Hey there, Laura!
I’m so happy to welcome you to planDisney! It won’t be long now until your visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth, and I’m sure you must be so excited. Celebrating your
son’s 13th birthday makes it even more special! My youngest son is 12, so I was especially excited to see your question. I’ve picked up a few ideas from my own son on how to make a visit extra magical, so let’s dive in!
To start, one of the first things you’ll want to do is pick up a complimentary Celebration Button for him, available at the front desk of your Disney Resort or any Guest Relations location in the theme parks. It’s a simple touch, but it can make a big difference in making his day feel extra special.
If your son is a thrill seeker, I’d definitely recommend purchasing a
Lightning Lane Single Pass for TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom and aiming for a time after dark. My boys say that’s when it’s at its best. Their absolute favorite attraction is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, which is also available as a Single Pass option. While both attractions do offer standby queues, the wait times can get quite long, so in my experience, the Single Pass is well worth it.
I know you mentioned your son isn’t a big Star Wars fan, and honestly, my boys aren’t huge fans either, but they still really enjoy both attractions in
Galaxy’s Edge. One of their absolute favorite spots at Hollywood Studios is
Oga’s Cantina, and they especially love the fun drinks!
Another great way to make his birthday feel extra special is by planning a memorable birthday dinner. I highly recommend making an Advance Dining Reservation for
‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where you can enjoy a delicious, Hawaiian-inspired family-style meal in a fun and lively atmosphere. And definitely be sure to save room for dessert, because the bread pudding is absolutely incredible.
If you’d prefer to celebrate right inside the parks,
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Hollywood Studios is a great pick. The immersive drive-in movie theater setting is a hit with teens, and the menu features classic favorites like burgers and milkshakes.
And finally, if your son is anything like mine, he probably loves a fun challenge! If you have Park Hopper tickets, you might consider taking on the Four Parks in One Day challenge. It’s a fast-paced, exciting way to experience all four theme parks in a single day, and it can make for a really memorable birthday adventure.
Most Guests set a goal to enjoy at least one attraction and one special treat in each park, which keeps things fun without feeling too overwhelming. It’s a great way to sample a little bit of everything Disney has to offer while turning the day into a unique and unforgettable experience.
Laura, I hope this has given you some fun and memorable ideas for celebrating your son’s 13th birthday. If you have any more questions, you’re always welcome to return to planDisney!
Magic Awaits,
Kami