Make a wish!

So this past Monday, February 20th, happened to be my best friend’s birthday. She and I live in different states and do not get to see each other as often as we would like. When we go home to South Florida to visit family, we usually try to schedule our trips to coincide so we can also get to see each other.

Unfortunately, though, our birthdays don’t usually fall around the same time as these trips; however, it made me think about how much fun it is when you get to celebrate the “Day of You” 😉 with the people you love most, like your BFF. Then I thought, how wonderful would it be to do so in an amazing place like Walt Disney World (“WDW”)?

“Happy” Birthday?

Ok, so sure getting older is usually something kids always look forward to, but, as a person of an apparent age wherein you most likely don’t enjoying seeing so many candles on your cake, WDW is a phenomenal location for not being treated like — or being required to act like — your said age. Nope! You can eat candy, run around with balloons, scream your head off on Space Mountain, or even skip down Main Street all on your birthday…hmm, wait. You can do this on any day can’t you? Well, regardless of whether or not this is typical of your usual behavior (*smirk*), there really are some great ways to celebrate your “You Day” in WDW — and some them don’t even cost you a dime! (I know, unbelievable, but it’s possible!)

Free Presents!

First Things First

Either at your resort check-in desk or at one of the Guest Services on property (at the parks and Downtown Disney) or Town Hall in the Magic Kingdom (“MK”), go and get your birthday button!

What are you celebrating?

I know that prior to Disney’s former “What Will You Celebrate?” promotion, Cast Members (“CM”), which are what Disney employees are called, were fairly good about acknowledging guests (and their “event”) due to these buttons (which you can see also includes “Just Engaged!”, “Happy Anniversary,” “1st Trip,” “Family Reunion,” etc.); however, during, and now ever since, the CMs are very good about shouting a “Happy Birthday!” from across a ride platform or even just simply saying it in passing as you walk by them in a store or on a walkway. That’s not to say that every CM does it, but more than enough do to make you feel super special.

Make a Wish

Ok so I have to forewarn you, don’t expect WDW to do something like give you a free dinner for your birthday; however, if you make a note on an advanced dining reservation (“ADR”), should you make one for that day, that you will be celebrating your birthday (and make sure to remind your server if you do), a good CM will make sure to remember that it’s your special day and may come out with some sort of complimentary dessert! Over the years, since we tend to go around my birthday — entirely thanks to Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival! — I have received cupcakes, slices of cake; all with a candle and everything! It is such a treat to feel like Disney wants to celebrate with you. (Just remember that it’s not mandatory that CMs do this and some are always better than others, but if you “remind” them, they might just surprise you!)

“Happy Birthday to YOU!”

Some of my favorite “gifts” are those simply from other guests! When a perfect stranger walks past you and says, “Happy Birthday!” with a big smile on their face, it’s complete magic. Obviously, in the “real” world we don’t walk around with, say, balloons and streamers attached to us to signal it’s our birthday (maybe you do!), so when I can come to WDW and wear my “birthday badge” proudly and see that others even acknowledge it, it’s such a great feeling! Then turning 3*%#&$(-something) doesn’t seem so bad!

Are there any other “freebies” you can think of or have received/experienced that just made your birthday even more magical?

Not So Free, But Oh So Delicious: Food!

What a Feast!

If you’re looking to really amp up the party-time for your day, I would definitely recommend making an ADR at one of the many sit-down restaurants. There are so many restaurants on property where a great time and food awaits — and you may just find a favorite worthy of selection for your celebratory meal. These are a few that are always in the running for me, but the list is seemingly endless!

LeCellier in the Canada pavilion in Epcot (preferably for lunch if going while on Disney’s (regular) Dining Plan (“DDP”) as it’s only 1 credit, versus 2 for dinner) because the food is just fantastic:

Happy B-day! * photo taken by WDW Fan

50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios because if you can get a good CM, look out! The “Cousins” are going to make sure the whole place knows it’s your birthday — so be forewarned ** public attention is almost guaranteed! **

It's been a few years, but still many thanks to Cousin Christopher!

