Special treats for anniversaries/birthdays?

[Janet2k]

I thought I would post what is found on the official Walt Disney World website in regards to this topic:

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Q. Is there anything special I can plan for a birthday or special occasion?

A. A variety of activities are available at our Resort to help make birthdays more special and memorable. For instance, your family may wish to dine with the Disney characters at one of our many character breakfasts, lunches, or dinners. Call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)† to find out more about how to create a memorable celebration for your birthday or special occasion.
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I thought I would also mention that my family has celebrated many birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions while at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. For the most part, those occasions have passed unnoticed, as I expected them to (understandably, they are only important to my loved ones). But being the party girl that I am, I have planned all sorts of special events for my family/guests in order to celebrate a special occasion (group reservations at the Hoop-Dee-Doo, the Polynesian Luau, Victoria & Albert’s, Illumination cruises, Gifts of a Lifetime event, etc.). I just adore celebrations. However, a few times pixie dust has been sprinkled on my vacations by forces unknown to me (maybe it was that little "pixie" that Peter Pan loved so much). I thought I would post a photo of one of the birthday cakes that magically appeared in my resort room during one vacation: click here for photo of birthday cake. Please note that I am only posting this photo because if you order a birthday cake from Disney (for a fee), this is the sort of cake that you will get. I have heard that you can order a much more elaborate one (along with an elaborate price tag, of course), one basically of your own choosing (cake flavor, filling flavor, decorations, etc.), so don't think the photo of the cake that I just posted is your only option. By the way, the cakes are scrumptious (I think the one in the photo was filled with strawberries, yum!).

 

[Mickiethepooh]

Last year my husband and I had our 34th Anniversary dinner at Cinderella's table and they sprinkled the table with tiny metallic Mickeys and presented us with a pair of Champagne flutes to take home.
This year for our 35th I can't even get priority seating there LOL
So will try the Fulton Crab house, never been there. Any suggestions of a nice part to ask to be seated in?

 

[drdelsol]

We have gone for the weekend for our anniversary and both our birthdays for several years as well as other times(this weekend, I can't wait) and only once has anything happened. I wouldn't even had known towel animals exisited if it hadn't been for this forum. My wife always gets a large flower arraingement from the Disney florist and last year I got one of those cookie buckets (that's bouquet) also from cookies by design and that went over well.

This year at WL though we got a certificate, towel animals, a card and a bottle of champaigne And this was in a discount GV room. So keep trying.

 

[JESW]

We were down in Disney in June for our 16th anniversary. We split our stay between the AKL & the BWI (concierge at both) Our anniversary was during our stay at the BWI, but at the AKL we received a little box with perfume & cologne for DH & I - very nice!

One year we were at the YC (concierge) and it was DS's bd. He recieved autographed character pictures/cards AND balloons and they also had some of both for his younger sister in our room. For that I spoke with a woman at the YC concierge - sorry, I forget her name as it's been a couple of years. Four our anniversary I had our TA make a note of it on our reservation.

Jill

 

[CdnDisneyFan]

When I was staying at ASMO for my bday in Nov, on the reservation sheet said I would get a call from Goofy on my bday (my TA told Disney that I would be celebrating a bday), and nothing happened, so later that night, I called Guest Services to find out what happened, and they asked what my fave character was, and I told them Tigger, thinking I'd get a call from him, but a few minutes later, there was a knock on my door, and a sweet CM was standing there with a balloon bouquet and a signed card from Tigger and friends. Sure cheered me up, as I had the beginnings of a nasty cold, and was laying down when the knock came. I ended up deflating the balloons, and taking them home, and I still smile whenever I look at them and the card now!!

Jules

 

[frannn]

In order to celebrate, we have PS at CRT (2X!!), CP, CM, and a few others. We will get the birthday buttons from the park and she will wear as long as it is comfortable for her. If she is acknowledged in any individual way, great, it will make our trip that much more magical. If not, we won't be dissapointed because we feel the trip and the character meals are the special birthday surprises. She will also be having a birthday party (Disney themed, of course) at home, so we will give her presents at home. Wouldn't want to spoil her any more than she already is, would we? Nahhhhh!!!

 

[PumpkinPrincess]

Can you have things shippped to the Pop Century( Like flowers, gift baskets?)for B-days or Anniv

 

[2BusyPlanning]

Can you have things shippped to the Pop Century( Like flowers, gift baskets?)for B-days or Anniv

Sure! I sent a gift basket from the Disney Florist to my friends at POP.

 

[WendyisDarling]

We stayed at AKL concierge and Poly LV concierge this summer for our 10th anniversary. At AKL we received a beautifully decorated cake one evening, while at the Poly we received nothing. We really appreciated the thoughtfulness of the AKL staff, but we will not be holding a grudge against the Poly!! I imagine it depends on a number of factors, including how busy the resort is, how many other guests are celebrating special events, which CMs you deal with etc.

In any event, I wish everyone a magical vacation!

Mike

Same thing for me! One year we were at Poly LVC for my BD (noted on ressie) nothng extra, not even a spoken "happy birthday". Next year did a split stay checked out of Poly LVC and checked into AKL Club level on my actual birthday. Nothing from Poly. AKL --wow! A beautiful cake was waiting in the room and a message that a package was at the front desk. The package was an envelope with a cute certificate celebrating my "forever 29 BD". We had dinner at Kona that eve and received a special birthday dessert (not sure if that was from Kona or a request from AKL concierge).
That being said, I wasn't upset that Poly didn't do anything and was surprised AKL did. I kind of felt silly noting it on my ressie, but when they asked if we were celebrating anything, I thought what the heck.
BTW, I have read of some nice things happening at the Poly, too.
ITA with other posts. If it is really important, plan something yourself and then if you get a little extra--all the better.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

AKL spoiled us last year. We got a cake and Anniversary buttons the day we booked the sunrise safari and then when we arrived at breakfast there was a card and fastpasses. Very nice. We had never recieved that much from another resort. 5 years we got a card and ballons at CSR resort, 10 years nothing from BC. But we were staying CL at AKL so maybe that was the difference. Not sure. I know this trip we are celebrating my sisters 50th and I had to pay for the cake with a cc hold in advance from WCC. I guess you never know but it seems AKL is a bit more on the ball than most hotels.

