Welcome to planDisney, Donald!
I was so excited to see your question as your granddaughter and I share a birthday week! Speaking from experience, there is nothing like being in the magic when the clock strikes twelve on a new year. I'm happy to share some of my favorite tips for making that occasion extra special.
Park hours are released about six weeks ahead of time, so I would check back in early March to see if they have been added so you can get a jump start on your planning. You can find them in the Disneyland Mobile app by tapping the "three lines" icon in the bottom right-hand corner and scrolling down to "Park Hours & Info." Last year, both parks opened at 8 a.m. the week of April 22nd with various closing times between 8 p.m. - 10 p.m, but please note this is not a guarantee to repeat this year. You'll also be able to peek at the entertainment schedule when the hours are released to see what fun activities and nighttime spectaculars will be performed that week!
While it's a bit too early to see exactly what will be offered, I'd love to share a few ideas on how to make the day one to remember:
- As soon as you enter the parks, be sure to get her a complimentary Celebration Button. These are available at most merchandise locations as well as City Hall inside Disneyland Park and Guest Services at Disney California Adventure Park. Not only will she be showered with birthday wishes throughout the day, but you never know what pixie dust might pop up!
- My family likes to commemorate special occasions with personalized Mickey ears, which can be found at The Mad Hatter on Main Street, U.S.A. just to the right as you walk under the Disneyland Railroad. You can chose the set of ears and any special message that works within the character limit. My kids still display these special ears in their rooms - it becomes a keepsake to hold on to for years to come.
- I love to book a special dining reservation for birthday celebrations, usually for a midday lunch or early dinner. It's a nice way to step out of the hustle and bustle of the parks and focus on time together and truly celebrate the birthday princess! Dining reservations can be made up to 60 days ahead of time, and for an extra sweet surprise, add on a Mickey Celebration Cake! For most table-service dining experiences, you will be able to add the cake as you are making your reservation in the "Add Ons" section - the perfect way to top off your meal!
- If you are staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, you can keep the party going with an in-room celebration. There are lots of options to choose from that include flowers, sweet treats, decorations, and more. A few friends arranged this for me one year, and I was truly surprised and tickled pink when I entered my room.
- It will be important to capture the magic...and memories...from the day. Disney PhotoPass photographers are sprinkled throughout the parks and are happy to take photos so that your whole family can be included. If you have added Lightning Lane Multi Pass to your tickets, you will actually have unlimited access to every photo a Disney PhotoPass photographer takes that day as a complimentary perk!
Donald, I sure hope this is one birthday to remember for your granddaughter!
Magic awaits!
Tara