Hi, Kristi! I remember taking my oldest daughter to Walt Disney World right around her 16th birthday, and the memories are still so magical! What a great way to celebrate a birthday!
My daughter immediately got her birthday button, and changed the tiara she usually wears (my daughter thinks she's a Disney princess everyday) for a birthday one. You can also get a birthday sash, which we found at a local party store before we left home.
My daughter told me exactly how she wanted to celebrate, so get your daughter involved. We chose her favorite restaurants, which meant we were eating Tonga Toast for breakfast at Kona Cafe and we enjoyed Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge for her birthday dinner. She also chose the park for the day, which in her case was EPCOT, her favorite since she was a little girl.
There are all sorts of things you can do to customize a celebration, from ordering a special birthday cake to arranging a delivery of something wonderful to your hotel room. Check out your options by clicking
Celebrating Disney Style.
You might also want to look into some special tours to add a whole new level to the trip. My daughter definitely recommends the Wild Africa Trek, but you can browse the other options at
Disney World Tours. And if you want to end the night in an over the top fun way, consider a fireworks cruise or a Pirates and Pals fireworks voyage. My daughter loves the Pirates and Pals voyage, which starts with snacks and drinks at the Contemporary with some pirate pals, is highlighted by a boat ride out to the perfect seat for the Wishes Fireworks display from the Magic Kingdom, and ends with a character meet and greet.
Have a great time!