 

[Mrsjvb]

we're staying at Shades, but when I called to see if by some miracle all the Free Diners hadn't snatched up every seat in the resort for Dinner Wednesday( our 9th anniversary) I mentioned that fact to the lady taking my reservation. So, we may or may not get something at dinner that night. If we do, I'll be tickled , if they don't, I already have my pressie.. a week at Disney plus a few special events.. Cirq and a spa day courtesy of Mr jvb.

Hmm, It's a little late our flight leaves in 18 hours.. think I should set something up for him? heheheheh

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

I called last night to make ADR for breakfast at the Crystal Palace on the 26th and was surprised that they still had good times available. DH decided that was where he wanted to go for his choice of anniversary meals!! He just loves the breakfast buffet there. We love the character dining even though our DD no longer goes to WDW with us (she's at college). Can't wait!! Cape May & Crystal Palace...................fantastic dining!

Mickey.........here we come.............

 

[calgarygary]

First off, I am a huge believer in making whatever arrangements you need/want to make your trip special and if Disney, or for that matter, any company, does something special - well that's just gravy. That being said, last year during our 30th anniversary trip, we were recipients of some very nice surprises. While in Cancun, we received 3 bottles of champagne and 2 fruit baskets from the Secrets Excellence resort. At Universal, the PBH staff upgraded our 5 nights to club status and the AKL concierge staff sent us his/hers fragrances and an ostrich egg with a bead band. All of these were very special indeed. In all honesty though, we received just as much pleasure that wearing WDW's buttons brought - strangers giving us a big smile and congratulating us.

 

[Sammie]

It is very random and happens more often when staying concierge.

 

[PrincesCJM]

My boyfriend (Todd) received an autographed picture of Mickey Mouse and a little note from him. I had it noted on the reservations that we were checking in on my boyfriend's birthday and I mentioned it again when we checked in. The CM who checked us in at All Star Sports did give Todd a birthday button. The picture arrived the next day at our hotel room. I was super excited by it , Todd didn't really know what was going on as he was waking up for a nap. Reservations had said that they couldn't guarantee received anything but yet again, they can through. I really wasn't looking for anything more than a "Happy Birthday Todd!" because I know that Todd's birthday has never been a big deal (and it should be!)

Oh yeah, it was Todd's first trip of Disney! That just made it an even more memorable experience and he can't wait to go back!

 

[mickeysaver]

Last year we stayed at CBR. Our ressie noted that it was our anniversary. We received a few Mickey balloons and a card from Mickey and Minnie wishing us well. I was floored!

A couple of weeks ago, my coworker and her hubby were at VWL using the 40% off code from much earlier this year. They had it noted that it was their anniversary. They had no balloons or cards, but they did get turndown service without request everynight!

Our upcoming trip has my birthday noted on it. I don't expect anything. If we are pixie dusted more than usual, I will accept it with great pleasure, but I never expect anything other than the usual Disney level of service from any stay that we have ever had. Somehow, we always manage to find extra pixie dust here and there anyway. Maggie

 

[LvsTnk]

We have gottejn the cakes at Polynesian Concierge, and AKL Concierge (aslo the fragrance for our Anniv. there. Balloons and cards at the BWI and CBR.

We just got back from my son's birthday trip and the birthday button they gave us at checkin had his name on it and boy did he love that. Everyone wished him a Happy Birthday by name. He also got to stay on for second ride a few times.

I planned a birthday wishes cruise and ordered a Stitchcake. But I was really impressed when we walked up to the Crystal Palace at about 9:55pm (they closed at 10pm) and they took us and had the table decorated with streamers/pixie dust and a windmill when we walked in. They must have noticed the BD button. It was a great way to start the trip since we just arrived at 7 and headed over to the MK for an hour.

 

[newholidayx2]

I have it noted at both Pop and BCV, have it noted on a few ARs
Dont have it noted at the tours
Im doing alot of planning and know I'll have a Happy 50th. If Disney comes through, great! If not, I know I'll be having a Birthday to Remember! (see my signature)

 

[mt mommy]

I guess I was very fortunate. We stayed at the Poly GV in February for our 10 year anniversary. We were pleasantly surprised when the 2 ladies that helped me check in showed up at our room a few minutes after we got there with a huge basket full of goodies. It had chocolates in it, dried fruits, nuts coffee and toffee. I felt so special. Along with a signed card from Chip and Dale. So, sometimes surprises do happen, just don't expect them I guess.

 

[wdw4us5]

On the down side of things, My youngest son got very sick, while we were staying at the ASM, (had a doctor come to the room and everything), he needed his medicine cooled. I went to the front desk and asked to rent a fridge. I did tell them my son was sick. They gave me the fridge for free (no daily charge) and that afternoon, someone arrived with a ballon tied to buzz and woody stuffed animals and a card signed by Mickey saying get better soon. What a nice surprise this was.

I do have to say thought on a couple different occasions I have just purchased gift baskets and had them delivered to our room, they really do a great job with those.