Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome; Asian, character meet and greet
  • On Dec 5, 2025
    Natasha from CO Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My kid is turning 3 on our trip but we aren't staying at the Diseny Hotel. If we eat at a Disney restaurant before she turns 3 but then go to the park on her birthday do we need to pay for her park ticket?

    Hiya Natasha,

    Welcome to planDisney! Ooh, I love that you are planning to celebrate your daughter’s birthday at the Happiest Place on Earth! My toddler has started requesting Disney-themed birthday celebrations, so I’m well-versed in these types of magical requests.

    Great question, Natasha! Once your Mouseketeer becomes three, a few things do change. First, they morph into a three-nager, and second, they will officially require a theme park ticket to visit Disneyland Resort theme parks. So let’s say you have breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen (one of our favorites) the morning before she turns three. Then you are correct: her meal will still be free. Choose to go to the theme park that day, also, yes, her admission would be free. The day she turns three, however, that all will change. You will need to get her a kid’s theme park ticket for entry to the theme parks and pay for her prix-fixe dining.

    I hope this was helpful, Natasha. As you begin planning that birthday trip, I also wanted to remind you that if you choose to purchase a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass with your theme park tickets, your newly minted three-year-old will also need a multi-pass to access the Lightning lanes. One last tip from one toddler mom to the next: pick up a Disney Gift Card with a little extra money on it for your toddler. We do this every trip, and we call it her “I Want That” card. Once it runs out, it is gone, but it allows us to keep track of how much we are spending, and she loves having a card of her own. I hope that you have an amazing time celebrating your daughter’s birthday at Disneyland Resort. Please come back and see us if you need anything else.

    Happy Planning,

    Ashley F.
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Meet the Panelist: Ashley, Florida

Hey Y'all! I’m Ashley and I live in Florida. My family and I love trying out the yummy snacks (DOLE Whip anyone!) and taking full advantage of our resort days. When we are not piloting the Millennium Falcon, exploring Kilimanjaro Safaris, or watching fireworks, you can find me planning our next adventure to Walt Disney World! I am so excited that you are planning a trip, and I look forward to helping you dig a little deeper and find the magic in all of the wonders of Walt Disney World Resort. Learn More About Ashley

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