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Moms Panel Monday: Top Tips for Celebrating a Birthday at Walt Disney World Resort

Lisa Mendillo

by , Sr. Manager, Digital Integration

The Most Magical Place on Earth, is often times the destination for many guests observing their special day. From breakfast with Mickey Mouse to an evening filled with fireworks, ideas for pixie dust filled celebrations are endless. This week members of the Disney Parks Moms Panel are here to offer some of their must-do tips for making your kiddos’ birthday even more spectacular at Walt Disney World Resort.

Turning One!

“Celebrating the first birthday is a huge milestone, and mom and dad deserve to celebrate too, which is why I love The Crystal Palace for little ones and preschool celebrations,” explains Rayna. “The friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood are both bouncy and kind and the party can continue in Fantasyland.”

Moms Tip: Attach a celebration button to baby’s stroller so everyone knows that a big milestone is being celebrated! 

Calling All Young Princesses 

“If you have a princess, age 3 to 12, in your family, a royal makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique would be a birthday dream come true,” recommends Samantha. “A meal with her fellow princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table would be the perfect way to follow up her regal transformation.” 

Kari’s princess recently enjoyed celebrating her day this exact way!

And if your princess is between the ages of 5 and 15, Angie suggests making a reservation for Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. 

Magical Ideas for School-aged Kids

“For the school-aged Pirate or Mermaid crew, there are so many adventures to be had! I love the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage for little scallywags. You get to interact with one of the greatest pirates of all, Captain Hook, feast on a delicious bounty, and have a perfect view of Magic Kingdom Park’s fireworks spectacular,” Rayna suggests. “To make the adventure more memorable, book at pirate transformation at The Pirates League beforehand. The birthday pal might just pass as a member of Hook’s crew.”

Character Dining at the Resorts

Looking for a celebration location outside of the parks? Tabitha recommends numerous restaurants located at Walt Disney World Resorts including Chef Mickey’s, Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, and even Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Café

The Wonderland Tea Party at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is where Leslie’s daughter selected to celebrate her big day!

Teens and Tweens

Celebrating a birthday at Walt Disney World Resort is a great idea for any age! Many parents might think all Mouseketeers would prefer a Character Meal celebration, but older kiddos might have more sophisticated palates. Take for instance, Eean’s son.

“When we asked our middle son where he wanted to have his milestone 10th birthday dinner, he promptly said, ‘California Grill, because I can see the entire Magic Kingdom while I eat!’ We arrived to a table strewn with Mickey confetti, and he filled up on his favorite foods- pizza and sushi! The surprise of the night was a customized cake that I pre-ordered from the Cake Hotline. Since he’s a Halloween Baby, the cast members baked up a spooktacular Haunted Mansion-themed dark chocolate cake. There’s no doubt that this was a birthday to remember!”

How about a day at Disney Springs? Angie says, “let teens test their basketball skills at NBA Experience at Disney Springs, spend the afternoon shopping for birthday goodies, enjoy dinner and entertainment at The Edison, and then end the evening celebrating with floats on the rooftop deck of the Coca-Cola store!”

For more great birthday celebration tips, or for general Disney vacation questions, visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for an answer from one of our panelists.

Panelists receive compensation for their participation on the Disney Parks Moms Panel.