Ideas for celebrating a birthday in DW

[stashbin]

One of my DD's will turn 5 on the third day of our trip in July. I would like to do something special for her but without breaking the bank. Do you have any suggestions or stories of birthday celebration ideas to share? Thanks!

 

[chrismass]

If you tell the server/hostess that it's her birthday they will give her a free cupcake for dessert. Get the free it's my birthday button and all the CMs will wish her a happy birthday. I usually let my daughter's choose the entire day's itinerary - you can bring her to the barber shop in MK, they do pixie dust for a lot cheaper than BBB, I give them their present in disney dollars so they can choose their own gifts (but mine are older so that might not be as appealing to a 5 yo)

 

[Naisy68]

For our daughter's 5th birthday, we took her to 1900 Park Fare. They gave her a special b-day crown, dessert AND Prince Charming picked her up and sang Happy Birthday to her while he danced with her. I guarantee that she will never, ever forget it! We also let someone at the resort (POFQ then I believe?) that it was her b-day and magically an autographed pic of Snow White and the 7 dwarfs showed up at our room. It was a pretty magical b-day for her.

 

[BeyondHorizons]

Well, she can get in free on her birthday, of course. That's always good
Like others have said: don't be afraid to tell a few Cast Members, they always seem willing to make an experience more magical.

 

[SnowandMittens]

This might be a little pricey, but I booked a limo to take us from the airport to disney as a suprise... the limo driver will be holding a sign that says "Happy Birthday" and a boquet of balloons, rolling out a red carpet and there will be sparkling apple cider to toast with in the back... all for $125 one way.

We figure we'll get there sooner as well, because we can bypass the ME, but are still able to use it on the way back to the airport!

 

[23saralynn]

Make sure you take her birth certificate (original) she can get a gift card for the amount of ticket if you already have tickets.

My 2 daughters are having their b-days at Disney and they are getting 'invites' from characters to where ever we are eating that day. You can also order a cake which isn't super expensive. I am hoping to get to the party store as well so we can decorate the room for when they wake up in the morning.

 

[stashbin]

Thanks for the tips. I will definitely let all of the CM's know when we arrive.

 

[Macduffy]

My son is turning four on our 4th day at WDW! I scored ADR's at Chef Mickey's and will probably order a Mickey Head cake for him ($45). We are getting the Gift Card for his Birthday rather than the Free Admission so we'll let him have a little shopping spree! I'm hoping the Birthday pin will give him the extra special attention he deserves without breaking the bank

 

[ArmandXG]

We took my nephew for his 8th b-day. He got the birthday pin from guest services. He got a balloon and a Buzz/Woody card the morning of his birthday.
Wearing his pin, he got a lot of attention from CM's and other guests. He took a ride in the front of the monorail (all you have to do is ask). On the tram, we always sit in the last seat... The CM let him say "Driver all clear" in the mic. He was treated like a prince, and for that one day the world revolved around him.
He got to pick the restaurant for dinner. For dessert, we went to a local Publix, picked up a Mickey cake and celebrated by the pool which was empty due to the late hour... we had the place to ourselves.
The whole trip was his gift, but kids don't see it that way. You don't have to spend a bunch of money to make their day special, just give them lots of love and attention and they are happy.
My nephew is going on 15 this year and he still remembers his 8th birthday as the best one ever!

 

[Jacquaman]

Staying for the week? Get the pin on the first day from Guest Relations or even the hotel if you are on property. My 5yo DD wore it all week and it was fantastic. Once she got over strangers talking to her (had to show her how to recognize a CM) she was into it.

My fav part was saying Happy Birthday to ramdom people wearing pins. There was Grandfather on the bench near Alice's Teacups who had the grandkids swarming around him. He looked happy, but beat at the same time. I called out "George, hey, George." Of course he had no idea who was calling him. Once he figure out it was me, he looked perplexed. I paused my stride a few feet from him, turned my head and said, "Happy Birthday, George." The poor man was still perplexed, wondering how this stranger knew it was his birthday. I pointed at my chest and then pointed right at his badge. Suddenly it clicked and his grin flew from ear to ear.

Jacquaman

 

[ArmandXG]

My fav part was saying Happy Birthday to ramdom people wearing pins. There was Grandfather on the bench near Alice's Teacups who had the grandkids swarming around him. He looked happy, but beat at the same time. I called out "George, hey, George." Of course he had no idea who was calling him. Once he figure out it was me, he looked perplexed. I paused my stride a few feet from him, turned my head and said, "Happy Birthday, George." The poor man was still perplexed, wondering how this stranger knew it was his birthday. I pointed at my chest and then pointed right at his badge. Suddenly it clicked and his grin flew from ear to ear.

Jacquaman

Spreading the Disney Magic! Silly me, this brought a little tear to my eye!
I plan to pay it forward on my next trip... I'll be looking for those badges!

 

[staubinst]

We just have to ask a CM for the pin at the hotel??? This would be for my sister is an adult. Any adult ideas would also be helpful. Thanks

 

[Incredimom3]

We celebrated my husband and daughter's b'days last year. They wore the b'day buttons from our resort (you can get them at guest services in the parks, too!). Both my husband (46) and daughter (12) received lots of fun attention. My husband also rec'd an enormous Disney b'day cake hat from friends which he wore. Among the surprises:
-they rec'd extra desserts at ABC Commissary
-husband rec'd a rubber chicken from Hollywood Blvd. characters
-a trash can in Tomorrowland sang Happy Birthday to them
-Main Street characters sang to them
-Daughter danced with Eeyore at Crystal Palace
-Husband had to sing Happy B'day to himself while riding a stick pony at WCC
-they rec'd autographed photos and balloons in our room on their b'days
-table decorations and cupcakes at various restaurants
-B'day cards signed by characters at character meals
-souvenier placemats at Chef Mickey's
-lots of attention

They had a wonderful time. After a while, my husband started to grow self conscious. I loved seeing him receive b'day greetings. In fact, we're going back this year to do it all again!

 

[Ln42]

For my son's 7th birthday, I called ahead to the Coral Reef and requested a diver to deliver a scrolled message. The diver knew where we were seated, pointed to our son, and waved him over to the tank where he opened a scroll that was personalized and wished my son a happy birthday. It created quite a buzz in the restaurant and the smile on his face was unforgettable.

Oh ya, the price...free!

 

[patrizella]

For my son's 7th birthday, I called ahead to the Coral Reef and requested a diver to deliver a scrolled message. The diver knew where we were seated, pointed to our son, and waved him over to the tank where he opened a scroll that was personalized and wished my son a happy birthday. It created quite a buzz in the restaurant and the smile on his face was unforgettable.

Oh ya, the price...free!

We did this last summer and it was great. They also offered a free personalized menu for your celebration. My sister-in-law tried to do this in June of this year and was told they no longer offer it. Not even at a cost. We emailed the restaurant manager last year and when we contacted her this year she said it was not an option anymore. Sorry