Need any and all help/tips in regards to celebrating a child's birthday on board!

[tee11]

Hi - I'm looking for any experiences and tips, that you'd like to pass on to help me make my child's birthday on board the Fantasy this fall really memorable!
She will be turning 5, she is our oldest, and her birthday falls on the last day of the cruise (Castaway C).

What did you do or prepare for your kid's birthday?
I'd even like to know, what/how you packed.... I'm panicking, because I'm realizing I will hardly be able to fit many presents (flying into Orlando), and we will be on Disney property before the cruise, without a rental car.

Because her birthday falls on the last day, and we are again flying out of Orlando, I also don't know how to pack up everything that day (like decorations! - Can't remove them on her birthday, right!!?)

I've dug around in some old threads and have found out, that DCL will not allow balloons, candles, or tape... and I don't know how I can hang up any decorations without tape in our cabin?

I'm thankful for any and all insight!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi - I'm looking for any experiences and tips, that you'd like to pass on to help me make my child's birthday on board the Fantasy this fall really memorable!
She will be turning 5, she is our oldest, and her birthday falls on the last day of the cruise (Castaway C).

What did you do or prepare for your kid's birthday?
I'd even like to know, what/how you packed.... I'm panicking, because I'm realizing I will hardly be able to fit many presents (flying into Orlando), and we will be on Disney property before the cruise, without a rental car.

Because her birthday falls on the last day, and we are again flying out of Orlando, I also don't know how to pack up everything that day (like decorations! - Can't remove them on her birthday, right!!?)

I've dug around in some old threads and have found out, that DCL will not allow balloons, candles, or tape... and I don't know how I can hang up any decorations without tape in our cabin?

I'm thankful for any and all insight!

You can use magnets to affix decorations. The walls/ceilings/doors are metal for the most part.

I'd suggest not having too many presents. That's just something you'd have to pack going to and coming home from the cruise. Maybe just one or two smaller things that can be put in carry on bags.

You can pick up a "It's my Birthday" button at Guest Services. That way many CMs will be able to wish her a happy birthday through the day (or even the whole cruise, if you get it early enough).

Be sure to have the birthday noted on your reservation (and confirm it with your head server) for a special birthday dessert for the birthday girl.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I would do birthday presents and any party before you leave on your trip. Then I would do decorations for the whole trip. Quite frankly, at 5, will she know which day is her birthday? Make the day before her birthday, so you can pack up on the last day. If you don't want to do that, then pack up the decorations after she's gone to bed.

 

[arlopop]

Our daughter had her 5th on our first cruise. We decorated and gave a small gift. Had a dress up dinner. Saved other gifts til we got home. She was fine with that. Still says it was her fave bday

 

[dcassetta]

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/gifts-and-amenities/

DCL's gift page birthday has a decor kit that you can get for your room. Your state room host would set this up for you before you arrive. There is also a cute Finding Dory package that comes with decorations, a pillow, and a throw.

I agree with the recommendation to get a birthday button at guest services. Should get lots of attention with that. You can order a birthday cake in the MDRs but with so many desserts available that may be a little bit of overkill. If you mention it to your server, they are likely to bring out dessert with a birthday decoration on it.

 

[schmass]

My son turned 3 on our cruise in May. I bought decorations (hanging and a banner) off Amazon, along with some magnetic sheets. Before the trip, I cut up the magnetic sheets and stuck them to the hanging decorations to save time on board. The night before his birthday we waited until he was asleep and then hung them all up. He was so excited the next morning. As far as gifts, we just gave him a couple small ones while on the ship. Luckily he loves Cars, so he was more than happy with getting a few small cars.



We also put some birthday decorations on the door. We put these up for the whole cruise, not just on his birthday.



And we ordered him a birthday cake, as well. He has food allergies, so I wanted to make sure we had something set up ahead of time. I was nervous about how it was going to taste, but it was actually really good!



Please let me know if you have any questions. Also let me know if you can't see the pictures - sometimes weird things happen when I post pictures here.

