How to Plan a Birthday Party at Disney World
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse celebrated their 89th birthdays on Saturday! Though for you, the magic of Disney doesn’t have an age limit, there will come a period of time where your kiddo will think they’re a little too cool for mickey ears and shenanigans. While they’ll definitely outgrow their attitude post those hormonal teenage years, take advantage of their wide-eyed and full-of-wonder mindset when they’re younger by celebrating one of their birthdays at Disney World. As if going to the park itself isn’t enough of a gift, blowing out candles, playing dress-up, riding rides and meeting their favorite characters will make it a birthday they’ll never, ever forget. Here’s how to plan a shebang that’s rich with imagination, laughter and of course, sugar:
Get started early.
If there’s a date you always remember, it’s the one your children were born. And if it does slip your mind for a hot second, they won’t let you forget as they anxiously announce they’re halves, fourths and quarters. That’s why planning ahead for a Disney birthday party is an easy – and highly recommended – idea. Have your specialized Disney travel agent take care of the details for you with ample notice, ensuring all of your activities go out without a hitch.
Get them decked out.
Not that your cute kiddo needs more attention, but since it is their birthday, deck them out in shirts, hats, crowns and gear that lets everyone in on their special day. At Magic Kingdom, you can also ask for a birthday pin that’ll mean your gal or guy might get extra perks – like free ice cream, skipping lines or an extra autograph from Elsa, Cinderella, Mickey, Goofy, and the whole gang.
Transform your kiddo into a princess.
If playing dress-up is a daily ritual in your household, a birthday trip to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be mind-blowing to your mini royality. Here, they will create a crown-worthy hairstyle, apply makeup and sparkles, and send her on her way to dine inside Cinderella’s castle. Though this dining experience might run a tad high, if it’s in your budget, it’s one of those life-changing experiences that she’ll be happy she experienced on her birthday.
Or have a pirate celebration.
If your daughter is less into princess and more into pirates, or your son is a matey-in-training, you can make a reservation at The Pirates League in Magic Kingdom. Here, instead of flower crowns and glitter, stylists transform your tyke into Jake from ‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates’ or Captain Hook. Once the eye match is firmly adhered, you can continue the party at Disney’s Pirate Adventure for a two-hour voyage on a pirate ship with a pirate crew that takes you around Seven seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, scouring for a treasure at each port.
Tell your servers everywhere you eat.
On your child’s actual birthday, there’s no end to the sugar they’ll consume. Take it to the next level, since hey, it is their day, by letting all of the servers at the restaurants you visit in on the secret. As long as you’re at a sit-down restaurant, you can expect a cupcake with a candle to be delivered, and of course, plenty of singing!
Stay at a Disney World Resort for even more surprises.
You don’t need to remember it since your travel agent will, but it’s important to let the onsite hotel at any of the Disney World Resorts know that you have a birthday girl or boy traveling with you. That way, from the moment they arrive, they’ll feel like the special character truly are – from cupcakes and cakes to sashes, gift baskets and beyond, there’s always an extra mile Disney will go. (And psst: you can ever request a personalized birthday call to the hotel room from your kid’s favorite character! Talk about a way to begin a new lap around the sun!)