Special Occasions at Walt Disney World
You don’t need a special occasion to visit Walt Disney World, but there are many lesser-known experiences to make your trip an even bigger celebration.
It should come as no surprise that guests from all over the world choose Walt Disney World to celebrate birthdays and special occasions.
Simply walk through the parks and count how many group t-shirts, birthday balloons and celebration buttons you can spot before you reach the first Starbucks. On any given day, it’s also quite possible to witness a proposal just by hanging out near Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom.
Guests know that Walt Disney World is special – there’s a reason it’s called the most magical place on Earth. For those celebrating a birthday, engagement, anniversary or other special event, we’ve pulled together a few of the most memorable experiences you can add to your “must-do” list.
For the Birthday Guest ...
Birthdays in Walt Disney World can look different for every age – from first birthday photos on the hub grass, to a 21-year-old having drinks “around the world,” to those in their 80s and beyond reliving the golden days on It’s a Small World.
Outside of booking a restaurant or venue for a private event, there are plenty of special experiences to celebrate another trip around the sun. We’ve collected a few of our favorites to consider adding to your list!
Book a Magical Makeover
Guests 3-12 years old can undergo a prince or princess transformation at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, right next to Cinderella’s Castle. Choose from various makeover packages that include anything from face gems and sashes, to the whole ensemble of hair, makeup, costume, accessories and pixie dust. Young knights can even get a sword and shield to protect and serve while at the Magic Kingdom.
Upgrade your park day
Experience the Magic Kingdom in a whole new light with the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. This 5-hour walking tour grants you access to park history, tricks and secrets – including the “utilidor” tunnels that allow cast members to move around the park without being seen.
Learn more about Walt Disney himself, and the inspiration that helped made his dreams a reality. Keys to the Kingdom includes lunch, and a souvenir to remember your tour.
Looking to really step up the celebration? Consider a Private VIP Tour for a totally customized day at the parks for up to ten people. Your VIP tour guide will accompany your group around the parks, including private transportation and priority access to the attractions of your choosing.
They’ll also share insight about the parks and property while escorting you through the day. Pricing is typically by the hour and ranges depending on the season, but this experience is unlike any other at Walt Disney World.
Stay in a specialty-themed hotel room
One of the most magical parts of Walt Disney World is the theming that transports you through fairytales and faraway lands.
Why not consider a resort that offers specialty-themed rooms to celebrate the birthday guest even further? Ask our agents for more info and help to book these immersive rooms and suites:
- Port Orleans Riverside Royal Rooms
- Art of Animation Little Mermaid Room, Cars Suite and Lion King Suite
- Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna View Rooms
Dine like a Royal
What better way to celebrate a birthday in style than inside Cinderella’s Castle?
Cinderella’s Royal Table offers a fine dining experience with iconic scenery and theming. It’s often selected as a memorable location for a birthday, engagement or anniversary dinner. While not currently available, we anxiously await the return of the “Her Royal Highness Package,” where the guest of honor is gifted a balloon, tiara and princess cake as part of their meal.
For the Romantics
Any Disney adult will tell you that Walt Disney World is certainly not just for children. In fact, it can be the perfect place to celebrate a romantic occasion with your significant other.
Imagine starting the day with a couples massage at the Grand Floridian Spa, luxuriating with spa treatments and fluffy robes before heading over to the Animal Kingdom for a deeper look into the Harambe Wildlife Reserve with the Savor the Savanna Tour. Your private safari gives a whole new perspective to the Savanna you already know and love, plus a taste of African-inspired food and drink.
In the evening, step up to a horse-drawn carriage ride for two over at Fort Wilderness. You’ll ride through the relaxing wooded landscape, hopefully getting a peak at the wildlife that calls the area home.
Don’t underestimate the quality and experience of fine dining on Disney property. Topolino’s at the Riviera serves up French and Italian themed dishes, while California Grill has unparalleled views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the outdoor terrace.
Keep the celebrations going with a romantic dinner at any number of restaurants perfect for the occasion. Some of our favorite “treat yourself” restaurants include Victoria & Albert’s, California Grill, Jiko, Le Cellier, Tiffins, Topolino’s and more. Be sure to ask your agent for custom recommendations based on your preferences and palates.
Round out the day by watching Harmonious or Enchantment from the water with a Fireworks Cruise. This memorable viewing of the nighttime spectaculars departs from various resort hotels and includes snacks and soft drinks – if you have any room left after dinner!
For Everyone
Most of the add-ons we’ve mentioned are equally appropriate for groups to enjoy as you commemorate anniversaries, birthdays, reunions or graduations with the whole family. Still, whenever you have a special occasion, there’s nothing quite like a photo to savor the experience for years to come.
With a Capture Your Moment photo session, you and your family, friends or significant other will get a private photo shoot at one or more locations in the Magic Kingdom. Stop drawing straws for who will take the photo or wondering if everyone is looking at the right camera… Disney photographers will help stage the perfect shot, so all you’ll have to do is pick your favorite.
These are just a few of the ways you can inject some extra magic into your Walt Disney World vacation. For more tips or recommendations, contact us today!
Our agents have years of firsthand experience in and around the parks, and are ready to help make your vacation as memorable as possible. We can help take the pressure off of booking your resort and ticket package, as well as special occasion add-ons, so you can focus on what you’re celebrating!