 

[CesD]

when we celebrated my husband and son's bday on board, we just had them bring over the dessert of the evening with a candle. the entire trip was the celebration. we didnt bring any gifts to open because we did it at home. we didnt order a cake because we knew we couldnt finish it and it seemed like a waste considering all the dessert options already. honestly, and this was my thinking-- we are on a disney cruise, what more could i add to make it special?! that was more special and pricey compared to any party we couldve thrown on land. it was 4 days of celebrating, having fun, eating, etc. the decorations on board are pricey for what it is and gets thrown out after. maybe use that $ to buy a souvenir on castaway cay instead?

 

[belac]

We had a countdown calendar I made with 5,4.... That DS tore off a page a day on the door. Magnets on back. He liked that he got to trear off a page every day. We did room decorations and magnets. Got the button he wore what seems like all the time. I also brought a sketch book/journal where he asked people to sign. Turned out like one big bday card.
We did get the MM special cake. I had a Happy BDay sign for the cake and stuck it in right before they served it. We shared the leftover cake with the table next to us that had 2 girls. Also the rest went back to crew to enjoy.

We didn't bring presents, we had brought gift bags and tissue and what he wanted from shops was bought in secret and placed in bags for that night to be opened. We had Head Server come over with a special gift from MM himself (DH ran to room got that gift and handed to HS) in between courses. Also left notes and small items from a character we would meet daily in the room everyday... Notes were like "I can't believe it's only 2 days till your bday here are 2 chocolates to hold you over" you must practice the signatures though.

 

[CesD]

We shared the leftover cake with the table next to us that had 2 girls. Also the rest went back to crew to enjoy.

Forgive me if this sounds rude as that is not my intention but aren't leftovers trashed? I imagine everything that goes back, the crew throws away, whether those are our appetizers, cakes, etc. Isn't that what restaurants do? im not sure that's any different than on board?

 

[Cali Cat]

We celebrated my daughter's 5th on the ship. I went to the dollar store and brought table top decorations (confetti/fan out center pieces) and a banner we could tie to the curtains. Then I just through them away after. I made sure to have them note her birthday in our reservation. Our server brought her a slice of cake that said "Happy Birthday" at dinner and our room steward made her a cake out of towels. Her birthday present was getting a princess make over at BBB. She loved it.

 

[belac]

Forgive me if this sounds rude as that is not my intention but aren't leftovers trashed? I imagine everything that goes back, the crew throws away, whether those are our appetizers, cakes, etc. Isn't that what restaurants do? im not sure that's any different than on board?

I don't know for sure, but what happened was they gave us the rest of the cake on a plate with the room service covers when we were done eating. Assuming it was about 1/4 or so left after we and the table next to us were all served a piece, (DS asked for 2 pieces). I told them no please take it and enjoy it. I assume they did, because they were very happy we said that, and thanked us.
We were late seating so we did linger that night. I saw the Server leave it on the work station whilst taking other trays with dirty dishes back to kitchen. It was served to us by them, they brought it out, they cut it in front of us, and they took it away where I assume they placed it with the cover to bring out to us later, so it wasn't really leftover as much as not served, since we didn't even touch the thing.

 

[tee11]

My son turned 3 on our cruise in May. I bought decorations (hanging and a banner) off Amazon, along with some magnetic sheets. Before the trip, I cut up the magnetic sheets and stuck them to the hanging decorations to save time on board. The night before his birthday we waited until he was asleep and then hung them all up. He was so excited the next morning. As far as gifts, we just gave him a couple small ones while on the ship. Luckily he loves Cars, so he was more than happy with getting a few small cars.

View attachment 181474

We also put some birthday decorations on the door. We put these up for the whole cruise, not just on his birthday.

View attachment 181475

And we ordered him a birthday cake, as well. He has food allergies, so I wanted to make sure we had something set up ahead of time. I was nervous about how it was going to taste, but it was actually really good!

View attachment 181476

Please let me know if you have any questions. Also let me know if you can't see the pictures - sometimes weird things happen when I post pictures here.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, Schmass!!!
Yes, I can see the pictures, that's awesome (how cute is the one with the cake!!!), and this gives me a lot of ideas!

