Does Disney do anything for a birthday at Disneyland? When our daughter turned eight, we gave her the option of picking somewhere to celebrate her special day, and there was only one place that really took the cake. Disneyland! Whether you’re turning 8, 25, or 70, celebrating your birthday at the Happiest Place on Earth is an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, fun, and pixie dust.
From exclusive park perks to unique birthday experiences, here’s why a birthday at Disneyland should be on your birthday bucket list.
Contents
- 1 Benefits of Celebrating Your Birthday at Disneyland
- 2 FREE Birthday Pixie Dust
- 3 Tips for Celebrating Your Birthday at Disneyland
- 4 Best Hotels near Disneyland
- 5 Cost Breakdown for a Disneyland Birthday Celebration
- 6 Is Spending Your Birthday at Disneyland Worth It?
- 7 Pin It: Save for your next Disneyland trip
Benefits of Celebrating Your Birthday at Disneyland
Did you know there are really cool benefits to celebrating your birthday at Disneyland? Make sure you take advantage of these special perks to your special day.
Free Disneyland Birthday Button
When you arrive at Disneyland, head to Guest Services or City Hall and grab your free birthday button with your name on it. Cast Members and fellow park-goers will make your day extra special by wishing you a happy birthday throughout the park. Some even sprinkle in a little extra magic, like free dessert or pixie dust surprises! It just makes your day even more special.
Special Disney Birthday Perks
Disneyland loves to make your birthday magical. While the birthday button guarantees recognition, many restaurants and shops offer small surprises. For example, at certain dining locations, you may get complimentary desserts or a celebratory song from the staff. We had lots of birthday songs and treats during our daughter’s day.
Customizable Disneyland Birthday Cakes
Did you know you can pre-order a custom Disney-themed birthday cake? These cakes can be delivered to select restaurants in the park, making your dessert extra special. Options include designs featuring Mickey Mouse, princesses, or even Marvel characters. No, it’s not free, but it’s super special!
FREE Birthday Pixie Dust
Did you know you can get a sprinkle of FREE pixie dust at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? This is such a great way to make your little (or not so little) princess feel even more magical. Head to the boutique right next to the castle and ask any of the workers for your free pixie dust. It’s the cutest little gift – and it’s free. It was the first thing Mia wanted to do when we arrived at the park.
Disney Character Birthday Celebrations
Nothing says “Disney birthday” like celebrating with your favorite characters! Without a doubt, this was the best part of Mia’s day. Every character who saw her pin made an extra effort to give her a big hug and say Happy Birthday. We had so many character photos and experiences! And if you book a character dining experience, the characters come right up to your table.
Unique Disneyland Entertainment
Spending your birthday at Disneyland means access to incredible shows (we love the little Theater in front of the castle), parades, and fireworks at the end of the night. Because who doesn’t want fireworks on your birthday?!?
Disneyland Birthday Memory-Making Photos
Capture the magic with Disney PhotoPass photographers stationed throughout the park. They’ll make sure you have the perfect keepsake of your birthday celebration, whether it’s in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Millennium Falcon, or the famous Walt Disney and Mickey statue.. And if you don’t want to pay extra for the PhotoPass – no worries! Simply ask them to take a picture with your camera, and they will!
Tips for Celebrating Your Birthday at Disneyland
- Book Dining Reservations in Advance
If you want to spend your special day with a special meal, make sure you book in advance. All the popular dining spots like Blue Bayou and Oga’s Cantina fill up quickly. And don’t forget to mention your birthday when booking. They often will throw in an extra treat! - Plan Around Your Favorite Rides
Because we had already been to Disneyland a few times before, we made sure to get in all the rides that Mia loves on her day. We don’t always purchase the Lightning Lanes when we go, but for her birthday, we did. It’s the best way to assure you get all those favorites during the special day. - Order Custom Disney Gear
Dress the part for your birthday! Wearing birthday Minnie ears and Disney outfits is such a fun way to celebrate. We found the cutest birthday Minnie ears at Walmart. I also made her custom Disney embroidered sweatshirts with my embroidery business. It’s all the little details that make it extra special. - Indulge in Special Treats
Disneyland is known for its delicious treats, and your birthday is the perfect excuse to try them all! From churros and Mickey-shaped beignets to Dole Whip and popcorn buckets, indulge in the best snacks the park has to offer. My personal favorite? The Star Wars Cocoa Puff Cold Brew. - Surprise the Kids (or Adults!)
Disneyland in-room celebrations are the best! If you’re planning a birthday surprise for someone else, take the opportunity to fill your room with special items. Imagine walking into your hotel room to find balloons, gifts, and decorations straight out of a Disney dream! - Go All Out with Lightning Lanes
Yes, we did go all out with Lightning Lanes for her special day. The last thing you want to do on your birthday is spend hours waiting in lines. Plus, you get to ride and experience more throughout the day.
Best Hotels near Disneyland
Enhance your birthday experience by staying at one of Disneyland’s resort hotels, such as the Grand Californian Hotel or Disneyland Hotel. The perks of staying right on Disney properties is early park entry and themed room decorations for your birthday.
And if a Disneyland Resort Hotel isn’t in your budget, there are so many great hotels in walking distance from the park. We’ve stayed at the Alpine Inn and Anaheim Portofino Inn and Suites, with only about a 7-minute walk to the entrance. Both are much cheaper than staying at a Disneyland hotel and both offer FREE parking for guests. And the Hotel Lulu is great too!
And if you have points with certain hotels and credit cards, these hotels are a great option for using your points for FREE stays. They are also right across the street to the main entrance! Holiday Inn Express Inn & Suites, Springhill Suites by Marriott and the Howard Johnson by Wyndham.
Cost Breakdown for a Disneyland Birthday Celebration
- Park Tickets: Disneyland tickets start at $104 for single-day admission during regular priced times. But did you know that Disneyland offers $50 tickets for kids during low seasons? Always check the Disney ticket calendar for discounted times.
- Dining: Meals at sit-down restaurants range from $20–$60 per person.
- Custom Cake: Prices start at around $40 for a Disneyland celebration cake.
- Hotel Stay: Disney resort hotels range from $300–$600 per night. But staying off-property can be as low as $120 per night.
- Souvenirs: Budget $50–$100 per person for ears, apparel, or keepsakes.
- Add-Ons: Lightning Lane is $32 per person per day. You can also purchase single ride Lightning Lane passes for individual rides only.
Is Spending Your Birthday at Disneyland Worth It?
Celebrating your birthday at Disneyland is a magical experience unlike any other. And if you’ve been following our guides, you know we always end every guide with this question. IS IT WORTH IT? From personalized perks and unforgettable character encounters to dazzling fireworks and delicious treats, every moment is designed to make your day extraordinary. Whether you’re 8 or 80, Disneyland is the ULTIMATE birthday destination to make your birthday dreams come true.
So, YES! Spending your birthday at Disneyland IS TOTALLY WORTH IT! Grab your birthday button, put on our Minnie ears, and let the magic unfold. After all, there’s no better place to celebrate YOU than the Happiest Place on Earth!
Pin It: Save for your next Disneyland trip
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