On
Aug 25, 2011
Jessica from CT
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.
“
My husband and kids are taking me to WDW in November to celebrate my birthday. It just so happens that Mickey Mouse and I share a birthday! (November 18). I was wondering if the parks do anything special to celebrate Mickey's big day. Thanks!”
Hi Jessica!
There is actually some controversy regarding the actual date of the birth of Mickey Mouse! Mickey's 5th birthday was celebrated in Hollywood on September 30, 1933. Yet, Walt Disney was quoted as saying, "Mickey Mouse was born on .....October 1, 1928. That was the date on which his first picture was started so we have allowed him to claim this day as his birthday."
Mickey's 7th birthday was celebrated on September 28, 1935. And Mickey's 40th birthday was officially celebrated on October 28, 1968.
The Disney Studios celebrated Mickey's bday as a marketing tool, selecting various dates from September through December. But when Mickey's 50th Birthday approached, it was important to have an official birthday date. Disney archivist, Dave Smith, determined that Mickey's first true public appearance was on Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, thus Mickey's official birthday!
Of the Fab Five, only Mickey, Minnie, and Donald Duck have official birthdays. We have been to Walt Disney World several times on Mickey's birthday on November 18th. Some years they do make a bigger deal out of it than others, especially if it is one of the "milestone" birthdays. On his 60th birthday, they built "Mickey's Birthdayland". And for his 75th birthday, 75 6-foot tall, 700 pound statues of Mickey Mouse, designed or inspired by famous athletes, actors, and artists, were unveiled.
This year Mickey Mouse celebrates his 83rd birthday! Despite my searching, I haven't found anything about a special celebration. However, may I suggest that you and your family make it extra special by making an Advanced Dining Reservation at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort,order a birthday cake ahead of time, and invite Mickey Mouse himself to join you in a Happy Birthday wish! Have a Happy Birthday in the Most Magical Place On Earth!