Celebrating a Birthday at Walt Disney World During the Holidays

Of course I could plan a special event through Walt Disney World, like a dessert party or a fireworks cruise, or even make a reservation at my favorite restaurant. But I want to celebrate my birthday in small ways throughout the trip that doesn’t interfere with our Christmas plans. Also Christmas is a very busy time at Walt Disney World and when planning events for my birthday I do not want to compete with the thousands of people trying to get reservations for restaurants and events to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. I want low key but special activities to make my birthday seem special.

Birthday Pin | Walt Disney World
I know it is the obvious choice but I will get and wear the famous Disney Birthday Pin. I cannot expect this trip to feel different if I don’t let people know that I am celebrating something special as well as Christmas. One of the great things about wearing the Birthday Pin during your stay is that it lets everyone know it is your birthday. Perfectly happy go lucky strangers walk up to you and say, "Happy Birthday", or you just might experience some of that Disney magic everyone is always taking about. I remember one year my daughter got a free cupcake at a restaurant and they picked her to be the special guest during the Indian Jones Stunt show, all from wearing her birthday pin. Now receiving something special is not guaranteed but it’s worth the shot and the many happy birthday wishes I will receive.

Cake from Amorette's Patisserie | Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie is a new unique, high-end pastry shop at Disney Springs. The desserts at Amorette’s Patisserie are more than just desserts, they are edible works of art. They are on the expensive side but for a milestone birthday I want something different, delicious, and beautiful. I will be ordering the Signature Amorette’s Cake and sharing a happy birthday sing-along moment with my loved ones in my One-Bedroom Villa at Bay Lake Towers and then head upstairs to the Top of the View Lounge for a cocktail and fireworks.

Afternoon Tea at the Garden Tea Lounge | Grand Floridian

My daughter and I have a tradition of having afternoon tea at the Garden Tea Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort. We love the finger sandwiches, and drinking tea out of small china cups. We love the whole look and feel of this place and its authenticity. It also gives just me and her a moment to sit and enjoy each other’s company. I want to keep that tradition because even as she gets older it is still one of her favorite things to do with me, but since I am also celebrating my birthday I thought I could make it a little extra special. So for my Birthday me and her are dressing up for the occasion. We are wearing our Sunday best and are making little fascinators, which are decorative headpieces, to wear during our tea. (Ours may have mickey ears on them!)

Disney Bound Character Photo | Hollywood Studios

Cinderella Castle

The Castle all dressed up for the holidays.

I have been a fan of Disney bounding for about two years now and try to incorporate it into every trip I take. Disney bounding is a fun way to dress up like your favorite Disney characters, or theme using normal clothing you would find in your closet. Since it is my birthday the whole family has allowed me to pick the theme and take a group picture. So on our Hollywood Studios day we all will be dressing up like characters from Star Wars (I will be Rey) and taking a picture with my favorite character Chewbacca.

By adding just a few special things throughout the trip that are not about the holidays, that don’t require everyone to drastically change their plans, and that focus on me I get to feel celebrated during the most celebrated time of the year.

About the Author: Kymara caught the Disney bug in 2005 and hasn’t looked back since. She has been to Walt Disney World, Disney’s Vero Beach, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney’s Aulani. Being a Disney Vacation Member has allowed her to experience her favorite places to vacation multiple times of the year. She loves planning family trips as well as writing about her experiences on her blog Minnie Girl Travel (www.minniegirl.com).