Hi Karlee,
Thanks so much for your kind words! We on the Disney Parks Moms Panel love helping guests to plan magical vacations.
Be sure to get a free "Happy Birthday" button at Guest Relations at any Walt Disney World theme park. I wore won when I visited Walt Disney World for my birthday last year, and it was great to hear cast members and guests alike wishing me a happy birthday. You never know when a little extra magic might be sprinkled on your day when you wear a birthday button. As I went through the parking booth at Epcot, the cast member noticed my birthday button and let me go on through without paying for parking since it was my birthday! This kind of magical moment is not guaranteed, but is great when it does happen.
As to special activities for your birthday, there are so many possibilities. You could do one of the
Walt Disney World special events or tours. From going behind the scenes at the theme parks with tours such as Backstage Magic, to special experiences with animals such as Wild Africa Trek, there is something for everyone. You also might consider treating yourself to a treatment at one of the Senses Spa locations at either Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A little pampering always makes me feel special on my birthday!
As to the transition time from Halloween to Christmas decorations, there is not a time that is announced. I do see that this year, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is listed as going through October 31, and the first date for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is listed as November 7. This makes me believe that the transition, at least at Magic Kingdom Park, will be during the first week of November. As November progresses, you will see more and more winter holiday magic around Walt Disney World!
Please let us know if you have any further questions, Karlee!