One thing I can't see though, are the "magnetic sheets" - I feel totally silly, but I 've never used magnetic sheets! Where do I get them: Target? Party store? Amazon? Do I need a certain 'strength' so that they will actually hold the weight of something? Those banners are heavy! OK, and to be even more silly - I will need tape to tape the decorations to the magnetic sheets though, or no??
I already had planned to decorate the cabin, I just didn't know how (since finding out about the tape ban), or when - the night before the birthday seems like a great idea!

I'm excited to do the door decoration, too, so that there is something for the whole cruise - that is a great idea- I love it!
I know people decorate their doors all the time (and I've admired them), but this will be new for me, too! Do you use magnetic sheets for that as well?

Still contemplating the cake... I looked at their cake order sheet, and it said: "No special message or decorations."
So I thought that it's not worth it, if it doesn't say "Happy birthday!", but I see that yours does, so maybe I have to call and ask them?

P.S. I have to read your trip report! )

 

[PrincessShmoo]

THANK YOU SO MUCH, Schmass!!!
Yes, I can see the pictures, that's awesome (how cute is the one with the cake!!!), and this gives me a lot of ideas!

One thing I can't see though, are the "magnetic sheets" - I feel totally silly, but I 've never used magnetic sheets! Where do I get them: Target? Party store? Amazon? Do I need a certain 'strength' so that they will actually hold the weight of something? Those banners are heavy! OK, and to be even more silly - I will need tape to tape the decorations to the magnetic sheets though, or no??
I already had planned to decorate the cabin, I just didn't know how (since finding out about the tape ban), or when - the night before the birthday seems like a great idea!

I'm excited to do the door decoration, too, so that there is something for the whole cruise - that is a great idea- I love it!
I know people decorate their doors all the time (and I've admired them), but this will be new for me, too! Do you use magnetic sheets for that as well?

Still contemplating the cake... I looked at their cake order sheet, and it said: "No special message or decorations."
So I thought that it's not worth it, if it doesn't say "Happy birthday!", but I see that yours does, so maybe I have to call and ask them?

P.S. I have to read your trip report! )

I get my magnetic sheets at Michael's craft supplies. For the most part, typical brown rubber-type (fridge magnets) work.

If you have some random advertising magnets, you can glue those to the items you want to hang.

 

[tee11]

We had a countdown calendar I made with 5,4.... That DS tore off a page a day on the door. Magnets on back. He liked that he got to trear off a page every day. We did room decorations and magnets. Got the button he wore what seems like all the time. I also brought a sketch book/journal where he asked people to sign. Turned out like one big bday card.
We did get the MM special cake. I had a Happy BDay sign for the cake and stuck it in right before they served it. We shared the leftover cake with the table next to us that had 2 girls. Also the rest went back to crew to enjoy.

We didn't bring presents, we had brought gift bags and tissue and what he wanted from shops was bought in secret and placed in bags for that night to be opened. We had Head Server come over with a special gift from MM himself (DH ran to room got that gift and handed to HS) in between courses. Also left notes and small items from a character we would meet daily in the room everyday... Notes were like "I can't believe it's only 2 days till your bday here are 2 chocolates to hold you over" you must practice the signatures though.

Thank you for this!!! I love the idea of bringing the gift bags and tissue paper - folds flat in the suitcase and no wrapping needed - this will work perfectly for us!
... so will the trip to the onboard store, at least that saves one plane trip!

The notes - my DD would love this!! I think I will do this!

 

[belac]

Still contemplating the cake... I looked at their cake order sheet, and it said: "No special message or decorations."
So I thought that it's not worth it, if it doesn't say "Happy birthday!", but I see that yours does, so maybe I have to call and ask them?

I used something like this for the cake. Fast and easy, just do it before child sees.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/160003...=happy birthday cake topper&ref=sr_gallery_35

No fan circles but just as cute and only 25 cents of paper, string, and 2 bamboo skewers

For signatures just search bit here is good example: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/504543964477036410/

 

[schmass]

THANK YOU SO MUCH, Schmass!!!
Yes, I can see the pictures, that's awesome (how cute is the one with the cake!!!), and this gives me a lot of ideas!

