What's the point of a Birthday Button?

[Magpie]

I will be celebrating my birthday on my trip next week (12-21). I haven't put that I have a birthday celebration on my reservation yet but I was wondering if there was even really a reason to. Does anything special happen? What is the best thing you have ever had happen when you had your birthday in WDW?

The bell ringer in Magic Kingdom announced my teenaged son's birthday, very loudly! That was fun.

He got a signed card and a cupcake from Pooh and the gang at the Crystal Palace.

More recently, my husband and I celebrated a 20th anniversary with buttons. We got tons of well-wishes, and lots of people commented on "20 years!" It sparked some fun conversations with both cast members and other guests. And, we got pulled aside at the American Pavilion in Epcot and shown a phone in a box, which had a recorded message for us. Plus, there was a nice card waiting for us in our room.

 

[squeezle]

One time I got the ride Big Thunder Mountain a second time without getting out of the train because of a birthday button.

 

[Pkltm]

Or, you know, they might be Canadians.

My husband and I love saying Happy Birthday to every button-wearer we spot. It's fun!

I say it all the time!! And sorry too lol

 

[ChloesDaddy]

Have CMs started offering special celebration greetings off the magic band readers?

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

oh btw, strangers saying happy bday are probably cast members on their day off.

Truth. I've done this so many times in the parks as a guest. It's especially awkward when it's a kid and the parents look at me like, why are you speaking to my child???

 

[Accident]

Truth. I've done this so many times in the parks as a guest. It's especially awkward when it's a kid and the parents look at me like, why are you speaking to my child???

not a cm but the first time that happened to me I started to just keep my mouth shut unless it was a situation like standing near each other waiting for a parade and something else happened to engage the discussion.

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

In April, DS14 got a card signed by Mickey Mouse delivered to the room and he had several cast members wish him Happy Birthday. He is pretty shy for a 14 year old so the button came off pretty early in the day. Two years ago in October I wore mine all day. I got many Happy Birthdays and a free cupcake with dinner.

 

[scrhsa]

I got a few deserts and LOTS of Happy Birthdays. Even kids would walk by and say Happy Birthday And the BEST part was Tiana waving and saying Happy Birthday from the float

 

[Mandoo]

My husband and I celebrated our birthdays there last year (our birthdays are only a couple of days apart) and we received two desserts at BOG (we were on the dining plan so one dessert was included) we also received a few of extra cupcakes and cards signed by characters.

 

[jillyh]

Spent my 50th Birthday at DL with adult daughter. I'm fairly shy, but got wished Happy Birthday well over 100 times, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I always with people with buttons happy birthday! Hoping we get anniversary buttons in December when we are celebrating our 25th

 

[AGoofykindagirl]

Well, not all strangers who wish Happy Birthday are off duty CM. My sister and I (never worked for the Mouse) try to say it every time we see a button. A few people look put off by it, but most smile and say thanks. I like thinking I added an extra smile at that moment.

Last year we ate at Beaches n Cream (at Beach Club Resort). They gave me a birthday balloon. And when I walked over to Boardwalk Bakery to buy cupcakes for later (& croissants for the next morning), the young lady asked which cupcake was mine and gave it at no charge. I offered to pay anyway, but she said Goofy (based on the shirt and hat I was wearing) said it was on him.
Look at it this way, if you get something, great- if not and some crazy Goofy-wearing lady wishes you well, Hey- it is not a bad day! Enjoy your vacation!

 

[disneytraveler]

One summer the Cast Member at SSR looked at the computer and she said,It saids here its your birthday. It was September and my birthday is April.lol. so I said no it is not.She said well it saids it is here. I said "whatever" I come back from Hollywood Studios and under my door -a photo of Mickey and message -hope your day was magical! I just retired this year so I got a celebration button for retirement. Felt good !

 

[xlsm]

We've had the same experiences as the others: free desserts, cards, birthday songs, LOTS of happy birthdays and extra attention from servers and characters. My husband and kids have celebrated all three of their birthdays the past two summers there. They always ask when we call to book something or change something, or add a room request.

Last year, while we were listening to Voices of Liberty, a CM came over and called my husband by name and told him he had a very important phone call, and could he please follow him. We were convinced someone had died or our house had burned down or something, but then he came back and said the same thing to my youngest son...there was a phone in the entry area to the building, and it was a happy birthday message from Goofy, LOL!!
We've also had calls to the room from Mickey saying happy birthday.

Plus...free button!!

 

[tinkerhon]

I will be celebrating my birthday on my trip next week (12-21). I haven't put that I have a birthday celebration on my reservation yet but I was wondering if there was even really a reason to. Does anything special happen? What is the best thing you have ever had happen when you had your birthday in WDW?

Our kids have received birthday wishes from the CMs and characters---- and sometimes birthday cards and cupcakes

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I've gotten a couple free desserts.

 

[SnipsNSnails]

DS turned 7 on our last trip. He got special desserts at Chef Mickey's, BOG, and Garden Grill. He also got birthday cards signed by the characters at Chef Mickey's and BOG. Lots of people said Happy Birthday. We were eating at Garden Grill on his birthday and Mickey directed the table in singing Happy Birthday to him.

 

[IrishNYC]

We haven't celebrated a birthday there, but I did wish many button-wearers a happy birthday, a congrats on their wedding, etc.

 

[rpb718]

Last year at F&W, DW and I wore our Anniversary button and received 1 free dessert at Captains Grille, but the real winner was the free Warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Custard from the Ireland booth at EPCOT.

 

[JaxDad]

WHO doesn't want to wear the button?!

 

[gap2368]

I will be celebrating my birthday on my trip next week (12-21). I haven't put that I have a birthday celebration on my reservation yet but I was wondering if there was even really a reason to. Does anything special happen? What is the best thing you have ever had happen when you had your birthday in WDW?

I have got to disney 2 years on my birthday both times for 6 days. beside CM and other wishing you a happy birthday this was just some extra pixie dust I got you may get others

-free desert
-extra FP ( I think 3)
-a room up grade from all star sports to animal kingdom jombo house ( a few other things might have helped with this but the CM did say since it is your birthday and you have had these other things )
-VIP setting for Illumination
- a GR CM walk me in to see mickey ( I did not have to wait in a 45 minute line) he also took my phone and took really great pictures.

I would get one you never know what pixie dust will blow your way you can get one when you check in at your hotel or in any store at the theam parks