Lisa:
You've picked a great year to celebrate your birthday with Disney World!
As you mentioned, you can get in free on your birthday this year, but since you've already got your ticket you can get a birthday fun pass to spend at participating stores with a value of a full-priced one-day/one-park ticket! Click
here for all of the information on it.
(FYI: I had a friend recently choose this option for her birthday surprise. She told me that the instructions that came with the fun pass were a little vague, so you might want to check with a cast member in the store where you plan to use it, just to make sure it's valid in that location.)
When it comes to celebrating a birthday, retirement, or anything special occasion, I think Disney offers some fabulous dining experiences! From a skyline view at California Grill to an underwater view from the wall-size aquarium at the Coral Reef in Epcot, you'll leave with a magical memory. Click
here to visit Disney's customizing page--you can choose your special occasion and they'll give you their recommendations! My favorite are the fun cakes you can have delivered to your table for dessert!
Wishing you a magical vacation!
Whitney