Spending a day at Disneyland Paris is guaranteed to make your birthday extra special. However, there are many ways to make the celebrations go even further.
In this blog, we spoke to Disney fans and bloggers who shared their tips on how to make your Disneyland birthday one you'll never forget!
Get yourself a birthday button
Getting a complimentary birthday button to wear during your visit is something Jayme from The Northern Prepster recommends. Cast members will chant out “happy birthday” as you wander through the park. You can ask for buttons from City Hall at Disneyland Paris or at the front desk if you are staying in a Disney owned hotel.
Jayme told us: “They can even customize it with your name. Not only is this a free souvenir, but it also allows other cast members to know you’re celebrating your birthday, which may present opportunities for some extra magic like free desserts or merchandise.” She also suggests looking into the Disney Floral & Gifts if you are staying on the resort with someone in your group who is celebrating their birthday. The company arranges for Disney inspired treats, snacks and merchandise to be displayed in your room on arrival which “adds some extra Pixie Dust”, according to Jayme.
As a seasoned Disney fan, Jayme explained why Disney is such an amazing place to visit: “I have been going to Disney at least twice a year since I was born. I’ve made so many fond memories that will last a lifetime. I think it’s amazing to go somewhere that no matter how old you are you can feel like a child again. Not to mention, Disney’s customer service is some of the best in the world. From theme parks and spas to shopping and world-class dining, and even golf and water sports, everyone can find something to enjoy no matter their age.”
Eat at any table service restaurant
Birthday celebrations deserve an extra special dining experience, so have a look at the wide range of table service restaurants around the park. Sarah from Dis Happy Home advises going to a restaurant which also has character dining to make the meal even more magical.
Sarah explained: “As you are celebrating your birthday you will get a free dessert and a birthday card with all the character’s signatures, which is a fun and free birthday souvenir. All the Disney parks and resorts are amazing because they provide an immersive experience. With first-class service and hospitality, any trip to Disney will be a magical one.”
The Disneyland Paris magic goes on from breakfast to dinner, so decide ahead of time which restaurant you would like to visit on your birthday. Have photographs taken with Mickey Mouse and friends at the Plaza Gardens Restaurant where you can enjoy an American-style buffet.
How about heading over to Auberge de Cendrillon for dinner? You will be whisked away to Cinderella’s banquet hall for some fine French cuisine among the enchanting stone archways and medieval stained-glass windows. Disney princesses will glide past and stop for a chat and pictures; making your birthday meal a true fairy-tale experience.
Sarah also explained what makes her go back to Disney parks time and time again: “When people ask why we go on a Disney vacation again I always tell people “There is always something new to discover”. No one can experience all Disney has to offer in one visit, that’s why we go back.”
Tell cast members you are celebrating
If you stop and pose with cast members for pictures, “don’t be afraid to tell them you are celebrating”, suggests Kaylee from Theme Parks for Grown-Ups.
Kaylee, a former Disney cast member and now a Disney travel planner, told us: “Disney provides incredible experiences to guests of all ages. Whether you're turning 5 or 95, there's something for everyone. Don't be afraid to tell cast members that you're celebrating something special. Once in a while, they will create a little magic for you. Most of the time, they will simply give you a nice ‘Happy Birthday’ when you're walking around the parks, which feels nice too.”
You can find characters at the Meet ‘n’ Greet locations as well as in some cafes and restaurants. You can pose for pictures, get autographs for your souvenir book and just have a nice chat with some of your favourite characters. Remember to ask at guest relations for a print out of times and locations for the pre-planned Meet ‘n’ Greet events.
Enjoy a celebration cake
No birthday is complete without a tasty treat and Disneyland Paris creates some truly wonderful cakes with a dash of pixie dust to make your celebrations extra special.
Cakes can be ordered and delivered to most table service and buffet restaurants at Disneyland Paris. What’s more, you can even invite Disney characters along to celebrate at the Auberge de Cendrillon, Café Mickey and Inventions.
Your cake can be themed around your favourite Disney characters or films and there are many cake flavours to choose from, the team can even personalise your order with a message. The park requires at least three days’ notice if you want to order a cake and requests for special dietary cakes must be made at least seven days in advance.
Indulge in some tasty treats
A visit to Disneyland Paris isn’t complete without tucking into some delicious sweet treats. From ice-creams, giant doughnuts and super-sweet slushies, to toffee apples, whoopie pies and cupcakes, you are sure to find something to satisfy those sweet tooth cravings.
You can also taste some delectable nibbles from free samples in selected shops as well as from cast members who sometimes hand them out.
There are plenty of savoury foods to choose from within the park as well, including battered corn dogs, French fries tossed with parmesan, garlic and parsley served with Cajun spice remoulade and cheddar garlic bagel twists.
One thing’s for sure, you are spoilt for choice with the amount of freshly made sweet and savoury things to enjoy for an extra-special birthday treat.
Buy yourself some ears
Make a fabulous fashion statement by wearing a pair of colourful ears at the park.
Online market site Etsy has a range of sellers who create some gorgeous and elaborate Disney inspired designs. The headbands usually consist of the round Mickey Mouse-style ears decorated in a variety of materials. You can also buy ears inspired by your favourite character including fluffy blue and purple Sully ears, galactic cowboy mouse ears, or personalised birthday Disney mouse ears.
Mouse ears have become a huge trend, and you are sure to spot some amazing designs on fans throughout the parks. Don’t worry if you didn’t get around to ordering some ears before your trip, the park has many gift shops and outlets where you can choose the perfect pair.
If the sequins, fur and rainbow colours are a bit too much for your taste, then why not opt for traditional Minnie Mouse ears which features the character’s trademark red and white polka dot bow?
Forget about your worries and your strife
As the Bare Necessities song from the Jungle Book goes “forget about your worries and your strife” because at Disney you “feel like there is not a care in the world” says Brittany from The Cool Hip Mom.
She explained what makes a visit to Disney an amazing birthday treat: “It is such an amazing place because immediately you feel at home, you feel the Disney magic, you feel loved and you feel like there is no care in the world. It truly is the happiest place on earth. Everywhere you turn there is a different kind of magic you can experience, from the character interactions, the attractions to the entertainment, there is something for everyone.”
Brittany also gave us some tips to ensure you have a great time at Disney: “It's always important to plan ahead when heading off on a trip to Disneyland. Map out the must-do items and try to tackle them early in the day. The earlier you arrive, the better as crowds tend to be smaller in the mornings. Pack snacks, reusable water bottles and portable phone chargers too.”
Avoid ticket queues
The last thing you want to do during your birthday celebrations is to waste precious time queuing to buy a ticket. Why not purchase our gate-ready Disneyland tickets ahead of time. Buying your tickets beforehand, rather than at the gate on the day means you will also save yourself some money because we are always cheaper than the gate price.
To make your birthday go off with a bang we will also include some extras such as discount vouchers for some of the restaurants in the Disney Village, to help you make the most of your holiday.
Ready to start planning your Disney holiday? View our great value Disneyland Paris tickets.
