Greetings, Penney, and welcome to planDisney! I love that you're thinking of ways to make your daughter's birthday celebration extra special. Disneyland is my happy place, too, so I'm excited to help you dream up some ideas to maximize the magic of your upcoming visit. Let's sprinkle some pixie dust on your plans!
First, did you know that Disneyland Park has a special Independence Day fireworks show? What a way to celebrate! Expect the area around Sleeping Beauty Castle to become especially busy before the show. You might want to head over to "it's a small world" or the Rivers of America to watch the fireworks.
Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace offers a special way to experience the fireworks show and would be a great addition to your visit. However, at the time of writing this, reservations are unavailable, but keep checking. If reservations open, you'll enjoy snacks, desserts, beverages, and a fantastic view of the fireworks.
There are a few easy ways to celebrate a birthday in the park. I just did many of these for my daughter, who just turned five!
- Start the day by picking up a complimentary birthday button – many retail locations and City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. have them.
- Make reservations at a table service restaurant. At some locations, you can even add a Mickey Mouse celebration cake as long as you make a reservation at least three days in advance. I love the idea of ending a nice meal with one of these beautiful and delicious cakes. Carnation Café is a great option, and still has lunch and dinner reservations available at the time of writing this. But I suggest making a reservation as soon as possible.
- Consider wearing matching shirts and stop at a few Disney PhotoPass Service locations to take photos together. If you get the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, it comes with unlimited PhotoPass downloads for the day of your visit. Another perk is access to Lightning Lane entrances at many popular attractions, helping you spend less time waiting in line.
Guided tours are another special way to add magic to a visit. At the time of writing this, I still see some availability for the
70th Anniversary Guided Tour. Not only will your group have a chance to learn all about Disneyland's history during this 2-hour tour, but you'll also be able to ride some original attractions, enjoy a Lightning Lane entry on an attraction, receive a snack and tour keepsake, and also get reserved viewing for a nighttime spectacular, which is typically the
Paint the Night parade. It's an amazing experience, especially for someone like me who loves Disneyland!
I also wanted to mention that your visit aligns with the start of Soarin' Across America. If you plan to visit California Adventure, make sure to see this
all-new version of a beloved attraction.
Penney, on behalf of all of us at planDisney, I'd like to wish your daughter a very happy birthday. I hope you and your family enjoy a truly magical visit. If you think of any other questions, please reach out – we're always happy to help!
Your pal,
Kriss