Help for my 40th Birthday plan

[Tablefor5]

Welp, I will be back to celebrate on my 40th Birthday.
I wanted to do a few things that I don't normally or have ever done while at the parks, so looking for advice. It will be my family of 5. We frequent the parks 1-2 times a year so looking more for the "extra" things, if that makes sense.
1) Rope Drop, I have never done a rope drop. It looks like DLR hours on my birthday are 10a-9p, on a Monday. So...I can enter the park at 9am? Or what is the earliest they let you in?
What time would you recommend getting to the turnstiles?
I am a photographer so getting in early would be great to get some special pictures of the park.

2) Is City Hall open before rope drop? I would like to get a Birthday Button.

3) I would love to meet Steamboat Willie. I always ask but he seems to be "out on location" when I am there. lol

4) What would you do to make a special birthday memory? Something different or special?

Thanks!

 

[GatorChris]

If you get there an hour early, you should be close to the front of the line. Sometimes City Hall is open that early - definitely get a button as CMs and characters will give you some extra magic!

As for something special, treat yourself to the Blue Bayou! It's expensive but it's your birthday.

Rides are great, but use that DL app to get all the characters you can. It's just extra special when you see those pics and you know it was your 40th.

Speaking of which, enjoy it! The 40th is a big deal, you know. Parties and fun from friends. When you hit 41, it's not a big deal...and you're just old. [Experience talking]

 

[WonkaKid]

1) Rope Drop, I have never done a rope drop. It looks like DLR hours on my birthday are 10a-9p, on a Monday. So...I can enter the park at 9am? Or what is the earliest they let you in?

Typically, they'll let you in (to Main Street) a half hour before the park opens officially. Go straight to the rope drop and wait it out. I suggest FL first, since several of the rides become difficult to get on later in the day, especially Peter Pan and Alice, as you know.

What time would you recommend getting to the turnstiles?

I'd get there no later than 9:00. 8:45, if you can swing it.

2) Is City Hall open before rope drop? I would like to get a Birthday Button.

It is. It's open as soon as you get into the park. However, they've usually got a small booth setup outside and before CH at which you can get birthday buttons. Very efficient .

3) What would you do to make a special birthday memory? Something different or special?

Blue Bayou, as others have suggested is nice. A little pricey but still kind of cool. As you know, you have to book it in advance. Definitely worth doing once. Unless, of course, you're connected and know someone that can get you into Club 33 ;-). Certainly you should stay for the fireworks if they're doing them that night. They're awesome.

I don't eat sugar, but if you go to one of the places where they make fresh treats (Main Street or Pooh Corner), perhaps you can explain that it's your birthday and request a freshly-made treat, such as a caramel apple . Merely a thought.

Hope it's great! Just curious: when will you be there?

Rob

 

[Becca1007]

Welp, I will be back to celebrate on my 40th Birthday.
I wanted to do a few things that I don't normally or have ever done while at the parks, so looking for advice. It will be my family of 5. We frequent the parks 1-2 times a year so looking more for the "extra" things, if that makes sense.
1) Rope Drop, I have never done a rope drop. It looks like DLR hours on my birthday are 10a-9p, on a Monday. So...I can enter the park at 9am? Or what is the earliest they let you in?
What time would you recommend getting to the turnstiles?
I am a photographer so getting in early would be great to get some special pictures of the park.

2) Is City Hall open before rope drop? I would like to get a Birthday Button.

3) I would love to meet Steamboat Willie. I always ask but he seems to be "out on location" when I am there. lol

3) What would you do to make a special birthday memory? Something different or special?

Thanks!

Not sure when your trip is but if it is after the railroad is back up and running see about getting a ride on the Lilly Belle. Rides are dependent on if a conductor is available (as they stay with you during the Grand Circle Tour) and weather; they won't let you ride if it is too hot or if it is raining.

I really like Carthay Circle much more than Blue Bayou (mostly because I hate eating in the dark) and if you make a CC reservation there make sure to ask to be seated in the main dining room and order the spicy duck wings. Plus the added benefit is you can have a drink with your meal.

 

[Tablefor5]

If you get there an hour early, you should be close to the front of the line. Sometimes City Hall is open that early - definitely get a button as CMs and characters will give you some extra magic!

As for something special, treat yourself to the Blue Bayou! It's expensive but it's your birthday.

Rides are great, but use that DL app to get all the characters you can. It's just extra special when you see those pics and you know it was your 40th.

