Photo of a bunch of Mickey balloons - Walt Disney World Spring Header 2
  • On Sep 24, 2025
    Elizabeth from TX Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My child turns three the day after we check in. We check in on a Sunday and began at the parks on her third birthday. Is she considered free?

    Hey There, Hi There, Ho There, Elizabeth!

    I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome you to planDisney! How exciting that you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation! And even more magical, you'll be celebrating your daughter's third birthday at the Most Magical Place on Earth! I don't know about you, but just thinking about it makes me want to do the Hot Dog dance to celebrate! Birthday celebrations at Disney are so much fun. There are Mickey-shaped treats, surprises, and little pixie-dusted touches everywhere that make it extra special. Your daughter is going to have such a joyful day filled with laughter, smiles, and memories you'll treasure forever!

    Guests of the Mouse under three years old don't need a theme park ticket, but once a little one turns three, they do need one. Since your daughter will be turning three during your visit, she'll need her very own ticket to join in all the magic and fun at the parks. 

    I'm not sure when your visit is, but I'd recommend making a special dining reservation to celebrate your daughter's birthday. If she loves princesses, Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom or Akershus in EPCOT are both wonderful choices. If she's more into classic Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie, Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary or Topolino's Terrace at Riviera Resort are great picks. And if she loves Winnie the Pooh and friends, Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom is a fun option too!

    When you arrive for your reservation, be sure to let the Cast Member at check-in know that you're celebrating your special girl. While not guaranteed, they love to sprinkle a little pixie dust whenever possible. As a reminder, dining reservations can be made up to 60 days before your check-in date conveniently through your My Disney Experience app.

    Before I wrap up, I wanted to share a great pocket guide for planning a Disney vacation with little ones. It's full of helpful tips and insights from some of my fellow planDisney experts!

    Thanks again for stopping by, Elizabeth! If any other questions pop up as you continue planning your trip, you're welcome as can be here at planDisney!

    Magical Wishes,

    Kami
thumbnail image for Kami

Meet the Panelist: Kami, Rhode Island

I'm Kami, a wife, mom of two boys, content creator, and wheelchair user. Visiting Walt Disney World Resort isn't just a trip for my family, it's a journey into a world where magic truly comes to life. Whether it's experiencing new attractions, exploring the resorts, or discovering hidden gems around the parks, I love sharing my tips and tricks with others. For me, Disney is a way of creating unforgettable memories with my family. I'm thrilled to help every guest experience their own unforgettable adventure. Learn More About Kami

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Disney World Birthday & Celebration Hacks You NEED To Know!

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.