We just returned from 9 days at POR. The CM who made my reservation noted that my younger son (turning 7), older son (turning 15), and husband would be celebrating birthdays during our stays (Their birthdays are all within a week of each other!!!). On our second day at POR, there was a signed Mickey card for older ds, who could have cared less about this. Nothing was ever left for our younger ds, who was upset by what happened. I did not say anything to staff, since I don't want to be perceived as a "demanding" guest. Dh and I just made sure that we made a big deal over ds' birthday. Personally, I wish birthday recognition was standard or not at all.
BTW, when we picked up our temporary DDE information from Guest Relations at Epcot, "Happy Birthday" was written all over the envelope. A CM came out and pinned a birthday button on dh. (It was his birthday that day.) He wasn't too excited about wearing it at first, but he did enjoy all the extra attention. CMs everywhere went out of their way to wish him a happy birthday and engage him in conversation. The pianist at Casey's Corner even played a special birthday song for dh.