Speaking of which, enjoy it! The 40th is a big deal, you know. Parties and fun from friends. When you hit 41, it's not a big deal...and you're just old. [Experience talking]

Thanks! We have been to BB and love it. If I can't think of anything else we will probably do that.
Yep, agree that characters are my favorite thing to hunt down. AND, mostly I am the one taking the pictures (hence not in them) so I will pawn a camera off to the husband or kids for most of MY trip...lol

Typically, they'll let you in (to Main Street) a half hour before the park opens officially. Go straight to the rope drop and wait it out. I suggest FL first, since several of the rides become difficult to get on later in the day, especially Peter Pan and Alice, as you know.



I'd get there no later than 9:00. 8:45, if you can swing it.



It is. It's open as soon as you get into the park. However, they've usually got a small booth setup outside and before CH at which you can get birthday buttons. Very efficient .


Blue Bayou, as others have suggested is nice. A little pricey but still kind of cool. As you know, you have to book it in advance. Definitely worth doing once. Unless, of course, you're connected and know someone that can get you into Club 33 ;-). Certainly you should stay for the fireworks if they're doing them that night. They're awesome.

I don't eat sugar, but if you go to one of the places where they make fresh treats (Main Street or Pooh Corner), perhaps you can explain that it's your birthday and request a freshly-made treat, such as a caramel apple . Merely a thought.

Hope it's great! Just curious: when will you be there?

Thanks! Club 33 would be a dream! One day...
My birthday is on 9/19, we are planning the 16-20th.

Not sure when your trip is but if it is after the railroad is back up and running see about getting a ride on the Lilly Belle. Rides are dependent on if a conductor is available (as they stay with you during the Grand Circle Tour) and weather; they won't let you ride if it is too hot or if it is raining.

I really like Carthay Circle much more than Blue Bayou (mostly because I hate eating in the dark) and if you make a CC reservation there make sure to ask to be seated in the main dining room and order the spicy duck wings. Plus the added benefit is you can have a drink with your meal.

YES, Lilly Belle was on my mind but sadly the Railroad is closed while we are there. (we will be there next month 9/16-20) but Mr. Lincoln is slated to reopen on my birthday!
I haven't been to CC yet...but planning a drink there when in DCA that trip, but it won't actually be on my birthday day as I am staying in DL ALL DAY!!!

 

[julesann]

On my 50th in DL, I got a present from my db that I wore all day in addition to my button. It was a sash that said something like 'Birthday Princess' and a tiara. I loved it!!!

On my db's 50th, the whole family wore matching t-shirts that said we were celebrating his 50th.

 

[SMD]

You can get the button at any store or restaurant. You can save some time going to any register on Main St or if you get breakfast in the park or at an onsite hotel, get it there.

 

[WonkaKid]

My birthday is on 9/19, we are planning the 16-20th.

Cool! I'll be there on the 18th (I go most Sundays). Hope you have a great visit. I'll keep an eye out for you!

 

[jammyjam25]

I'd say don't waste your rope drop time in line at city hall! I'd get your birthday button on a prior day.

I think if you mention it's your birthday a lot of the sit down locations often bring out a special birthday treat so be sure to do that. Or you can call Disney dining to order a birthday cake to be delivered to you after dinner! We did this for a friend one trip (delivered to Ariel's Grotto) and it was a great experience.

Someone on another birthday thread mentioned they rode rides which had birthday or party scenes in them. Alice in Wonderland has the Un-birthday party scene in it and Winnie the Pooh has a party scene as well. I can't remember if there were any others but I thought that was a really cute idea.

 

[Tablefor5]

On my 50th in DL, I got a present from my db that I wore all day in addition to my button. It was a sash that said something like 'Birthday Princess' and a tiara. I loved it!!!

On my db's 50th, the whole family wore matching t-shirts that said we were celebrating his 50th.

Love!

I am having 2 shirts made for me to wear. Birthday and Mickey themed, of course!
Perhaps a crown would be fitting too!

I'd say don't waste your rope drop time in line at city hall! I'd get your birthday button on a prior day.

I think if you mention it's your birthday a lot of the sit down locations often bring out a special birthday treat so be sure to do that. Or you can call Disney dining to order a birthday cake to be delivered to you after dinner! We did this for a friend one trip (delivered to Ariel's Grotto) and it was a great experience.

Someone on another birthday thread mentioned they rode rides which had birthday or party scenes in them. Alice in Wonderland has the Un-birthday party scene in it and Winnie the Pooh has a party scene as well. I can't remember if there were any others but I thought that was a really cute idea.

Perfect! I didn't think about doing it the day before. We will be in the parks previous 2 days so I will grab on then! THANKS!

Cool! I'll be there on the 18th (I go most Sundays). Hope you have a great visit. I'll keep an eye out for you!

Thank you! My husband asked what I wanted to do for my birthday and all I said was I want to be in Disneyland THAT day! Taking the kiddos out of school but meh, how many times do you turn 40.