DS 13th bday on JULY 17th (anniversary day) Need ideas!

[BryANDJessMom]

Hi! My son is a longtime Disneyland fan that decided at 4 that he wanted to be an imagineer! he has read tons on the subject and we often go to the DL Family Museum in SF.

He also decided years ago he wanted to spend his thirteenth birthday at Disneyland which also happens the be the exact day of the 60th anniversary celebrations.

We have had annual passes one year in the past and we usually go at least once per year...so I want to come up with something special for my DL guy.

Any ideas that would make that day special? I was wondering about Walk in Walt's Footsteps but not sure if it would gleam any new info? Although we would love to see the apartment and maybe the lobby of Club 33. Any other ideas that would make it super special? A while back they had a tour that would take you to the offices in Burbank but I guess there is no rumblings of that happening again, eh?

Thanks in advance for the advice. This is such an awesome supportive community of DL fans!
Nancy

 

[ClosetDisneyJunkie]

Hi! My son is a longtime Disneyland fan that decided at 4 that he wanted to be an imagineer! he has read tons on the subject and we often go to the DL Family Museum in SF.

He also decided years ago he wanted to spend his thirteenth birthday at Disneyland which also happens the be the exact day of the 60th anniversary celebrations.

We have had annual passes one year in the past and we usually go at least once per year...so I want to come up with something special for my DL guy.

Any ideas that would make that day special? I was wondering about Walk in Walt's Footsteps but not sure if it would gleam any new info? Although we would love to see the apartment and maybe the lobby of Club 33. Any other ideas that would make it super special? A while back they had a tour that would take you to the offices in Burbank but I guess there is no rumblings of that happening again, eh?

Thanks in advance for the advice. This is such an awesome supportive community of DL fans!
Nancy

What a great birthday idea! Sounds like a blast. I'm certain that you'll get a lot of great ideas in here. My only note is that i would be a little hesitant to schedule a tour or anything that would take a fair amount of time before we hear what is going to be happening for the anniversary on the 17th. I'd imagine that there will be some pretty great special events that you wont want to miss. I believe that there are supposed to be some major announcements about the celebration on Jan 28th, 29th and 30th, so just in a few days.

 

[BryANDJessMom]

Thanks! I think he will enjoy the new WOC and Fireworks!

Any other ideas?

I was thinking of creating a special t-shirt for him. (Although he is pretty shy so hopefully he will like it) is that a good idea or too much.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[BryANDJessMom]

I know it is 169 days away but I do so love to plan

 

[jenjersnap]

One of my sons is also a July 17 baby! He is very proud he shares his birthday with Disneyland.

I don't have any ideas, as we haven't been to DL in several years, but I think a celebratory shirt is a great idea. I hope he has a great trip and birthday!

 

[my*gracie*girl]

Hey! My dd is celebrating her 13th birthday in Disneyland on July 17th also!!! And my mom will celebrate her 61st. We went in 2010, for the 55th (and dd's 8th/mom's 56th) and had a blast! They didn't have a lot of special things planned specifically for that day....the anniversary seems to be a 'season'....but, they did plan a Happy Birthday sing along that turned into a giant flash mob with tons and tons of characters coming out and all the cast members were dancing and it was such a surprise and great fun! We were lucky because we also done the volunteer deal that year (volunteer a day/get a day) and we were able to ride in the Voluntear part of the parade. It was such a great day that I promised dd we would do it again for her 13th...cannot believe it is already here!

I did make dd and my mom matching shirts, but they are girls. Not sure if your son would love it or not. Because they already share a bday with each other, the shirt was a take on something they have always said to each other which is, "You're going to be x on my next birthday!" So I made them shirts that said, "Disneyland will be 55 on my next birthday!' on the front and Happy 8th Birthday Grace on the back and then one for my mom. I also ordered the birthday ears from the Disney Store online and had them embroidered. They got a lot of attention and it was a super fun day!

 

[Fantaluminishes]

I was at Disneyland on the 40th, 50th and last July 17. Typically, there is one event in the morning that takes place in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. For the 50th, they also replayed Walt's dedication of the park on giant screens throughout the park, with Mickey Mouse and others at the Town Square plaque. The big anniversary days are very special at Disneyland, especially for us nostalgia buffs.

Last July I was there on the 59th anniversary, and I took two tours. In the morning I took the inaugural Disney California Tour. That was followed in the afternoon by the Walk In Walt's Disneyland Footsteps tour. I was lucky enough to have gone into Walt's apartment many years before. But being in the apartment on the anniversary of opening day was very special. The only downside to this tour on that day was navigating through the crowds. I highly recommend taking it on the 60th, but just not in the afternoon.