 and they are so excited that this is their birthday present.

 

[newholidayx2]

believe me everyone at the Beach Club will know Nov 13th is my 50th birthday!

 

[jcc0621]

I noted on our ressie when I booked that we would be celebrating DS's 4th Birthday. We checked in on Tuesday. On Thursday evening when we returned to the room there was a card and balloons for him. HE was quite excited.

He also wore the birthday button at one of our MK days and while nothing was Given to him, lots of the CM's made a big fuss and wished him happy birthday. He was thrilled. The CM's on Thunder Mountain actually sang Happy Birthday to him. Of course we did not carry the video camera with us that day