Hi there, Lori!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and thanks for bringing us your great question. Your daughter is going to have an absolutely magical birthday at the Happiest Place on Earth!
If you purchased a
Disneyland Resort Vacation Package that includes your hotel stay along with park tickets, then your daughter will not require a park ticket when she turns three during your trip as she will be considered a Guest of Mickey. If you have booked hotel and tickets separately, then your daughter will require a ticket at the time of her birthday. The reason for this is that Vacation Packages are based on your child's age at the start of the reservation whereas separate tickets are not. When you book a Vacation Package specifically, your daughter is considered 2 years old for the entire length of stay. I know this can sometimes be confusing, so I'm glad you asked this question. Keep in mind that proof of age will not be required for children at the parks.
If you did not purchase a Vacation Package and are worried about budgeting for this extra ticket, you may want to consider moving your dates earlier. Unfortunately this would mean cancelling your
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointment since your daughter does have to be three years old to participate in this experience.
Even if you visit before your daughter's birthday you are still welcome to pick up a complimentary Birthday button from City Hall to let everyone know she is there to celebrate her special day. You can also order a custom Celebration Cake to be delivered to any of your Table Service reservations by calling (714) 781-3463 from 3-60 days before your reservation.
I hope this helps, and I wish you and your daughter a Very Merry Unbirthday in the meantime.
-Jennifer