Hi there, Kelly!
Thank you for giving planDisney the chance to help make your son's birthday extra special! In my family, birthdays are considered a top-tier holiday, and I can think of no better place to celebrate than The Most Magical Place on Earth.
In my opinion, what separates birthdays at
Walt Disney World Resort apart is how everyone, Cast Members and fellow Guests alike, is willing to become part of the celebration. Be sure to grab a birthday celebration pin early so that your son can receive well wishes all day long! These complimentary buttons can be picked up at any
Guest Relations location or the front desk of any Disney Resort hotel. Although it's not a guarantee, I have also occasionally seen celebration buttons available for Guests as they enter the theme parks. Cast Members will happily write your son's name on the button when you pick it up, but you also have the lesser-known option of having the button specially personalized by an artist at
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom Park for a small fee (similar to the cost of personalizing an ornament). Encourage your son to wear his button proudly because you never know what pixie dust might befall him! I was once treated to a slightly off-key rendition of 'Happy Birthday' by an enthusiastic Jungle Cruise skipper who happened to see it was my birthday.
Since celebrating is what I do best, I have a few additional suggestions for you. As you check in for your dining reservations in the
My Disney Experience mobile app, be sure to denote your son's celebration when prompted. You also have the option to
order a special celebration cake for the occasion at select restaurants. Speaking of dining, I suggest surprising your son with a
character dining experience for his birthday. I kicked off my 30th birthday celebration with a
Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch at 'Ohana, and it was the perfect way to start the day!
If character hugs are the ideal way to begin a birthday, then Magic Kingdom's nighttime fireworks display,
Happily Ever After, is the practically perfect way to conclude it. After such a magical day of celebrations, it's almost possible to believe it's all just for you!
I hope this was helpful, Kelly, and that your son has a wonderful birthday celebration. If you need any additional suggestions before your vacation, feel free to
stop back by. I'm happy to help!
Faith, trust & pixie dust,
Lizzie