Hello, Dennis! Welcome to planDisney! You sound like such a caring husband to want to make your wife's dream come true! There's no better place to do that than
The Most Magical Place on Earth! It is my joy to help you with your question!
There are different types of characters at Disney Parks. Some are referred to as "face characters" and can talk with guests, while others, like Mickey Mouse and his friends, are unable to speak. All of the characters can interact with guests and would love to help you and your wife celebrate her special day. You can meet characters throughout all four of the major theme parks, and occasionally at Disney Resort Hotels. The My Disney Experience App will help you find your favorites. Open your app and click on the map icon at the bottom of the screen. At the top, scroll to the right a bit, and you'll find a "characters" icon. Click on that, and the map will show you where to find Disney friends. You can filter it by location and even change it to list form, if you prefer.
I celebrated my own 50th birthday at
Walt Disney World Resort a few years ago, and I can't think of a better way to commemorate this milestone than with a character meal! It's nostalgic and makes us feel like kids again! You have more than
a dozen options, but I'd like to share a few of my favorites:
- The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom Park is a buffet where you can meet Pooh Bear and all his friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Tusker House Restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park is another buffet and has Mickey Mouse and the gang dressed in their safari attire, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- 1900 Park Fare in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has both a breakfast buffet and a dinner buffet. The characters can vary here, but tend to include Aladdin, Mirabel, Princess Tiana, and Cinderella.
The characters will come to your table individually throughout your meal. I've never seen any of them sing, but I can assure you that they will make your wife feel special. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended, and you can note the occasion when making them. Some restaurants provide the opportunity to purchase a Mickey Mouse Celebration Cake that can be ordered online ahead of time and brought to your table at the end of your meal.
When you make your hotel reservation, note that it is her birthday, or call
Walt Disney World Tickets and Hotel Reservations and ask them to note it. You can also let the Cast Member know at check-in.
Upon your arrival at Walt Disney World, please be sure to pick up a complimentary celebration button at the front desk of your resort or Guest Relations at any theme park. Tell the Cast Member that it is a milestone birthday, because it's a big deal!
You and your wife are going to make the most magical memories that will last for decades! And I hope she has the happiest birthday yet! If by chance you need information about Disneyland in California, we have Disneyland specialists here at
planDisney, as well! We're always here if you have any more questions, so please come back and see us!
Always dreaming -
Elizabeth