17 Walt Disney World Birthday Ideas to Celebrate the Magic

Celebrating a Walt Disney World birthday makes an already magical place even more magical.

The character meet and greets, parades, attractions, and dining are even more fantastic when Cast Members greet you with “Happy Birthday” throughout Walt Disney World.

From dinners to desserts to surprises, there are a wide variety of options to suit many different ages and preferences.

Below we dive into all of the best Disney World birthday celebration options and general Disney World birthday tips below.

Disney World Birthday Ideas For Boys

Keep in mind that many of these recommendations are fun for both girls and boys but we sorted them into these categories to make your birthday fun searching easier.

The Pirate's League Birthday Pirate!

The Pirates League allows boys – and girls – the chance to become swashbuckling pirates (or mermaids!) themselves! Children will receive a makeover, a costume, a new pirate name, and even get special pirate training and take a pirate oath. Choose between looking like a Ghosted Pirate, Zombie, Captain Hook, Blackbeard, Black-Eyed Jack, an Empress, or a Mermaid. If you think this is the best pick for your child's birthday celebration, make your reservation for early in the day so they can enjoy their costume all day long. Packages are between $18.95 – $99.95.

Pirate Adventure Cruises

If you're planning for the adventurous type, look no further than Pirate Adventure Cruises. Children can set sail for a two-hour cruise looking for treasure, choosing between either the Islands of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise and the Albatross Treasure Cruise. Expect to pay around $37 per person, which includes the adventure, a snack, and a pirate bandana for participants. This adventure is only by reservation-early, so plan ahead for your favorite buccaneer! You can make reservations on the official Walt Disney World website.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

If you don't have as much time in your day, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple is the perfect pick for you! In just twenty minutes, participating children will learn how to use the force, receive lightsaber training, and get to face off with a Star Wars villain! Registration is required and spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so make sure you schedule it into your trip so your Jedi-in-Training can participate! You can sign up for this awesome Disney World birthday perk in Hollywood Studios near the show stage.

Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage

The Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage makes for a special end to your birthday. Embark on a cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon while dining on a buffet of tasty snacks and drinks including cotton candy, cake, fruit, ice-cream bars, chips, lemonade, and more. After a grand send off from Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, you'll engage in sea shanties, Disney trivia, and storytelling.

The hallmark of the entire adventure is the beautiful view of “Happily Ever After” fireworks extravaganza. Depending on the weather, you may also get a birds-eye view of the Electrical Water Pageant, as well. Plus, rumor has it there is a surprise guest waiting for you as you arrive safely ashore. This is the perfect experience for celebrating a birthday at Walt Disney World. The ship may even sing you happy birthday! The cruise costs $53.99 for guests 10 and up and $30.99 for guests 3 and under and reservations are required.

Birthday Disney World Ideas For Girls

Keep in mind that many of these recommendations are fun for both girls and boys but we sorted them into these categories to make your birthday fun searching easier.

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Join in with Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff as they sing through a 30-minute reenactment of their famous tale. During the holiday months, Olaff joins in, too! There are several showtimes throughout the day and it's completely free, making it a wonderful option for your princess to have a close-up look at their favorite characters without spending a dime. Those with a sweet tooth can upgrade by joining the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot, where they'll enjoy a buffet of delectable desserts including cupcakes, cookies, ice-cream, and more, all while viewing IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth. Afterward, they'll get to ride the popular attraction Frozen Ever After. Whether you splurge on the $80 upgrade or enjoy the free sing-along show, the experience will be priceless for your little princess.

Perfectly Princess Tea Party-Birthday Treat!

If your daughters love fancy things including tea parties and princesses, this is for what you're looking for. Little girls are invited to come in costume and will be given a special crown upon arrival. Participants will also be given a My Disney Girl doll dressed as Aurora, a silver charm bracelet, a rose, and a card.

The meal includes tea (or juice for the little princesses!) with fruit, sandwiches, and cake. There is storytelling, singing, dancing, and a parade, but the highlight of the experience is a meet-and-greet with Princess Aurora herself. At $234.98 for a child and $98.66 per adult, this is definitely one of the most expensive dining celebration options, but you're sure to make memories that last forever!

This is a great option to consider alongside the Walt Disney World Character Dining

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

As a more regal alternative to The Pirate's League, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is famous for Fairy Godmother-esque transformations. Princesses (or knights!) can choose from a variety of packages. Boys can be receive hair-styling and a sword and shield or a complete costume, if they wish. Girls can choose their favorite hair style and princess gown, and they'll also receive nail polish, a wand, make-up, a crown, and additional accessories depending on their chosen package. The royal treatment can cost up to $450.00 for the most exquisite of packages, so make sure you plan ahead so that you know what exactly to expect within your price range. There are two boutiques: one inside Cinderella Castle and one at Disney Springs. Don't forget to make your reservations and get directions ahead of time.

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Enchanted Tales with Belle is a fantastic, innovative, and engaging option for those who want to step into the world of Beauty and the Beast, and it's absolutely free! You'll first get to walk through Maurice's cottage and workshop, where you'll find Belle's favorite books and get to explore all of Maurice's inventions. After that, you'll magically be transported through a magic mirror into a wardrobe room, where you're invited to take part in a play that will be performed for Belle on her birthday. Children will be chosen to have parts in the play, and then they'll be directed in their short performance for Belle. Afterwards, there will be time for the performers to meet and take pictures with her. Each participant will also get to take a keepsake bookmark home. Waiting times are typically between thirty minutes and an hour, but the wait is worth it for one of the most interactive and creative character experiences in the park, especially for fans of Beauty and the Beast.