One thing I can't see though, are the "magnetic sheets" - I feel totally silly, but I 've never used magnetic sheets! Where do I get them: Target? Party store? Amazon? Do I need a certain 'strength' so that they will actually hold the weight of something? Those banners are heavy! OK, and to be even more silly - I will need tape to tape the decorations to the magnetic sheets though, or no??
I already had planned to decorate the cabin, I just didn't know how (since finding out about the tape ban), or when - the night before the birthday seems like a great idea!

I'm excited to do the door decoration, too, so that there is something for the whole cruise - that is a great idea- I love it!
I know people decorate their doors all the time (and I've admired them), but this will be new for me, too! Do you use magnetic sheets for that as well?

Still contemplating the cake... I looked at their cake order sheet, and it said: "No special message or decorations."
So I thought that it's not worth it, if it doesn't say "Happy birthday!", but I see that yours does, so maybe I have to call and ask them?

P.S. I have to read your trip report! )

I'm so happy you found this helpful!

I bought the magnetic sheets off of Amazon. These are the ones I got: https://www.amazon.com/ProMag-Adhes...0_SR90,135_&psc=1&refRID=S5NMZ3PKFNXTSECVTWKQ

They worked very well for the hanging decorations, but wouldn't have held up the banner. For that, we used the strings on the banner and just found stuff in the room to tie them to. We did use the magnets for the door decorations, as well. We printed out the designs on cardstock, cut them out, and then attached strips of magnet to them. Oh, and no tape necessary! You peel off the backing and it sticks to the decoration.

For the cake, I went with the 8" specialty cake and was able to note the message I wanted on the order form. I think you have to do one of the bigger cakes to be able to get the message (at least 8").

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask away! I'm like you and want to know all the details and figure out how everything will work ahead of time, so I completely understand!

 

[OriolesFan]

We were on the Fantasy during a friend's birthday and we ordered flowers that were delivered to her room and a cake that was presented at dinner with our waiters singing happy birthday. After we enjoyed the cake, they put it in a box and we brought it back to our stateroom where we enjoyed it throughout the rest of the cruise. She still says it was the best birthday she's ever had!

 

[tee11]

I'm so happy you found this helpful!

I bought the magnetic sheets off of Amazon. These are the ones I got: https://www.amazon.com/ProMag-Adhesive-Magnetic-Sheet-4-Pkg/dp/B004BPPZMI/ref=pd_cart_rp_2_8?ie=UTF8&dpID=5185R5A7-rL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_SL500_SR90,135_&psc=1&refRID=S5NMZ3PKFNXTSECVTWKQ

They worked very well for the hanging decorations, but wouldn't have held up the banner. For that, we used the strings on the banner and just found stuff in the room to tie them to. We did use the magnets for the door decorations, as well. We printed out the designs on cardstock, cut them out, and then attached strips of magnet to them. Oh, and no tape necessary! You peel off the backing and it sticks to the decoration.

For the cake, I went with the 8" specialty cake and was able to note the message I wanted on the order form. I think you have to do one of the bigger cakes to be able to get the message (at least 8").

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask away! I'm like you and want to know all the details and figure out how everything will work ahead of time, so I completely understand!

Thank you for explaining this in such detail, I was really lost (magnet novice)!!!
I ordered the magnetic sheets!
I might ask more questions, as I continue the planning!

 

[tee11]

I used something like this for the cake. Fast and easy, just do it before child sees.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/160003575/rainbow-cake-bunting-happy-birthday-cake?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=happy birthday cake topper&ref=sr_gallery_35

No fan circles but just as cute and only 25 cents of paper, string, and 2 bamboo skewers

For signatures just search bit here is good example: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/504543964477036410/

This is really cute, thank you!

 

[belac]

Glad it helped. One more tid bit I almost forgot, a bday card signed by Mickey. At a port DH got bday cards and he waited in line for Captian Mickey to sign one from him. That came with the special gift at dinner that night. I suggest bringing them with, no telling if you find one, we just got lucky. I completely forgot cards. My DS likes them as much as the presents.