Welcome aboard, Lisa! Celebrating a birthday onboard one of Disney's ships is the best way to spend that special day! I had the best birthday yet last year when I was onboard, and I know your son will too!
Most likely the agent with whom you spoke made a note on your cruise reservation about celebrating your son's birthday. That's great because that means that your dining servers will be aware and will plan a special surprise for him one night at dinner. Usually they sing and bring out a special dessert.
In addition, be sure to stop by Guest Services to pick up a birthday button for him to wear. Cast Members and other guests go out of their way to wish those wearing birthday buttons a happy day! Even the characters will notice when your son wears that for pictures with them. Believe me, he will be made to feel very special! If you want to make the day and cruise even more magical for him, there are some other options available for pre-order on the
Gifts and Amenities page of Disney Cruise Line's website. You can order a specialty cake to be served at dinner one night or in your stateroom. They also have a celebration package for birthdays so that your stateroom would be decorated when you arrive! Talk about a nice surprise when you first walk into the room!
Disney Cruise Line doesn't throw birthday parties on the island, but there's no reason why you can't grab a picnic table and celebrate in your own way that day. You might bring a few gifts out with you for him to open there. Of course, there is an all-you-can-eat soft serve ice cream location near Cookies BBQ, so your little guy can fill up on ice cream as he opens his gifts. But, the best gift of all will be the entire cruise experience, Lisa. Your whole family is in for such fun! Have fun as you continue to plan!