Welcome to planDisney, Sian!
You've found the practically perfect place to bring all of your questions about planning your upcoming Walt Disney World Resort vacation. There's nothing quite like experiencing Disney magic through the eyes of your child. When my kids were toddlers, they absolutely adored
character dining experiences, parades like the
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, and exploring their own creativity in the parks. Who knew curb-jumping could be so much fun?!
Your Minnie ears heard right, Sian. Guests under the age of three are Guests of Mickey Mouse and do not require an admission ticket or a
theme park reservation. The age of your child at the beginning of your vacation is the age that determines whether or not a ticket is needed, so it sounds like Mickey Mouse has already given your son his first birthday present!
Children under the age of three also eat free at all buffet and family-style meals like
The Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom Park and
Garden Grill Restaurant in EPCOT. Both character dining spots would be great places to celebrate a birthday meal. You can even pre-order a Mickey Mouse Celebration Cake when you make your
dining reservation. When eating at a table service dining location with traditional menu service like
50's Prime Time Café at Disney's Hollywood Studios, kids under three are welcome to share from an adult's plate at no additional charge. When my kids were almost three, they were good eaters and often got their own meals off of the children's menu, which we paid for. Please note that everyone in your party (babies and toddlers included) needs to be included in the party size for each dining reservation. This allows the restaurant to prepare the adequate space needed to fit your party.
Early in your trip, Sian, please make sure your mousketeer picks up a "Happy Birthday" button, which is available at Guest Relations or most indoor retail locations on property. Cast Members are the heart of
The World's Most Magical Celebration and they will do everything in their power to make your little one feel as welcome and as celebrated as can be on his special birthday trip.
Plan magic; planDisney.
Jennifer