How do they know?

[Katers]

We will be in Disney in a few weeks and it will be my husband's birthday the day before we arrive. How do I let the restaurants know that we are celebrating a birthday?

 

[Lucas103]

I would call Disney dining, and ask that they note the birthday on each of your reservations. Just so you know, even though there is a celebration on your reservation, it is up to the CM whether they decide to recognize it. I have been there for my birthday, and some restaurants acknowledged it, while others didn't. Hope this helps!

 

[figment_jii]

You can also let the CM know when you check-in and ask that they note it. However, as the PP said, it's up the CM, the server, the policies of the restaurant, how busy they are, etc. whether or not they do anything. My family has experienced everything from a free birthday dessert, to the server wishing the birthday person a "happy birthday," to no acknowledgement at all.

 

[Katers]

Thank you for the quick responses! I really appreciate it.

 

[Mazz519]

Call the Dining # and have them put it on your reservations or just tell the hostess when you check in

 

[jon18uk]

Wear the happy birthday badge

 

[Meriweather]

Wear the happy birthday badge

This is what I am doing right now

 

[nilla]

Is it just me, or did anyone else read the thread title to the tune of the song from "Enchanted"?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

BIRTHDAY-ANNIVERSARY-HONEYMOON-GRADUATION-ETC Celebrations by Cast Members:
.
1) It is a matter of the CM's personal initiative.
. . . depends upon how much they like you as a guest
. . . it always helps to wear a Happy Birthday button
. . . depends if they feel like doing anything special today
. . . depends upon the phase of the moon
2) CM's can do a lot, or they can do nothing at all as they have immense control
. . . they are under no obligation to give goodies or even acknowledge special day
. . . they can go way overboard, give lots of gifts
. . . they have A LOT of leeway for what they will or will not do for you
. . . they can see the event if listed on the ADR or hotel ressie and you hope for the best
3) Some of the things a CM can do for free are
. . . table with Mickey confetti
. . . your name/celebration on menu at TS locations (except BOG)
. . . best table location
. . . special personalized menu
. . . character-autographed birthday cards
. . . balloons
. . . balloon animals
. . . wine or champagne or Shirley Temples
. . . room towel animals
. . . appetizers or desserts
. . . cakes
. . . cupcake with candle (almost always available for the asking)
. . . place mats autographed by characters
. . . free appy or free dessert
. . . ride an attraction with a character
. . . personalization items for the Magic Bands
5) Some other items CM's can give for free
. . . room full of balloons and/or flowers
. . . fruit basket or wine basket in hotel room
. . . individual fast passes or booklets of several fast passes
. . . food and snack items (candy, popcorn, sundries)
. . . room upgrades
. . . attraction rides with characters
6) If you really want something special, buy it yourself.
. . . eatery: carry presents in and keep/hide them in a paper bag
. . . eatery: carry a cake in, but, WDW won't prepare, store, or serve it
. . . eatery: order non-decorated cake at the eatery podium check-in
. . . eatery: order decorated cake from the WDW Cake Hotline
. . . room: order special in-room celebration decorarting by Disney
. . . room: order strawberries and cream, if resort has room service
. . . room: decorate the room yourself
7) If there are multiple celebrations for people during a trip
. . . do not do separate celebration locations or tables
. . . one person may get an enthusiastic CM and get goodies
. . . one person may get a lazy CM and get nothing
8) Hundreds, or thousands, celebrate everyday at WDW.
9) It is too much time/money for CM's to attend or recognize all.

 

[Wendydagny]

Actually if you add it to your resort reservation, the birthday celebration populates everything. It even shows up when you scan your mb to use a fp!

 

[HopperFan]

Don't expect anything to happen but if it does enjoy the pixie dust!