A warm welcome to planDisney, Ronnie!
I’m so excited to see that you’re planning a birthday celebration to Disney World! Don’t forget to get your complimentary “Happy Birthday” button at any gift shop or Guest Relations and wear that thing around! You never know what extra magic might come your way while wearing it.
I just experienced the Princess Half Marathon weekend with my friends a couple days ago! We love enjoying the runDisney events together! I highly recommend doing a
runDisney race at some point, Ronnie — even walking a 5k is SO magical! Maybe you’ll consider a race for your birthday some year in the future!
While runDisney race weekends can feel a little extra busy with the hustle and bustle of racers, you will still have a wonderful time. Here are my thoughts:
-The theme parks (especially Magic Kingdom and EPCOT) get busier on the weekends. And on race weekends, they’re a little extra busy. Now, if either of those parks are on your birthday to-do list, I recommend going either first thing in the morning when they open (as the racing crowd is typically a little slower getting to the parks right at opening) or later in the evening (as we see some race crowds dwindling a little as they have been awake for a long time and are operating on tired legs).
-Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom will see some crowd increases too, but I feel that these two would be great places to spend the later morning/early afternoon time.
-Reserving a Table-Service meal would be a great way to enjoy your birthday! I highly recommend
Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary Resort for a late lunch or an early dinner. (The Vegetable “Wellington” is life-changing. My steak-loving husband and I only order this. It is that good.) This would get you out of the parks at typical peak-crowd times, and make for a good recharge!
-Spending time watching performances at the theme parks is another great way to keep the magic going on busy days too. If you haven’t seen the new Country Bears performance in Magic Kingdom you MUST see it! I always leave smiling! Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage at Hollywood Studios is also a great one to take some time to enjoy! Sometimes I like that the busier crowds help me slow down to enjoy things I don’t necessarily set time aside for regularly.
Any time is a good time to visit Disney, Ronnie! AND you’ll be visiting during
Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT! I love that there are so many outdoor kitchens with food available as it makes getting good bites accessible even with slightly busier crowds.
If you have additional questions before your trip, we’d love to hear from you again at planDisney!
HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY!
Allyn