Joanne:
I'm going to guess that you left a word out of your question that could greatly change the intent of your question, not to mention my answer... I have a feeling you meant to ask, "Any tips on how to make celebrating my 50th birthday special
WITHOUT spending a lot of money...?"
If that is the case, I recommend looking at dining locations that offer more than just a meal, and a favorite location outside of the parks with my girlfriends is
Raglan Road. There, you have your choice of some scrumptious appetizers for all to share as well as a reasonably-priced menu of choices that in my opinion offers one of the best dining values on Disney property. What makes the evening special are the Irish Dancers. Choose a dining time early enough in the evening--and arrive at least 15 minutes before your dining reservation time--to request a table in the main dining area to see the dancers. Make sure to note that you are celebrating your birthday both on your dining reservation and let the host know when you check-in.
Now if I was wrong and you wanted to spend a lot of money on something outside the parks, I recommend the Chef's Table dining at
Victoria & Albert's. Finish off the evening with a
private cruise on the Grand 1 Yacht leaving the marina at the Grand Floridian to enjoy the Magic Kingdom's fireworks. Oh, and invite me!
Wishing you a magical vacation and a memorable birthday!
Whitney