Greetings, Jenny, and welcome to planDisney! I can't think of a better place to celebrate such a happy occasion than the Disneyland Resort.
Jenny, all Guests ages three and older are required to have both a
park reservation and a valid ticket. That means you'll need to get a ticket for your son starting on his third birthday.
Now, let's talk about some fun ways you can celebrate his special day!
First, grab a complimentary birthday button at the start of the day for your son to wear. Many retail locations and City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. have them – just ask a Cast Member. We've experienced Cast Members, Characters, and even other Guests wishing us a Happy Birthday after noticing the button. It’s a simple touch that adds a lot of pixie dust!
Once your son turns three, he'll be eligible to visit
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which is a fun experience for little ones. The Adventure Package is perfect for young knights and includes a themed shirt, hairstyle, sword, and shield. Advance reservations are highly recommended, so check available dates and times if this is something you're interested in doing during your trip!
A fun birthday-themed surprise can be found at The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which features a birthday scene at the end. This would be perfect for letting your son know the friends in the Hundred Acre Wood are celebrating with him! And of course, a spin on Mad Tea Party is always festive. We’ve even spotted the Mad Hatter celebrating his “unbirthday” there before!
Here are a few tips that came in handy for me when my kids were three:
- Have a loose plan, but stay flexible – sometimes the most magical moments happen when you slow down.
- Build in time for snacks and rest. It's also a good idea to give kids the chance to explore and play – Mickey's Toontown and Tom Sawyer Island are great for that.
- Visit the Baby Care Center at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. – it has toddler-size toilets, changing tables, and a vending machine stocked with essentials like sunscreen and over-the-counter medicine.
- Use the Disneyland mobile app. It’s helpful for filtering attractions by age, thrill level, and height. Mobile ordering food in advance of mealtimes is also really convenient.
Jenny, I hope this information is helpful for you. Happy birthday to your son! If you think of any other questions, please reach out – we're always glad to help here at planDisney.
Your pal,
Kriss