Radiator Springs; Lightning McQueen; Chick Hicks; Sally Carrera lined up
  • On Mar 17, 2025
    Irene from CA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I’m taking dear friends and their 2 kids for their 5 year olds birthday. I am a DVC member and staying at Grand CA 4/29-5/3. What is a good amount of time to visit the parks and celebratory experiences

    Hiya, Irene!

    Welcome Home and welcome to planDisney! How exciting that you are planning to celebrate a little Mouseketeer's birthday on your upcoming visit to the Disneyland Resort! Celebrating birthdays at Disney is such a magical experience, and your party will make magical memories that last for a lifetime!

    Irene, how much time you spend at each of the theme parks is somewhat dependent on your party and how much energy everyone has each day. For the little ones, I would definitely spend a full day at least at Disneyland Park.  There are so many attractions they will love, from Toon Town to "it's a small world" to the Casey Jr. Circus Train to the Alice In Wonderland ride to Buzz Lightyear Astro Orbitors, just to name a few.  In Disney's California Adventure Park, you could plan for another full day and in this park, Cars Land is a must-see.  My boys were huge Cars movie fans, and this area really brings it to life.  The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is also great fun for kids this age, and they will also love the games on Pixar Pier.  

    If you have a third day to spare, you could do a park hopper for any attractions you missed on the previous two days. But, I would also recommend a Character Breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen or Mickey's Tales of Adventure Breakfast Buffet at Storyteller's Cafe in the Grand Californian Resort.  Getting to meet their beloved Disney friends is a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday at Disney! 

    A few other things I recommend, Irene. Be sure to pick up a complimentary Birthday Button at City Hall on Mainstreet U.S.A. or at Guest Services at Disney's California Adventure Park for your birthday Guest to wear.  And, if you'd like to have balloons or a special treat delivered to your room, you can do so by ordering through In-Room Celebrations.  It's a great way for the birthday Guest to feel special. You could also give him or her a Disney Gift Card to pick out a souvenir of their choice, or you can have a Mickey Mouse-shaped cake added to select table-service dining reservations that will be delivered to you at the end of the meal. You should be able to order it right when you make your Dining Reservation.

    I hope this helps you, Irene! If you have any further Disney vacation planning questions, stop back here to see us. We will be so happy to help you!

    Magically Yours,
    Keri
thumbnail image for Keri

Meet the Panelist: Keri, Massachusetts

Hi there, I'm Keri from Massachusetts, a wife and mom to preteen twins and a teen. Since my first magical visit to Walt Disney World at age three, I've loved all things Disney. My husband found his passion for pixie dust on our honeymoon and his first visit to a Disney park. Soon after, we joined Disney Vacation Club, which has afforded us unforgettable family vacations for the last 22 years. Disney Vacation Club has helped us create our most magical vacation memories. I can't wait to help you plan yours. Learn More About Keri

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for planDisney Podcast presented by State Farm - Mickey's Toontown

Tips from a Disney Vacation Club Panelist

Favorite Place to Eat at the Disneyland Resort

view tips

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.