Narcoossee’s is another great choice, although it’s one of my more “romantic” spots for celebrating — and we’ve always been while on the DDP, as it is a Signature Restaurant; i.e. it’s 2 credits! With it’s great view of the castle and really wonderful CMs, who have always remembered “why” we’re there, it’s a favorite.

In 2010:

Yes, it was for our anniversary, but they treated us well (and see? Dessert!)

In 2011:

Last time it was champagne! Cheers to our anniversary and my birthday!

California Grill is another great place for some adult-only celebration time; although yes children are welcome, but *usually* we’ve seen more families doing a “nice dinner night out” here, so there’s less “hoopla” going on than at, say, a character meal, etc. (well usually). In any event, with its view of the electric water pageant and the castle and fireworks, it is worth the 2 credits to eat here (if on the DDP).

And sometimes they do both!

Do you have a favorite restaurant where you just *have* to spend your birthday (or maybe really want to try)?

Keep in mind though that this is not to say that some of the counter-service restaurants won’t do a little something special. I have seen (and possibly received ;-)) a cookie or brownie, for example, from some really awesome CMs who saw the button and wanted to let their guest know that they were celebrating their day with them!

Let them Eat Cake!

However, if you really want to make sure that there is something that has candles on it for making that birthday wish, you can have a customized cake delivered at the end of your meal at most of the table-service restaurants. It does require 48 hours advanced notice and is provided at an additional cost. Just call (407) 827-2253 to have a Disney specialty cake ready for your meal!

On our last visit to the California Grill a few trips ago, our neighboring table received such a cake: She was so surprised; it was really sweet to see.

It was her birthday -- with Cinderella, of course!

Any Not-So-Edible Treats?

Yes! There are also other services available if you want to ensure that your birthday is not forgotten!

Hats Off to You Today! (Well, No, Keep it on!)

Disney has no shortage of merchandise and they have made celebrating and displaying that it is one’s birthday oh so fun! In many of the stores throughout property, but probably most notably at The Chapeau in the MK, you can get yourself a birthday hat that will make having a camera on hand that much more necessary! *chuckles*

What? Is something in my hair?

Ok, ok you have to really be “in the spirit” to wear some of them, but Disney didn’t leave out its classic Mickey Ears — they just so happen to also have a little celebratory pizzazz to them!

Got my Ears on!

Room Service!

One day I’d like to do this for my own, or whomever’s, birthday we might be celebrating while in WDW, but, because of the additional cost, I have yet to arrange this. However, what a neat way to surprise someone! You can use Disney Floral & Gifts, or the “Disney Florist” as people usually call it, to have an in-room gift set (called “Mickey’s Birthday Wish“), decorations, flowers, etc. delivered for your birthday celebrator!

All for me?!

Just note that these too require 48 hour advance notice and are not necessarily inexpensive.

Packages from Home

So, if you’re trying to not break the bank this birthday but still want to make sure that some Disney pixie dust is sprinkled on your birthday while in WDW, there is nothing that says you can’t ship “supplies” in from home! You can go crazy decorating your room (although be mindful to not damage any furnishings and wall/doors with tacks and nails, candles, tape, etc.!) with streamers, lights, paper decorations, anything you can buy ahead of time — maybe on sale throughout the year or from great finds in clearance bins and Dollar-type stores. You can even pre-purchase birthday attire, like the hats, from the online Disney Store when they’re having some great sale! I’m pretty sure no one is going to care when/where you bought the birthday decor because they’ll be so surprised and thrilled that their day has been so festive!

Oh, and just remember that you have to get everything home too! So anything you buy and/or ship down needs to have a way to come back with you; I would suggest either making sure you “budget” for the extra suitcase space or bring a return shipping label/extra postage with you, so you can ship everything home.

I Wished For…

So, I wish I could have done something like this for my bestie this past Monday for her birthday; however, if not this year, someday…I will! But, when that day comes (and no matter how old we will be!), the more crazy silly you are about celebrating your birthdays in a place meant for imagination, turning another year older doesn’t really seem so bad, right?? (Well, I guess not until the next day…LOL)

So to anyone having a birthday this week: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

And until next time…