Celebrating birthdays at Disneyland has become a cherished tradition for our family, starting when our two oldest were just 1 and 3 years old. It was our special way of hitting pause on the hustle and bustle of life, allowing us to focus on our little ones and soak up those precious moments without the distractions of a big party. Over time, our Disney celebrations have expanded to include Disney World, Aulani, and Disney Cruises, but the heart of the tradition remains the same… showering our kids with love and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Through the years, we’ve picked up some valuable tips for making Disneyland birthdays truly magical. Here are our best ideas to help you create an unforgettable day at the happiest place on Earth!
13 Ways to Make Disneyland Birthdays Special
1. Dress Up
Celebrating a birthday at Disneyland is more magical when you get all dressed up. When your kids are little the idea of dressing up at the parks is super fun… this was especially true for our girls.
With my daughters, who have fall birthdays, I planned their Halloween costumes around a Disney character to save a bit of money on costumes. You can also order Disney-themed costumes online at Amazon, Target, or H&M and save that way too.
For my boys we went a different route. We purchased a Disneyland Birthday Cake Hat at the Mad Hatter’s Store in Fantasyland and they would wear that on their big day with a character shirt. The birthday hat for the day was an OVERALL HIT!
Treat your Kiddo to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at the Disneyland Resort is an enchanting experience for children, especially those celebrating their birthdays. The boutique offers a magical transformation for kids, where they can dress up like their favorite Disney princesses and princes.
The experience begins with a fairy godmother-in-training greeting the child and escorting them to the boutique where they can choose from a variety of hairstyles, makeup, and accessories. The child can select their favorite Disney princess or prince costume and have their hair styled to match the character.
They can also get their makeup done and choose from a variety of accessories like tiaras, wands, and jewelry.
2. Enjoy Character Dining
Of course, there is no better place to dine with little ones than at a restaurant with their favorite characters. I will never forget my daughter’s 2nd birthday when she locked eyes with her role model for the first time- PRICELESS!!!
When it comes to Character Dining at the Disneyland Parks there are some great options! We’ll go over them all below.
Goofy’s Kitchen | Breakfast or Dinner with Goofy & Friends
Goofy’s Kitchen is an American-style restaurant served buffet style so there are a ton of options for even the pickiest eaters. If you are there for breakfast you have to try their famous Mickey Waffles or made-to-order omelettes.
You can usually catch Goofy himself + Pluto, Minnie, Chip & Dale there too! Goofy’s Kitchen is located at the Disneyland Resort Hotel.
Princess Breakfast Adventures at the Grand Californian
Disneyland birthdays are super special so if you want to go all out on a breakfast, this is the place. You don’t need to stay at the Grand Californian to experience this incredible breakfast. This is likely the most extravagant character breakfast you will ever go to.
You will see a wide variety of princesses including Jasmine, Aurora, Pocahontas, and more. There is a special gift the children will receive along with an autograph book. It is a one-of-a-kind event. Check out my full review for more details.
Plaza Inn | Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park (Park Admission Required)
This is actually our FAVORITE place to dine… especially if you are looking to find characters that you wouldn’t normally see walking around the parks. Plaza Inn is another breakfast buffet like Goofy’s Kitchen but I think the food here is a bit better in my opinion.
My kids love that they find unique characters and can score awesome autographs from people like: The Fairy Godmother, Suzy, Captain Hook, Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Max Goof, Rafiki, Geppeto & Pinocchio.
*Pro Tip- book the earliest reservation as you are let into the park to dine prior to opening. By the time you are done, you will still be one of the first people at Disneyland that day!!!
Storyteller’s Cafe | Chip & Dale’s Critter Breakfast
This restaurant has fantastic food options and I wish they would extend their character experience to include dinner. But, currently, they only have a character option at breakfast. Still better food than the other options available in my opinion but the character line up is a little ho-hum (or great if you like those hard to find characters).
Here you will most likely find woodland & jungle animals like: Brer Bear, Brer Fox, Kenai, Koda, Meeko and Turk.
3. FREE Disneyland Birthday Button
You HAVE to get your Free BIRTHDAY BUTTON. Disney Cast Members all over the parks will greet Birthday Button wearers and wish them a “Happy Birthday”.
I also have noticed some special treatment like being picked for shows, announced over the loudspeaker on certain rides, and a little extra love from the characters. And, if you grab front row for the parade you will grab some extra attention there as well.
Buttons are available inside at City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park or at Guest Services in Disney California Adventure Park. Park Admission is required.
Take your button to Plaza Point and have a Disney Artist decorate your button for just a few dollars. It will look magical!
*Pro Tip- if you wear a tiara + a birthday button you will be addressed as a “Birthday Princess” which my girls always loved!
4. Birthday Themed Rides
You definitely won’t want to miss riding on the three birthday-themed rides in Disneyland including Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, and The Haunted Mansion! See if you can spot the birthday elements throughout these rides!
5. Disneyland Birthday Hotel Stay
Not your cheapest option but the hotels are an incredible way to extend the magic and if you contact them at the time of booking they usually will through in something a little extra for your birthday boy & girl like an autographed birthday card from their favorite character for FREE.