Disney World Birthday Ideas For Adults

Disney World Miniature Golf

For a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks, unwind with a game of mini-golf alongside your friends and family. There are two courses to choose from, either the Disney's Fantasia Gardens course in the Epcot area, or the Winter Summerland course located in Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. Reservations aren't necessary, so this is a good spur-of-the-moment option. At $14.00 for adults per 18-holes and $12.00 for children, it also makes for one of the less expensive celebration options.

The experience is included in some Walt Disney World ticket options. Be sure to check out our full guide to discount Disney World tickets.

Senses Spa at Disney's Grand Floridian ResortGive yourself the ultimate birthday gift of relaxation at the Senses Spa! The spa features a big menu with a variety of treatments that are different prices and different lengths including massages, facials, pedicures, and more, so you'll be able to effectively plan it into your Disney Day. The most inexpensive items on the menu are nail treatments, but there are plenty of other experiences to choose from if you want to really indulge. You'll want to call ahead to check on hours and availability. What a great way to indulge for some me time on your birthday!

The Grand Floridian is one of our favorite Disney World hotels and is worth a stop even if you are just going to tour the gardens.

Private Disney World Tour

If you're one that likes to get the inside scoop, then you'll really enjoying picking from one of the many behind-the-scenes tours that Walt Disney World offers. There is pretty much a tour for everybody, from the Disney's Keys of the Kingdom tour, which allows you to take an in-depth look at the history of the park and even see the intricate system of tunnels underneath the park, to the Ultimate Night of Adventure VIP Tour, which provides FastPass+ access to your favorite adventurous rides, to the Wild Africa Trek, which allows you to get a close look at many of the animals in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Many of the tours also provide meals or snacks and a souvenir.

You can even opt for VIP tours which often provide transportation and a personal guide. Prices vary and tours have a limited ability, so you'll want to plan ahead to ensure you get your first pick of tour packages. This will make for a Disney World birthday experience that you will never forget!

Disney World Speciality Cruise

For an especially unique experience, charter a boat cruise with your family and friends for a private birthday celebration. Starting at $299 per hour for the smallest boat option, you can personalize your trip, choosing the size of your boat, what kind of food you want to eat, where you want to sail from, and if you'd like to view a fireworks show. Some packages even feature a personal butler. Banners and balloons are always included in the charter cost, so make sure to mention that you're celebrating as you book.

Take a Disney World Birthday Carriage Ride

Board a horse-drawn carriage for a 25-minute carriage ride through beautiful landscapes at either Disney's Port Orleans Resort or Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. The carriage can fit up to four adults and costs $55 total per ride. If you're visiting during the month of December, you can also take a special “sleigh” ride in a carriage decorated with lights and garlands. Reservations are recommended.

Top 4 Must Dos for Birthday Celebrations 

1. Get a Disney World Birthday Button!

In the same way we recommend the Disneyland birthday button, this is not something to miss at Walt Disney World during your birthday celebration. Don't miss your chance at a personalized Disney World birthday button when you first enter the park, available at most kiosks. Not only is this a great souvenir, but it allows Cast Members to make your celebration day extra special! There are also special birthday Mickey ears you can purchase. Don't be afraid to let everyone know you're celebrating. You're guaranteed special birthday greetings, and who knows? You may even get some surprises during your birthday! Wear the button everyday.

2. Make Reservations Early

Most of the experiences listed here are by reservation only and sell out quickly. You'll want to plan ahead to ensure your ideal birthday at Disney World is realized! Reservations can typically be made 180 days prior to your vacation.

3. Tell Cast Members That it's Your Birthday While Making Reservations

As you make hotel, dining, and experience reservations, let Cast Members know that you're celebrating your birthday at Disney World! They have the capability to make the experience truly special for you. While it's best to avoid going in with any expectations, it's always worth mentioning. They'll do what they can to help you celebrate a happy birthday! Sometimes you will get a room upgrade, sometimes a special fireworks experience, maybe extra FastPass…who knows! Just tell them it's your birthday.

4. Utilize Disney Floral and Gifts for Your Birthday!

If you're staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, Disney Floral and Gifts can help you with the details of your Walt Disney World birthday celebration. There are many options for special In-Room Celebrations with surprises the moment you walk into your room, from personalized cakes, to balloons or flowers, to a message from Mickey Mouse himself, waiting for you in your hotel room. You can also build custom gift baskets filled with everything from Mickey Ear hats to bags to autograph books to snacks to home decor, so you can create something for every age. This is how to order a birthday cake at Disney World. Call 407-939-4438 or visit their website.

Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacation

Regardless of whether you're celebrating your birthday, an anniversary, or just a sunny afternoon, it's never too early to start planning your perfect Disney Day. Get our Disney discounts email newsletter here.

Be sure to check out all of our other Walt Disney World planning guides here so you don't miss out on anything that Walt Disney World has to offer:

1. Discount Disney World Tickets: Find Cheap Tickets
2. Review of Every Disney World Character Dining
3. Pros and Cons of Every Disney World Hotel
4. When Will Disney World Ticket Prices Increase?
5. How to Use Disney World Uber and Lyft

Thank you for joining us as we explore how to make the most of a birthday at Walt Disney World. Make sure to check the individual park's website for specifics on attraction, dining, and experience availabilities before you arrive.

Happy Birthday!