The Disney Parks have the power to make you feel like a star every time you visit, no matter what day it is. Can you imagine what it’s like being there for your birthday? I have some exciting ways to share for how to celebrate your birthday at Disney World so you can experience even more magic, especially when it is your special day.
Disney World is one of my family’s most favorite places on Earth. There is just something almost unexplainably special about the feeling you get when visiting Disney no matter how old you are turning.
Have you ever celebrated your birthday, Disney-style? Our family has many times and for a variety of ages, which is why I want to share these unique tips for celebrating your birthday in Disney World, even with hardly any planning.
Is Disney World free on your birthday?
In October of 2009 my family and I went to the Magic Kingdom for my 29th birthday.
We made sure to go on that particular day because for that one year Disney ran a “What Will You Celebrate” promotion where they offered free admission for guests on their actual birthday.
Unfortunately this was the only time I have known Disney World to be free on your birthday, although I am sure we all wish they would bring this back.
A couple of years ago, when it was almost time for my daughter’s 5th birthday, my husband and I thought what a magical thing it would be to celebrate her special day in Disney World.
As soon as we realized this was actually happening I booked our flights, thanks to finding cheap airfare. Next, I found a great deal to stay on site at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge resort, then I packed our best travel essentials and off we went to celebrate!
Disney World for the birthday girl wasn’t free this time, and even though we didn’t really have anything specific planned, there were so many magical memories made during our trip that it was certainly a birthday she’ll never forget.
6 ways to celebrate your birthday in Disney World:
1. Stay at a Disney Resort
Try to visit Disney on a budget by scoring an excellent deal on a Disney resort (maybe even a deluxe one like the Grand Floridian), so then you can splurge in other ways and celebrate in serious style.
We love Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for its incredible decor, shooting geyser, heated pool, waterslide plus water playground area, spacious rooms with balconies and its close proximity to the Magic Kingdom.
2. Pick up your celebration button
One of the most important things to do on when celebrating your birthday in Disney is to get your free celebration button. You can get a free, personalized souvenir buttons at any of the Disney Resorts, Parks and Disney Springs too.
Just let a cast member know it’s your birthday and you will receive a Happy Birthday button, free of charge.
The celebration button is your key to hearing “Happy Birthday” from Disney cast members plus park guests all day long (and I mean all day long).
You also never know what other magic wearing that button can bring…
3. Get a kiss from a character
Kisses from Pluto as soon as my daughter entered the Magic Kingdom was definitely an exciting and unforgettable birthday perk!
Go on a Disney themed scavenger hunt to find your child’s (or your own) favorite Disney character so they can see them, hug them and even take some special birthday pictures together.
4. Disneybound
Disney lovers can take dressing up to a fun, new level by Disneybounding like your favorite character on your birthday (or any time you visit Disney).
My daughter Disneybounded like Minnie for her birthday, while I choose to go the Chesire Cat route from Alice in Wonderland, which thanks to Disney Plus, I can now watch over and over again.
5. Free boat rides
Properly celebrate your birthday in Disney World with free boat rides all around the Disney Resorts, Parks and Disney Springs.
Even if you are not a guest at Wilderness Lodge (or other Disney resorts that offer boat transportation), you can still visit the resort and enjoy a boat ride.
My daughter loved taking the boat from Wilderness Lodge to Fort Wilderness on her birthday so we could go see the animals there.
6. Ride a Disney horse
Do your kids (or you) like to ride horses? Our daughter loves horses as much as she loves Disney (that’s a whole lot of love).
On her actual birthday, we surprised her by taking her to Fort Wilderness Resort so she could ride a “Disney horse”, which you can easily do too.
There are some other surprising activities you might not even know exist that you could plan to do in Disney while celebrating a birthday, bonding with your teen and more!
How do you like to celebrate birthdays?
Would you ever consider traveling to celebrate a birthday in Disney World for you or someone else?
Learn about the best time to visit Disney and what rides and attractions you don’t want to miss before you start planning.
GRAB YOUR FREEBIE!