We like to pack additional birthday decorations and one of us (parents) sneaks off and decorates the room before the kids come in and even sometimes we bring a celebratory cake for the hotel room. Their excitement level is off the charts when they walk in… I highly recommend it!
If you need help booking your stay, reach out to our friends at Best Day Ever Vacations. Their travel planning services are completely FREE!
6. New Orleans Band
The band in New Orleans Square might just sing you a special Happy Birthday Song if you show them your Birthday Button? Pretty cool right!!
7. TREATS!!!
In our house birthdays = sweet treats and LOTS of them!
You can find cupcakes, ice cream, and candy all over the park. But, a few of them we think are a little extra special like character caramel apples (ask for a knife to make them easier to eat).
A Cotton Candy Lemonade is sure to put a smile on your kids’ faces… probably mine too!
And, a hand-dipped chocolate ice cream bar from Clarabelle’s is sure to dazzle them… Ella likes her’s rolled in sprinkles and pop rocks 😉
8. Balloons
We also save balloon buying specifically for birthday celebrations because nothing screams birthday than a bright shiny balloon hanging over your head.
Also, if for some reason the balloon gets lost or flies away, simply reach out to guest services and they will happily replace it for you.
9. Autograph Book
With all the character meet and greets you are likely to hit on your child’s special visit make sure to pack an autograph book and a few pens. When characters notice your kiddo’s birthday pin they may even write them a special note 😉
10. Arrange a VIP Tour
If you’re looking for an extra-special experience, consider booking a Disneyland VIP tour. This comes with a personal guide, priority access to attractions, reserved seating for shows, and more. It’s a splurge but can make the birthday incredibly memorable.
Get the full breakdown of our VIP Tour experiences here!
11. Ring in the Birthday Celebrations at Midnight on Main St
Kick off the first seconds of their birthday by staying up til midnight and singing them Happy Birthday on Main St. as you ride down the trolley. We did this last year with our son Owen and he loved it. (Dad had to run alongside the trolley as the baby was asleep in the stroller. Check out the video!
12. Book a Dining Package & Watch Fantasmic
Disneyland has dining packages that get you guaranteed seats for one of their most iconic shows, Fantasmic. There are two different restaurants to choose from, from River Belle Terrace to the Blue Bayou which is definitely the nicest restaurant on property. Check availability here. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.
13. Make a Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop
If you head over to Star Wars land (Galaxy’s Edge) you can enjoy everything Star Wars including making your own droid or even lightsaber. The lightsaber is created at Savi’s Workshop and it is more than just making a lightsaber, it is definitely an experience.
Celebrating in this way has created some incredible memories for our family. As our number of littles grew we also added a new element to save money and that is taking each child alone. Our kids LOVE the special time they get with mom and dad all to themselves and we soak up every second!
Remember… if you need help planning and booking your magical Disneyland vacation, contact our friends at Best Day Ever Vacations. They are truly Disney Experts, and not only are their services FREE, but they will save you both time and money. Plus, they will definitely have some great Disneyland Birthday Ideas.
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Even though I’ve been to Walt Disney World a ridiculous number of times, I hadn’t ever been for my birthday until last year. I know I was turning 31 instead of 3 (and probably outside of the range for the typical Disney birthday girl), but it was still SO much fun! I’d love to take my daughter back for her birthday and use some of these tips!
This may possibly be THE single most helpful Disney post I have ever read! You covered so much great info! We’ve never done birthdays at any Disney location, but what a fabulous idea. I have a lot of friends who would love this post and will definitely share it! Thank you!
You are way too kind- THANK YOU!!! And, thank you so much for sharing- you know how important that is for us bloggers. Much appreciated!!!
Ahh I love Disney..was just there in July and I still have not got my post up..so many from CA to post!~ I Love the pics…adorable kids and looks like a great time…and great tips as well!
Valerie
Thanks so much!! Can’t wait to see your posts. I find out tons of stuff about my local areas from tourists. I think you have a better knack for researching an area that is more foreign to you. Whereas locals tend to think they already know everything- ha ha ha!!!
These are great recommendations. I love Disneyland and I always love hearing how people celebrate it! So fun!
Omg! I love Disney! I have an annual pass and was just there last week. What a super special way to celebrate birthdays and make sweet memories! Chef’s Mickey’s is one of my faves and I also love the character breakfast at Grand Flo. As many times as I’ve been to Disney, I don’t think I’ve ever celebrated a b-day there. That would be a super fun memory!
I love the cute outfit you photographed and mentioned getting at target. Was this a while back? Also where are those glitter sneakers and ears from? can you share links? adorable! I have 3 little girls to dress! Thanks for all these tips!
I have been taking my 2 daughters since they were 1 yr old. (I Love Disneyland too). I found that the Target up the road in Garden Grove has a huge Disney selection. At least they did in 2017. I bought items there (instead of buying most at the park) for such a better price. Hotels either I call directly or go through get away today (deals are usually in combo with tickets). If you buy separate get tickets with Ares Travel. I also get a hotel with a fridge coffee and hot breakfast. Go to the grocery and buy trail mix and snacks to take in as well as bottle water that I freeze overnight to take in.