For our five-year-old Oliver , the perfect Disney birthday meant Star Tours six times , a giant cupcake , and a voicemail from Mickey Mouse . For Austin ’ s 18th , it was park hopping for thrill rides and late-night sundaes at Ghirardelli .
No matter the age , a WDW birthday means magical memories .
CELEBRATE Start your kid ’ s birthday with the Happy Birthday button . It ’ s a must-have that ’ s free at Guest Services , stores , and resort front desks .
With this button , Cast Members will deliver birthday wishes , and Table-Service restaurants may offer birthday treats . When Mickey saw my son ' s button , he gave Oliver extra hugs and showed him it takes two mouse hands to count to five .
Don ’ t forget the theme . Go all princesses with breakfast at Cinderella ’ s Royal Table and princess attractions at Magic Kingdom . Space fan ? Hang at Galaxy ’ s Edge at Hollywood Studios , then ride Mission : SPACE at EPCOT .
If you ’ re feeling brave , let the birthday boy or girl plan ! You may end up on Star Tours six times and have sundaes for dinner , but it ’ s not every birthday you celebrate at Disney .
Tours and events make the day extra special — a Dessert Party , horseback riding , or maybe a Pirate Adventure Cruise . For kids 12 and over , try a tour , especially the limited-time 50th Anniversary Tour . Celebrating your child ’ s and WDW ’ s birthday together ? Magic !
DECORATE Deck out your room with decorations from home , or splurge and have Disney Floral and Gifts wave their magic wand . They can deliver birthday cupcakes , balloon bouquets , and even personalized “ Best Birthday Ever ” Mickey ears .
Save on decorations and book a themed room at Art of Animation , the Royal Rooms at Port Orleans
Riverside , or Pirate rooms complete with pirate-ship beds at Caribbean
Beach Resort .
If staying at a Disney Resort , let them know at check-in you ’ re celebrating . For our kids ’ birthdays , friendly chats with Cast Members resulted in some serious pixie dust .
EAT Birthdays are the time to do Table-Service meals . Tell them you ’ re celebrating , and they may surprise you with a special treat and character-autographed card .
One very fun option is Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge . Be ready to sing at the top of your lungs … and ask for ketchup . Or leave this world behind and go to Space 220 at EPCOT for a dining adventure like no other .
Stay Tuned : We ’ re bringing you an in-depth look at Whispering Canyon Cafe in our February 2022 issue .
You can ’ t go wrong with a character meal . Find princesses in Cinderella Castle , an Evil Queen and Dwarfs at Artist Point , and even artsy mice and ducks at Topolino ’ s Terrance .
TREAT Make the meal even more magical with a birthday cake delivery from Disney at 407-827-2253 or contact the restaurant for their cake options .
Amorette ’ s Patisserie in Disney Springs has adorable character dome cakes you can take to-go . Have an aspiring chef ? Treat them to the cake-making experience .
For non-cake lovers , try a custom mix at the M & M ’ S Store in Disney Springs or popcorn mix at Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom .
PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR Ready to really splurge for a Disney birthday party unique to your child ? Disney Events offers 20 + unforgettable locations around WDW for parties with a minimum cost of $ 5,000 .
At Animal Kingdom , celebrate in the glowing world of Pandora at night or with a dance party in DinoLand USA . Is your kid a warrior like Mulan ? Have a party with the EPCOT Chinese Gardens and Koi Pond as the backdrop . Ariel fans can party under the sea at the Living Seas Salon . At Hollywood Studios , Muppet-lovers can have a pizza bash in New York at PizzeRizzo or an on-set Indiana Jones adventure .
With all the exclusive happenings for the 50th anniversary , now is the time to bring the party to WDW and make it your most magical birthday celebration !
Some of the experiences in this article may still be impacted by COVID-19 safety measures . Check the My Disney Experience app for the latest info .
BACKGROUND : Mickey and Minnie in special birthday outfits . PHOTO BY COURTNEY REYNOLDS